a_o kind_n of_o omnipotency_n as_o be_v clear_a that_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o they_o that_o believe_v but_o it_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o omnisciency_n and_o all_o knowledge_n that_o it_o can_v take_v up_o and_o comprehend_v all_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o heaven_n according_a to_o that_o word_n prov._n 28.5_o he_o that_o seek_v the_o lord_n shall_v understand_v all_o thing_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v there_o be_v nothing_o dark_a to_o a_o believe_a christian_a as_o there_o be_v nothing_o impossible_a to_o a_o believe_a christian_a as_o likewise_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n that_o must_v take_v aside_o the_o vail_n that_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o face_n of_o a_o crucify_a christ_n and_o faith_n be_v that_o precious_a spy_n thatgo_v forth_o and_o take_v up_o these_o wonderful_a excellency_n that_o be_v in_o he_o the_o grace_n of_o love_n as_o it_o be_v be_v bear_v blind_a and_o it_o have_v nothing_o wherewith_o to_o solace_v itself_o but_o that_o which_o be_v present_v unto_o it_o by_o this_o noble_a and_o excellent_a grace_n of_o faith_n now_o before_o we_o shall_v speak_v any_o thing_n to_o these_o thing_n that_o we_o do_v propose_v to_o speak_v of_o at_o last_o occasion_n we_o shall_v yet_o speak_v a_o little_a unto_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v for_o the_o distinct_a uptake_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o justify_v faith_n which_o be_v the_o great_a commandment_n of_o this_o everlasting_a gospel_n and_o that_o which_o we_o will_v first_o speak_v to_o shall_v be_v this_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n and_o ground_n that_o the_o gospel_n conveyance_n of_o righteousness_n and_o life_n and_o of_o the_o excellent_a thing_n of_o this_o everlasting_a covenant_n shall_v be_v through_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v not_o say_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o repentance_n justifi_v that_o love_n justifi_v or_o that_o mortification_n justifi_v but_o it_o be_v faith_n only_o that_o justifi_v and_o it_o be_v faith_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a inherit_v the_o promise_n so_o that_o be_v clear_a that_o faith_n be_v that_o conduit-pipe_n through_o which_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o the_o great_a blessing_n of_o this_o everlasting_a covenant_n i._o and_o the_o first_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v this_o it_o be_v through_o faith_n that_o all_o our_o blessing_n may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v by_o love_n and_o by_o free_a and_o unsearchable_a grace_n as_o be_v clear_a rom._n 4.16_o while_o the_o apostle_n be_v give_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o inheritance_n be_v convey_v to_o a_o christian_a through_o faith_n it_o be_v of_o faith_n say_v he_o that_o it_o may_v be_v of_o grace_n for_o if_o the_o inheritance_n be_v convey_v to_o a_o christian_a through_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n then_o these_o spotless_a draught_n of_o infinite_a love_n and_o of_o unsearchable_a grace_n shall_v not_o be_v write_v on_o our_o inheritance_n as_o it_o be_v clear_a rom._n 4.25_o and_o it_o be_v that_o great_a design_n of_o christ_n to_o make_v his_o grace_n conspicious_a in_o convey_v salvation_n to_o we_o through_o faith_n ii_o there_o be_v this_o second_o ground_n likewise_o of_o it_o that_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o blessing_n of_o this_o everlasting_a covenant_n may_v be_v sure_a and_o steadfast_a to_o we_o therefore_o they_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o through_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v clear_a rom_n 4._o â—6_n they_o be_v of_o faith_n say_v he_o that_o they_o may_v be_v sure_a or_o as_o the_o word_n be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v settle_v when_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o of_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o through_o man_n obedience_n be_v they_o not_o than_o most_o uncertain_a and_o unstable_a but_o be_v not_o heaven_n your_o everlasting_a crown_n now_o steadfast_a unto_o you_o see_v you_o have_v that_o golden_a pillar_n of_o christ_n everlasting_a righteousness_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o your_o faith_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o your_o confidence_n in_o the_o day_n of_o need_n iii_o there_o be_v this_o three_o ground_n why_o the_o promise_n &_o excellent_a thing_n of_o this_o gospel_n be_v convey_v to_o a_o christian_a through_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n that_o all_o boast_n and_o gloriation_n may_v be_v exclude_v according_a to_o that_o word_n rom._n 3.27_o by_o what_o law_n be_v boast_v exclude_v not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o work_n but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o certain_o see_v christian_o have_v all_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o heaven_n convey_v to_o they_o through_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n think_v you_o not_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v your_o first_o song_n when_o you_o shall_v be_v within_o the_o gate_n of_o that_o new_a jerusalem_n not_o unto_o we_o not_o unto_o we_o but_o unto_o thou_o do_v belong_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o salvation_n o_o what_o a_o precious_a dignity_n be_v it_o but_o for_o a_o half_a hour_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o hear_v those_o spotless_a song_n that_o be_v sing_v by_o those_o thousand_o time_n ten_o thousand_o &_o thousand_o of_o thousand_o of_o holy_a angel_n that_o be_v round_o about_o this_o throne_n do_v not_o david_n that_o sweet_a singer_n of_o israel_n now_o sing_v more_o sweet_o than_o he_o do_v while_o he_o be_v here_o below_o do_v not_o desert_v haman_n now_o chant_v forth_o the_o praise_n and_o everlasting_a song_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o do_v not_o afflict_v job_n now_o sing_v sweet_o after_o his_o captivity_n be_v reduce_v and_o he_o enter_v within_o that_o land_n where_o the_o voice_n of_o joy_n and_o gladness_n be_v continual_o hear_v will_v you_o have_v a_o description_n of_o heaven_n i_o can_v give_v it_o no_o term_n so_o suitable_a as_o this_o heaven_n be_v a_o rest_n without_o a_o rest_n for_o though_o there_o remain_v a_o rest_n for_o the_o righteous_a yet_o rev._n 4.8_o these_o four_o beast_n that_o stand_v before_o the_o throne_n they_o rest_v not_o night_n nor_o day_n cry_v holy_a holy_a holy_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n almighty_a yet_o there_o be_v much_o divine_a quietness_n in_o that_o holy_a unquietness_n that_o be_v above_o iv_o there_o be_v this_o last_o ground_n why_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o life_n and_o righteousness_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o through_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v to_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v pleasant_a and_o easy_a we_o aâ—e_v certain_o persuade_v that_o the_o way_n of_o win_v to_o heaven_n by_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v much_o more_o unpleasant_a and_o difficult_a but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o easy_a way_n of_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n to_o win_v unto_o it_o through_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o all_o wisdom_n way_n pleasantness_n and_o be_v not_o all_o her_o path_n peace_n be_v not_o that_o just_a self-denial_n in_o one_o that_o say_v he_o will_v not_o take_v up_o a_o crown_n though_o it_o be_v lie_v at_o his_o foot_n but_o oh_o that_o curse_a self-denial_n do_v possess_v the_o breast_n of_o many_o so_o that_o though_o that_o crown_n of_o immortal_a glory_n and_o eternal_a blessedness_n be_v lie_v at_o your_o foot_n yet_o you_o will_v not_o embrace_v it_o nor_o take_v it_o up_o be_v not_o the_o hatred_n of_o many_o to_o christ_n cover_v with_o deceit_n and_o therefore_o your_o iniquity_n shall_v be_v declare_v before_o the_o congregation_n now_o that_o what_o we_o have_v speak_v upon_o this_o may_v be_v more_o clear_a and_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o justify_v faith_n be_v not_o mistake_v we_o will_v have_v you_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o justify_v a_o christian_n as_o it_o be_v a_o work_n or_o because_o of_o any_o inherent_a excellency_n and_o dignity_n that_o be_v in_o this_o grace_n above_o any_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o faith_n do_v alone_o justify_v a_o christian_n instrumental_o and_o objective_o that_o be_v it_o be_v that_o by_o which_o a_o christian_a be_v just_a by_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o precious_a object_n of_o it_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o clear_v this_o we_o will_v only_o have_v you_o know_v this_o that_o say_v do_v justify_v as_o it_o close_v with_o christ_n but_o not_o because_o it_o close_v with_o christ_n which_o some_o vain_o be_v bold_a to_o assert_v because_o there_o be_v not_o any_o dignity_n or_o worth_n in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n enclose_v with_o christ_n that_o can_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o justification_n else_o it_o be_v to_o confound_v that_o precious_a degree_n of_o free_a grace_n 2._o there_o be_v this_o that_o we_o will_v have_v you_o all_o know_v that_o faith_n be_v not_o the_o instrument_n of_o justification_n as_o justification_n be_v take_v in_o a_o active_a sense_n though_o it_o be_v
and_o be_v cry_v out_o that_o word_n in_o isai_n 65.1_o behold_v i_o behold_v i_o o_o may_v we_o not_o summon_v angel_n and_o those_o twenty_o four_o elder_n about_o the_o throne_n to_o help_v we_o to_o wonder_v that_o ever_o such_o a_o command_n as_o this_o come_v forth_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n after_o that_o we_o have_v break_v that_o first_o and_o primitive_a command_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o eat_v of_o the_o forbid_a tree_n be_v not_o this_o indeed_o to_o make_v mercy_n rejoice_v over_o judgement_n and_o o_o may_v we_o not_o wonder_v at_o the_o precious_a oath_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n whereâ—…y_v he_o have_v swear_v that_o he_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o sinner_n what_o suppose_v you_o be_v poor_a adam_n thought_n when_o at_o first_o the_o doctrine_n of_o freegrace_n and_o of_o a_o crucify_a christ_n jesus_n a_o saviour_n be_v preach_v unto_o he_o in_o paradise_n what_o a_o divine_a surprisal_n be_v this_o that_o heaven_n shall_v have_v preach_v peace_n to_o earth_n after_o that_o earth_n have_v proclaim_v war_n against_o heaven_n be_v not_o this_o a_o low_a step_n of_o condescendency_n to_o behold_v a_o offend_a god_n preach_v peace_n and_o goodwill_n to_o a_o guilty_a sinner_n what_o can_v self-destroying_a adam_n think_v of_o these_o morning_n &_o first_o discovery_n of_o this_o everlasting_a covenant_n christ_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o morning_n of_o time_n give_v vent_n to_o that_o infinite_a love_n which_o be_v rest_v in_o his_o bosom_n &_o precious_a heart_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v we_o know_v not_o whether_o the_o infiniteness_n of_o his_o love_n the_o eternity_n of_o his_o love_n or_o the_o freedom_n of_o it_o make_v up_o the_o great_a wonder_n but_o sure_o these_o three_o join_v together_o make_v up_o a_o matculess_a and_o everlasting_a wonder_n will_v any_o of_o you_o ask_v that_o question_n what_o be_v christ_n worth_a we_o can_v give_v 〈◊〉_d answer_n so_o suitable_a as_o this_o it_o be_v above_o all_o the_o arithmetic_n of_o all_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n and_o all_o the_o man_n on_o earth_n to_o calculate_v his_o worth_n all_o man_n here_o must_v be_v put_v to_o a_o divine_a non_fw-la plus_fw-la this_o be_v job_n divinity_n job_n 28.13_o man_n know_v not_o the_o price_n of_o wisdom_n and_o must_v not_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o precious_a object_n of_o faith_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o faither_n be_v a_o supereminent_a &_o excellent_a one_o who_o have_v that_o name_n of_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n not_o only_o engrave_v on_o his_o vesture_n which_o point_v out_o the_o conspicuousness_n of_o his_o majesty_n but_o even_o also_o upon_o his_o thigh_n to_o point_v out_o that_o in_o all_o his_o go_n &_o motion_n he_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v high_a than_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o howbeit_o the_o naked_a propose_v of_o the_o object_n do_v not_o convert_v yet_o if_o once_o 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faith_n but_o different_a act_n flow_v from_o the_o same_o save_a habit_n lay_v hold_n and_o exercise_v themselves_o upon_o christ_n indifferent_a respect_n and_o for_o diverse_a end_n now_o to_o speak_v upon_o the_o first_o we_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o these_o word_n the_o apostle_n john_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n have_v be_v point_v out_o the_o precious_a advantage_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o obedience_n &_o of_o keep_v of_o his_o command_n that_o such_o a_o one_o have_v as_o it_o be_v a_o arbitrary_a power_n with_o god_n &_o do_v receive_v many_o precious_a return_n of_o prayer_n as_o likewise_o that_o one_o who_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o repentance_n be_v god_n delight_n which_o be_v include_v in_o this_o that_o he_o do_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v well_o please_v in_o his_o sight_n and_o now_o in_o these_o word_n he_o do_v as_o it_o be_v answer_v a_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v propose_v about_o the_o impossibility_n of_o attain_v these_o precious_a 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obedience_n of_o it_o so_o absolute_a necessity_n must_v persuade_v you_o to_o act_v that_o which_o be_v of_o your_o everlasting_a concernment_n and_o last_o you_o have_v the_o precious_a object_n upon_o which_o faith_n which_o be_v justify_v do_v exercise_v itself_o and_o that_o be_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o no_o doubt_n faith_n be_v that_o excellent_a grace_n which_o do_v elevate_v the_o soul_n unto_o a_o sweet_a &_o inseparable_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o be_v that_o golden_a &_o precious_a knot_n that_o do_v eternal_o knit_v the_o heart_n of_o these_o precious_a friend_n together_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n that_o draw_v the_o first_o draught_n of_o christ_n precious_a image_n on_o our_o heart_n &_o by_o love_n do_v accomplish_v and_o perfect_v they_o no_o faith_n
take_v hold_v not_o only_o on_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n &_o that_o in_o he_o there_o be_v no_o lie_n but_o likewise_o it_o take_v hold_v on_o the_o omnipotency_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v one_o to_o who_o nothing_o be_v too_o hard_a and_o on_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n &_o love_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v one_o who_o do_v delight_n to_o magnify_v this_o attribute_n above_o all_o his_o work_n and_o these_o be_v the_o three_o great_a pillar_n of_o justify_v faith_n from_o the_o first_o it_o answer_v all_o the_o objection_n of_o sense_n which_o do_v ordinary_o cry_v forth_o do_v all_o his_o promise_n fail_v for_o evermore_o and_o that_o with_o his_o one_o word_n if_o he_o have_v once_o purpose_v it_o he_o will_v also_o do_v it_o and_o if_o he_o have_v once_o speak_v it_o he_o will_v also_o make_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v from_o the_o second_o it_o answer_v all_o these_o objection_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o carnal_a reason_n and_o probability_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o weaken_n of_o his_o confidence_n and_o these_o do_v oftentimes_o cry_v out_o how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v but_o faith_n lay_v hold_n upon_o the_o omnipotency_n of_o god_n it_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o it_o be_v the_o noble_a and_o divine_a exercise_n of_o this_o heroic_a grace_n of_o faith_n that_o these_o objection_n of_o reason_n and_o probability_n which_o it_o can_v answer_v it_o will_v lay_v they_o aside_o and_o yet_o close_o with_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o believe_v abraham_n who_o consider_v not_o his_o own_o body_n be_v weak_a nor_o the_o barrenness_n of_o sarahs_n womb_n as_o likewise_o it_o be_v the_o commendable_a practice_n of_o that_o woman_n matth._n 15._o who_o not_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v the_o second_o trial_n of_o her_o faith_n from_o reason_n yet_o notwithstanding_o faith_n make_v she_o cry_v out_o have_v mercy_n on_o i_o o_o son_n of_o david_n and_o from_o the_o last_o a_o christian_n do_v answer_v all_o the_o argument_n of_o misbelief_n which_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o conviction_n of_o our_o unworthiness_n and_o sinfulness_n which_o make_v we_o oftentimes_o embrace_v that_o divinity_n of_o peter_n luke_n 5.8_o depart_v from_o i_o for_o i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man_n but_o faith_n take_v hold_n on_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n it_o answer_v all_o with_o this_o he_o walk_v not_o with_o we_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n of_o merit_n but_o according_a to_o that_o precious_a and_o golden_a rule_n of_o love_n and_o boundless_a compassion_n but_o before_o we_o shall_v speak_v any_o thing_n unto_o you_o of_o these_o thing_n we_o will_v a_o little_a point_n out_o some_o few_o thing_n to_o be_v know_v as_o previous_a to_o these_o we_o shall_v not_o dwell_v long_o in_o point_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o justify_v faith_n it_o be_v that_o grace_n whereby_o a_o christian_a be_v convince_v of_o his_o lose_a estate_n &_o of_o a_o utter_a impossibility_n to_o save_v himself_o he_o do_v flee_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o unto_o he_o who_o be_v that_o precious_a city_n of_o refuge_n and_o there_o do_v abide_v till_o our_o high_a priest_n shall_v die_v which_o shall_v not_o be_v for_o ever_o or_o if_o you_o will_v it_o be_v a_o sweet_a travel_v of_o the_o immortal_a soul_n betwixt_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o infinite_a love_n betwixt_o a_o utter_a impossibility_n to_o save_v ourselves_o and_o a_o complete_a ability_n in_o he_o to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a betwixt_o abound_a sin_n &_o superabounding_a mercy_n hence_o faith_n be_v often_o hold_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n under_o that_o notion_n of_o come_v isai_n 55.1_o ho_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n rev._n 22.17_o whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o heb._n 7.25_o wherefore_o he_o be_v able_a also_o to_o save_v they_o to_o the_o uttermost_a that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o and_o we_o may_v say_v by_o the_o way_n that_o if_o once_o a_o sinner_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o this_o to_o count_v all_o his_o own_o righteousness_n but_o filthy_a rag_n and_o to_o believe_v that_o a_o man_n be_v as_o real_o justify_v before_o god_n by_o impute_a righteousness_n as_o if_o it_o be_v by_o inherent_a holiness_n sure_o such_o a_o one_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n neither_o shall_v we_o stand_v long_o to_o point_v out_o this_o unto_o you_o that_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o believe_v for_o it_o be_v clear_a not_o only_o from_o this_o place_n but_o likewise_o from_o isai_n 45.22_o look_v unto_o i_o and_o be_v you_o save_v all_o you_o end_v of_o the_o earth_n matth._n 11.28_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n john_n 14.1_o you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o isai_n 55.1_o ho_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n and_o he_o that_o have_v no_o money_n come_v buy_v without_o money_n and_o without_o price_n but_o oh_o it_o be_v a_o great_a misery_n of_o many_o and_o that_o which_o may_v be_v a_o subject_n of_o a_o perpetual_a lamentation_n that_o we_o can_v neither_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n as_o command_v to_o obey_v it_o or_o as_o threaten_v to_o believe_v it_o nor_o to_o the_o gospel_n as_o promise_v to_o embrace_v it_o and_o sweet_o to_o receive_v it_o o_o but_o that_o primative_a temptation_n and_o delusion_n whereby_o satan_n do_v deceive_v our_o first_o father_n be_v that_o whereby_o he_o yet_o seek_v to_o catch_v and_o delude_v many_o soul_n viz._n that_o though_o we_o eat_v of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n &_o walk_v in_o the_o vain_a imagination_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n yet_o he_o do_v suggest_v this_o to_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o die_v but_o shall_v once_o be_v as_o god_n this_o be_v satan_n great_a and_o delude_a divinity_n and_o therefore_o to_o enforce_v this_o great_a and_o precious_a command_n a_o little_a further_o we_o shall_v propose_v these_o consideration_n first_o that_o the_o gospel_n have_v lay_v no_o obstruction_n in_o our_o way_n of_o close_v with_o christ_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a show_v that_o the_o great_a impediment_n be_v our_o want_n of_o willingness_n which_o we_o lie_v in_o our_o own_o way_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o john_n 5.40_o you_o will_v not_o come_v to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v get_v life_n as_o likewise_o from_o revel_n 22.27_o where_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v cast_v open_a and_o whosoever_o will_v be_v command_v to_o enter_v in_o so_o that_o although_o you_o may_v father_n your_o misbelief_n upon_o your_o inability_n or_o that_o your_o spot_n be_v not_o the_o spot_n of_o his_o people_n yet_o know_v that_o the_o rise_v and_o original_n of_o it_o be_v want_v of_o willingness_n but_o to_o make_v this_o more_o clear_a we_o will_v have_v you_o know_v this_o that_o all_o the_o qualification_n annex_v to_o this_o commandment_n of_o faith_n as_o that_o iâ—_n math._n 11.28_o speak_v out_o the_o qualification_n rather_o of_o these_o that_o will_v come_v then_o of_o all_o these_o that_o aught_o to_o come_v or_o he_o invit_v these_o that_o through_o the_o spirit_n of_o discouragement_n and_o misbelief_n have_v the_o great_a reluctancy_n to_o come_v and_o may_v not_o that_o cardinal_n and_o soul-refreshing_a promise_n john_n 6.37_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o misbelief_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v have_v nothing_o to_o say_v he_o that_o come_v unto_o i_o i_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o you_o may_v reduce_v your_o misbelief_n rather_o to_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o your_o will_n then_o to_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o your_o walk_n and_o if_o once_o you_o can_v come_v to_o the_o length_n of_o willingness_n to_o embrace_v jesus_n christ_n all_o other_o objection_n and_o knot_n shall_v be_v sweet_o loose_v and_o dissolve_v second_o consider_v that_o though_o we_o shall_v pray_v the_o one_o half_a of_o our_o time_n and_o weep_v the_o other_o yet_o if_o we_o want_v this_o noble_a grace_n of_o faith_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n shall_v abide_v on_o we_o what_o be_v all_o the_o work_n of_o these_o hypocrite_n &_o those_o glister_a act_n of_o law-sanctification_a but_o a_o plunge_a of_o ourselves_o in_o the_o ditch_n until_o our_o own_o clothes_n abhor_v we_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o after_o the_o prophet_n zachary_n have_v make_v mention_n in_o the_o twelve_o chapter_n of_o this_o prophecy_n of_o make_v bitter_a lamentation_n for_o he_o who_o we_o have_v pierce_v as_o for_o a_o only_a son_n yet_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 13._o chapter_n he_o
make_v mention_n of_o a_o fountain_n open_v to_o the_o house_n of_o david_n for_o sin_n and_o for_o uncleanness_n which_o may_v intimate_v unto_o we_o that_o although_o we_o have_v wash_v ourselves_o with_o our_o own_o tear_n yet_o there_o be_v use_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o we_o must_v be_v wash_v in_o that_o fountain_n even_o from_o our_o own_o rightousness_n which_o be_v but_o as_o filthy_a rag_n three_o consider_v that_o great_a and_o monstrous_a sinfulness_n that_o be_v in_o this_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n we_o will_v strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n but_o many_o will_v easy_o swallow_v down_o this_o camel_n we_o will_v tithe_v mint_n and_o annise_v and_o fast_o twice_o in_o the_o week_n but_o neglect_v faith_n and_o love_n and_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o weight_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v these_o thing_n which_o speak_v out_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o unbelief_n 1._o that_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v send_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n john_n 16.9_o he_o pitch_v upon_o this_o sin_n as_o though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o sin_n of_o which_o the_o world_n have_v need_v to_o be_v convince_v he_o will_v convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n because_o they_o believe_v not_o on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n &_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v more_o sinfulness_n in_o that_o sin_n then_o in_o many_o breach_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o matchless_a love_n and_o against_o that_o which_o be_v the_o remedy_n of_o sin_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v call_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n disobedience_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o heb._n 4.11_o lest_o any_o of_o you_o fall_v under_o the_o same_o example_n of_o unbelief_n or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v be_v tender_v lest_o any_o of_o you_o fall_v after_o that_o example_n of_o disobedience_n eph._n 2.2.3_o that_o among_o all_o these_o that_o shall_v be_v eternal_o excommunicate_a from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o from_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n those_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n they_o be_v put_v in_o the_o first_o place_n rev._n 21.1_o and_o 4._o that_o unbelief_n do_v contradict_v &_o deny_v these_o three_o precious_a and_o cardinal_a attribute_n of_o god_n 1._o do_v not_o unbelief_n contradict_v his_o faithfulness_n and_o make_v he_o a_o liar_n 1_o john_n 5.10_o 2._o do_v it_o not_o contradict_v the_o infiniteness_n of_o his_o power_n and_o 3._o the_o infiniteness_n of_o his_o love_n and_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v something_o too_o hard_a for_o he_o which_o his_o power_n can_v reach_v nor_o his_o infinite_a love_n overcome_v we_o may_v reduce_v many_o of_o our_o question_n and_o dispute_n of_o his_o good_a will_n to_o this_o original_n viz._n to_o the_o dispute_v of_o his_o power_n no_o doubt_n if_o we_o belong_v to_o he_o we_o shall_v once_o sing_v that_o note_n of_o lamentation_n over_o our_o unbelief_n this_o be_v our_o infirmity_n for_o change_n be_v from_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o last_o to_o enforce_v this_o precious_a command_n of_o faith_n consider_v that_o it_o be_v his_o command_n which_o speak_v forth_o this_o that_o we_o must_v not_o take_v a_o indulgence_n or_o dispensation_n to_o ourselves_o to_o believe_v or_o not_o to_o believe_v at_o our_o pleasure_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o strange_a thing_n that_o christian_n be_v less_o convince_v of_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o faith_n then_o of_o other_o command_n they_o think_v misbelief_n to_o be_v but_o a_o zoar_n a_o little_a sin_n and_o it_o proceed_v either_o from_o this_o that_o the_o conviction_n of_o other_o sin_n as_o the_o neglect_n of_o prayer_n or_o the_o sin_n of_o swear_v or_o commit_v adultery_n do_v arise_v from_o a_o natural_a conscience_n for_o there_o be_v somewhat_o of_o nature_n light_n to_o make_v we_o abominate_a and_o hate_v they_o when_o yet_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n will_v not_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o misbelief_n it_o be_v a_o gospel_n &_o more_o spiritual_a sin_n or_o it_o proceed_v from_o this_o that_o unbelief_n do_v ordinary_o pass_v veil_v under_o the_o vizard_n of_o some_o refine_a virtue_n as_o humility_n and_o tenderness_n though_o that_o rather_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v pride_n and_o ignorance_n clothe_v with_o the_o garment_n of_o humility_n and_o no_o doubt_n christ_n do_v account_v obedience_n to_o this_o commandment_n of_o faith_n the_o great_a act_n of_o humility_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o rom._n 10.3_o where_o it_o be_v call_v submission_n they_o submit_v not_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n or_o else_o it_o proceed_v from_o this_o that_o we_o conceive_v that_o the_o commandment_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o of_o so_o large_a extent_n as_o other_o command_n and_o so_o do_v not_o bind_v we_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o it_o but_o know_v this_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o no_o doubt_n but_o it_o be_v satan_n great_a design_n and_o cardinal_a project_n to_o keep_v we_o back_o from_o obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n of_o faith_n &_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o listen_v to_o the_o precious_a promise_n of_o this_o everlasting_a gospel_n but_o shall_v reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o ourselves_o and_o refuse_v his_o precious_a and_o divine_a call_n the_o second_o previous_a consideration_n that_o we_o will_v give_v shall_v be_v to_o show_v you_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o dispute_v of_o our_o interest_n &_o so_o little_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v unstable_a as_o water_n mar_v our_o own_o excellency_n spend_v so_o much_o of_o our_o time_n in_o walk_v under_o a_o cloud_n and_o be_v so_o seldom_o admit_v to_o read_v our_o name_n in_o these_o precious_a and_o eternal_a record_n of_o heaven_n no_o doubt_n these_o thing_n have_v influence_n upon_o it_o viz._n 1._o that_o we_o be_v more_o judge_v of_o god_n by_o his_o dispensation_n then_o by_o his_o word_n suppose_v ever_o the_o change_n of_o dispensation_n to_o speak_v for_o the_o change_n of_o our_o state_n this_o be_v misbelief_n divinity_n that_o when_o sense_n can_v read_v love_n in_o hiâ—_n face_n but_o he_o appear_v to_o frown_v and_o to_o cast_v a_o clouâ—_n over_o it_o than_o it_o be_v presumption_n say_v sense_n to_o reaâ—_n love_v in_o his_o heart_n or_o in_o his_o word_n but_o know_v it_o be_v self-denying_a practice_n of_o believe_v job_n to_o cry_v out_o though_o he_o shall_v kill_v i_o i_o will_v believe_v in_o he_o therefore_o make_v not_o dispensation_n your_o bible_n otherwise_o you_o will_v stumble_v at_o the_o noon_n tide_v of_o the_o day_n &_o shall_v halt_v in_o your_o way_n know_v you_o never_o what_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o this_o mean_v to_o ascend_v in_o overcome_a thought_n of_o his_o love_n notwithstanding_o any_o thing_n that_o his_o dispensation_n may_v preach_v we_o conceive_v that_o if_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v open_v we_o may_v see_v infinite_a love_n engrave_v on_o the_o dark_a act_n and_o most_o dismal-like_a dispensation_n of_o his_o to_o we_o though_o it_o be_v oftentime_o write_v in_o dark_a and_o dim_a character_n to_o sense_n 2._o there_o be_v this_o likewise_o which_o have_v influence_n upon_o our_o so_o much_o dispute_v and_o misbelieve_v viz._n a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o the_o entertainment_n of_o some_o predominant_a lust_n which_o oftentimes_o occasion_v our_o walk_n in_o darkness_n and_o have_v no_o light_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o 1_o tim._n 1.19_o where_o that_o precious_a jewel_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v hold_v in_o no_o other_o place_n but_o in_o a_o pute_n conscience_n that_o be_v that_o royal_a place_n wherein_o it_o must_v dwell_v and_o no_o doubt_n if_o once_o we_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n we_o will_v err_v concern_v our_o faith_n a_o bosom-idol_n when_o it_o be_v entertain_v do_v exceed_o mar_v the_o vigorous_a exercise_n of_o these_o grace_n which_o be_v evidence_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o certain_o grace_n rather_o in_o its_o degree_n then_o in_o its_o sincerity_n or_o simple_a be_v only_o be_v that_o which_o give_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o faith_n therefore_o when_o we_o find_v not_o love_v in_o its_o high_a and_o eminent_a act_n we_o hardly_o win_v to_o make_v it_o any_o clearly-concluding_a demonstration_n of_o our_o faith_n 3._o as_o likewise_o a_o bosom_n idol_n when_o it_o be_v entertain_v make_v we_o to_o lose_v much_o of_o our_o high_a esteem_n &_o reputation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o do_v exceed_o interrupt_v the_o sweet_a and_o precious_a act_n of_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o once_o the_o immortal_a soul_n be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o
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and_o give_v obedience_n to_o this_o command_n which_o we_o clear_v to_o be_v hold_v forth_o not_o only_o from_o the_o scope_n but_o also_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o command_n and_o now_o to_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o the_o point_n we_o shall_v propose_v these_o cosideration_n that_o may_v abundant_o show_v how_o advantageous_a a_o thing_n this_o excellent_a grace_n of_o faith_n be_v i._o the_o first_o consideration_n that_o speak_v it_o be_v this_o that_o faith_n make_v christ_n precious_a to_o a_o soul_n according_a to_o that_o word_n 1_o pet._n 2.7_o to_o you_o that_o believe_v christ_n be_v precious_a and_o we_o will_v have_v you_o know_v this_o that_o faith_n make_v christ_n more_o precious_a to_o a_o soul_n than_o sense_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n can_v make_v he_o and_o first_o faith_n make_v christ_n more_o precious_a than_o sense_n because_o the_o estimation_n which_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n have_v of_o christ_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o excellency_n of_o 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look_v to_o his_o dispensation_n and_o act_n and_o will_v be_v constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o who_o be_v like_a unto_o thou_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n solace_v itself_o in_o the_o fountain_n from_o whence_o all_o these_o spring_n and_o sweet_a inundation_n of_o love_n do_v flow_v three_o faith_n make_v christ_n more_o precious_a than_o sense_n because_o faith_n look_v not_o only_o to_o what_o christ_n be_v present_o but_o unto_o what_o christ_n be_v from_o eternity_n before_o time_n and_o what_o christ_n shall_v be_v unto_o eternity_n after_o time_n but_o sense_n only_o do_v look_v to_o what_o christ_n be_v present_o and_o you_o must_v conceive_v that_o the_o sweet_a travel_v of_o faith_n betwixt_o infinite_a love_n from_o eternity_n before_o
persuade_v there_o be_v many_o to_o who_o at_o that_o day_n this_o doctrine_n will_v be_v ravish_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o death_n that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o eternity_n o_o will_v you_o believe_v that_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v bathe_v in_o heaven_n and_o shall_v come_v down_o to_o make_v a_o sacrifice_n not_o in_o the_o land_n of_o idumea_n nor_o in_o the_o land_n of_o bezra_n but_o he_o be_v to_o make_v a_o sacrifice_n among_o his_o people_n who_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o he_o by_o sacrifice_n ah_o ah_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o if_o that_o argument_n be_v use_v to_o many_o that_o within_o forty_o day_n they_o shall_v be_v at_o their_o long_a and_o everlasting_a home_n they_o will_v yet_o spend_v thirty_o nine_o of_o those_o day_n in_o take_v pleasure_n upon_o their_o lust_n i_o be_o persuade_v of_o this_o that_o there_o be_v many_o who_o think_v that_o the_o way_n betwixt_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v but_o one_o day_n journey_n they_o think_v they_o can_v believe_v in_o one_o day_n and_o triumphant_a night_n but_o o_o it_o shall_v be_v short_a triumph_v that_o such_o believer_n as_o those_o shall_v have_v therefore_o o_o die_v to_o close_v with_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n rest_n on_o hiâ—_n by_o faith_n delight_v yourselves_o in_o he_o with_o loâ—…_n and_o let_v your_o soul_n be_v long_v for_o the_o day_n wheâ—_n that_o voice_n shall_v be_v hear_v in_o heaven_n o_o hoâ—_n sweet_o will_v it_o be_v sing_v arise_v arise_v arise_z my_o louâ—_n my_o dove_n my_o fair_a one_o and_o come_v away_o for_o behâ—…_n your_o winter_n be_v pass_v your_o everlasting_a summer_n be_v comâ—_n and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o sing_n of_o the_o bird_n be_v neâ—…_n when_o christ_n shall_v come_v over_o these_o mountain_n 〈◊〉_d bether_o he_o shall_v cry_v behold_v i_o come_v and_o the_o sow_n shall_v sweet_o answer_v come_v bless_v lord_n jesuâ—_n come_v o_o what_o a_o life_n shall_v it_o be_v that_o with_o those_o two_o arm_n you_o shall_v eternal_o encircle_v christ_n anâ—_n hold_v he_o in_o your_o arm_n or_o rather_o be_v encircle_v by_o he_o wait_v for_o he_o for_o he_o shall_v come_v and_o his_o reware_n be_v with_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v once_o take_v home_o the_o wearied_a traveller_n of_o hope_n sermon_n iu._n john_n 3.23_o this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o yâ—_n shall_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesuâ—_n christ_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v two_o great_a and_o excellent_a gistâ—_n which_o god_n in_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o boundless_a love_n have_v bestow_v on_o his_o own_o first_o there_o iâ—_n that_o infinite_a gift_n and_o royal_a donation_n his_o own_o belove_a son_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v call_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n john_n 4.10_o and_o second_o there_o be_v that_o excellent_a gift_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o his_o own_o which_o be_v also_o call_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n ephes_n 2.8_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o be_v it_o not_o certain_a that_o these_o two_o gracious_a gift_n ought_v to_o engage_v our_o soul_n and_o heart_n much_o unto_o he_o infinite_a majesty_n can_v give_v no_o gift_n great_a than_o his_o son_n and_o infinite_a poverty_n can_v receive_v no_o other_o gift_n so_o suitable_a as_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a gift_n that_o heaven_n can_v give_v and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a advantage_n for_o earth_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o we_o can_v wish_v that_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o study_n and_o practice_v of_o man_n that_o be_v spend_v in_o purfuit_n after_o these_o low_a and_o transient_a vanity_n may_v be_v once_o take_v up_o in_o that_o precious_a pursuit_n after_o christ_n we_o can_v wish_v that_o all_o the_o question_n and_o debate_n of_o the_o time_n be_v turn_v over_o into_o a_o soul-concerning_a question_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v and_o that_o all_o the_o question_n controversy_n and_o contension_n of_o the_o time_n be_v turn_v over_o into_o that_o divine_a contention_n and_o heavenly_a debate_n who_o shall_v be_v most_o for_o christ_n who_o shall_v be_v most_o for_o the_o exalt_v of_o the_o noble_a and_o excellent_a plant_n of_o renown_n and_o that_o all_o our_o judge_n and_o search_n of_o other_o man_n practice_n and_o estate_n may_v â—e_v turn_v over_o into_o the_o useful_a search_n to_o prove_v and_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o not_o and_o i_o will_v ask_v you_o this_o question_n what_o be_v your_o thought_n concern_v precious_a christ_n see_v he_o be_v that_o noble_a object_n of_o faith_n we_o will_v only_o have_v you_o take_v along_o these_o thing_n by_o which_o christ_n may_v be_v much_o commend_v to_o your_o heart_n first_o there_o be_v never_o any_o that_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n do_v behold_v the_o matchless_a beauty_n and_o transcendent_a worth_n of_o that_o crucify_a saviour_n that_o return_v his_o enemy_n there_o be_v soul-conquering_a virtue_n in_o the_o face_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v heaâ—…_n captivate_v and_o overcome_a power_n in_o the_o beautyâ—_n jesus_n christ_n this_o first_o sight_n that_o ever_o persecution_n saul_n get_v of_o christ_n it_o bring_v he_o unto_o a_o endleâ—…_n captivity_n of_o love_n second_o there_o be_v this_o that_o wâ—_n will_v say_v of_o precious_a christ_n which_o may_v engage_v our_o soul_n unto_o he_o that_o for_o all_o the_o wrong_n believer_n do_v to_o christ_n yet_o have_v he_o never_o a_o ill_a word_n 〈◊〉_d they_o to_o his_o father_n but_o commend_v they_o which_o be_v clear_a from_o that_o of_o john_n 17.6_o where_o christ_n doâ—…_n commend_v the_o disciple_n to_o the_o father_n for_o the_o gracâ—_n of_o obedience_n they_o have_v keep_v thy_o word_n and_o for_o thâ—_n grace_n of_o faith_n vers_fw-la 8._o they_o have_v believe_v that_o the_o do_v send_v i_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o the_o disciple_n most_o defective_a in_o obedience_n both_o in_o this_o the_o they_o do_v not_o take_v up_o their_o cross_n and_o follow_v christ_n and_o also_o that_o they_o do_v not_o adhere_v to_o he_o in_o the_o daâ—_n that_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o cajaphas_n hall_n and_o weâ—_n they_o not_o most_o defective_a in_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n as_o 〈◊〉_d clear_a from_o matth._n 17_o 17._o and_o likewise_o from_o john_n 14.1_o he_o be_v press_v they_o to_o believe_v iâ—_n he_o and_o yet_o he_o do_v commend_v they_o to_o the_o father_n as_o most_o perfect_a in_o those_o thing_n three_o there_o be_v this_o that_o we_o will_v last_o say_v of_o he_o who_o iâ—_n the_o noble_a object_n of_o faith_n look_v to_o the_o eminent_a depth_n of_o christ_n condescendency_n and_o then_o you_o will_v be_v provoke_v to_o love_v he_o be_v it_o not_o infinite_a love_n that_o make_v christ_n to_o lie_v three_o day_n in_o the_o grave_a that_o we_o may_v be_v through_o all_o the_o age_n of_o eternity_n with_o he_o be_v it_o not_o infinite_a condescendency_n that_o make_v his_o precious_a head_n wear_v a_o crown_n of_o thorn_n that_o we_o may_v eternal_o wear_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n be_v it_o not_o infinite_a condesendency_n that_o make_v christ_n wear_v a_o purple_a robe_n that_o so_o we_o may_v wear_v that_o precious_a robâ—_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o be_v it_o not_o matchless_a condescendency_n that_o christ_n who_o know_v no_o sin_n be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v become_v like_a unto_o he_o and_o be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o but_o to_o come_v to_o that_o which_o we_o intend_v main_o to_o speak_v upon_o at_o this_o time_n which_o be_v that_o second_o thing_n that_o we_o propose_v to_o speak_v of_o from_o these_o word_n and_o that_o be_v concern_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o grace_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o clear_v be_v hold_v out_o in_o that_o that_o faith_n be_v call_v his_o commandment_n which_o be_v call_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n and_o excellency_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n which_o may_v sweet_o point_v out_o the_o precious_a excellency_n of_o this_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o we_o shall_v only_o speak_v to_o these_o thing_n i._o the_o first_o thing_n that_o speak_v out_o the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n be_v this_o it_o exercise_v itself_o upon_o a_o most_o noble_a object_n to_o wit_n jesus_n christ_n faith_n and_o love_n be_v the_o two_o arm_n of_o the_o immortal_a soul_n by_o which_o we_o do_v embrace_v a_o crucify_a saviour_n which_o be_v often_o point_a at_o in_o scripture_n and_o we_o shall_v point_v at_o these_o three_o principal_a act_n of_o faith_n which_o it_o exercise_v on_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o object_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o first_o be_v to_o make_v up_o a_o union_n
betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o believer_n faith_n be_v indeed_o a_o unite_n grace_n and_o that_o which_o knit_v the_o member_n to_o the_o head_n and_o to_o make_v this_o more_o full_o appear_v we_o will_v point_v out_o a_o little_a what_o a_o sweet_a harmony_n and_o correspondency_n there_o be_v betwixt_o these_o two_o sister-grace_n to_o wit_n faith_n and_o love_n faith_n be_v that_o nail_n which_o fasten_v the_o soul_n to_o christ_n and_o love_n be_v that_o grace_n which_o drive_v that_o nail_n to_o the_o head_n faith_n at_o first_o take_v but_o a_o tender_a grip_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o love_n come_v in_o and_o make_v the_o soul_n take_v a_o more_o sure_a grip_n of_o he_o second_o you_o may_v see_v their_o harmony_n in_o this_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n which_o take_v hold_v as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o garment_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o word_n but_o love_n that_o ambitious_a grace_n it_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o heart_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o it_o be_v his_o heart_n do_v melt_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o love_n three_o it_o may_v be_v see_v in_o this_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n which_o draw_v the_o first_o draught_n of_o the_o likeness_n and_o image_n of_o christ_n upon_o a_o soul_n but_o that_o accomplish_v grace_n of_o love_n it_o do_v complete_a these_o first_o draught_n and_o these_o imperfect_a lineament_n of_o christ_n image_n which_o be_v first_o draw_v on_o the_o soul_n four_o by_o faith_n and_o love_n the_o heart_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o believer_n be_v so_o unite_v that_o they_o be_v no_o more_o two_o but_o one_o spirit_n 2._o there_o be_v this_o second_o act_n that_o faith_n exercise_v on_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v in_o discover_v the_o matchless_a excellency_n and_o the_o transcendent_a property_n of_o jesus_n christ_n o_o what_o large_a and_o precious_a commentary_n do_v faith_n make_v upon_o christ_n it_o be_v indeed_o that_o faithful_a spy_n which_o do_v always_o bring_v up_o a_o good_a report_n of_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o faith_n be_v call_v understanding_n coloss_n 2.2_o because_o it_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o reveal_v much_o of_o the_o precious_a truth_n of_o that_o noble_a object_n 3._o and_o there_o be_v this_o three_o noble_a act_n of_o faith_n exercise_v itself_o upon_o christ_n viz._n it_o make_v christ_n precious_a to_o the_o soul_n according_a to_o that_o word_n 1._o pet._n 2.7_o unto_o you_o which_o believe_v he_o be_v precious_a and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o thing_n to_o speak_v forth_o its_o worth_n but_o that_o it_o be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a for_o no_o doubt_n this_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o high_a house_n to_o be_v dwell_v on_o the_o contemplation_n of_o christ_n beauty_n and_o to_o have_v their_o soul_n transport_v with_o love_n towards_o he_o and_o with_o joy_n in_o he_o reason_n and_o amazement_n be_v seldom_o companion_n but_o here_o they_o do_v sweet_o join_v together_o first_o a_o christian_n love_v christ_n because_o of_o christ_n act_n and_o then_o he_o love_v all_o these_o act_n because_o they_o come_v from_o christ_n 2._o now_o second_o this_o point_v out_o the_o precious_a excellency_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o be_v most_o my_o sterious_a and_o sublime_a in_o its_o act_n it_o have_v a_o more_o divine_a and_o sublime_a way_n of_o act_v then_o any_o other_o grace_n hence_o it_o be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n which_o speak_v this_o that_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v mystery_n to_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o i_o shall_v only_o point_v at_o these_o thing_n which_o may_v speak_v out_o the_o mysterious_a act_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n 1._o faith_n can_v believe_v and_o fix_v itself_o on_o a_o word_n of_o promise_n although_o sense_n reason_n and_o probability_n seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o promise_n i'faith_o it_o walk_v not_o by_o the_o low_a dictate_v of_o sense_n and_o reason_n but_o by_o a_o high_a rule_n to_o wit_n the_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n which_o be_v clear_a from_o rom._n 4.19_o where_o abraham_n believe_v the_o promise_n notwithstanding_o that_o sense_n and_o reason_n seem_v to_o contradict_v it_o he_o consider_v not_o the_o deadness_n of_o his_o own_o body_n neither_o the_o barrenness_n of_o sarahs_n womb_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o it_o be_v cleâ—…_n from_o heb._n 11.29.30_o where_o faith_n believe_v their_o pass_n through_o the_o red_a sea_n upon_o dry_a ground_n which_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n i'faith_o be_v lieve_v the_o fall_n down_o of_o the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n bâ—_n the_o blow_n of_o ram_n horn_n which_o thing_n be_v most_o impossible_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n for_o sense_n will_v of_o ten-times_o cry_v out_o all_o man_n be_v liar_n and_o reasoâ—_n will_v say_v how_o can_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v and_o yet_o that_o he_o roick_a grace_n of_o faith_n cry_v out_o have_v he_o spokeâ—_n it_o he_o will_v also_o do_v it_o have_v he_o say_v it_o then_o 〈◊〉_d shall_v come_v to_o pass_v 2._o faith_n can_v believe_v a_o word_n of_o promise_n notwithstanding_o that_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o contradict_v it_o as_o be_v clear_a in_o job_n who_o profess_v he_o will_v trust_v in_o god_n though_o he_o shall_v kiâ—…_n he_o and_o no_o doubt_n but_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n oâ—_n believe_v jacob_n he_o trust_v that_o that_o promise_n shall_v be_v accomplish_v that_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a though_o all_o the_o dispensation_n of_o goâ—_n which_o he_o do_v meet_v with_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o promise_n shall_v not_o be_v accomplish_v 3._o faith_n can_v believe_v a_o word_n of_o promise_n even_o when_o the_o command_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o promise_n this_o be_v cleaâ—_n in_o that_o singular_a instance_n of_o abraham_n faith_n that_o notwithstanding_o he_o be_v command_v to_o kill_v his_o promise_a seed_n upon_o who_o do_v depend_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n yet_o he_o believe_v that_o the_o promise_n shall_v be_v perform_v and_o though_o there_o be_v indeed_o extrordinary_a and_o strange_a trial_n of_o his_o faith_n as_o he_o have_v natural_a affection_n to_o wrestle_v with_o yet_o over_o the_o belly_n of_o all_o these_o believe_v abraham_n he_o give_v faith_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o bring_v his_o son_n isaac_n to_o the_o altar_n though_o he_o do_v receive_v he_o back_o again_o this_o be_v clear_a from_o heb._n 11.17.18.19_o 4._o faith_n can_v exercise_v itself_o upon_o the_o promise_n notwithstanding_o that_o callenge_v and_o conviction_n of_o unworthiness_n and_o guilt_n do_v wait_v on_o the_o christian_a this_o be_v clear_a 2_o sam._n 23.5_o that_o although_o his_o house_n be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n as_o do_v become_v yet_o he_o believe_v the_o promise_n as_o likewise_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o psal_n 65.3_o iniquity_n prevail_v against_o i_o and_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o interrupt_v his_o faith_n but_o he_o say_v as_o for_o our_o transgression_n thou_o shall_v purge_v they_o away_o and_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o noble_a and_o precious_a act_n of_o faith_n to_o believe_v notwithstanding_o of_o unanswerable_a challenge_n of_o guilt_n the_o best_a way_n both_o to_o crucify_v our_o idol_n and_o to_o answer_v those_o challenge_n be_v believe_v and_o hope_v against_o hope_n and_o close_v with_o christ_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o isa_n 64.6.7_o compare_v with_o ver_fw-la 8._o where_o after_o strange_a challenge_n the_o prophet_n have_v a_o strange_a word_n but_o now_o o_o lord_n thou_o be_v our_o father_n there_o be_v a_o emphasis_n in_o the_o word_n now_o for_o all_o this_o yet_o thou_o be_v now_o our_o father_n 5._o and_o last_o this_o point_v out_o the_o mysterious_a act_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n that_o it_o exercise_v itself_o upon_o a_o invisible_a object_n even_o upon_o christ_n not_o yet_o see_v according_a to_o that_o word_n 1_o pet._n 5.8_o who_o have_v not_o see_v yet_o you_o love_v in_o who_o though_o now_o you_o see_v he_o not_o yet_o believe_v 〈◊〉_d i_o pose_v the_o great_a part_n of_o you_o who_o be_v here_o whâ—ther_n or_o not_o these_o be_v two_o of_o the_o great_a paradoâ—…_n and_o mystery_n unto_o you_o for_o be_v not_o this_o a_o mâ—stery_n to_o love_v he_o who_o we_o never_o see_v who_o have_v not_o see_v yet_o you_o love_v to_o love_v a_o absent_a aâ—…_n unseen_a christ_n be_v a_o mystery_n to_o the_o most_o part_n of_o thâ—_n world_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o mystery_n to_o believe_v on_o his_o who_o we_o never_o see_v in_o who_o though_o you_o see_v hiâ—_n not_o yet_o believe_v and_o i_o shall_v add_v this_o that_o faiâ—…_n can_v hold_v fast_o its_o interest_n with_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o most_o
precious_a christian_n shall_v call_v 〈◊〉_d hypocrite_n and_o not_o acknowledge_v we_o this_o be_v clear_a be_v the_o practice_n of_o job_n and_o most_o clear_a from_o thâ—_n word_n isai_n 63.16_o doubtless_o thou_o be_v our_o father_n though_o abraham_n be_v ignorant_a of_o we_o and_o israâ—…_n acknowledge_v we_o not_o iii_o three_o this_o point_v out_o the_o excellence_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n that_o faith_n when_o it_o be_v iâ—_n exercise_n be_v that_o grace_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a dotâ—_n attain_v unto_o most_o sensible_a enjoyment_n there_o be_v great_a question_n that_o be_v much_o debate_v amongâ—…_n christian_n what_o be_v the_o way_n to_o win_v to_o this_o happy_a length_n to_o be_v always_o under_o the_o sweet_a and_o refresh_a influence_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o have_v his_o dew_n always_o come_v down_o upon_o our_o branch_n i_o can_v give_v 〈◊〉_d answer_n to_o it_o but_o this_o be_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n 〈◊〉_d faith_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o that_o notion_n and_o name_n puâ—_n upon_o faith_n isai_n 45.22_o it_o be_v call_v a_o look_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o most_o sensible_a act_n if_o you_o will_v know_v a_o description_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v this_o the_o divinâ—_n contemplation_n of_o the_o immortal_a soul_n upon_o that_o divinâ—_n excellent_a and_o precious_a object_n jesus_n christ_n for_o god_n never_o make_v faith_n a_o liar_n and_o therefore_o its_o eye_n be_v never_o off_o he_o that_o be_v the_o noble_a object_n of_o faith_n jesus_n christ_n manifest_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v clear_a eph._n 1.13_o after_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o preach_v out_o the_o excellent_a enjoyment_n these_o have_v after_o their_o close_n with_o christ_n who_o be_v invisible_a our_o faith_n be_v call_v a_o see_v which_o speak_v out_o this_o that_o faith_n sight_n of_o god_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o if_o it_o do_v behold_v he_o with_o our_o eye_n as_o be_v clear_a heb._n 11.27_o moses_n see_v he_o by_o faith_n who_o be_v invisible_a and_o we_o conceive_v that_o the_o ground_n which_o make_v the_o most_o part_n of_o we_o have_v such_o complaint_n how_o long_o will_v thou_o forget_v we_o for_o ever_o it_o be_v this_o the_o want_n of_o the_o spiritual_a exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v there_o not_o some_o here_o who_o may_v cry_v out_o it_o be_v more_o than_o thirty_o day_n since_o i_o do_v behold_v the_o king_n yea_o there_o be_v some_o who_o go_v a_o great_a length_n and_o cry_v out_o i_o have_v live_v these_o two_o year_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o i_o have_v not_o see_v the_o king_n face_n yea_o there_o be_v some_o here_o who_o complaint_n may_v go_v a_o little_a high_o and_o cry_v forth_o these_o three_o year_n and_o six-moneth_n it_o have_v not_o rain_v on_o i_o but_o the_o cloud_n have_v be_v restrain_v and_o bind_v up_o and_o the_o heaven_n have_v become_v brass_n and_o will_v you_o know_v the_o rise_n of_o these_o complaint_n it_o be_v this_o you_o be_v not_o much_o in_o the_o spiritual_a exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o you_o i_o will_v only_o say_v these_o two_o word_n first_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o persuade_v a_o reprobate_n that_o he_o be_v defective_a in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o in_o his_o love_n to_o god_n then_o to_o persuade_v some_o such_o that_o they_o be_v want_v to_o god_n in_o their_o say_v for_o they_o hold_v fast_o that_o piece_n of_o desperate_a iniquity_n till_o they_o die_v second_o we_o will_v say_v to_o those_o of_o you_o whâ—_n have_v the_o valley_n of_o anchor_n for_o a_o door_n of_o hope_n anâ—_n have_v taste_v of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o christ_n some_o 〈◊〉_d you_o will_v be_v less_o convince_v for_o the_o neglect_n of_o thâ—_n duty_n of_o faith_n then_o for_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o duty_n oâ—_n prayer_n or_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n day_n but_o i_o be_o persuade_v of_o this_o that_o if_o the_o nomble_a worth_n of_o that_o transcendent_a object_n be_v know_v we_o will_v have_v a_o holy_a impatience_n untâ—_n once_o we_o do_v believe_v iu._n four_o this_o also_o point_v out_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o grace_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a be_v advance_v to_o the_o high_a and_o most_o inconceivable_a pitch_n of_o dignity_n and_o that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o live_a god_n as_o be_v clear_a john_n 1.12_o to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v 〈◊〉_d believe_v in_o he_o he_o give_v power_n or_o prerogative_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o certain_o that_o noble_a prerogative_n of_o adoption_n be_v much_o undervalue_v by_o many_o and_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o two_o ground_n whereon_o the_o most_o part_n of_o man_n undervalue_v that_o excellent_a gift_n of_o adoption_n first_o they_o do_v not_o take_v up_o the_o infinite_a highness_n of_o god_n and_o what_o a_o one_o he_o be_v otherwise_o they_o will_v cry_v out_o with_o david_n seem_v it_o a_o small_a thing_n in_o your_o eye_n to_o be_v a_o son_n to_o the_o king_n of_o king_n second_o we_o do_v not_o take_v up_o nor_o understand_v those_o matchless_a privilege_n which_o be_v give_v to_o they_o who_o be_v once_o in_o this_o estate_n i_o be_o persuade_v if_o this_o be_v believe_v that_o he_o who_o be_v a_o servant_n do_v not_o abide_v in_o the_o house_n for_o ever_o though_o he_o that_o be_v a_o son_n do_v it_o will_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o more_o divine_a zeal_n in_o our_o pursuit_n after_o christ_n v._n five_o this_o likewise_o point_v out_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o say_v it_o be_v that_o grace_n by_o which_o all_o othere_o action_n be_v pleasant_a to_o god_n &_o be_v take_v off_o our_o hand_n as_o be_v clear_a heb._n 11.4_o by_o faith_n abel_n offer_v unto_o god_n a_o more_o excellent_a sacrifice_n than_o cain_n which_o must_v be_v understand_v even_o to_o all_o other_o duty_n and_o that_o word_n vers_fw-la 6._o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n speak_v this_o also_o that_o by_o faith_n we_o do_v exceed_o please_v he_o and_o this_o be_v a_o most_o sad_a and_o lamentable_a reproof_n unto_o many_o who_o be_v here_o that_o their_o action_n do_v not_o please_v god_n because_o they_o be_v not_o in_o faith_n will_v you_o know_v a_o description_n of_o your_o prayer_n you_o who_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n it_o be_v this_o your_o prayer_n be_v the_o breach_n of_o the_o three_o command_n in_o take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o vain_a for_o which_o he_o will_v not_o hold_v you_o guiltless_a and_o will_v you_o know_v what_o be_v your_o hear_n of_o sermon_n it_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o that_o word_n in_o tit._n 1.15_o to_o the_o unbelieving_a and_o impure_a be_v nothing_o clean_a and_o as_o solomon_n do_v speak_v the_o plough_v of_o the_o wicked_a be_v sin_n so_o that_o all_o your_o action_n that_o you_o go_v about_o be_v but_o a_o offence_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o we_o will_v speak_v to_o these_o two_o thing_n before_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n to_o wit_n first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o reflect_a act_n of_o faith_n for_o there_o may_v be_v a_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o christian_a when_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v but_o the_o reflect_a act_n of_o faith_n be_v these_o which_o a_o christian_a have_v when_o he_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o do_v believe_v and_o we_o will_v second_o say_v that_o there_o be_v many_o that_o do_v go_v down_o to_o their_o grave_n under_o that_o soul-destroying_a delusion_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o yet_o never_o do_v know_v what_o faith_n be_v i_o be_o persuade_v there_o be_v many_o who_o all_o the_o preach_n in_o the_o world_n will_v never_o persuade_v that_o they_o do_v never_o believe_v their_o faith_n be_v bear_v with_o they_o and_o it_o will_v die_v with_o they_o without_o any_o fruit_n but_o faith_n be_v such_o a_o excellent_a grace_n and_o so_o advantageous_a whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v a_o few_o thing_n we_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a further_o of_o it_o first_o in_o point_v out_o some_o evidence_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a may_v know_v whether_o or_o not_o he_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n second_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o some_o help_n whereby_o faith_n may_v be_v keep_v in_o exercise_n i._o now_o there_o be_v this_o first_o evidence_n of_o faith_n that_o a_o christian_n who_o do_v believe_v he_o account_v absence_n and_o want_n of_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o
most_o lamentable_a cross_n that_o ever_o he_o have_v as_o be_v clear_a psal_n 13.3_o lighten_v my_o eye_n say_v david_n that_o be_v let_v i_o behold_v and_o be_v satisfy_v with_o thy_o face_n and_o the_o motive_n that_o he_o back_v it_o with_o be_v this_o lest_o i_o sleep_v the_o sleep_n of_o death_n david_n think_v himself_o a_o dead_a man_n if_o christ_n do_v withdraw_v his_o presence_n from_o he_o also_o it_o be_v clear_a cant._n 3.1_o compare_v with_o the_o follow_a verse_n where_o absence_n from_o christ_n and_o want_v of_o communion_n with_o he_o be_v the_o great_a across_o the_o spouse_n have_v and_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o john_n 20.11.12.13_o where_o mary_n have_v a_o holy_a disdain_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o respect_n and_o comparison_n of_o christ_n but_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o a_o hypocrite_n do_v most_o lament_n and_o that_o be_v the_o want_n of_o reputation_n among_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v the_o great_a god_n and_o idol_n among_o hypocrite_n and_o thou_o which_o when_o not_o enjoy_v hypocrite_n and_o atheist_n lament_v most_o the_o world_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o their_o eye_n when_o they_o want_v these_o then_o they_o cry_v out_o they_o have_v take_v away_o my_o god_n and_o what_o have_v i_o more_o they_o think_v heaven_n can_v never_o make_v up_o he_o loss_n of_o earth_n and_o certain_o if_o many_o of_o we_o will_v examine_v ourselves_o by_o this_o we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o most_o defective_a i_o will_v pose_v all_o you_o who_o be_v here_o who_o have_v take_v on_o a_o name_n to_o be_v follower_n of_o christ_n whether_o or_o not_o you_o have_v be_v content_a to_o walk_v thirty_o day_n in_o absence_n from_o christ_n and_o yet_o never_o to_o lament_v it_o have_v not_o christ_n be_v thirty_o day_n and_o more_o in_o heaven_n without_o a_o visit_n from_o you_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o you_o have_v not_o clothe_v yourselves_o with_o sackcloth_n i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o total_a want_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n but_o it_o do_v eminent_o prove_v this_o that_o the_o person_n who_o have_v come_v this_o length_n have_v lose_v much_o of_o his_o primitive_a love_n and_o much_o of_o that_o high_a esteem_n which_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o matchless_a christ_n what_o can_v you_o find_v in_o this_o world_n that_o make_v you_o converse_v so_o little_a with_o heaven_n i_o think_v that_o it_o be_v the_o noble_a encouragement_n of_o a_o christian_a when_o he_o be_v go_v down_o to_o his_o grave_n that_o he_o have_v this_o where_n with_o to_o comfort_v himself_o i_o be_o to_o change_v my_o place_n but_o not_o my_o company_n death_n to_o the_o believe_a christian_n be_v a_o bless_a transition_n and_o transportation_n to_o a_o more_o immediate_a constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n but_o i_o believe_v that_o if_o all_o who_o have_v the_o name_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o generation_n shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n they_o may_v have_v this_o to_o say_v i_o be_o now_o not_o only_o to_o change_v my_o place_n but_o also_o my_o company_n for_o these_o seventy_o year_n i_o have_v be_v conversant_a with_o my_o idol_n but_o now_o i_o be_o to_o converse_v with_o more_o bless_a divine_a and_o excellent_a company_n o_o that_o you_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o pursue_v much_o after_o a_o absent_a christ_n be_v it_o not_o a_o sweet_a period_n of_o our_o life_n to_o breathe_v out_o our_o last_o breath_n in_o his_o arm_n and_o to_o be_v live_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o be_v eternal_o with_o he_o which_o may_v be_v found_v upon_o his_o word_n ii_o there_o be_v this_o second_o evidence_n of_o one_o that_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n they_o do_v endeavour_v to_o advance_v that_o necessary_a work_n of_o the_o mortification_n of_o their_o idol_n according_a to_o that_o word_n 1_o john_n 3.3_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a act_n 15.9_o i'faith_o it_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o concern_v this_o evidence_n lest_o any_o shall_v mistake_v it_o i_o will_v say_v these_o thing_n to_o you_o first_o the_o mortification_n of_o a_o christian_a as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v here_o below_o it_o do_v more_o consist_v in_o resolution_n than_o in_o attainment_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v high_a attainment_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o mortification_n of_o his_o idol_n but_o his_o resolution_n go_v far_o above_o his_o performance_n second_o we_o will_v say_v this_o that_o those_o christian_n who_o never_o come_v this_o length_n in_o christianity_n to_o make_v that_o a_o universal_a conclusion_n and_o full_a resolution_n what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v any_o more_o with_o idol_n they_o may_v suspect_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o faith_n for_o a_o chrâ—stian_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v universal_a in_o resolution_n though_o he_o be_v not_o so_o in_o practice_n but_o defective_a in_o performance_n a_o christian_a may_v have_v big_a resolution_n with_o weak_a performance_n for_o resolution_n will_v be_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n before_o practise_v come_v from_o the_o border_n of_o hell_n there_o be_v a_o long_a distance_n betwixt_o resolution_n and_o practice_n and_o the_o one_o much_o swift_a than_o the_o other_o and_o three_o we_o will_v likewise_o say_v that_o you_o who_o never_o do_v know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o endeavour_v by_o prayer_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o other_o duty_n the_o mortification_n of_o your_o lust_n and_o idol_n you_o may_v be_v afraid_a that_o you_o have_v not_o yet_o the_o hope_n of_o see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o i_o will_v say_v this_o to_o many_o who_o be_v settle_v upon_o their_o lees_n and_o who_o never_o do_v know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o spend_v one_o hour_n in_o secret_a prayer_n for_o mortify_v a_o idol_n that_o they_o will_v beware_v lest_o that_o curse_n be_v pass_v in_o heaven_n against_o they_o i_o will_v have_v purge_v you_o and_o you_o will_v not_o be_v purge_v therefore_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v purge_v any_o more_o till_o you_o die_v that_o iniquity_n of_o refuse_v to_o commune_v with_o christ_n in_o the_o work_n of_o â—_o ecret_a mortification_n i_o say_v that_o iniquity_n shall_v not_o be_v purge_v away_o and_o we_o will_v once_o serious_o desire_v you_o by_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n that_o christ_n shall_v pass_v against_o you_o and_o by_o the_o love_n you_o have_v to_o your_o immortal_a soul_n and_o by_o the_o pain_n of_o those_o everlasting_a torment_n in_o hell_n that_o you_o will_v serious_o set_v about_o the_o work_n of_o spiritual_a mortification_n that_o so_o you_o may_v evidence_n that_o you_o have_v believe_v and_o that_o you_o have_v the_o soul-comforting_a hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n i_o will_v only_o speak_v this_o one_o word_n to_o you_o and_o desire_v you_o serious_o to_o ponder_v it_o what_o if_o within_o twelve_o hour_n hereafter_o a_o summons_n be_v give_v to_o you_o without_o continuation_n of_o day_n to_o compear_v before_o the_o solemn_a and_o dreadful_a tribunal_n of_o that_o impartial_a judge_n jesus_n christ_n what_o suppose_v you_o will_v be_v your_o thought_n will_v you_o examine_v your_o own_o conscience_n what_o you_o think_v will_v be_v your_o thought_n if_o such_o summons_n be_v give_v unto_o you_o i_o be_o persuade_v of_o this_o that_o your_o knee_n will_v smite_v one_o against_o another_o and_o your_o face_n will_v gather_v paleness_n see_v your_o conscience_n will_v condemn_v you_o that_o you_o have_v be_v weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n and_o find_v light_n o_o think_v you_o that_o you_o can_v both_o fight_v and_o triumph_v in_o one_o day_n think_v you_o that_o you_o can_v fight_v and_o overcome_v in_o one_o day_n think_v you_o your_o lust_n and_o unmortified_a corruption_n so_o weak_a and_o fainthearted_a a_o enemy_n that_o upon_o the_o first_o appearance_n of_o such_o imaginary_a champion_n as_o most_o part_n of_o we_o be_v in_o our_o own_o eye_n that_o your_o idol_n will_v lay_v down_o arm_n and_o let_v you_o trample_v on_o they_o believe_v i_o mortification_n be_v not_o a_o work_n of_o one_o day_n or_o one_o year_n but_o it_o be_v a_o work_n will_v serve_v you_o all_o your_o time_n begin_v as_o soon_o as_o you_o will_v and_o therefore_o see_v you_o have_v spend_v your_o day_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v time_n that_o now_o you_o will_v begin_v and_o pursue_v after_o he_o who_o work_n be_v with_o he_o and_o who_o reward_n shall_v come_v before_o he_o iii_o now_o there_o be_v this_o three_o evidence_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a may_v know_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o not_o &_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n be_v matchless_a and_o incomparable_a unto_o such_o a_o one_o according_a to_o that_o word_n 1._o pet._n 1.7_o
the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o â—his_fw-la fill_v the_o soul_n with_o divine_a fear_n and_o admiration_n hence_o be_v that_o word_n heb._n 11.28_o that_o we_o see_v by_o faith_n he_o that_o be_v invisible_a as_o if_o he_o hâ—…_n say_v faith_n be_v that_o grace_n that_o make_v thing_n thâ—…_n be_v invisible_a visible_a unto_o we_o it_o let_v the_o soâ—_n see_v christ_n in_o his_o relative_a excellency_n that_o be_v what_o he_o be_v to_o we_o faith_n take_v up_o christ_n as_o husband_n and_o from_o thence_o we_o be_v provoke_v 〈◊〉_d much_o boldness_n and_o divine_a confidence_n and_o with_o all_o to_o see_v those_o rich_a possession_n that_o be_v provideâ—_n for_o we_o by_o our_o elder_a brother_n who_o be_v bear_v for_o adversity_n faith_n take_v up_o christ_n as_o a_o blesseâ—_n day_n man_n that_o do_v lay_v his_o hand_n on_o we_o both_o and_o froâ—_n thence_o it_o be_v constrain_v to_o wonder_v at_o the_o condescendency_n of_o christ_n it_o take_v he_o up_o as_o die_v and_o as_o redeem_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o grave_n and_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o thâ—_n provoke_v christian_n to_o make_v a_o total_a and_o absoluâ—_n resignation_n of_o themselves_o over_o unto_o christ_n i_o serve_v he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n in_o righteousneâ—…_n and_o holiness_n and_o three_o faith_n make_v the_o soâ—_n behold_v those_o mysterious_a draught_n of_o spotless_a louâ—_n those_o divine_a emanation_n of_o love_n that_o have_v floweâ—_n from_o his_o ancient_a and_o everlasting_a love_n since_o thâ—_n world_n begin_v will_v you_o know_v the_o great_a grouâ—…_n why_o we_o be_v so_o ignorant_a of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o study_n 〈◊〉_d angel_n and_o so_o all_o that_o be_v about_o the_o throne_n 〈◊〉_d be_v this_o we_o be_v not_o much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faitâ—_n and_o if_o we_o will_v ask_v that_o question_n what_o be_v thâ—_n way_n to_o attain_v the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d christ_n we_o can_v give_v no_o answer_n to_o it_o but_o thiâ—_n believe_v and_o again_o believe_v and_o again_o believe_v faith_n open_v those_o mysterious_a seal_n of_o hâ—_n boundless_a perfection_n and_o in_o some_o way_n teacheâ—_n â—he_v christian_a to_o answer_v to_o that_o unanswerable_a question_n what_o be_v his_o name_n and_o what_o be_v his_o â—ons_n name_v there_o be_v this_o second_o that_o point_v out_o the_o sweetness_n of_o faith_n that_o it_o give_v a_o excellent_a relish_n unto_o the_o promise_n and_o make_v they_o food_n to_o our_o soul_n what_o be_v all_o the_o promiâ—…s_n without_o faith_n as_o to_o our_o use_n but_o as_o a_o dead_a letâ—er_n have_v no_o life_n but_o faith_n exercise_v upon_o the_o promise_n make_v a_o christian_a cry_n out_o the_o â—ords_n of_o his_o mouth_n be_v sweet_a unto_o i_o then_o the_o hoâ—ey_n and_o the_o honey_n comb_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o heb._n 11.12.13_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n that_o we_o embrace_v the_o promise_n and_o do_v receive_v they_o three_o the_o sweetness_n of_o faith_n may_v appear_v by_o â—his_n that_o it_o enable_v a_o christian_n to_o rejoice_v under_o the_o most_o anxious_a and_o afflict_a dispensation_n â—hat_n he_o meet_v with_o whilst_o he_o be_v here_o below_o as_o 〈◊〉_d clear_a from_o rom._n 5.1.3_o where_o his_o be_v justiâ—…ed_v by_o faith_n have_v this_o fruit_n attend_v it_o to_o joy_n in_o â—…ibulation_n and_o likewise_o from_o heb._n 10.34.35_o â—oth_o not_o faith_n hold_v the_o crown_n in_o its_o right_a hand_n â—nd_n let_v a_o christian_a behold_v these_o infinite_a dignity_n that_o be_v provide_v unto_o they_o after_o they_o â—ave_n as_o a_o strong_a man_n run_v their_o race_n and_o when_o 〈◊〉_d christian_n be_v put_v into_o a_o furnace_n hot_a seven_a â—imes_n more_o than_o ordinary_a it_o bring_v down_o the_o â—on_n of_o man_n jesus_n christ_n to_o walk_v with_o they_o in_o â—he_n furnace_n so_o that_o they_o walk_v safe_o and_o with_o joy_n through_o fire_n and_o water_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n they_o â—an_v have_v no_o cross_n in_o his_o company_n for_o will_v â—e_n know_v what_o be_v the_o description_n of_o a_o cross_n it_o 〈…〉_o want_v christ_n in_o any_o estate_n and_o will_v you_o know_v what_o be_v the_o description_n of_o prosperity_n it_o be_v to_o have_v christ_n in_o any_o condition_n or_o estate_n of_o life_n what_o can_v you_o want_v that_o have_v he_o and_o what_o can_v you_o have_v that_o want_v he_o he_o be_v that_o all_o so_o that_o all_o thing_n beside_o he_o be_v but_o vanity_n but_o beside_o this_o faith_n do_v discover_v unto_o a_o christian_a that_o there_o be_v a_o sweet_a period_n of_o all_o his_o trial_n and_o affliction_n that_o he_o can_v be_v expose_v unto_o so_o that_o he_o can_v never_o say_v that_o of_o faith_n which_o ahab_n speak_v of_o micajah_n he_o never_o prophesi_v good_a thing_n to_o i_o but_o rather_o he_o may_v say_v always_o the_o contrary_a faith_n never_o prophesi_v evil_a unto_o i_o it_o be_v a_o grace_n that_o prophesi_v excellent_a thing_n in_o the_o darkeâ—_n night_n and_o sweet_o declare_v that_o though_o weep_v do_v endure_v for_o the_o evening_n yet_o joy_n come_v in_o the_o morning_n and_o that_o though_o now_o they_o go_v forth_o weep_v bear_v precious_a seed_n yet_o at_o last_o they_o shall_v return_v rejoice_v have_v sheaf_n in_o their_o bosom_n and_o this_o may_v bring_v in_o the_o four_o consideration_n to_o point_v out_o the_o sweetness_n of_o faith_n that_o 〈◊〉_d give_v a_o refresh_a sight_n of_o that_o land_n which_o be_v afar_o off_o and_o make_v he_o to_o behold_v that_o inheritance_n that_o be_v provide_v for_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n it_o go_v forth_o to_o the_o brook_n eshcol_n and_o there_o do_v pluck_v down_o those_o grape_n that_o grow_v in_o emmanucls_n land_n to_o bring_v up_o a_o good_a report_n upon_o that_o noble_a country_n we_o be_v sojourn_v towards_o and_o the_o city_n the_o street_n whereof_o be_v pave_v with_o transparent_a gold_n and_o howbeit_o it_o may_v be_v a_o perplex_v debate_n between_o many_o and_o their_o own_o soul_n whether_o or_o not_o these_o eye_n that_o have_v be_v the_o window_n through_o which_o so_o much_o uncleanness_n have_v enter_v and_o those_o species_n of_o lust_n have_v be_v convey_v into_o the_o heart_n shall_v once_o be_v eye_n of_o a_o dove_n wash_v with_o milk_n and_o fit_o set_v and_o be_v admit_v to_o see_v that_o glorious_a object_n the_o lamb_n that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n or_o whether_o ever_o these_o tongue_n that_o have_v be_v set_v on_o fire_n of_o hell_n and_o these_o pollute_a lip_n that_o have_v speak_v so_o much_o against_o god_n and_o heaven_n and_o all_o his_o people_n and_o interest_n shall_v ever_o be_v admit_v to_o sing_v these_o heavenly_a halelujah_n among_o those_o spotless_a choir_n of_o angel_n and_o that_o assembly_n of_o the_o first-born_a or_o if_o these_o hand_n or_o foot_n that_o have_v be_v so_o active_a to_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o so_o swift_a to_o run_v after_o vanity_n shall_v ever_o be_v admit_v hereafter_o to_o carry_v those_o palm_n branch_n and_o follow_v the_o lamb_n where_o ever_o he_o go_v or_o whether_o ever_o these_o heart_n that_o have_v be_v indeed_o a_o bethaven_n a_o house_n for_o idol_n may_v yet_o notwithstanding_o be_v a_o dwell_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n though_o these_o thing_n we_o say_v and_o such_o like_a may_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o many_o sad_a debate_n to_o some_o weary_a soul_n and_o cause_v many_o toffing_n to_o and_o fro_o till_o the_o morning_n yet_o faith_n can_v bring_v all_o these_o mystery_n to_o light_n and_o look_v within_o the_o vail_n can_v let_v we_o see_v thousand_o of_o thousand_o who_o be_v once_o as_o ugly_a as_o ourselves_o yet_o now_o have_v wash_v their_o robe_n and_o make_v they_o white_a in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n admit_v to_o stand_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v he_o day_n and_o night_n now_o there_o be_v that_o fourthly_a which_o we_o promise_v to_o speak_v of_o concern_v this_o grace_n of_o faith_n from_o these_o word_n and_o it_o be_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o be_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o grace_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o that_o word_n his_o commandment_n which_o do_v import_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o thâ—_n all_o the_o command_n that_o we_o can_v obey_v without_o thâ—_n commandment_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v but_o a_o pollute_a 〈◊〉_d ourselves_o and_o a_o plunge_a of_o ourselves_o in_o thâ—_n ditch_n till_o our_o own_o clothes_n abhor_v we_o 2._o thâ—_n god_n take_v great_a delight_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o thâ—_n grace_n of_o faith_n then_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o other_o and_o last_o that_o as_o to_o the_o many_o imperfection_n which_o we_o have_v in_o our_o obedience_n there_o be_v a_o sweet_a act_n of_o oblivion_n pass_v of_o