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demonstration_n confirm_v we_o in_o our_o notion_n the_o church_n have_v before_o learned_a it_o that_o god_n will_v establish_v his_o church_n but_o now_o they_o be_v confirm_v in_o it_o when_o they_o have_v see_v it_o in_o the_o work_v of_o providence_n what_o they_o have_v before_o hear_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n prophet_n and_o messenger_n indeed_o a_o notion_n be_v but_o a_o probationer_n in_o our_o soul_n until_o we_o come_v to_o have_v it_o establish_v by_o faith_n and_o demonstration_n 2._o a_o observation_n of_o providence_n do_v also_o increase_v knowledge_n as_o it_o expound_v to_o we_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o give_v we_o a_o more_o certain_a clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o it_o we_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o expound_v some_o word_n of_o god_n but_o as_o we_o be_v teach_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o by_o his_o providential_a dispensation_n in_o the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o god_n dispensation_n in_o the_o world_n both_o towards_o his_o church_n and_o the_o enemy_n and_o persecutor_n help_v we_o to_o understand_v both_o his_o promise_n and_o his_o threaten_n 2._o he_o who_o observe_v the_o motion_n of_o divine_a providence_n will_v also_o know_v better_o how_o to_o order_v and_o direct_v his_o life_n i_o tell_v you_o that_o wisdom_n strict_o take_v be_v a_o practical_a habit_n direct_v this_o he_o that_o thus_o observe_v will_v best_o know_v how_o to_o order_v his_o conversation_n but_o will_v some_o say_v be_v not_o this_o to_o make_v providence_n our_o rule_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o make_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n a_o argument_n to_o justify_v our_o action_n which_o the_o word_n condemn_v another_o thing_n to_o take_v occasion_n from_o providence_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n providence_n alone_o be_v no_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n but_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n be_v more_o seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o we_o by_o providence_n though_o providence_n give_v no_o rule_n yet_o they_o wonderful_o confirm_v and_o establish_v a_o rule_n when_o what_o we_o have_v read_v and_o hear_v in_o the_o word_n we_o see_v in_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n it_o give_v a_o new_a life_n and_o make_v a_o new_a impression_n of_o the_o rule_n upon_o our_o heart_n god_n have_v say_v bloodthirsty_a and_o deceitful_a man_n shall_v not_o live_v out_o half_a their_o day_n and_o honour_v thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n that_o thy_o day_n may_v be_v long_o in_o the_o land_n which_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n give_v thou_o now_o when_o we_o see_v god_n cut_v off_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a man_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o year_n or_o cut_v off_o a_o stubborn_a and_o rebellious_a child_n in_o his_o youth_n it_o wonderful_o confirm_v the_o word_n to_o we_o and_o help_v we_o to_o guide_v our_o conversation_n so_o as_o we_o may_v not_o tread_v in_o their_o step_n and_o be_v partaker_n of_o their_o judgement_n 2._o again_o though_o providence_n be_v no_o rule_n as_o to_o particular_a action_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o great_a help_n to_o we_o as_o to_o the_o three_o great_a principle_n of_o all_o our_o spiritual_a action_n which_o be_v faith_n fear_v love_n it_o be_v true_a the_o proposition_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n when_o a_o soul_n give_v assent_v to_o the_o proposition_n of_o the_o word_n because_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o have_v reveal_v it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o wicked_a man_n though_o they_o have_v the_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o other_o yet_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o light_n of_o they_o because_o they_o believe_v they_o not_o they_o assent_n not_o to_o the_o proposition_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v reveal_v in_o they_o but_o either_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o it_o be_v but_o the_o fancy_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n or_o else_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o impunity_n say_v with_o those_o in_o deuteronomy_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v peace_n although_o they_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o imagination_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n but_o now_o when_o a_o man_n observe_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n exemplify_a and_o verify_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o much_o help_v his_o faith_n in_o the_o word_n especial_o as_o to_o those_o in_o who_o heart_n god_n have_v wrought_v a_o previous_a habit_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v true_a in_o this_o case_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v do_v little_a alone_a we_o have_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n if_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o will_v not_o believe_v if_o one_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o where_o a_o soul_n be_v first_o teach_v of_o god_n to_o give_v
never_o god_n purpose_n and_o intendment_n that_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v fulfil_v it_o or_o that_o way_n obtain_v everlasting_a life_n use_v 3_o in_o the_o last_o place_n my_o discourse_n upon_o this_o argument_n may_v let_v you_o see_v how_o uniform_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o conversion_n and_o bring_v home_o to_o god_n of_o a_o particular_a sinner_n move_v to_o its_o motion_n and_o working_n in_o order_n to_o the_o general_a publication_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n through_o he_o unto_o the_o world_n the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o make_v know_v of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o a_o particular_a soul_n be_v ordinary_o first_fw-mi by_o the_o law_n to_o humble_v the_o soul_n and_o to_o conclude_v it_o under_o wrath_n and_o then_o to_o open_v to_o it_o a_o door_n of_o hope_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v but_o a_o reasonable_a work_n of_o providence_n and_o exceed_o suitable_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o humane_a nature_n what_o signify_v the_o news_n of_o a_o redeemer_n unto_o he_o who_o either_o be_v no_o captive_a or_o be_v not_o sensible_a that_o he_o be_v the_o news_n of_o a_o saviour_n to_o he_o that_o apprehend_v not_o himself_o lose_v or_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o salvation_n god_n therefore_o ordinary_o in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n lay_v the_o law_n to_o he_o sheweth_z him_z what_o god_n have_v require_v of_o he_o how_o much_o he_o be_v a_o debtor_n to_o god_n how_o much_o he_o lie_v open_a to_o wrath_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o curse_n this_o let_v he_o see_v what_o need_n he_o have_v of_o salvation_n by_o a_o redeemer_n and_o induce_v he_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o go_v unto_o christ_n for_o life_n now_o this_o motion_n and_o work_n of_o providence_n as_o to_o particular_a soul_n bear_v a_o just_a proportion_n to_o god_n first_o revelation_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o world_n god_n first_o give_v unto_o adam_n a_o law_n of_o work_n and_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o then_o permit_v he_o to_o violate_v this_o law_n to_o break_v this_o covenant_n and_o then_o discover_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o redemption_n which_o to_o this_o time_n lie_v hide_v with_o god_n although_o as_o to_o the_o paction_n of_o it_o it_o be_v eternal_a and_o hence_o also_o appear_v a_o easy_a answer_n to_o that_o question_n whether_o man_n and_o woman_n unregenerate_v be_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n or_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o all_o man_n since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n be_v not_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v out_o of_o doubt_n for_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n expire_v with_o adam_n fall_n but_o thus_o far_o they_o be_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n for_o they_o but_o by_o keep_v the_o whole_a law_n in_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n which_o be_v a_o state_n sad_a and_o miserable_a enough_o it_o be_v that_o which_o no_o man_n in_o his_o lapse_v estate_n be_v able_a to_o do_v adam_n indeed_o may_v have_v do_v it_o none_o since_o the_o fall_n can_v do_v it_o and_o from_o hence_o follow_v the_o impossibility_n of_o salvation_n for_o any_o soul_n that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o law_n they_o can_v keep_v so_o as_o from_o the_o fulfil_n of_o that_o to_o expect_v salvation_n and_o whereas_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o what_o the_o law_n can_v not_o do_v because_o it_o be_v make_v weak_a through_o our_o flesh_n that_o god_n himself_o have_v do_v send_v his_o son_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n and_o condemn_a sin_n in_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o they_o have_v no_o part_n nor_o portion_n in_o this_o matter_n no_o state_n nor_o interest_n in_o christ_n but_o be_v without_o christ_n and_o consequent_o during_o their_o present_a state_n incapable_a of_o any_o lively_a hope_n but_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o have_v speak_v to_o this_o first_o difficulty_n and_o the_o inference_n by_o way_n of_o application_n to_o be_v make_v from_o it_o sermon_n xxxvi_o act_n xvii_o 30._o but_o now_o god_n command_v all_o man_n everywhere_o to_o repent_v i_o be_o endeavour_v to_o expound_v to_o you_o some_o of_o the_o hard_a chapter_n of_o divine_a providence_n these_o time_n justify_v that_o to_o be_v true_a of_o the_o book_n of_o providence_n which_o the_o apostle_n peter_n say_v of_o st._n paul_n epistle_n 2_o pet._n 3.16_o there_o be_v in_o it_o some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrest_v unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n it_o be_v true_o say_v of_o tertullian_n deus_fw-la omnium_fw-la conditor_fw-la nihil_fw-la non_fw-la ratione_fw-la providet_fw-la disposuit_fw-la &_o ordinavit_fw-la nihil_fw-la non_fw-la tractari_fw-la intelligique_a voluit_fw-la that_o god_n the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n have_v rational_o dispose_v and_o order_v all_o thing_n and_o will_v have_v we_o to_o understand_v all_o his_o work_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o all_o the_o lord_n way_n be_v equal_a and_o it_o be_v a_o noble_a employ_v to_o study_v the_o equality_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o they_o it_o may_v be_v sometime_o we_o shall_v wade_v beyond_o our_o stature_n and_o be_v force_v to_o cry_v out_o o_o the_o depth_n but_o i_o think_v that_o grave_a ancient_n say_v true_a that_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n do_v so_o exceed_v our_o capacity_n that_o in_o some_o particular_n they_o yet_o wonderful_o accommodate_v themselves_o to_o our_o intellectual_n and_o man_n may_v understand_v more_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o divine_a providence_n if_o they_o will_v bring_v to_o their_o observation_n not_o so_o much_o discutiendi_fw-la acumen_fw-la as_o discendi_fw-la pietatem_fw-la acuteness_n of_o wit_n to_o quarrel_n as_o a_o humble_a desire_n to_o learn_v of_o god_n and_o to_o understand_v his_o will_n we_o be_v prone_a for_o the_o direct_n of_o our_o conception_n of_o god_n to_o make_v to_o ourselves_o image_n grave_v with_o the_o tool_n of_o philosophy_n and_o humane_a reason_n and_o then_o to_o bow_v to_o they_o whereas_o can_v we_o be_v content_a to_o regulate_v our_o philosophy_n so_o far_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o god_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o not_o to_o think_v to_o crook_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o our_o philosophy_n many_o rough_a way_n will_v be_v make_v plain_a and_o matter_n of_o question_n quick_o render_v out_o of_o question_n i_o be_o speak_v to_o such_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o difficulty_n as_o arise_v to_o considerate_a soul_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o providence_n relate_v both_o to_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o that_o of_o grace_n i_o speak_v to_o one_o in_o my_o last_o exercise_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o a_o second_o which_o i_o shall_v state_n thus_o quest_n suppose_v the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n and_o grace_n make_v betwixt_o the_o eternal_a father_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n not_o to_o have_v be_v general_a for_o all_o man_n nor_o incertain_a for_o person_n that_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o so_o qualify_v and_o that_o the_o blood_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v intentional_o shed_v in_o proportion_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n how_o it_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o offer_v salvation_n to_o all_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n upon_o the_o gospel-term_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n or_o to_o what_o end_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v here_o be_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n here_o suppose_v which_o by_o a_o great_a many_o will_v not_o be_v grant_v 1._o we_o suppose_v here_o first_o a_o covenant_n make_v from_o eternity_n betwixt_o god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n relate_v to_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n this_o i_o know_v some_o will_v not_o understand_v but_o the_o scripture_n speak_v plain_o now_o to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v the_o promise_v make_v he_o say_v not_o to_o seed_n as_o many_o but_o as_o of_o one_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n which_o be_v christ_n gal._n 3.16_o isa_n 42.6_o and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o for_o a_o covenant_n to_o the_o people_n hence_o christ_n be_v call_v a_o surety_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n he_o be_v both_o the_o party_n covenant_v and_o the_o surety_n of_o the_o covenant_n god_n the_o father_n take_v the_o word_n of_o his_o son_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n both_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o himself_o upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v call_v a_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n and_o by_o we_o with_o respect_n to_o
ne_fw-la cede_fw-la malis_fw-la sed_fw-la contra_fw-la audentior_fw-la into_fw-mi these_o man_n may_v live_v at_o sea_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o trouble_n and_o never_o think_v of_o god_n and_o christ_n nor_o upon_o the_o power_n goodness_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n but_o upon_o a_o o_o socii_fw-la neque_fw-la enim_fw-la ignâ—ri_fw-la sumus_fw-la ante_fw-la malorum_fw-la o_fw-la passi_fw-la graviora_fw-la etc._n etc._n or_o some_o such_o thing_n but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o live_v upon_o faith_n if_o thy_o soul_n live_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n thy_o heart_n be_v alive_a in_o a_o evil_a time_n and_o the_o life_n and_o courage_n of_o it_o be_v maintain_v from_o god_n thy_o heart_n be_v maintain_v from_o the_o truth_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n 2._o this_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o quiet_a life_n it_o be_v a_o quiet_a life_n as_o to_o passion_n faith_n have_v a_o wonderful_a power_n to_o keep_v the_o mind_n in_o a_o calm_a serene_a temper_n it_o be_v the_o unbelieving_a soul_n that_o fret_v and_o sume_v and_o vex_v all_o turbulent_a passion_n upon_o god_n providence_n be_v the_o product_n of_o unbelief_n the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o believe_v make_v not_o haste_n faith_n dri_v up_o immoderate_a tear_n scatter_v the_o storm_n of_o fear_n make_v the_o soul_n to_o cease_v from_o anger_n and_o forsake_v wrath_n it_o quiet_v the_o tongue_n so_o as_o it_o do_v not_o charge_n god_n foolish_o it_o keep_v a_o man_n from_o all_o murmur_a and_o flying_n out_o against_o god_n from_o all_o indecent_a and_o extravagant_a fly_v out_o against_o man_n who_o be_v god_n instrument_n i_o hold_v my_o peace_n because_o i_o know_v it_o be_v thy_o do_v david_n believe_v that_o god_n have_v do_v what_o be_v do_v he_o dust_n not_o mutter_v or_o repine_v because_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v it_o and_o so_o as_o to_o action_n i_o mean_v irregular_a action_n take_v a_o unbeliever_n and_o let_v he_o be_v in_o any_o straight_a or_o distress_n he_o be_v unquiet_a and_o turbulent_a and_o make_v no_o conscience_n what_o mean_v he_o use_v to_o set_v himself_o at_o liberty_n but_o he_o that_o believe_v make_v not_o haste_n he_o who_o by_o faith_n eve_v the_o promise_n give_v credit_n to_o it_o and_o have_v commit_v himself_o to_o the_o power_n goodness_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o as_o he_o be_v not_o hasty_a with_o his_o spirit_n to_o murmur_v fret_v and_o vex_v because_o it_o be_v not_o present_o make_v good_a to_o he_o so_o he_o be_v not_o hasty_a with_o his_o tongue_n to_o charge_n god_n foolish_o nor_o in_o his_o action_n he_o dare_v not_o use_v any_o sinister_a or_o unlawful_a mean_n to_o quit_v himself_o of_o any_o difficulty_n in_o which_o he_o be_v entangle_v he_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v preserve_v uphold_v deliver_v he_o and_o in_o his_o own_o time_n find_v out_o some_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o restrain_v he_o from_o impatience_n or_o any_o thing_n which_o shall_v be_v a_o fruit_n and_o indication_n of_o it_o 3._o again_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o expectant_a life_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o faith_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v hence_o faith_n have_v always_o two_o daughter_n which_o be_v its_o genuine_a off_o spring_n 1._o hope_v which_o be_v the_o soul_n look_v up_o or_o look_v out_o for_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o faith_n give_v a_o evidence_n or_o assurance_n faith_n assure_v hope_n expect_v and_o this_o be_v so_o inseparable_a from_o faith_n that_o it_o be_v often_o in_o scripture_n put_v for_o faith_n and_o only_o differ_v in_o this_o that_o hope_n be_v a_o expectance_n upon_o faith_n evidence_n and_o the_o certainty_n which_o it_o give_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o thing_n promise_v in_o the_o word_n every_o hope_n indeed_o do_v not_o speak_v faith_n but_o every_o ground_a hope_n do_v there_o be_v a_o hope_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n which_o grow_v up_o like_o the_o rush_n without_o mire_n and_o the_o flag_n without_o water_n patience_n be_v another_o daughter_n of_o faith_n i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v to_o that_o more_o full_o hereafter_o faith_n assure_v the_o thing_n to_o the_o soul_n hope_n look_v out_o for_o it_o and_o expect_v it_o patience_n keep_v the_o soul_n still_o and_o wait_v for_o it_o if_o you_o ask_v i_o what_o the_o soul_n expect_v what_o it_o wait_v for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o of_o which_o faith_n have_v give_v the_o soul_n a_o evidence_n that_o be_v the_o promise_n the_o promise_n be_v of_o various_a nature_n for_o outward_a mercy_n such_o as_o protection_n deliverance_n etc._n etc._n spiritual_a mercy_n such_o as_o inward_a support_n strength_n consolation_n eternal_a happiness_n 4_o again_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o active_a life_n the_o operation_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o terminate_v in_o a_o mere_a speculation_n the_o activity_n of_o faith_n lie_v 1._o in_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o all_o natural_a and_o rational_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o which_o faith_n have_v give_v the_o soul_n a_o evidence_n and_o assurance_n as_o faith_n do_v quiet_a the_o soul_n and_o restrain_v it_o from_o the_o use_n of_o all_o unlawful_a mean_n so_o it_o do_v quicken_v and_o engage_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o lawful_a and_o proper_a mean_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v because_o faith_n can_v assure_v the_o soul_n of_o no_o mercy_n but_o in_o that_o manner_n and_o order_n and_o under_o those_o circumstance_n in_o and_o under_o which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o bestow_v it_o now_o god_n have_v promise_v mercy_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n so_o it_o quicken_v and_o engage_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n as_o a_o piece_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o our_o desire_a mercy_n 2._o it_o lie_v in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o spiritual_a mean_n and_o here_o prayer_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n prayer_n be_v the_o general_a spiritual_a mean_n to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o any_o mercy_n daniel_n chap._n 9_o understand_v by_o book_n that_o the_o time_n be_v come_v for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o 70_o year_n captivity_n and_o this_o faith_n of_o he_o as_o to_o what_o he_o read_v in_o the_o book_n quicken_v he_o up_o to_o pour_v out_o that_o fervent_a prayer_n unto_o god_n dan._n 9_o 5._o the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o cheerful_a and_o joyous_a life_n you_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o a_o joy_n and_o peace_n which_o attend_v believe_v rom._n 15._o believe_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v a_o great_a mean_n to_o make_v the_o soul_n to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o it_o now_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o joy_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o that_o evidence_n which_o faith_n do_v give_v the_o soul_n for_o joy_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o complacency_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o rather_o the_o expression_n of_o this_o complacency_n upon_o the_o soul_n union_n to_o its_o desire_a object_n now_o according_a to_o the_o nearness_n and_o fullness_n of_o this_o union_n so_o be_v the_o joy_n faith_n give_v the_o soul_n a_o great_a and_o unquestionable_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n do_v also_o give_v unto_o the_o soul_n a_o proportionable_a joy_n 6._o the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o crucify_a die_a life_n to_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o victory_n say_v the_o apostle_n by_o which_o we_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n faith_n look_v up_o to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o it_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v crucify_v to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v to_o his_o heart_n the_o proper_a operation_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o work_v against_o hope_n for_o indeed_o if_o once_o the_o mercy_n come_v in_o sight_n so_o as_o sense_n come_v in_o play_n faith_n cease_v as_o well_o as_o hope_v hence_o the_o operation_n and_o exercise_v of_o faith_n must_v needs_o crucify_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o the_o world_n to_o sense_n and_o to_o all_o sensible_a object_n faith_n make_v abraham_n overlook_v his_o own_o body_n which_o be_v now_o dead_a and_o sarahs_n dead_a womb_n it_o make_v he_o to_o overlook_v the_o knife_n and_o the_o altar_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o isaac_n natural_a life_n and_o only_o to_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a it_o make_v a_o christian_a overlook_v all_o seem_a difficulty_n in_o regard_n of_o sense_n and_o all_o contrariety_n whatsoever_o indeed_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o his_o way_n now_o by_o these_o thing_n you_o may_v try_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o live_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n under_o sad_a and_o dark_a providence_n yea_o or_o no._n by_o this_o time_n methinks_v
power_n so_o as_o if_o he_o will_v he_o may_v do_v it_o no_o man_n will_v deny_v but_o a_o man_n have_v a_o power_n to_o deal_v just_o to_o give_v alm_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o many_o other_o thing_n so_o as_o he_o be_v but_o a_o hypocrite_n that_o pretend_v want_v of_o strength_n to_o many_o external_a action_n which_o god_n have_v command_v he_o which_o be_v but_o act_n of_o moral_a discipline_n hence_o it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n to_o hear_v the_o patron_n of_o freewill_n urge_v this_o as_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n but_o alas_o though_o this_o be_v his_o duty_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o the_o least_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n our_o great_a duty_n to_o god_n lie_v as_o in_o external_a act_n of_o piety_n so_o in_o the_o internal_a government_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o our_o heart_n affection_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n it_o lie_v in_o external_a action_n such_o as_o pray_v hear_v the_o word_n etc._n etc._n but_o chief_o in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o inward_a man_n that_o we_o may_v perform_v all_o our_o action_n whether_o respect_v god_n or_o man_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o he_o have_v require_v now_o that_o which_o we_o call_v strengthen_v grace_n be_v that_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v enable_v to_o perform_v whatsoever_o god_n require_v of_o it_o both_o in_o do_v and_o suffer_v in_o such_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n as_o god_n require_v at_o our_o hand_n duty_n may_v be_v divide_v 1._o into_o such_o act_n which_o be_v in_o our_o own_o power_n as_o to_o the_o external_a act_n to_o perform_v without_o any_o spiritual_a gift_n or_o more_o special_a influence_n of_o grace_n thus_o a_o man_n may_v read_v the_o word_n he_o may_v hear_v sermon_n he_o may_v do_v act_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o common_a providence_n of_o god_n keep_v up_o in_o man_n his_o natural_a faculty_n for_o this_o now_o there_o need_v none_o of_o that_o special_a strengthen_v grace_n about_o which_o i_o be_o discourse_v second_o 2._o such_o as_o a_o man_n may_v perform_v by_o virtue_n of_o common_a gift_n and_o influence_n such_o as_o knowledge_n utterance_n etc._n etc._n which_o although_o god_n do_v not_o give_v unto_o all_o yet_o he_o do_v give_v unto_o many_o who_o never_o taste_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o distinguish_a grace_n thus_o man_n may_v pray_v prithee_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a some_o have_v more_o ability_n unto_o these_o act_n than_o other_o and_o some_o christian_n at_o some_o time_n may_v find_v more_o strength_n and_o ability_n than_o at_o other_o time_n but_o this_o depend_v not_o upon_o any_o influence_n of_o special_a strengthen_v grace_n but_o upon_o the_o different_a temper_n and_o complexion_n of_o person_n upon_o their_o different_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o gift_n and_o part_n and_o their_o strength_n as_o to_o these_o act_n rise_v and_o fall_v as_o their_o gift_n and_o part_n increase_v hold_v or_o decay_v 3._o but_o three_o there_o be_v duty_n that_o be_v more_o internal_a such_o as_o meditate_v of_o god_n delight_v believe_v in_o he_o breathe_v after_o he_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n in_o his_o service_n the_o right_a manner_n of_o perform_v all_o external_a act_n now_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o there_o need_v a_o special_a influence_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n beside_o all_o the_o advantage_n which_o any_o man_n can_v have_v from_o natural_a part_n or_o gift_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o every_o christian_a justifi_v that_o god_n use_v a_o great_a variety_n in_o his_o dispensing_n of_o it_o some_o christian_n find_v much_o more_o than_o other_o do_v other_o find_v much_o more_o at_o one_o time_n than_o at_o a_o other_o both_o for_o the_o perform_v the_o act_n of_o mortification_n and_o of_o vivification_n the_o practice_n of_o die_v to_o sin_n and_o live_v to_o righteousness_n and_o also_o for_o the_o bear_v any_o burden_n which_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n lay_v upon_o he_o and_o go_v through_o any_o suffering_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v out_o for_o he_o and_o these_o gradual_a withdrawing_n of_o these_o divine_a assistance_n be_v what_o we_o call_v divine_a desertion_n as_o to_o these_o manifestation_n of_o grace_n now_o my_o next_o business_n must_v be_v to_o show_v you_o the_o wisdom_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o the_o inequality_n of_o these_o dispensation_n which_o sometime_o prove_v matter_n of_o great_a trouble_n to_o god_n people_n 1._o for_o the_o difference_n of_o strength_n and_o ability_n to_o the_o more_o external_a act_n of_o our_o homage_n to_o god_n it_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o within_o my_o subject_n to_o be_v discourse_v i_o shall_v therefore_o speak_v but_o short_o to_o it_o something_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o speak_v because_o i_o fear_v too_o many_o christian_n mistake_v this_o for_o strengthen_v grace_n this_o difference_n arise_v 1._o from_o a_o difference_n or_o decay_v in_o knowledge_n and_o other_o part_n and_o common_a gift_n knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o practice_n and_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o christian_n weak_a in_o knowledge_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o express_v themselves_o so_o free_o in_o prayer_n or_o in_o spiritual_a conference_n or_o any_o other_o exercise_n which_o depend_v upon_o knowledge_n as_o the_o more_o know_v christian_n can_v 2._o second_o as_o difference_n as_o to_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v one_o cause_n so_o different_a frequency_n in_o practice_n be_v a_o other_o a_o man_n in_o practical_a thing_n be_v perfect_v by_o practice_n as_o he_o that_o never_o almost_o write_v will_v forget_v his_o hand_n and_o he_o that_o use_v not_o himself_o to_o read_v or_o speak_v latin_a or_o any_o other_o language_n will_v in_o a_o short_a time_n lose_v the_o very_a ability_n he_o once_o have_v to_o do_v it_o so_o it_o be_v but_o a_o reasonable_a thing_n for_o we_o to_o imagine_v that_o he_o who_o seldom_o or_o never_o pray_v shall_v lose_v his_o gift_n and_o ability_n to_o pray_v and_o he_o who_o seldom_o or_o never_o preach_v shall_v lose_v his_o gift_n and_o ability_n to_o preach_v we_o find_v by_o experience_n and_o may_v find_v it_o whenever_o we_o try_v it_o that_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o excellent_a ability_n to_o pray_v neglect_v that_o gift_n in_o a_o short_a time_n will_v lose_v his_o gift_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o continue_v ten_o line_n of_o sense_n without_o a_o book_n to_o this_o may_v be_v add_v that_o these_o performance_n do_v also_o depend_v upon_o other_o natural_a and_o common_a gift_n which_o if_o they_o fail_v through_o age_n or_o other_o infirmity_n it_o can_v without_o a_o miracle_n be_v expect_v but_o that_o this_o strength_n and_o ability_n shall_v abate_v also_o i_o know_v also_o that_o god_n may_v blast_v these_o gift_n and_o oft_o do_v for_o man_n sin_n their_o neglect_n of_o the_o use_n of_o they_o their_z not_o glorify_v of_o god_n with_o they_o but_o god_n usual_a way_n of_o do_v this_o be_v either_o by_o permit_v the_o decay_n of_o these_o gift_n upon_o which_o these_o exercise_n depend_v or_o leave_v the_o hypocrite_n to_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o senslesness_n and_o sottishness_n in_o life_n as_o quite_o take_v he_o off_o from_o any_o regard_n of_o these_o piece_n of_o homage_n unto_o god_n but_o thus_o much_o shall_v serve_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o these_o variety_n and_o decay_n of_o strength_n in_o the_o inward_a man_n 2._o for_o the_o other_o which_o be_v the_o influx_n of_o divine_a and_o special_a grace_n it_o be_v certain_o reasonable_a that_o god_n shall_v not_o dispense_v equal_a measure_n to_o all_o if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o all_o be_v not_o of_o a_o alike_o grow_v and_o stand_v in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ordinary_a in_o scripture_n than_o to_o compare_v the_o church_n to_o a_o fold_n of_o sheep_n to_o a_o family_n etc._n etc._n now_o there_o be_v no_o fold_n where_o all_o be_v be_v grow_v sheep_n alike_o scarce_o any_o family_n where_o be_v not_o some_o infant_n or_o young_a child_n christ_n must_v carry_v the_o lamb_n in_o his_o arm_n while_o he_o feed_v his_o flock_n like_o a_o shepherd_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o christian_n distinguish_v betwixt_o babe_n and_o grow_v person_n betwixt_o those_o that_o be_v perfect_a and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o perfect_a such_o as_o be_v spiritual_a and_o such_o as_o be_v carnal_a such_o as_o be_v fit_a for_o strong_a meat_n and_o such_o as_o have_v need_n of_o milk_n now_o although_o it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o influx_n of_o grace_n be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n ordinary_o work_v secundum_fw-la quod_fw-la nactus_fw-la
unlawful_a think_v to_o add_v to_o the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n this_o way_n abraham_n fail_v in_o this_o go_v in_o to_o hagar_n so_o do_v asa_n in_o the_o instance_n beforementioned_a though_o he_o act_v otherwise_o when_o the_o ethiopian_n and_o lubim_n be_v against_o he_o indeed_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o faith_n than_o this_o it_o speak_v a_o plain_a distrust_n in_o god_n nothing_o be_v more_o improper_a and_o needless_a suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o observation_n 4._o the_o last_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v prayer_n to_o god_n to_o supply_v by_o his_o arm_n what_o be_v want_v in_o humane_a mean_n to_o this_o asa_n and_o abijah_n &_o all_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o such_o distress_n have_v have_v recourse_n god_n will_v be_v find_v in_o a_o way_n of_o prayer_n sermon_n xviii_o psalm_n cvii_o 43._o whoso_o be_v wise_a and_o will_v observe_v these_o thing_n even_o they_o shall_v understand_v the_o lovingkindness_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o be_o point_v you_o to_o some_o observable_a thing_n in_o the_o motion_n of_o divine_a providence_n though_o the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o it_o be_v in_o many_o thing_n unsearchable_a and_o past_o find_v out_o three_o observation_n i_o have_v already_o make_v justify_v they_o by_o plenty_n of_o instance_n and_o endeavour_v to_o give_v you_o some_o reasonable_a account_n of_o they_o and_o suit_v some_o application_n to_o they_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o a_o four_o which_o you_o may_v take_v thus_o observe_v 4._o the_o providence_n of_o god_n as_o to_o its_o work_n relate_v to_o his_o church_n and_o people_n rare_o as_o to_o circumstance_n answer_v the_o expectation_n and_o confidence_n of_o the_o best_a of_o god_n people_n i_o will_v open_v it_o in_o two_o thing_n 1._o god_n never_o fail_v the_o ground_a expectation_n of_o his_o people_n as_o to_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v psa_fw-la 9.18_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o poor_a shall_v not_o perish_v their_o expectation_n be_v upon_o god_n and_o their_o soul_n wait_v for_o god_n psalm_n 62.5_o and_o their_o expectation_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o shall_v not_o fail_v they_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a it_o be_v make_v the_o portion_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n prov._n 11.7_o prov._n 10.18_o that_o his_o expectation_n shall_v perish_v but_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v gladness_n the_o wiseman_n say_v his_o expectation_n shall_v not_o be_v cut_v off_o prov._n 23.18_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a the_o expectation_n of_o good_a man_n be_v a_o expectation_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o before_o one_o tittle_n of_o god_n word_n be_v it_o of_o promise_n or_o precept_n shall_v fail_v many_o promise_n as_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o as_o to_o gospel-churche_n be_v fulfil_v some_o be_v yet_o to_o be_v fulfil_v antichrist_n be_v yet_o to_o be_v destroy_v the_o jew_n doubtless_o be_v to_o be_v call_v in_o a_o more_o plentiful_a manner_n than_o they_o have_v yet_o be_v there_o be_v many_o scripture_n that_o seem_v to_o assure_v a_o more_o unite_a peaceable_a glorious_a state_n of_o the_o church_n now_o these_o promise_n be_v matter_n of_o god_n people_n expectation_n and_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n promise_v the_o expectation_n of_o the_o poor_a people_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o perish_v for_o ever_o the_o thing_n shall_v certain_o be_v accomplish_v if_o their_o hope_n and_o expectation_n and_o confidence_n may_v fail_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n may_v fail_v but_o this_o can_v be_v 2._o but_o second_o as_o to_o circumstance_n you_o shall_v observe_v god_n rare_o answer_v the_o confidence_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n unless_o they_o be_v part_n of_o the_o promise_n by_o circumstance_n i_o understand_v whatsoever_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o the_o thing_n promise_v particular_o 1._o time_n when_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v 2._o place_n where_o a_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v 3._o particular_a person_n by_o who_o as_o instrument_n god_n will_v do_v his_o work_n 4._o particular_a mean_n or_o action_n by_o which_o the_o thing_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v these_o and_o such_o like_v i_o call_v circumstance_n as_o to_o which_o god_n providence_n often_o fail_v not_o only_o the_o earnest_a desire_n and_o expectation_n but_o the_o high_a persuasion_n and_o confidence_n of_o man_n yea_o even_o of_o such_o as_o fear_v he_o 1._o as_o to_o person_n who_o if_o he_o have_v not_o exact_o consider_v the_o promise_n subjoin_v to_o what_o god_n have_v say_v they_o shall_v four_o hundred_o year_n be_v servant_n to_o the_o egyptian_n and_o it_o be_v not_o like_o joseph_n shall_v indeed_o live_v so_o long_o but_o i_o say_v if_o he_o have_v not_o consider_v that_o but_o only_o receive_v a_o notion_n of_o the_o delivery_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n will_v not_o have_v think_v joseph_n shall_v have_v be_v the_o man_n who_o shall_v have_v give_v conduct_n to_o that_o motion_n who_o will_v have_v expect_v it_o from_o moses_n a_o poor_a hebrew_n child_n expose_v to_o the_o next_o tide_n in_o a_o thin_a ark_n of_o bulrush_n yet_o by_o moses_n providence_n do_v the_o work_n when_o moses_n have_v do_v that_o work_n and_o give_v they_o forty_o year_n conduct_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o be_v grow_v a_o experience_a commander_n who_o will_v not_o have_v think_v and_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v lead_v they_o over_o jordan_n and_o give_v they_o possession_n of_o the_o promise_a land_n but_o moses_n must_v die_v and_o his_o servant_n joshua_n must_v do_v it_o in_o the_o captivity_n of_o babylon_n the_o believe_a jew_n doubtless_o have_v great_a expectation_n of_o a_o deliverance_n according_a to_o the_o promise_v so_o often_o repeat_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o unquestionable_o they_o have_v their_o expectation_n upon_o this_o and_o that_o person_n probable_a to_o have_v do_v it_o but_o who_o can_v have_v dream_v that_o cyrus_n shall_v be_v the_o man_n the_o army_n of_o israel_n under_o saul_n may_v reasonable_o have_v expect_v that_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o great_a soldier_n which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n doubtless_o in_o the_o army_n of_o the_o israelite_n shall_v have_v encounter_v goliath_n who_o can_v have_v think_v of_o a_o shepherd_n come_v and_o do_v of_o it_o with_o a_o sling_n and_o a_o stone_n there_o be_v a_o promise_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o bring_n down_o of_o antichrist_n the_o ruin_n of_o babylon_n how_o often_o have_v man_n expectation_n be_v upon_o this_o or_o that_o or_o the_o other_o prince_n to_o have_v do_v it_o and_o to_o what_o strange_a confidence_n have_v some_o even_o good_a people_n grow_v that_o this_o or_o that_o person_n shall_v be_v the_o man_n shall_v pull_v antichrist_n out_o of_o his_o seat_n we_o see_v hither_o to_o god_n have_v fail_v all_o their_o expectation_n the_o person_n appear_v not_o that_o shall_v do_v that_o great_a work_n and_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v it_o be_v likely_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v one_o never_o talk_v of_o never_o think_v of_o second_o as_o to_o time_n we_o have_v a_o strange_a curiosity_n to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o season_n which_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o know_v but_o be_v reserve_v only_o to_o god_n tell_v we_o say_v the_o disciple_n when_o shall_v these_o thing_n be_v and_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o sign_n of_o thy_o come_n and_o of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 24.3_o act_n 1.6_o will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n there_o be_v three_o great_a promise_n or_o four_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o fulfil_n of_o which_o we_o yet_o expect_v 1._o that_o for_o the_o destruction_n of_o antichrist_n 1_o thess_n 2.7_o 8._o 2._o for_o the_o full_a conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n rom._n 11.26_o to_o speak_v nothing_o of_o many_o other_o text_n which_o look_v that_o way_n 3._o christ_n second_o come_v of_o which_o you_o know_v the_o scripture_n speak_v plentiful_o 4._o a_o more_o calm_a and_o flourish_v and_o peaceable_a state_n of_o the_o church_n which_o many_o scripture_n also_o seem_v to_o look_v towards_o whether_o for_o a_o thousand_o year_n precise_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o christ_n come_n personal_o or_o no_o have_v you_o know_v be_v much_o dispute_v but_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o most_o inquisitive_a divine_n into_o the_o will_n of_o god_n do_v think_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o more_o peaceable_a and_o calm_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o observe_v the_o curiosity_n of_o many_o in_o search_v out_o the_o precise_a time_n when_o these_o thing_n or_o some_o of_o they_o shall_v begin_v or_o be_v some_o have_v fix_v this_o
year_n some_o another_o how_o many_o agree_v in_o the_o year_n 1666_o be_v know_v to_o those_o any_o thing_n acquaint_v with_o book_n we_o see_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v hitherto_o fail_v all_o man_n conjecture_n and_o still_o it_o hold_v that_o of_o these_o day_n and_o hour_n know_v no_o man_n the_o best_a prophet_n have_v prove_v but_o vain_a guesser_n i_o may_v give_v you_o alike_a instance_n as_o to_o place_n and_o mean_n but_o you_o will_v general_o observe_v it_o that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n rare_o as_o to_o circumstance_n suit_v any_o of_o our_o fancy_n and_o the_o same_o thing_n we_o shall_v observe_v as_o to_o particular_a case_n of_o christian_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o if_o ever_o by_o such_o a_o instrument_n at_o such_o a_o time_n or_o by_o such_o a_o mean_n they_o must_v or_o shall_v obtain_v their_o desire_a mercy_n they_o obtain_v it_o probable_o but_o by_o quite_o other_o mean_n and_o at_o other_o time_n and_o by_o other_o instrument_n than_o they_o fancy_v and_o such_o perhaps_o as_o they_o never_o think_v of_o the_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o evidence_v from_o a_o daily_a experience_n let_v we_o a_o little_a inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o have_v god_n a_o pleasure_n in_o frustrate_v the_o expectation_n of_o his_o people_n or_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o world_n censure_n as_o person_n pretend_v to_o more_o acquaintance_n than_o they_o indeed_o have_v with_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n sure_o not_o but_o god_n by_o this_o method_n of_o his_o proudience_n do_v two_o thing_n 1._o he_o punish_v the_o rashness_n and_o vanity_n of_o his_o people_n spirit_n 2._o he_o more_o consult_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o name_n 1._o he_o by_o this_o mean_n chastise_v the_o vanity_n and_o rashness_n of_o his_o people_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o vanity_n in_o people_n spirit_n in_o this_o particular_a let_v i_o show_v you_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o in_o some_o few_o particular_n 1._o there_o be_v in_o it_o a_o unwarrantable_a curiosity_n job_n tell_v we_o chap._n 11.12_o that_o vain_a man_n will_v be_v wise_a though_o he_o be_v like_o a_o wild_a ass_n colt_n we_o have_v a_o great_a itch_n after_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v hide_v from_o we_o now_o this_o be_v a_o great_a error_n and_o you_o shall_v observe_v it_o continual_o check_v by_o our_o saviour_n when_o any_o thing_n of_o it_o discover_v itself_o even_o in_o his_o best_a disciple_n when_o they_o say_v to_o he_o will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n he_o say_v unto_o they_o it_o be_v not_o for_o you_o to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o season_n act_n 1.6_o 7._o when_o peter_n say_v to_o he_o john_n 21.21_o 22_o lord_n what_o shall_v this_o man_n do_v mark_v our_o saviour_n answer_n if_o i_o will_v that_o he_o tarry_v till_o i_o come_v what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o follow_v thou_o i_o when_o the_o disciple_n ask_v he_o matth._n 24.3_o tell_v we_o when_o shall_v these_o thing_n be_v and_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o sign_n of_o thy_o come_n and_o of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o take_v heed_n that_o no_o man_n deceive_v you_o god_n of_o old_a have_v a_o ark_n into_o which_o none_o may_v look_v there_o be_v secret_n of_o his_o will_n which_o be_v as_o yet_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n we_o will_v fain_o be_v look_v into_o this_o ark_n there_o be_v our_o vanity_n god_n chasten_v we_o in_o it_o with_o disappointment_n that_o we_o may_v learn_v not_o to_o pry_v into_o god_n secret_n thing_n which_o we_o can_v see_v because_o god_n have_v hide_v they_o the_o thing_n be_v sure_a the_o vision_n be_v certain_a and_o there_o be_v a_o appoint_a time_n but_o that_o appoint_a time_n be_v not_o publish_v 2._o there_o be_v as_o to_o these_o thing_n a_o ungrounded_a confidence_n which_o god_n also_o chastise_v by_o these_o disappointment_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o worthy_a of_o a_o christian_a than_o a_o believe_a god_n upon_o his_o word_n and_o a_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o idle_a nothing_o more_o unworthy_a of_o he_o than_o to_o be_v confident_a where_o he_o have_v no_o word_n to_o set_v his_o foot_n upon_o now_o such_o a_o confidence_n as_o this_o be_v the_o confidence_n of_o people_n as_o to_o circumstance_n it_o be_v true_a as_o to_o the_o jew_n deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o out_o of_o babylon_n the_o promise_n do_v not_o only_o extend_v to_o the_o thing_n but_o to_o the_o time_n the_o four_o hundred_o year_n for_o the_o first_o be_v name_v and_o the_o 70_o year_n for_o the_o latter_a yea_o and_o the_o particular_a person_n cyrus_n by_o who_o god_n will_v deliver_v they_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o as_o to_o the_o promise_n which_o we_o live_v in_o expectation_n of_o the_o fulfil_n of_o as_o to_o the_o church_n god_n have_v nowhere_o reveal_v the_o year_n for_o the_o ruin_n of_o antichrist_n nor_o for_o the_o call_n of_o the_o jew_n nor_o when_o the_o halcion-day_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v begin_v or_o when_o christ_n shall_v come_v to_o the_o last_o judgement_n if_o people_n will_v expect_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n shall_v begin_v or_o be_v at_o such_o a_o time_n in_o such_o a_o year_n by_o such_o person_n their_o confidence_n be_v without_o ground_n or_o bottom_n their_o pretend_a faith_n but_o a_o rude_a and_o bold_a presumption_n a_o rush_n grow_v up_o without_o any_o mire_n and_o a_o flag_n grow_v up_o without_o water_n and_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o god_n shall_v chastise_v these_o vain_a confidence_n 3._o there_o be_v in_o these_o thing_n a_o sinful_a limitation_n of_o god_n it_o be_v lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o israelite_n that_o they_o limit_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n psal_n 78.41_o when_o man_n tie_v up_o god_n to_o their_o circumstance_n in_o the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o promise_n or_o his_o threaten_n they_o limit_v god_n now_o this_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n god_n be_v a_o free_a and_o a_o powerful_a agent_n he_o work_v by_o mean_n or_o without_o mean_n sometime_o by_o mean_n that_o seem_v probable_a sometime_o by_o such_o as_o have_v no_o appearance_n of_o probability_n to_o produce_v the_o effect_n he_o can_v work_v how_o and_o when_o and_o by_o who_o he_o please_v he_o that_o fix_v god_n to_o his_o circumstance_n secret_o say_v it_o must_v be_v thus_o or_o no_o way_n by_o this_o mean_n and_o by_o no_o other_o now_o or_o never_o what_o ground_n else_o be_v there_o for_o the_o expectation_n or_o confidence_n if_o god_n have_v no_o where_o reveal_v his_o will_n as_o to_o particular_a circumstance_n only_o as_o to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o general_n god_n will_v have_v we_o know_v we_o be_v not_o to_o limit_v he_o 4._o such_o expectation_n and_o confidence_n be_v usual_o but_o introduction_n to_o a_o great_a unbelief_n god_n have_v promise_v the_o thing_n in_o the_o plain_a letter_n of_o scripture_n the_o vision_n be_v sure_a vain_a man_n will_v be_v wise_a and_o search_v out_o when_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v and_o where_o accomplish_v and_o by_o what_o instrument_n and_o mean_n at_o length_n he_o fix_v his_o eye_n upon_o some_o instrument_n at_o work_n in_o the_o world_n or_o some_o mean_n which_o he_o fanci_v probable_a to_o bring_v these_o word_n into_o a_o be_v upon_o these_o he_o raise_v up_o to_o himself_o high_a expectation_n and_o grow_v very_o confident_a that_o in_o such_o a_o year_n the_o thing_n will_v be_v and_o such_o a_o person_n shall_v be_v god_n instrument_n and_o by_o such_o mean_v he_o will_v effect_v it_o it_o prove_v no_o such_o thing_n what_o a_o temptation_n this_o often_o prove_v to_o man_n to_o believe_v nothing_o of_o the_o thing_n but_o because_o they_o have_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o expectation_n and_o confidence_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o think_v also_o that_o god_n have_v deceive_v they_o and_o there_o shall_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o be_v as_o he_o have_v promise_v 5._o and_o last_o these_o expectation_n and_o confidence_n prove_v oftentimes_o very_o great_a temptation_n to_o the_o use_n of_o unlawful_a mean_n in_o order_n to_o the_o bring_v about_o of_o what_o we_o will_v have_v and_o know_v god_n will_v bring_v to_o pass_v and_o do_v but_o fancy_v that_o he_o will_v do_v it_o at_o such_o or_o such_o a_o time_n or_o by_o such_o and_o such_o instrument_n the_o story_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n in_o germany_n be_v a_o dreadful_a story_n to_o this_o purpose_n there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o evil_n in_o these_o vain_a confidence_n and_o expectation_n and_o consequent_a to_o they_o which_o god_n sometime_o punish_v in_o a_o more_o smart_n and_o