for_o it_o four_o faith_n â—â—seth_v with_o christ_n as_o the_o efficient_a and_o workâ—_n of_o all_o our_o mercy_n all_o our_o enjoyment_n thâ—â—_n be_v far_o from_o he_o as_o the_o efficient_a cause_n that_o he_o be_v the_o worker_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v his_o precious_a finger_n that_o must_v accomplish_v that_o bless_a work_n of_o grace_n and_o they_o be_v from_o christ_n as_o the_o dispenser_n of_o these_o thing_n christ_n be_v the_o great_a steward_n of_o heaven_n that_o do_v communicate_v unto_o believer_n all_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o high_a house_n for_o he_o have_v god_n the_o father_n seal_v o_o but_o that_o word_n that_o christ_n once_o speak_v be_v much_o verify_v by_o himself_o it_o be_v more_o bless_a to_o give_v then_o to_o â—eciâ—ve_v christ_n be_v that_o fountain_n and_o treasure_n 〈◊〉_d who_o all_o our_o gift_n and_o grace_n be_v treasure_v â—p_n for_o before_o the_o blessing_n come_v to_o believer_n â—hey_v come_v to_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n according_a â—o_o that_o word_n 2_o tim._n 1_o 9_o which_o grace_n be_v â—iven_v to_o we_o in_o he_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o â—orld_n be_v lay_v it_o be_v give_v to_o christ_n beâ—â—e_v the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o for_o that_o end_n â—â—at_v it_o may_v be_v communicate_v unto_o all_o his_o member_n and_o so_o out_o of_o his_o fullness_n we_o all_o â—eive_v and_o grace_n for_o grace_n but_o second_o the_o text_n hold_v forth_o â—ore_o particular_o this_o excellent_a object_n of_o â—â—th_n to_o be_v the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n that_o you_o â—â—ieve_v in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n and_o here_o â—â—eed_o we_o may_v be_v at_o a_o stand_n it_o be_v long_a â—â—ce_n agur_n do_v non_fw-la plus_fw-la all_o the_o world_n â—â—th_v that_o question_n what_o be_v his_o name_n and_o â—â—at_n be_v his_o son_n name_v if_o thou_o can_v tell_v â—â—ow_o little_a a_o thing_n can_v be_v know_v of_o he_o use_v o_o how_o brutish_a be_v this_o generation_n that_o â—â—w_o so_o much_o less_o than_o may_v be_v know_v he_o in_o such_o a_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o â—t_a we_o may_v speak_v a_o little_a according_a to_o our_o â—â—k_a measure_n of_o faith_n as_o close_v with_o the_o â—â—e_z of_o christ._n his_o name_n be_v his_o glorious_a â—â—â—uâ—es_n by_o which_o he_o reveal_v so_o much_o of_o himself_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o poor_a mortal_n can_v take_v up_o we_o do_v show_v you_o before_o that_o there_o be_v three_o of_o these_o that_o be_v the_o main_a pillar_n of_o justify_v faith_n faithfulness_n omnipotency_n and_o his_o infinite_a love_n and_o mercy_n and_o how_o from_o these_o may_v be_v answer_v all_o the_o objection_n of_o sense_n of_o carnal_a reason_n and_o of_o misbelief_n arise_v from_o conviction_n of_o unworthiness_n and_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o faith_n in_o all_o its_o conflict_n make_v much_o use_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n and_o there_o be_v not_o a_o objection_n that_o a_o poor_a tempt_v soul_n can_v make_v but_o faith_n can_v frame_v a_o answer_n to_o it_o out_o of_o some_o of_o these_o excellent_a nameâ—_n of_o god_n or_o of_o his_o son_n christ._n it_o will_v be_v a_o more_o longsome_a work_n than_o i_o intend_v to_o let_v you_o see_v this_o in_o all_o but_o i_o shall_v only_o instance_n in_o that_o one_o glorious_a name_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o proclaim_v his_o glory_n exod._n 34._o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long_o suffer_v and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truthâ—_n keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o that_o will_v by_o no_o meanâ—_n clear_v the_o guilty_a etc._n etc._n i_o think_v there_o be_v seveâ—_n ordinary_a objection_n which_o may_v be_v answereâ—_n from_o that_o place_n first_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a objection_n which_o misbeliever_n do_v make_v thâ—â—_n they_o be_v under_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o corruption_n that_o they_o be_v black_a as_o the_o tent_n of_o kedaâ—_n and_o not_o beautiful_a aâ—_n the_o curtain_n of_o solomon_n and_o do_v not_o the_o first_o letter_n of_o that_o namâ—_n answer_v this_o that_o he_o be_v a_o merciful_a lord_n thâ—_n one_o import_v his_o ability_n to_o save_v and_o 〈◊〉_d bring_v down_o every_o high_a imagination_n thâ—_n other_o import_v his_o infinite_a delight_n to_o hâ—â—_n those_o who_o have_v no_o strength_n and_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o adversary_n the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v of_o no_o large_a extent_n than_o his_o love_n there_o be_v that_o second_o objection_n of_o misbelief_n that_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o commend_v we_o to_o christ_n but_o all_o that_o we_o have_v to_o boast_v of_o be_v infirmity_n and_o imperfection_n and_o this_o be_v abundant_o answer_v from_o that_o second_o letter_n of_o his_o name_n that_o he_o be_v gracious_a which_o import_v the_o freedom_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o love_n that_o he_o walk_v nor_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 golden_a and_o excellent_a rule_n of_o love_n it_o be_v a_o great_a dispute_n whether_o mercy_n or_o grace_n be_v the_o great_a wonder_n whether_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o freedom_n of_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mystery_n sure_o both_o these_o put_v together_o make_v up_o a_o matchless_a wonder_n three_o misbelief_n will_v object_v that_o we_o have_v forsake_v he_o day_n without_o number_n and_o that_o we_o can_v trace_v back_o our_o apostasy_n unto_o the_o first_o day_n of_o its_o rise_n and_o be_v not_o that_o abundant_o answer_v from_o that_o letter_n of_o his_o name_n that_o he_o be_v long_o suffer_v this_o be_v that_o glorious_a attribute_n in_o god_n the_o glory_n of_o which_o he_o desire_v to_o magnify_v above_o all_o his_o name_n four_o misbelief_n do_v ordinary_o propose_v this_o objection_n that_o we_o have_v multiply_v our_o transgression_n and_o have_v commit_v whoredom_n under_o every_o green_a tree_n and_o have_v give_v gift_n to_o our_o lover_n even_o hire_v our_o idol_n so_o that_o we_o may_v take_v up_o that_o lamentation_n be_v not_o our_o sin_n great_a and_o our_o transgression_n infinite_a and_o be_v not_o that_o also_o answer_v from_o that_o letter_n of_o his_o name_n that_o he_o be_v abundant_a in_o goodness_n that_o though_o sin_n abound_v in_o we_o yet_o grace_n do_v much_o more_o superabound_a in_o he_o we_o confess_v indeed_o that_o there_o be_v some_o that_o may_v walk_v under_o that_o condition_n that_o if_o they_o have_v no_o other_o exercise_n throughout_o eternity_n but_o to_o make_v confession_n they_o may_v confess_v and_o never_o make_v any_o needless_a repetition_n and_o true_o in_o some_o respect_n it_o be_v a_o mercy_n that_o we_o be_v mystery_n unto_o ourselves_o for_o if_o we_o do_v know_v complete_o the_o seven_o abomination_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o those_o mysterious_a act_n of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n we_o will_v be_v in_o hazard_n to_o choice_n strangle_v and_o death_n rather_o than_o life_n yet_o may_v not_o one_o glimpse_n of_o that_o abundant_a goodness_n satisfy_v we_o and_o calm_v the_o storm_n five_o say_v misbelief_n we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v break_v our_o vow_n and_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v take_v on_o have_v be_v but_o as_o flax_n before_o the_o fire_n of_o tentation_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o hope_n that_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o these_o that_o have_v break_v wedlock_n and_o have_v not_o be_v steadfast_a in_o his_o covenant_n but_o be_v not_o that_o abundant_o answer_v from_o that_o letter_n of_o his_o name_n that_o he_o be_v abundant_a in_o truth_n which_o speak_v that_o though_o we_o deny_v ourselves_o yet_o he_o abide_v faithful_a and_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o word_n that_o have_v go_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n it_o be_v the_o infinite_a blessedness_n of_o man_n that_o though_o he_o be_v changeable_a yet_o they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o one_o that_o be_v a_o unchangeable_a be_v sixthly_a there_o be_v that_o objection_n that_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v matter_n of_o encouragement_n to_o some_o yet_o they_o know_v not_o whether_o or_o not_o the_o lot_n of_o everlasting_a love_n have_v fall_v upon_o they_o and_o whether_o their_o name_n be_v in_o the_o ancient_a record_n of_o heaven_n but_o this_o be_v answer_v from_o that_o letter_n of_o his_o name_n he_o keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o which_o show_v we_o that_o great_a number_n of_o those_o upon_o who_o the_o lot_n of_o everlasting_a love_n shall_v fall_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o sentence_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n â—his_n may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a matter_n of_o a_o song_n and_o may_v make_v we_o cry_v out_o who_o be_v like_o unâ—o_v he_o who_o compassion_n have_v no_o end_n and_o who_o desire_v to_o
some_o hour_n upon_o it_o according_a aâ—_n other_o necessary_a employment_n will_v permit_v and_o now_o have_v seek_v out_o all_o the_o note_n of_o these_o sermon_n which_o we_o can_v find_v from_o other_o hand_n and_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o copy_n abovemention_v we_o do_v again_o present_v they_o unto_o the_o lord_n people_n not_o with_o any_o confidence_n that_o our_o pain_n have_v put_v any_o new_a lustre_n upon_o they_o only_o we_o have_v some_o hope_n that_o the_o whole_a subject_n be_v now_o before_o they_o and_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o way_n of_o expression_n help_v which_o either_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o unpleasant_a or_o liable_a to_o mistake_n they_o shall_v not_o nâ—w_o be_v less_o edify_v nor_o less_o acceptable_a than_o former_o they_o be_v we_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o make_v any_o considerable_a alteration_n â—â—â—o_v the_o method_n or_o other_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n lose_v â—aply_o by_o strain_v his_o excellent_a purpose_n too_o much_o to_o shape_v they_o to_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n or_o to_o reduce_v they_o to_o that_o order_n which_o may_v best_o have_v please_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v have_v wrong_v the_o matter_n itself_o at_o least_o have_v put_v these_o to_o a_o loss_n who_o do_v hear_v he_o preach_v and_o it_o may_v be_v â—ow_o upon_o their_o read_a thing_n in_o that_o same_o order_n as_o they_o hear_v they_o will_v be_v the_o more_o ready_o bring_v under_o the_o impression_n of_o that_o liveliness_n power_n and_o weight_n which_o it_o may_v be_v former_o they_o feel_v upon_o their_o heart_n when_o he_o be_v speak_v if_o the_o method_n do_v not_o altogether_o satisfy_v some_o spirit_n or_o the_o explication_n seem_v not_o so_o fult_n or_o â—f_o they_o find_v some_o introduction_n which_o possible_o â—ead_a not_o in_o so_o close_o or_o seem_v not_o so_o sib_a to_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o sermon_n or_o haply_o now_o and_o then_o there_o be_v some_o little_a digression_n from_o the_o main_a purpose_n we_o shall_v desire_v that_o this_o may_v not_o at_o all_o be_v construct_v to_o be_v the_o author_n ignorance_n of_o rule_n and_o method_n or_o his_o want_n of_o ability_n in_o humane_a learning_n it_o be_v know_v to_o these_o who_o be_v best_a acquaint_v with_o he_o that_o he_o have_v indeed_o a_o scholastic_a spirit_n and_o be_v in_o read_v far_o beyond_o his_o age_n and_o opportunity_n for_o study_v but_o as_o to_o all_o these_o we_o shall_v entreat_v you_o rather_o to_o consider_v 1._o his_o age_n and_o that_o his_o gift_n be_v but_o in_o the_o very_o mould_v and_o break_v as_o we_o speak_v in_o the_o point_n of_o order_n and_o method_n when_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o call_v he_o home_o from_o his_o work_n 2._o that_o every_o man_n have_v his_o proper_a gift_n of_o god_n whâ—_n in_o his_o great_a wisdom_n and_o certain_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n do_v so_o order_n that_o there_o be_v somewhat_o singular_a and_o peculiar_a almost_o in_o every_o man_n way_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n 3._o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v he_o have_v never_o that_o high_a esteem_n of_o this_o or_o any_o other_o of_o his_o labour_n as_o to_o design_n anâ—_n of_o they_o for_o public_a view_n and_o these_o be_v buâ—_n note_n take_v from_o his_o mouth_n 4._o we_o be_v persuade_v he_o study_v more_o his_o hearer_n than_o himself_o you_o will_v easy_o perceive_v when_o you_o have_v buâ—_n read_v a_o little_a that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o verâ—_n zealous_a temper_n that_o the_o great_a pencil_n of_o hiâ—_n spirit_n and_o that_o which_o he_o do_v whole_o spend_v himself_o about_o be_v to_o make_v people_n know_v their_o dangerous_a condition_n by_o nature_n and_o by_o all_o mean_v tâ—_n persuade_v they_o to_o believe_v and_o lie_v hold_v upoâ—_n the_o great_a salvation_n and_o true_o that_o a_o maâ—_n in_o such_o a_o frame_n shall_v less_o attend_v to_o these_o less_o thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o and_o indeed_o though_o these_o thing_n be_v good_a in_o themselves_o and_o worthy_a to_o be_v look_v to_o in_o their_o own_o place_n yet_o for_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o all_o auditory_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o pin_v up_o every_o purpose_n to_o such_o a_o method_n and_o insist_v into_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o explication_n and_o criticism_n upon_o word_n it_o be_v but_o to_o â—etter_n himself_o and_o to_o starve_v his_o people_n 5._o consider_v the_o dulness_n of_o the_o most_o part_n of_o hearer_n in_o this_o age_n and_o how_o hard_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o awake_v a_o sleep_a world_n and_o to_o get_v they_o but_o to_o think_v that_o it_o do_v concern_v they_o to_o hear_v in_o earnest_n and_o possible_o it_o be_v not_o a_o small_a piece_n of_o spiritual_a wisdom_n in_o he_o and_o it_o may_v be_v not_o unfit_a to_o be_v imitate_v by_o other_o to_o begin_v or_o end_v all_o his_o sermon_n with_o a_o awaken_n word_n concern_v heaven_n or_o hell_n or_o judgement_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o choise_v the_o evil_a and_o refuse_v the_o good_a 6._o for_o digression_n the_o truth_n be_v that_o his_o soul_n be_v so_o fill_v with_o such_o long_n after_o heaven_n and_o glory_n and_o so_o inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n especial_o towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o his_o race_n that_o when_o he_o fall_v upon_o these_o subject_n upon_o which_o you_o will_v see_v most_o of_o these_o digression_n be_v he_o can_v not_o well_o contain_v himself_o nor_o easy_o bring_v off_o his_o own_o spirit_n a_o thing_n not_o unusual_a to_o the_o saint_n in_o scripture_n and_o howbeit_o such_o thing_n may_v seem_v somewhat_o singular_a in_o the_o time_n and_o not_o so_o coherent_a yet_o now_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o apprehend_v that_o they_o be_v often_o strong_a influence_n of_o the_o lord_n spirit_n stir_v up_o a_o lamp_n as_o it_o be_v into_o a_o sudden_a blaze_n that_o be_v not_o to_o burn_v long_o in_o his_o church_n but_o now_o we_o shall_v detain_v you_o no_o long_o only_o this_o we_o may_v assure_v you_o of_o that_o although_o these_o sermon_n be_v neither_o so_o exact_a nor_o so_o full_a as_o doubtless_o they_o will_v have_v be_v if_o they_o have_v come_v from_o the_o author_n own_o pen_n yet_o as_o we_o dare_v say_v they_o be_v study_v with_o prayer_n preach_v with_o power_n and_o back_v with_o success_n so_o also_o if_o you_o shall_v read_v they_o with_o consideration_n meditate_v with_o prayer_n and_o practise_v with_o diligence_n you_o shall_v neither_o find_v your_o time_n nor_o pain_n ill_o bestow_v but_o shall_v have_v cause_n to_o bless_v the_o lord_n for_o this_o among_o other_o help_n that_o he_o have_v give_v for_o make_v you_o meet_v for_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n that_o it_o may_v be_v blessed_v to_o this_o end_n be_v the_o earnest_a desire_n and_o prayer_n of_o your_o servant_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n ro._n trail_n jo._n stirling_n the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n open_v up_o sermon_n i._n 1_o joh._n 3._o 23._o this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o you_o shall_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n this_o everlasting_a gospel_n in_o which_o there_o be_v draw_v so_o many_o precious_a draught_n and_o divine_a lineament_n of_o the_o transcendent_a beauty_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o unsearchable_a grace_n be_v a_o most_o precious_a and_o excellent_a thing_n not_o only_o because_o it_o do_v contain_v most_o absolute_a and_o sublime_a precept_n and_o command_n in_o the_o exercise_n and_o obedience_n of_o which_o we_o do_v not_o only_o attain_v unto_o the_o high_a pitch_n in_o holiness_n but_o likewise_o because_o it_o contain_v most_o rich_a and_o precious_a promise_n in_o the_o possession_n and_o fruition_n of_o which_o we_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o high_a pinnacle_n of_o eternal_a blessedness_n this_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n for_o what_o do_v more_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o stamp_n it_o with_o the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n than_o this_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o what_o rich_a promise_n be_v annex_v to_o any_o duty_n then_o to_o this_o duty_n of_o believe_v to_o wit_n everlasting_a life_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v dwell_v forty_o day_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o mount_n sinai_n and_o have_v be_v under_o the_o great_a discover_v and_o condemn_v power_n of_o the_o law_n we_o may_v yet_o come_v with_o boldness_n to_o mount_v zion_n and_o there_o embrace_v jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n for_o righteousness_n to_o such_o as_o believe_v upon_o which_o mount_n he_o stand_v hold_v forth_o the_o golden_a sceptre_n of_o his_o peace_n desire_v we_o to_o embrace_v he_o and_o be_v cry_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 righteousness_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 unbeleif_n we_o will_v strain_v at_o a_o gâ—at_n but_o many_o will_v easy_o swallow_v down_o this_o camel_n we_o will_v this_fw-mi mint_n and_o anise_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 weighty_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 joh._n 16._o 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 and_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v more_o sinfulness_n in_o that_o sin_n than_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._o 11._o lest_o any_o of_o you_o fall_v after_o the_o same_o example_n of_o unbelief_n or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v be_v render_v lest_o any_o of_o you_o fall_v after_o that_o example_n of_o disobedience_n eph._n 2_o 2._o 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 these_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._o 8._o and_o 4._o that_o unbelief_n do_v contradict_v and_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 joh._n 5._o 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 and_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 it_o 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._o 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 â—t_a 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 and_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 and_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 iâ—_n 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 hiâ—_n word_n suppose_v ever_o the_o change_n of_o his_o dispensation_n to_o speak_v forth_o the_o change_n of_o ouâ—_n state_n this_o be_v misbelief_n divinity_n that_o wheâ—_n sense_n can_v read_v love_n in_o his_o face_n but_o he_o appear_v to_o frown_v and_o to_o cast_v a_o cloud_n oveâ—_n it_o than_o it_o be_v presumption_n say_v sense_n tâ—_n read_v love_n in_o his_o heart_n or_o in_o his_o word_n buâ—_n know_v it_o be_v a_o self_n deny_v practice_n of_o believe_v job_n to_o cry_v out_o though_o he_o shoulâ—_n 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 other_o wise_a you_o will_v stumble_v at_o the_o noon-ride_a of_o thâ—_n day_n and_o shall_v halt_v in_o your_o way_n know_v that_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 oftentimes_o write_v in_o dark_a and_o â—im_a character_n of_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 â—ntertainment_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 â—lear_a from_o 1_o tim._n 1._o 19_o where_o that_o precious_a â—ewel_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 pure_a conscience_n that_o be_v that_o â—oyal_a palace_n wherein_o it_o must_v dwell_v and_o â—o_o doubt_v if_o once_o we_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o a_o â—ood_a conscience_n we_o will_v err_v concern_v our_o â—aith_n a_o bosom_n idol_n when_o it_o be_v entertain_v â—oth_v exceed_o mar_v the_o vigorous_a exercise_n â—f_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 than_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 â—â—_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 clear_o conclude_v 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 â—ntertained_v make_v use_v to_o lose_v much_o of_o our_o â—igh_a esteem_n and_o reputation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o
the_o harlot_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o grace_n when_o 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o do_v provoke_v god_n to_o blast_v the_o lively_a exercise_n thereof_o and_o to_o make_v a_o christian_a oftentimes_o have_v thâ—â—_n complaint_n woe_n to_o i_o my_o leanness_n my_o leanness_n testify_v to_o my_o face_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o thrâ—â—_n great_a mystery_n of_o christianity_n about_o grace_n the_o first_o be_v to_o ride_v march_n between_o theâ—â—_n two_o not_o to_o deny_v what_o they_o have_v anâ—_n yet_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o what_o they_o have_v maâ—â—_n time_n there_o be_v grace-denying_a and_o not_o selâ—_n deny_v but_o this_o be_v that_o we_o will_v presâ—â—_n upon_o you_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o grace_n according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v record_v of_o moses_n his_o faâ—â—_n do_v shine_v and_o he_o know_v it_o not_o he_o do_v misâ—eâ—â—_n as_o it_o be_v and_o do_v not_o at_o all_o be_v puff_a â—â—_o with_o it_o for_o so_o the_o word_n we_o conceive_v mâ—â—_n run_v second_o it_o be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n fâ—â—_n a_o christian_n to_o be_v deny_v to_o his_o self_n denial_n 〈◊〉_d â—ee_o humble_a in_o â—his_n be_v humble_a for_o if_o priâ—â—_n â—â—n_fw-la have_v no_o other_o foundation_n it_o will_v build_v â—â—_o self_n upon_o humility_n and_o a_o christian_a will_v â—â—ow_o proud_a in_o this_o that_o he_o be_v grow_v humble_a three_o it_o be_v a_o difficulty_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o examine_v his_o grow_n in_o grace_n and_o not_o be_v puff_v up_o it_o be_v certain_a a_o christian_n ought_v to_o examine_v his_o growth_n in_o grace_n humble_o according_a to_o that_o psal._n 63._o 8._o my_o â—â—ul_n follow_v hard_a after_o thou_o thy_o right_a hand_n uphold_v i_o he_o do_v not_o only_o take_v notice_n â—f_o this_o that_o his_o soul_n do_v follow_v after_o god_n â—ut_v of_o the_o measure_n of_o that_o pursuit_n my_o soul_n â—â—lloweth_v hard_a after_o thou_o and_o yet_o sweet_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v not_o his_o own_o foot_n which_o â—â—rried_v he_o nor_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o keep_v he_o â—â—om_o fall_v 3._o you_o be_v not_o to_o build_v your_o faith_n upon_o â—our_n work_n and_o upon_o the_o righteousness_n â—f_n the_o law_n i_o need_v not_o stand_v long_o to_o reâ—ure_v â—â—at_a practical_a popery_n that_o be_v among_o we_o â—â—at_fw-mi think_v we_o can_v go_v to_o heaven_n through_o 〈◊〉_d covenant_n of_o work_n i_o tell_v you_o not_o long_o â—â—â—e_a what_o your_o go_v to_o heaven_n through_o covenant_n of_o work_n speak_v even_o this_o â—â—râ—id_a blasphemy_n that_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o monstruous_a folly_n to_o send_v christ_n to_o die_v for_o â—â—ers_n for_o if_o you_o can_v go_v to_o heaven_n withâ—â—t_v he_o be_v not_o christ_n then_o crucify_v in_o 〈◊〉_d and_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o now_o that_o â—â—_o be_v speak_v out_o your_o damnable_a ignorance_n 〈◊〉_d the_o weakness_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o your_o â—â—n_fw-la heart_n o_o you_o that_o be_v so_o great_a derider_n of_o salvation_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o â—orks_n i_o beseech_v you_o what_o be_v the_o reaâ—â—â—_n that_o you_o break_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n often_o than_o any_o for_o there_o be_v none_o thâ—_n think_v they_o will_v go_v to_o heaven_n this_o way_n but_o these_o that_o be_v the_o great_a breaker_n of_o thâ—_n covenant_n of_o work_n and_o be_v not_o that_o inconsistent_a and_o most_o contradictory_n divinity_n yoâ—â—_n faith_n contradict_v your_o practice_n and_o youâ—_n practice_n tell_v you_o that_o your_o faith_n be_v a_o lie_n four_o we_o must_v not_o mix_v our_o owâ—_n righteousness_n with_o christ_n as_o the_o object_n oâ—_n our_o believe_a this_o be_v indeed_o a_o evil_a thaâ—_n often_o lodge_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o most_o refine_a hypocrite_n when_o satan_n can_v prevaâ—â—_n to_o exclude_v christ_n altogether_o than_o he_o be_v content_a with_o that_o whorish_a woman_n to_o divide_v thâ—_n child_n and_o let_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v haâ—_n christ_n and_o half_a of_o self_n and_o the_o truth_n iâ—_n many_o of_o these_o poor_a unwise_a son_n who_o stâ—â—_n long_o in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o break_n forth_o â—â—_o child_n do_v willing_o hearken_v to_o this_o overture_n for_o fear_v it_o be_v presumption_n for_o such_o poâ—â—_n wretch_n to_o meddle_v too_o bold_o with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o be_v good_a sucâ—_n weak_a one_o will_v consider_v that_o word_n râ—â—_n 10._o 2._o where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n call_v thâ—_n make_v use_n of_o his_o righteousness_n a_o act_n â—â—_o submission_n they_o have_v not_o submit_v say_v hâ—â—_n unto_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ._n o_o will_v yâ—â—_n not_o lay_v this_o to_o heart_n that_o our_o lord_n will_v taâ—â—_n your_o believe_a or_o your_o put_n on_o his_o righteousness_n for_o a_o act_n of_o great_a humility_n aâ—â—_n will_v take_v your_o misbelief_n as_o a_o marvellous_a act_n 〈◊〉_d the_o high_a pride_n and_o presumption_n five_o we_o be_v not_o to_o make_v providence_n the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n i_o know_v there_o â—â—_o some_o that_o ask_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o right_a 〈◊〉_d heaven_n they_o will_v tell_v we_o that_o god_n have_v be_v â—ind_n to_o they_o all_o their_o day_n i_o will_v only_o â—ay_n to_o such_o he_o may_v be_v feed_v you_o unto_o the_o day_n â—f_a slaughter_n and_o no_o man_n know_v love_n or_o hatred_n â—â—y_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o he_o this_o much_o of_o â—he_n object_n of_o faith_n negative_o and_o now_o to_o speak_v to_o it_o positive_o we_o see_v â—he_v text_n hold_v out_o christ_n himself_o as_o that_o excellent_a and_o complete_a object_n of_o faith_n this_o â—s_v his_o commandment_n that_o we_o believe_v on_o the_o â—ame_n of_o his_o son_n and_o thus_o faith_n close_v with_o christ_n in_o a_o fourfold_a consideration_n first_o it_o â—oseth_v with_o god_n in_o christ_n not_o with_o god_n immediate_o and_o naked_o for_o he_o dwell_v in_o â—â—ght_n inaccessible_a that_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v unto_o he_o be_v high_a than_o the_o heaven_n what_o can_v we_o do_v â—nd_v deep_o than_o hell_n what_o can_v we_o know_v job_n 11._o â—herefore_o we_o must_v approach_v unto_o he_o through_o a_o vail_n even_o the_o vail_n of_o christ_n his_o â—esh_n heb._n 10_o god_n be_v a_o consume_a fire_n and_o of_o â—â—rer_a eye_n than_o that_o he_o can_v behold_v iniquity_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v first_o cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o that_o â—essed_a days-man_n that_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o we_o â—â—th_o and_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o in_o christ_n reconâ—ling_v the_o world_n to_o himself_o and_o so_o draw_v near_o â—nto_n he_o through_o a_o mediator_n who_o be_v the_o first_o use_v the_o last_o and_o he_o that_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a use_v be_v alive_a for_o evermore_o able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o â—termost_a all_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o â—eing_v he_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o second_o faith_n close_v with_o â—hrist_n as_o tender_v free_o in_o a_o covenant_n of_o comise_n we_o can_v have_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v â—â—th_n christ_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v give_v of_o the_o â—ther_n and_o offer_v himself_o in_o a_o free_a covenant_n of_o promise_n but_o he_o be_v thus_o holdeâ—_n forth_o upon_o term_n of_o free_a love_n which_o dotâ—_n utter_o abominat_fw-la hire_n and_o so_o noddle_n a_o proclamation_n issue_v forth_o under_o the_o great_a seâ—_n of_o heaven_n that_o whosoever_o will_v may_v come_v anâ—_n drink_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o upon_o thâ—â—_n the_o poor_a creature_n draw_v near_o by_o virtue_n 〈◊〉_d a_o right_a and_o stretch_v out_o the_o arm_n of_o moâ—â—_n enlarge_v affection_n do_v run_v upon_o he_o witâ—_n that_o joyful_a shout_n my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n anâ—_n then_o make_v a_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o it_o seâ—_n unto_o he_o which_o be_v hold_v out_o in_o the_o scripture_n by_o that_o sweet_a expression_n of_o kiss_v 〈◊〉_d the_o son_n and_o there_o be_v three_o part_n of_o chrisâ—_n bless_a body_n that_o the_o christian_n must_v endeavour_v to_o kiss_v and_o embrace_v the_o mouth_n â—â—_o christ_n the_o hand_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o foot_n â—â—_o christ_n the_o kiss_n of_o his_o foot_n import_v thâ—_n exercise_v of_o love_n the_o kiss_n of_o his_o hand_n thâ—_n exercise_v of_o subjection_n and_o the_o kiss_n of_o hâ—â—_n mouth_n the_o exercise_n of_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o three_o faith_n closeâ—_n with_o christ_n as_o the_o purchaser_n and_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o good_a we_o receive_v he_o be_v the_o person_n that_o have_v purchase_v all_o these_o thiâ—â—_n unto_o we_o and_o there_o be_v not_o one_o blink_n of_o louâ—_n there_o be_v not_o the_o small_a enjoyment_n that_o christian_n meet_v with_o but_o it_o be_v the_o price_n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n christ_n precious_a bloâ—_n be_v lay_v down_o