his_o church_n not_o only_o to_o defend_v and_o preserve_v it_o but_o to_o consume_v all_o the_o adversary_n thereof_o god_n do_v great_a matter_n for_o his_o servant_n he_o rebuke_n king_n and_o prince_n and_o ruinate_v empire_n for_o their_o fake_n for_o the_o bring_n home_o back_o again_o of_o the_o jew_n he_o translate_v the_o babylonish_n empire_n to_o the_o persian_n and_o therefore_o the_o wicked_a must_v take_v heed_n of_o attempt_v any_o thing_n against_o god_n church_n because_o the_o harm_n thereof_o will_v redound_v upon_o their_o own_o head_n god_n delight_v to_o take_v the_o oppress_a party_n part_n and_o serve_v himself_o of_o all_o his_o enemy_n for_o his_o people_n good_a they_o practise_v against_o the_o righteous_a and_o he_o laugh_v they_o to_o scorn_v wicked_a man_n can_v do_v god_n child_n a_o great_a pleasure_n than_o to_o oppose_v they_o for_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o help_v exceed_o to_o advance_v they_o satan_n and_o all_o his_o instrument_n what_o get_v they_o by_o their_o cruelty_n to_o the_o saint_n they_o do_v but_o increase_v their_o own_o torment_n and_o do_v they_o the_o more_o good_a but_o this_o be_v both_o against_o their_o knowledge_n and_o will_n therefore_o if_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o do_v they_o any_o good_a let_v they_o take_v he_o how_o they_o attempt_v any_o evil_n against_o they_o and_o here_o let_v all_o such_o be_v admonish_v how_o they_o 1_o provoke_v god_n child_n to_o cry_v in_o their_o prayer_n against_o they_o for_o it_o be_v better_a for_o the_o wicked_a that_o they_o have_v all_o the_o creature_n in_o heaven_n &_o earth_n against_o they_o than_o the_o poor_a saint_n for_o a_o few_o of_o these_o will_v more_o prejudice_v they_o than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o come_v we_o now_o to_o the_o ground_n of_o practice_n hence_o to_o be_v observe_v again_o do_v god_n order_v 2._o all_o for_o the_o best_a to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o let_v we_o not_o then_o except_v against_o any_o evil_n that_o shall_v befall_v 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continue_v in_o a_o evil_a way_n god_n will_v send_v some_o nathan_n or_o other_o to_o rouse_v we_o out_o of_o our_o security_n therefore_o to_o all_o thy_o comfort_n add_v this_o that_o god_n will_v not_o only_o save_v thou_o at_o last_o but_o turn_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o best_a while_o thou_o be_v here_o this_o be_v the_o high_a strain_n of_o consolation_n it_o be_v far_o strong_a to_o refresh_v and_o quicken_v we_o than_o any_o grievance_n can_v be_v to_o afflict_v we_o it_o make_v evil_a thing_n in_o comparison_n to_o seem_v good_a as_o moses_n count_v the_o rebuke_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n he_o make_v more_o choice_n of_o affliction_n than_o he_o do_v of_o the_o world_n glory_n if_o god_n be_v with_o we_o who_o can_v be_v against_o we_o if_o he_o be_v our_o shepherd_n we_o be_v sure_a to_o lack_v nothing_o there_o be_v such_o a_o force_n of_o comfort_n in_o salvation_n that_o we_o will_v rather_o choose_v outward_a evil_n than_o to_o 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best_a be_v strong_a than_o satan_n again_o consider_v all_o thing_n conduce_v unto_o our_o good_a though_o in_o appearance_n never_o so_o opposite_a this_o comfort_n arise_v that_o if_o god_n do_v so_o work_v this_o or_o that_o than_o i_o must_v believe_v against_o belief_n i_o must_v stand_v firm_a against_o contrary_n my_o faith_n must_v answer_v his_o manner_n of_o work_v and_o believe_v that_o god_n can_v bring_v i_o to_o honour_n by_o shame_n and_o to_o heaven_n by_o hell_n gate_n for_o if_o it_o be_v his_o course_n of_o deal_v first_o to_o cast_v down_o and_o then_o to_o lift_v up_o by_o disgrace_n to_o bring_v his_o servant_n to_o glory_n then_o in_o all_o my_o extremity_n i_o must_v rest_v upon_o god_n who_o be_v never_o near_o unto_o his_o to_o succour_v they_o than_o when_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v further_a off_o when_o â—hee_o mean_v to_o give_v victory_n he_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v foil_v first_o and_o when_o he_o intend_v to_o justify_v a_o poor_a sinner_n he_o will_v condemn_v he_o first_o let_v we_o therefore_o hope_v against_o hope_n and_o desire_v god_n in_o our_o distress_n to_o open_v our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v see_v our_o consolation_n hagar_n have_v a_o well_o by_o she_o when_o she_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v for_o thirst_n and_o yet_o she_o see_v it_o not_o and_o elisha_n man_n have_v angel_n to_o defend_v he_o when_o the_o aramite_n compass_v he_o about_o but_o perceive_v not_o the_o same_o so_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n continual_o pitch_v 34._o his_o tent_n about_o the_o godly_a though_o they_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o it_o yea_o god_n be_v then_o near_o to_o we_o when_o we_o be_v in_o most_o straits_n cordial_n be_v keep_v for_o faint_n when_o christ_n go_v to_o cast_v the_o devil_n out_o of_o a_o child_n he_o then_o most_o rage_v and_o tear_v he_o so_o likewise_o satan_n and_o wicked_a man_n most_o rage_n when_o they_o be_v near_o to_o their_o end_n and_o destruction_n in_o thy_o great_a danger_n never_o rest_v on_o thy_o friend_n but_o on_o the_o lord_n who_o never_o stand_v near_a and_o firm_a to_o we_o than_o when_o we_o be_v most_o perplex_a and_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v a_o distress_a soul_n see_v oft_o no_o comfort_n in_o outward_a thing_n and_o therefore_o retire_v unto_o god_n in_o who_o it_o find_v whatsoever_o may_v make_v it_o happy_a our_o strength_n may_v 24._o fail_v and_o our_o heart_n may_v fail_v but_o god_n be_v our_o portion_n for_o ever_o when_o we_o be_v weak_a than_o we_o be_v strong_a and_o when_o we_o be_v most_o cast_v down_o in_o ourselves_o we_o be_v near_o to_o god_n help_v hand_n this_o carriage_n of_o the_o almighty_a aught_o to_o establish_v our_o
from_o do_v we_o harm_n all_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o creature_n rest_v in_o the_o great_a creator_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o if_o he_o deny_v concourse_n the_o arm_n of_o their_o power_n soon_o wither_v it_o can_v but_o bring_v strong_a consolation_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o know_v that_o in_o all_o variety_n of_o change_n and_o intercourse_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a thing_n our_o love_a god_n have_v a_o dispose_n hand_n so_o as_o all_o blessing_n and_o cross_n all_o ordinance_n and_o grace_n nay_o our_o very_a fall_n yea_o satan_n himself_o with_o all_o his_o instrument_n be_v over_o master_v &_o rule_v by_o god_n have_v this_o injunction_n upon_o they_o to_o further_a god_n good_a intendment_n to_o we_o and_o in_o no_o wise_a hurt_v we_o which_o shall_v move_v we_o to_o see_v his_o dispose_n hand_n in_o all_o that_o befall_v we_o we_o owe_v god_n this_o respect_n to_o observe_v his_o providence_n in_o the_o particular_a passage_n of_o our_o life_n consider_v he_o be_v our_o sovereign_n and_o his_o will_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o we_o be_v to_o be_v accountable_a to_o he_o as_o our_o judge_n we_o shall_v question_v our_o heart_n for_o question_v his_o care_n in_o the_o least_o kind_n so_o long_o as_o god_n sit_v at_o the_o stern_a and_o rule_n all_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a no_o evil_a shall_v betide_v we_o that_o he_o can_v hinder_v three_o hence_o we_o may_v 3_o learn_v that_o there_o be_v not_o two_o but_o one_o sovereign_a head_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o be_v plain_o prove_v by_o this_o text_n of_o scripture_n for_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o the_o best_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n and_o thing_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v contrary_n agree_v together_o to_o procure_v their_o good_a therefore_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o be_v over_o rule_v by_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o the_o almighty_a the_o devil_n himself_o although_o he_o be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n yet_o he_o be_v at_o christ_n beck_n and_o can_v not_o enter_v into_o a_o few_o swine_n without_o leave_n first_o obtain_v he_o raise_v up_o hideous_a storm_n and_o tempest_n against_o the_o saint_n but_o perish_v himself_o in_o the_o wave_n at_o last_o persecution_n and_o peril_n may_v follow_v we_o but_o they_o be_v all_o limit_v in_o the_o do_n of_o hurt_n which_o plain_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o main_a worker_n and_o wise_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n further_o hence_o observe_v 4_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n that_o to_o god_n servant_n be_v absolute_o evil_a because_o nothing_o be_v so_o ill_a but_o some_o good_a may_v be_v raise_v out_o of_o it_o not_o as_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a but_o as_o it_o be_v govern_v and_o master_v by_o a_o supreme_a cause_n sin_n be_v of_o all_o evil_n the_o great_a and_o yet_o sinful_a action_n may_v produce_v gracious_a effect_n through_o god_n order_v and_o guide_v the_o same_o again_o observe_v that_o a_o 5_o child_n of_o god_n be_v true_o happy_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o misery_n to_o prove_v this_o i_o reason_v thus_o in_o what_o estate_n soever_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v it_o shall_v turn_v to_o his_o good_a therefore_o no_o affliction_n can_v make_v he_o true_o miserable_a the_o proof_n of_o this_o the_o apostle_n set_v down_o in_o his_o own_o example_n he_o be_v 6._o poor_a yet_o make_v many_o rich_a he_o sorrow_v yet_o always_o rejoyeed_o he_o have_v nothing_o yet_o possess_v all_o thing_n he_o be_v chasten_v and_o yet_o not_o kill_v god_n child_n although_o to_o the_o world_n they_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v miserable_a yet_o have_v communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o they_o be_v always_o happy_a the_o very_o worst_a day_n of_o god_n child_n â—is_n better_o than_o the_o very_o best_a day_n of_o the_o wicked_a the_o worst_a day_n of_o s._n paul_n be_v better_a to_o he_o than_o the_o best_a day_n of_o nero_n be_v to_o he_o for_o the_o wicked_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o happiness_n be_v accurse_v whereas_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o misery_n be_v bless_v this_o doctrine_n be_v a_o promise_n ground_n of_o understand_v divers_a other_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o psalm_n 91._o the_o lord_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v deliver_v he_o from_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o hunter_n and_o from_o the_o noisome_a pestilence_n and_o yet_o oft_o time_n his_o dear_a servant_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o take_v away_o by_o the_o stroke_n of_o his_o judgement_n this_o truth_n nevertheless_o remain_v firm_a that_o all_o work_v together_o for_o their_o best_a so_o god_n teach_v we_o in_o his_o word_n that_o he_o do_v make_v a_o league_n between_o his_o servant_n and_o the_o creature_n but_o all_o such_o expression_n of_o his_o love_n we_o must_v bring_v to_o this_o text_n and_o then_o they_o be_v true_a else_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v false_a the_o plague_n shall_v not_o come_v near_o thy_o dwell_a place_n but_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v for_o thy_o benefit_n the_o good_a prophet_n be_v tear_v in_o piece_n by_o a_o lion_n and_o sundry_a holy_a man_n have_v receive_v hurt_v by_o wild_a beast_n who_o eternal_a welfare_n be_v further_v thereby_o therefore_o this_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n that_o the_o creature_n be_v in_o league_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o that_o they_o have_v put_v off_o their_o hostile_a nature_n but_o that_o they_o have_v the_o same_o issue_n as_o those_o that_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o we_o here_o likewise_o be_v a_o direction_n blessing_n for_o we_o how_o to_o pray_v for_o earthly_a blessing_n and_o the_o removal_n of_o temporal_a judgement_n often_o time_n worldly_a honour_n and_o riches_n be_v snare_n unto_o god_n child_n and_o temporal_a chastisement_n which_o we_o so_o earnest_o pray_v against_o work_v much_o good_a unto_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o when_o we_o pray_v against_o temporal_a calamity_n we_o pray_v against_o our_o own_o good_a be_v therefore_o afflict_v we_o shall_v desire_v not_o absolute_o that_o god_n will_v remove_v our_o trouble_n but_o that_o he_o will_v work_v his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n upon_o we_o thereby_o our_o prayer_n for_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o removal_n of_o temporal_a cross_n must_v always_o be_v conditional_a for_o what_o good_a will_v it_o be_v for_o we_o to_o come_v out_o of_o the_o fire_n worse_o than_o we_o be_v when_o we_o go_v into_o it_o if_o therefore_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n see_v it_o good_a for_o we_o to_o have_v affliction_n we_o shall_v not_o desire_v he_o absolute_o to_o remove_v the_o same_o till_o it_o have_v do_v we_o good_a and_o then_o lord_n deal_v with_o we_o as_o seem_v best_a in_o thy_o own_o eye_n as_o for_o such_o as_o affect_v neither_o god_n nor_o goodness_n let_v they_o know_v that_o if_o all_o thing_n work_v for_o the_o best_a to_o the_o saint_n than_o they_o may_v forbear_v their_o successesse_v endeavour_n which_o they_o daily_a enterprise_n against_o they_o in_o go_v about_o to_o hurt_v the_o godly_a they_o do_v they_o most_o good_a for_o god_n will_v benefit_v they_o by_o their_o malice_n their_o wicked_a practice_n shall_v not_o only_o be_v make_v frustrate_a but_o dangerous_a to_o themselves_o after_o the_o chastisement_n of_o his_o servant_n for_o their_o good_a god_n will_v cast_v the_o rod_n into_o the_o fire_n man_n may_v know_v whether_o they_o be_v vessel_n of_o mercy_n or_o no_o by_o the_o use_n they_o be_v put_v to_o the_o base_a of_o people_n be_v fit_a enough_o to_o be_v executioner_n it_o be_v a_o miserable_a wisdom_n when_o man_n be_v wise_a to_o work_v their_o own_o ruin_n do_v not_o many_o spin_v a_o fine_a thread_n and_o weave_v a_o fair_a web_n when_o by_o their_o turn_n and_o device_n they_o turn_v themselves_o into_o hell_n what_o ever_o we_o get_v by_o sin_n for_o the_o present_a it_o will_v one_o day_n prove_v the_o heavy_a business_n that_o ever_o we_o undertake_v god_n be_v the_o only_a monarch_n of_o the_o world_n and_o make_v all_o thing_n and_o person_n whatsoever_o service_n able_a to_o his_o own_o end_n and_o his_o church_n good_a he_o be_v high_a than_o the_o high_a satan_n with_o all_o his_o instrument_n be_v but_o slave_n to_o the_o almighty_a executioner_n of_o his_o will_n can_v we_o think_v that_o god_n child_n who_o be_v so_o near_o &_o dear_a to_o he_o shall_v always_o be_v trample_v upon_o by_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n no_o certain_o he_o be_v interest_v in_o all_o their_o quarrel_n and_o take_v their_o injury_n as_o don_v to_o himself_o when_o we_o can_v be_v more_o subtle_a than_o the_o devil_n or_o more_o strong_a than_o god_n we_o may_v think_v to_o thrive_v against_o they_o he_o be_v a_o wall_n of_o fire_n round_o about_o
on_o thy_o son_n who_o thou_o have_v give_v for_o we_o and_o in_o he_o behold_v his_o poor_a member_n now_o before_o thou_o in_o ourselves_o we_o have_v dread_a but_o in_o thy_o dear_o belove_a we_o have_v joy_n in_o thy_o presence_n if_o we_o come_v in_o the_o garment_n of_o our_o elder_a brother_n we_o be_v sure_a to_o get_v a_o blessing_n but_o in_o ourselves_o god_n can_v endure_v to_o behold_v we_o if_o we_o bring_v benjamin_n to_o our_o father_n if_o we_o carry_v christ_n along_o with_o we_o then_o come_v and_o welcome_a upon_o what_o unchangeable_a ground_n be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o christian_a build_v how_o can_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n prevail_v against_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o true_a believer_n when_o it_o be_v carry_v to_o the_o promise_n and_o from_o the_o promise_n to_o god_n love_n the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o christ_n shall_v as_o soon_o fail_v as_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o sincere_a christian_a shall_v be_v shake_v the_o promise_n else_o shall_v be_v of_o no_o effect_n they_o shall_v be_v yea_o and_o nay_o and_o not_o yea_o &_o amen_o if_o the_o promise_n can_v be_v shake_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n shall_v be_v uncertain_a overturn_v heaven_n and_o earth_n if_o we_o overturn_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o true_a persevere_v christian._n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n of_o that_o firmness_n as_o a_o believe_a soul_n be_v the_o ground_n he_o stand_v upon_o make_v he_o unmoveable_a our_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n make_v we_o like_o mount_n sinai_n that_o can_v be_v shake_v but_o we_o must_v know_v there_o be_v three_o degree_n or_o step_n of_o love_n whereof_o a_o promise_n be_v the_o last_o 1._o inward_a love_n 2._o real_a performance_n 3._o a_o manifestation_n of_o performance_n intend_v before_o it_o be_v do_v love_n conceal_v do_v not_o comfort_n in_o the_o interim_n therefore_o god_n who_o be_v love_n do_v not_o only_o affect_v we_o for_o the_o present_a and_o intend_v we_o mercy_n hereafter_o but_o because_o he_o will_v have_v we_o rest_v sweet_o in_o his_o bosom_n and_o settle_v ourselves_o on_o his_o gracious_a purpose_n he_o give_v we_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n many_o rich_a and_o precious_a promise_n he_o not_o only_o love_v we_o and_o show_v the_o same_o in_o deed_n now_o but_o he_o express_v his_o future_a care_n of_o we_o that_o we_o may_v build_v on_o he_o as_o sure_o as_o if_o we_o have_v the_o thing_n perform_v already_o by_o this_o we_o see_v how_o god_n love_v we_o he_o have_v not_o only_o a_o inward_a like_n and_o good_a will_n to_o we_o in_o his_o breast_n but_o manifest_v the_o same_o by_o word_n he_o reveal_v the_o tenderness_n of_o his_o bowel_n towards_o we_o that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o beforehand_o god_n will_v have_v we_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o establish_v ourselves_o in_o hope_n because_o these_o grace_n fit_v we_o for_o the_o promise_n if_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n there_o can_v be_v no_o faith_n nor_o hope_n what_o be_v hope_n but_o the_o expectation_n of_o those_o use_n thing_n that_o the_o word_n say_v and_o what_o be_v faith_n but_o a_o build_n on_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n faith_n look_v to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o thing_n hope_v to_o the_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n faith_n look_v to_o the_o thing_n promise_v hope_v to_o the_o possession_n and_o performance_n of_o it_o faith_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o good_a not_o see_v 1._o make_v that_o which_o be_v absent_a as_o present_v to_o we_o hope_n wait_v for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o good_a contain_v in_o the_o word_n if_o we_o have_v nothing_o promise_v what_o need_v hope_n and_o where_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n but_o god_n be_v willing_a to_o satisfy_v both_o that_o we_o may_v be_v heavenly-wise_a in_o rely_v upon_o a_o firm_a foundation_n and_o not_o as_o fool_n trust_v in_o vanity_n in_o mercy_n give_v we_o promise_n and_o seal_v they_o with_o a_o oath_n for_o our_o great_a supportment_n that_o love_n which_o engage_v the_o almighty_a to_o bind_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o precious_a promise_n will_v furnish_v we_o likewise_o with_o grace_n needful_a till_o we_o be_v possess_v of_o they_o he_o will_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o depend_v upon_o he_o both_o for_o happiness_n and_o all_o quiet_v grace_n which_o may_v support_v the_o soul_n till_o it_o come_v to_o its_o perfect_a rest_n in_o himself_o now_o these_o gracious_a expression_n of_o our_o good_a god_n may_v be_v reduce_v into_o divers_a rank_n i_o will_v but_o touch_v some_o few_o particular_n and_o show_v how_o we_o shall_v carry_v ourselves_o to_o make_v a_o comfortable_a use_n of_o they_o first_o there_o be_v some_o promise_n universal_a promise_n for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o mankind_n as_o that_o god_n will_v never_o destroy_v the_o world_n again_o etc._n etc._n second_o there_o be_v other_o promise_v that_o more_o particular_o concern_v the_o church_n and_o these_o be_v promise_n 1._o either_o of_o outward_a thing_n 2._o or_o of_o 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the_o world_n behind_o we_o therefore_o he_o look_v to_o our_o main_a estate_n in_o christ_n to_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o so_o far_o as_o outward_a blessing_n may_v cherish_v and_o increase_v that_o so_o far_o he_o grant_v they_o or_o else_o he_o deny_v they_o to_o his_o dear_a one_o for_o we_o can_v still_o enjoy_v the_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v such_o that_o except_o we_o have_v somewhat_o to_o season_v the_o same_o we_o shall_v surfeit_v and_o not_o digest_v they_o therefore_o they_o be_v all_o give_v with_o exception_n of_o the_o cross_n as_o christ_n say_v he_o that_o do_v for_o he_o any_o thing_n shall_v have_v a_o hundred_o 20._o fold_v here_o but_o with_o persecution_n be_v sure_a of_o that_o whatsoever_o else_o he_o have_v let_v christian_n look_v for_o cross_n to_o season_v those_o good_a thing_n they_o enjoy_v in_o this_o life_n to_o come_v now_o to_o some_o use_v use_n of_o the_o point_n be_v all_o the_o promise_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o whether_o spiritual_a and_o outward_a temporal_a or_o eternal_a be_v they_o all_o make_v to_o we_o in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v they_o certain_o true_a yea_o and_o amen_o in_o he_o then_o i_o beseech_v you_o get_v into_o christ_n betimes_o strengthen_v your_o interest_n in_o he_o by_o all_o mean_n out_o of_o who_o we_o have_v nothing_o that_o be_v save_o good_a rest_v not_o in_o any_o thing_n abstract_v from_o he_o so_o as_o to_o be_v accept_v with_o god_n but_o you_o will_v say_v do_v object_n not_o god_n do_v many_o good_a thing_n to_o they_o that_o be_v out_o of_o christ_n do_v not_o the_o sun_n shine_v and_o the_o rain_n fall_v upon_o the_o just_a and_o the_o unjust_a upon_o the_o evil_a as_o
well_o as_o the_o good_a do_v he_o not_o clothe_v and_o feed_v and_o protect_v wicked_a man_n daily_o he_o do_v indeed_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o be_v answ._n they_o blessing_n be_v these_o favour_n to_o they_o no_o but_o as_o god_n say_v by_o moses_n if_o thou_o sin_v against_o i_o curse_v shall_v thou_o be_v in_o thy_o basket_n 16._o and_o thy_o store_n curse_v shall_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o body_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o land_n the_o increase_n of_o thy_o cow_n and_o the_o flock_n of_o thy_o sheep_n curse_a at_o home_n curse_v abroad_o they_o be_v curse_v in_o their_o very_a blessing_n a_o graceless_a brutish_a person_n though_o he_o swim_v with_o worldly_a pleasure_n and_o have_v never_o such_o revennewe_n and_o come_n in_o to_o maintain_v his_o bravery_n be_v yet_o a_o accurse_a creature_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o for_o what_o be_v we_o make_v for_o think_v you_o to_o live_v here_o only_o oh_o no_o then_o we_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o miserable_a there_o be_v a_o eternity_n of_o time_n a_o come_n wherein_o after_o a_o few_o day_n spend_v in_o the_o flesh_n we_o shall_v live_v either_o in_o perpetual_a bliss_n or_o unspeakable_a torment_n the_o very_o best_a thing_n beneath_o have_v a_o snare_n in_o they_o they_o rather_o hinder_v than_o further_a our_o eternal_a welfare_n how_o do_v that_o appear_v quest._n because_o for_o the_o most_o answ._n part_n they_o make_v man_n secure_a and_o careless_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o as_o to_o despise_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o follow_v iniquity_n with_o greediness_n we_o may_v see_v by_o man_n conversation_n that_o outward_a thing_n be_v snare_n to_o they_o they_o be_v not_o promise_n in_o christ_n for_o then_o they_o will_v come_v out_o of_o god_n love_n only_o which_o alone_o make_v mercy_n to_o be_v indeedâ—o_v â—o_z we_o and_o without_o which_o â—he_v best_a of_o blessing_n will_v prove_v but_o a_o curse_n in_o the_o end_n if_o i_o have_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n any_o deliverance_n from_o evil_a or_o any_o positive_a good_a thing_n i_o may_v know_v it_o be_v for_o my_o benefit_n when_o my_o heart_n be_v make_v more_o spiritual_a thereby_o so_o as_o to_o value_v grace_n &_o holiness_n at_o the_o high_a rate_n i_o esteem_v my_o be_v in_o christ_n above_o all_o transitory_a thing_n whatsoever_o above_o riches_n and_o honour_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o great_a person_n which_o at_o the_o best_a be_v fade_v our_o interest_n in_o he_o will_v stand_v by_o we_o when_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v wither_v and_o shrink_v to_o nothing_o christ_n be_v a_o fountain_n never_o draw_v dry_a his_o comfort_n be_v permanent_a the_o good_a in_o the_o creature_n soon_o vanish_v and_o leave_v the_o soul_n empty_a therefore_o get_v into_o christ_n speedy_o it_o concern_v thou_o near_o for_o this_o purpose_n attend_v upon_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n christ._n and_o beg_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v make_v his_o own_o ordinance_n by_o his_o spirit_n accompany_v the_o same_o effectual_a to_o thy_o soul_n that_o he_o will_v open_v the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n to_o thou_o and_o draw_v thy_o affection_n to_o close_v with_o he_o how_o be_v we_o in_o christ_n when_o by_o know_v of_o quest._n he_o our_o knowledge_n carry_v answ._n our_o heart_n unto_o he_o 3_o when_o our_o will_n cleave_v to_o that_o which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v excellent_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o when_o i_o firm_o adhere_v to_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a good_a for_o i_o than_o i_o love_v he_o than_o i_o rest_v on_o he_o than_o i_o have_v peace_n in_o he_o i_o may_v discern_v that_o i_o be_o in_o christ_n if_o upon_o my_o knowledge_n of_o he_o my_o heart_n be_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o i_o find_v peace_n of_o conscience_n in_o he_o faith_n have_v a_o quiet_v and_o establish_v power_n if_o i_o be_v in_o christ_n my_o soul_n will_v be_v cheer_v and_o satisfy_v with_o he_o alone_o i_o know_v all_o be_v yea_o and_o amen_o in_o he_o therefore_o my_o soul_n rest_v secure_o here_o how_o ever_o our_o outward_a condition_n be_v various_a and_o perplex_a yet_o our_o estate_n in_o christ_n be_v firm_a and_o constant_a what_o be_v a_o man_n out_o of_o quest._n christ_n as_o a_o man_n in_o a_o storm_n answ._n that_o have_v no_o clothes_n to_o hide_v his_o nakedness_n or_o to_o shelter_v his_o body_n from_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o weather_n as_o one_o in_o a_o tempest_n that_o have_v not_o house_n nor_o harbour_n to_o cover_v he_o as_o a_o stone_n out_o of_o the_o foundation_n set_v light_n by_o and_o scatter_v up_o and_o down_o here_o and_o there_o as_o a_o branch_n out_o of_o the_o root_n what_o sap_n be_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o fire_n a_o man_n that_o be_v not_o build_v up_o in_o christ_n plant_v in_o he_o nor_o clothe_v with_o he_o be_v the_o most_o destitute_a despicable_a creature_n in_o all_o the_o world_n and_o if_o we_o look_v with_o a_o single_a eye_n we_o shall_v so_o discern_v he_o such_o a_o man_n case_n be_v deep_o to_o be_v bewail_v have_v we_o but_o heart_n to_o judge_v righteous_o we_o will_v prefer_v the_o mean_a condition_n of_o god_n child_n before_o the_o great_a estate_n of_o any_o earthly_a monarch_n be_v their_o flourish_a felicity_n never_o so_o resplendent_a oh_o the_o miserable_a and_o woeful_a plight_n that_o all_o profane_a wretch_n be_v in_o who_o neglect_v grace_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n to_o gratify_v their_o base_a lust_n such_o a_o one_o there_o be_v but_o a_o step_n between_o he_o and_o hell_n he_o have_v no_o portion_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n i_o ac_fw-la count_v all_o dung_n and_o dross_n 8._o say_v st_n paul_n in_o comparison_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v find_v in_o 8._o he_o not_o have_v on_o my_o own_o righteousness_n happy_a be_v that_o man_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n who_o thus_o appear_v again_o if_o so_o be_v that_o all_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o promise_n amen_o in_o christ_n then_o here_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o stability_n of_o a_o christian_a that_o have_v promise_n to_o uphold_v he_o compare_v he_o with_o a_o man_n that_o have_v present_a thing_n only_o with_o a_o esau_n that_o abound_v with_o worldly_a good_n and_o how_o great_a be_v the_o difference_n god_n give_v they_o their_o portion_n here_o as_o he_o say_v to_o dives_n thou_o have_v thy_o good_a thing_n that_o thou_o chief_o care_v for_o thou_o have_v they_o here_o but_o lazarus_n have_v pain_n misery_n and_o poverty_n now_o therefore_o the_o case_n be_v alter_v he_o be_v advance_v and_o thou_o be_v torment_v a_o believe_a christian_n enjoy_v the_o sweetness_n of_o many_o promise_n in_o this_o life_n for_o god_n be_v still_o deliver_v comfort_v and_o perfect_v of_o he_o renew_v of_o his_o spirit_n and_o supply_v he_o with_o inward_a peace_n but_o the_o great_a part_n be_v yet_o to_o be_v accomplish_v perfection_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n be_v to_o come_v he_o be_v a_o child_n he_o be_v a_o son_n the_o promise_n here_o be_v his_o chief_a estate_n another_o man_n have_v present_a payment_n and_o that_o be_v all_o he_o care_v for_o he_o have_v something_o in_o hand_n and_o fwell_v with_o a_o conceit_n of_o happiness_n thereby_o alas_o what_o be_v we_o the_o better_a to_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o nothing_o solomon_n that_o have_v try_v all_o the_o world_n resolve_v it_o to_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n all_o thing_n below_o be_v uncertain_a and_o we_o be_v uncertain_a in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o if_o we_o have_v no_o better_o a_o life_n than_o a_o natural_a one_o eternal_a joy_n appertain_v not_o to_o we_o take_v a_o christian_a and_o strip_v he_o in_o your_o thought_n from_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n he_o be_v yet_o a_o happy_a man_n than_o the_o great_a worldly_a favourite_n out_o of_o christ_n for_o the_o one_o have_v nothing_o but_o present_a thing_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o addition_n of_o misery_n which_o his_o ease_n and_o contentment_n make_v he_o more_o sensible_a of_o as_o be_v more_o tender_a and_o apprehensive_a of_o a_o evil_n than_o other_o man_n the_o other_o though_o he_o want_v many_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n and_o enjoy_v not_o present_a performance_n yet_o he_o be_v rich_a in_o bill_n and_o bond_n god_n be_v bind_v to_o he_o who_o have_v 5._o promise_v he_o will_v never_o forsake_v he_o but_o be_v his_o por_fw-mi tion_n for_o ever_o he_o have_v a_o title_n to_o every_o communicable_a good_a godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o 8_o life_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v a_o happy_a man_n what_o ever_o be_v most_o useful_a for_o his_o safe_a conduct_n to_o heaven_n he_o
be_v sure_a to_o have_v it_o he_o that_o will_v give_v we_o a_o kingdom_n will_v not_o deny_v we_o daily_a bread_n he_o that_o have_v prepare_v a_o country_n for_o we_o will_v certain_o preserve_v we_o safe_a till_o we_o come_v there_o beside_o that_o we_o have_v here_o in_o performance_n we_o have_v many_o excellent_a promise_n of_o a_o great_a good_a in_o expectation_n which_o in_o christ_n be_v all_o yea_o &_o amen_o they_o be_v certain_a though_o our_o life_n be_v uncertain_a and_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o life_n less_o than_o life_n itself_o mutable_a and_o perish_a if_o life_n the_o foundation_n of_o outward_a comfort_n be_v but_o a_o vapour_n what_o be_v all_o the_o comfort_n themselves_o think_v you_o it_o be_v a_o christian_n rejoice_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o change_v beneath_o that_o he_o have_v promise_n invest_v into_o he_o from_o above_o that_o be_v lodge_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o make_v his_o own_o by_o faith_n which_o have_v a_o wondrous_a peculiarise_v virtue_n to_o make_v that_o a_o man_n own_o that_o be_v otherwise_o general_o propound_v in_o the_o gospel_n a_o christian_a take_v he_o at_o all_o uncertainty_n he_o have_v somewhat_o to_o build_v on_o that_o be_v yea_o and_o amen_o undoubted_o sure_a that_o will_v stick_v by_o he_o i_o speak_v this_o to_o commend_v the_o estate_n of_o a_o believe_a christian_a to_o make_v you_o in_o love_n with_o it_o see_v in_o all_o the_o change_n and_o variety_n of_o this_o world_n he_o have_v somewhat_o to_o take_v to_o in_o all_o the_o danger_n of_o this_o life_n he_o have_v a_o rock_n and_o chamber_n of_o providence_n to_o go_v unto_o as_o it_o be_v isaiah_n 26._o god_n have_v secret_a room_n to_o hide_v his_o child_n in_o in_o time_n of_o public_a disturbance_n when_o there_o be_v a_o confusion_n of_o all_o thing_n god_n have_v a_o safe_a abide_a place_n for_o thou_o i_o have_v many_o trouble_n say_v david_n but_o god_n be_v my_o defence_n 4._o continual_o he_o iâ—_n my_o shield_n and_o strong_a tower_n whatsoever_o i_o want_v i_o have_v it_o in_o he_o what_o a_o comfort_n be_v this_o a_o christian_a know_v either_o he_o shall_v be_v safe_a here_o or_o in_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o rest_v secure_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o most_o high_a shall_v abide_v 91._o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o almighty_a that_o be_v in_o the_o love_n and_o protection_n of_o god_n above_o as_o moses_n say_v lord_n thou_o have_v binour_n habitation_n from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a that_o be_v thou_o be_v our_o sure_a help_n in_o the_o great_a extremity_n that_o can_v befall_v we_o in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o world_n therefore_o build_v on_o his_o promise_n for_o god_n and_o his_o word_n be_v all_o one_o if_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o take_v to_o when_o trouble_v come_v woe_n unto_o we_o in_o ourselves_o consider_v we_o be_v even_o as_o grass_n and_o as_o a_o tale_n that_o be_v tell_v soon_o vanish_v but_o our_o estate_n in_o god_n be_v durable_a we_o have_v here_o no_o continue_a city_n sickness_n may_v come_v and_o death_n may_v environ_v we_o the_o next_o moment_n happy_a be_v they_o that_o have_v god_n for_o their_o habitation_n we_o dwell_v in_o he_o when_o we_o be_v dead_a when_o we_o leave_v this_o world_n we_o shall_v live_v with_o god_n for_o ever_o the_o righteous_a be_v not_o trouble_v for_o evil_a tiding_n 7_o he_o be_v not_o shake_v from_o his_o rock_n and_o stay_n he_o fear_v no_o danger_n because_o his_o heart_n be_v fix_v what_o a_o bless_a estate_n be_v it_o to_o be_v in_o christ_n to_o have_v promise_n in_o he_o to_o be_v protect_v and_o preserve_v not_o only_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o vale_n of_o tear_n but_o when_o this_o earthly_a tabernacle_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v even_o to_o all_o eternity_n if_o our_o heart_n be_v fix_v on_o god_n let_v we_o hear_v evil_a tiding_n of_o war_n or_o famine_n or_o pestilence_n let_v it_o be_v what_o it_o will_v bless_a man_n be_v we_o every_o word_n of_o god_n be_v try_v 12._o as_o silver_n in_o the_o fire_n say_v the_o psalmist_n the_o promise_n be_v try_v promise_n we_o may_v safe_o rest_v upon_o they_o but_o if_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o take_v to_o when_o trouble_v arise_v we_o be_v as_o a_o naked_a man_n in_o a_o storm_n without_o any_o shelter_n encompass_v round_o with_o distress_n and_o misery_n the_o promise_n be_v our_o inheritance_n yea_o our_o best_a inheritance_n in_o this_o life_n though_o the_o lord_n shall_v strip_v we_o naked_a and_o take_v away_o all_o thing_n else_o yet_o if_o the_o promise_n remain_v we_o we_o be_v rich_a man_n and_o may_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n my_o lot_n be_v fall_v into_o a_o good_a 119._o ground_n thy_o testimony_n be_v better_a unto_o i_o than_o thousand_o of_o gold_n and_o silver_n for_o the_o promise_n be_v as_o so_o many_o obligation_n whereby_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o his_o poor_a creature_n and_o if_o wretched_a man_n think_v themselves_o as_o rich_a as_o they_o have_v bond_n though_o they_o have_v never_o a_o penny_n in_o their_o purse_n much_o more_o may_v a_o true_a christian_a who_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n for_o his_o security_n esteem_v himself_o a_o wealthy_a person_n as_o have_v many_o bond_n whereby_o not_o man_n but_o god_n be_v engage_v to_o he_o &_o that_o not_o only_o for_o temporal_a good_a thing_n but_o for_o heavenly_a favour_n and_o spiritual_a blessing_n for_o all_o which_o he_o may_v sue_v god_n at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o desire_v he_o to_o make_v good_a his_o word_n of_o truth_n there_o be_v little_a difference_n betwixt_o a_o poor_a christian_a and_o he_o that_o abound_v in_o this_o world_n riches_n only_o this_o the_o one_o have_v wealth_n in_o his_o own_o possession_n the_o other_o have_v it_o in_o god_n bond_n the_o one_o have_v it_o in_o hand_n the_o other_o in_o trust_n as_o for_o the_o worldling_n he_o have_v but_o a_o cistern_n when_o he_o have_v most_o whereas_o every_o faithful_a soul_n have_v the_o spring_n head_n even_o god_n himself_o to_o fly_v unto_o in_o all_o distress_n who_o will_v never_o fail_v he_o but_o be_v a_o sun_n and_o a_o shield_n to_o defend_v we_o from_o all_o evil_a and_o preserve_v we_o in_o all_o goodness_n all_o our_o day_n but_o i_o go_v on_o now_o he_o which_o stablish_v we_o with_o you_o in_o christ_n and_o have_v also_o anoint_v we_o be_v god_n here_o observe_v that_o the_o grace_n christian_a need_v not_o only_o convert_v but_o establish_v grace_n he_o that_o have_v begin_v any_o good_a work_n in_o we_o must_v perfect_v it_o the_o god_n of_o strength_n must_v give_v we_o his_o promise_n to_o support_v our_o weakness_n without_o which_o we_o can_v stand_v peter_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o yet_o when_o god_n do_v not_o establish_v he_o we_o see_v how_o he_o fall_v the_o weak_a believer_n with_o the_o establish_n grace_n of_o god_n will_v stand_v and_o the_o strong_a christian_a without_o divine_a assistance_n will_v sink_v and_o fall_v away_o whence_o this_o may_v be_v dependency_n further_o consider_v that_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o perpetual_a dependent_a life_n he_o not_o only_a life_n by_o faith_n in_o his_o first_o conversion_n but_o ever_o after_o he_o depend_v upon_o god_n for_o protection_n and_o strength_n throughout_o his_o whole_a course_n god_n do_v establish_v we_o in_o christ_n the_o ignorance_n of_o this_o make_v man_n subject_a to_o backslide_v for_o when_o we_o trust_v to_o grace_v receive_v and_o seek_v not_o for_o new_a supply_n we_o be_v straight_o of_o peter_n condition_n though_o all_o for_o sake_n thou_o yet_o will_v not_o i_o which_o occasion_v his_o shameful_a fall_n he_o have_v too_o much_o confidence_n in_o grace_n receive_v god_n be_v therefore_o fain_o to_o humble_v his_o child_n to_o teach_v they_o dependence_n and_o usual_o where_o any_o special_a grace_n be_v bestow_v upon_o sinner_n god_n join_v something_o therewith_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n that_o they_o do_v not_o stand_v by_o their_o own_o strength_n peter_n make_v a_o glorious_a confession_n thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o christ_n honour_v 19_o he_o exceed_o say_v upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n but_o yet_o by_o and_o by_o we_o see_v he_o call_v he_o satan_n get_v thou_o behind_o i_o to_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o stand_v not_o by_o our_o own_o power_n when_o we_o be_v strong_a it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o when_o we_o be_v weak_a it_o be_v of_o ourselves_o jacob_n wrest_v lead_v with_o the_o almighty_a and_o be_v a_o prevailer_n but_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o halt_v for_o it_o though_o he_o have_v the_o victory_n and_o overcome_v at_o last_o yet_o he_o be_v strike_v with_o lameness_n all_o
but_o a_o little_a sign_n of_o grace_n in_o i_o be_v not_o discourage_v you_o answ._n know_v in_o wax_n though_o the_o stamp_n be_v almost_o out_o yet_o it_o be_v currant_n in_o law_n notwithstanding_o put_v the_o case_n the_o stamp_n of_o the_o prince_n be_v a_o old_a coin_n be_v it_o not_o currant_n though_o it_o be_v crack_v suppose_v the_o mark_n of_o the_o spirit_n shall_v be_v dim_a and_o blur_v scarce_o discernible_a in_o we_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v our_o shame_n and_o grief_n yet_o some_o evidence_n of_o grace_n be_v still_o remain_v there_o be_v some_o sigh_n and_o groan_n against_o corruption_n which_o may_v continual_o support_v we_o if_o we_o mourn_v in_o our_o spirit_n and_o do_v not_o join_v with_o our_o lust_n nor_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o they_o this_o be_v a_o divine_a impression_n though_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v almost_o wear_v out_o the_o more_o comfort_n we_o desire_v the_o fresh_a she_o shall_v keep_v this_o seal_n of_o comfort_n and_o labour_v to_o grow_v in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n that_o we_o may_v read_v our_o evidence_n clear_o that_o it_o be_v not_o overgrow_v with_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o world_n so_o as_o we_o can_v see_v it_o sometime_o god_n child_n have_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o yet_o they_o yield_v so_o much_o to_o fear_n and_o doubt_n that_o they_o can_v read_v nothing_o but_o their_o corruption_n when_o we_o bid_v they_o puruse_v their_o evidence_n they_o can_v see_v nothing_o but_o worldliness_n nothing_o but_o pride_n and_o envy_n because_o they_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o their_o negligence_n and_o distrust_n though_o there_o be_v a_o stamp_n in_o they_o yet_o god_n hold_v the_o soul_n from_o it_o and_o gives_z man_n up_o to_o mistake_v their_o estate_n for_o not_o stir_v up_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o they_o honour_n god_n by_o believe_v and_o he_o will_v honour_v thou_o by_o stamp_v his_o spirit_n more_o clear_o on_o thou_o what_o a_o comfort_n be_v it_o to_o have_v the_o evidence_n of_o a_o gracious_a soul_n at_o all_o time_n when_o a_o man_n carry_v about_o he_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o spirit_n what_o in_o the_o world_n can_v discourage_v such_o a_o soul_n on_o the_o contrary_a if_o a_o man_n have_v not_o something_o above_o nature_n in_o he_o when_o death_n &_o judgement_n come_v how_o miserable_a be_v his_o condition_n if_o a_o man_n be_v a_o king_n or_o a_o emperor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v not_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n righteousness_n ere_o long_o he_o shall_v be_v strip_v of_o all_o and_o adjudge_v to_o eternal_a torment_n oh_o the_o excellency_n of_o man_n soul_n a_o jewel_n more_o to_o be_v prize_v then_o a_o prince_n diadem_n it_o be_v the_o solly_n of_o the_o time_n to_o set_v up_o curious_a picture_n but_o what_o a_o poor_a delight_n be_v this_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o ambition_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a to_o see_v the_o image_n of_o christ_n stamp_v in_o his_o soul_n to_o find_v the_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o god_n speak_v peace_n to_o his_o inner_a man_n the_o transform_v of_o ourselves_o into_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o best_a picture_n in_o the_o world_n therefore_o we_o shall_v labour_v for_o the_o new_a creature_n that_o as_o we_o grow_v downward_o one_o way_n we_o may_v grow_v up_o towards_o heaven_n another_o that_o as_o the_o life_n of_o nature_n decay_v so_o the_o spiritual_a life_n may_v be_v more_o active_a and_o work_a it_o shall_v be_v our_o daily_a study_n while_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n to_o attain_v that_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o see_v god_n there_o be_v beside_o the_o common_a broad_a seal_n of_o god_n his_o privy_a seal_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o many_o proud_a heart_a person_n be_v damn_v the_o truth_n be_v they_o be_v all_o for_o external_a contentment_n and_o despise_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o though_o they_o stand_v upon_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o common_a seal_n and_o prerogative_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v excellent_a yet_o rely_v on_o these_o thing_n overmuch_o betray_v many_o soul_n to_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o time_n of_o distress_n it_o be_v a_o other_o manner_n of_o seal_n than_o the_o outward_a seal_n in_o the_o sacrament_n that_o must_v settle_v peace_n in_o the_o conscience_n when_o once_o the_o beginning_n of_o faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o than_o we_o may_v with_o comfort_n think_v upon_o our_o receive_n of_o the_o communion_n but_o the_o special_a thing_n to_o be_v eye_v be_v the_o hide_a seal_n if_o the_o external_a mean_n work_v no_o inward_a sanctification_n in_o our_o heart_n we_o shall_v be_v the_o worse_a rather_o than_o the_o better_a for_o they_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o be_v so_o profane_a as_o to_o think_v slight_o of_o god_n ordinance_n they_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n for_o when_o satan_n shake_v the_o confidence_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o say_v thou_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n god_n do_v not_o love_v thou_o these_o help_v we_o to_o hold_v out_o why_o say_v the_o soul_n i_o can_v speak_v by_o experience_n that_o i_o have_v find_v the_o contrary_a the_o lord_n have_v remove_v my_o fear_n he_o have_v pardon_v my_o sin_n and_o accept_v my_o person_n he_o have_v give_v i_o many_o precious_a promise_n to_o support_v my_o spirit_n here_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o sacrament_n it_o come_v more_o home_n to_o i_o it_o seal_v the_o general_a promise_n of_o god_n particular_o to_o myself_o for_o find_v the_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o my_o heart_n and_o god_n have_v strengthen_v my_o faith_n by_o the_o outward_a seal_n i_o can_v defy_v satan_n with_o all_o his_o accusation_n and_o look_v death_n in_o the_o face_n with_o comfort_n we_o shall_v labour_v therefore_o to_o observe_v god_n seal_v day_n when_o he_o use_v to_o manifest_v himself_o to_o his_o people_n which_o though_o it_o may_v be_v every_o day_n if_o we_o be_v spiritual_o exercise_v yet_o it_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n day_n more_o especial_o for_o then_o his_o ordinance_n and_o his_o spirit_n go_v together_o now_o there_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o person_n and_o of_o truth_n beside_o the_o seal_n of_o our_o estate_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o every_o particular_a truth_n to_o a_o christian._n for_o where_o there_o be_v grace_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n god_n seal_v those_o truth_n firm_o to_o that_o soul_n by_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o example_n this_o be_v a_o truth_n whosoever_o believe_v in_o christ_n shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n now_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o stir_v up_o the_o soul_n to_o believe_v this_o seal_v it_o fast_o upon_o the_o conscience_n even_o to_o death_n there_o be_v no_o promise_n but_o upon_o our_o believe_v the_o same_o it_o be_v seal_v by_o god_n upon_o we_o for_o those_o truth_n only_o abide_v firm_a in_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n set_v on_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n 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israelite_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o great_a extremity_n and_o famine_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o learning_n and_o other_o natural_a acquirement_n all_o which_o do_v often_o tend_v to_o general_a and_o public_a advantage_n yea_o the_o outward_a gist_n of_o god_n which_o be_v bestow_v reprobate_n upon_o reprobate_n be_v still_o for_o the_o good_a of_o he_o for_o they_o who_o have_v skill_n and_o knowledge_n to_o build_v noah_n ark_n though_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o save_v therein_o yet_o be_v they_o the_o mean_n of_o noah_n preservation_n and_o so_o it_o many_o time_n fall_v out_o that_o man_n of_o excellent_a part_n and_o great_a ability_n without_o grace_n though_o themselves_o be_v not_o profit_v thereby_o yet_o god_n so_o use_v they_o as_o their_o gift_n much_o conduce_v to_o further_o and_o build_v up_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n even_o outward_a favour_n prince_n of_o prince_n oft_o tend_v to_o god_n servant_n good_a a_o just_a man_n as_o the_o heathen_n 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up_o and_o help_v maintain_v a_o gracious_a frame_n within_o i_o where_o true_a holiness_n be_v the_o soul_n be_v sensible_a of_o all_o advantage_n and_o disadvantage_n of_o good_a a_o indifferency_n for_o any_o company_n or_o employment_n show_v a_o dead_a heart_n this_o be_v a_o main_a difference_n to_o distinguish_v a_o child_n of_o god_n from_o a_o profane_a wretch_n that_o only_o live_v to_o himself_o his_o heart_n be_v take_v up_o whole_o with_o the_o world_n and_o matter_n below_o whereas_o the_o godly_a be_v all_o for_o thrive_a in_o grace_n and_o increase_v of_o godliness_n the_o wicked_a man_n consider_v of_o thing_n as_o they_o serve_v to_o satisfy_v his_o lust_n and_o if_o we_o have_v better_a thought_n at_o any_o time_n it_o be_v but_o for_o a_o start_n but_o a_o godly_a man_n aim_n be_v always_o holy_a and_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v put_v forth_o that_o way_n he_o value_v himself_o as_o he_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o a_o better_a life_n and_o 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this_o be_v a_o love_a of_o god_n not_o as_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n only_o but_o as_o we_o peculiar_a by_o grace_n this_o union_n of_o love_n which_o knit_v we_o to_o christ_n impile_v another_o union_n by_o faith_n first_o which_o be_v a_o cleave_v to_o god_n as_o my_o god_n and_o to_o christ_n as_o my_o christ_n whence_o issue_v a_o second_o conjunction_n or_o cleave_v to_o he_o in_o love_n as_o my_o saviour_n my_o husband_n and_o my_o head_n to_o come_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o then_o to_o the_o work_n of_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o love_n be_v see_v in_o four_o thing_n 1._o in_o admire_v of_o some_o secret_a good_a in_o the_o thing_n belove_v which_o stir_v up_o the_o soul_n to_o make_v out_o for_o it_o 2._o in_o a_o studiousnesse_n of_o the_o contentation_n of_o the_o person_n belove_v 3._o in_o a_o desire_n of_o union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o the_o person_n we_o affect_v 4._o in_o a_o rest_a and_o solace_v of_o ourselves_o in_o the_o thing_n we_o love_v 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his_o son_n in_o law_n or_o else_o depart_v and_o suffer_v adversity_n with_o god_n child_n now_o moses_n by_o sound_a judgement_n have_v a_o high_a esteem_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o therefore_o choose_v rather_o to_o endure_v affliction_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n let_v we_o then_o see_v whether_o we_o can_v be_v content_v to_o part_v with_o our_o preferment_n or_o pleasure_n for_o god_n or_o no._n and_o whether_o we_o do_v esteem_v the_o rebuke_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o world_n whether_o we_o can_v lay_v down_o our_o life_n and_o liberty_n at_o christ_n foot_n and_o glad_o want_v all_o so_o we_o may_v enjoy_v he_o if_o it_o be_v so_o with_o we_o our_o estate_n be_v good_a again_o let_v we_o see_v whether_o trial_n we_o have_v a_o right_n prize_v of_o the_o good_a thing_n in_o god_n do_v we_o delight_v to_o speak_v much_o and_o often_o of_o christ_n and_o the_o 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