Selected quad for the lemma: christian_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
christian_n grace_n grow_v growth_n 1,564 5 11.7957 5 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A60356 A treatise of growth in grace in sundry sermons / preached by that lately eminent servant of Jesus Christ, Samuel Slater ... Slater, Samuel, d. 1704. 1671 (1671) Wing S3977; ESTC R38255 208,159 341

There are 19 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

and_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o all_o that_o be_v gracious_a they_o that_o be_v babe_n they_o must_v grow_v that_o so_o they_o may_v come_v to_o be_v strong_a man_n they_o that_o be_v strong_a man_n they_o must_v grow_v still_o that_o they_o may_v come_v to_o be_v strong_a and_o strong_a that_o the_o feeble_a according_a to_o that_o expression_n in_o the_o 12_o of_o zechariah_n may_v be_v as_o david_n and_o that_o david_n may_v be_v as_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o that_o be_v require_v of_o we_o weak_a believer_n they_o must_v grow_v grow_v strong_a believer_n strong_a believer_n must_v labour_v to_o grow_v still_o grow_v strong_a and_o strong_a in_o their_o believe_v christian_n professor_n duty_n be_v to_o grow_v strong_a in_o grace_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o minister_n the_o dispenser_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n it_o be_v as_o much_o their_o duty_n as_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o professor_n to_o be_v upon_o their_o growth_n in_o grace_n give_v diligence_n say_v the_o apostle_n to_o timothy_n 1_o ep._n 1._o 4._o give_v attendance_n to_o read_v to_o exhortation_n to_o doctrine_n that_o thy_o profit_v may_v appear_v to_o all_o but_o what_o be_v the_o requisite_n of_o this_o growth_n that_o i_o shall_v speak_v to_o in_o a_o few_o word_n what_o a_o growth_n it_o must_v be_v 1._o it_o must_v be_v a_o perceivable_a growth_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o the_o growth_n of_o a_o saint_n in_o grace_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o perceivable_a growth_n a_o visible_a growth_n a_o growth_n that_o may_v be_v perceive_v and_o apprehend_v a_o judgement_n may_v be_v make_v upon_o it_o such_o a_o growth_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o in_o that_o place_n i_o mention_v give_v attendance_n to_o these_o and_o these_o course_n that_o thy_o profit_v may_v appear_v to_o all_o why_o true_o the_o growth_n or_o a_o believer_n in_o grace_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o perceivable_a growth_n as_o a_o man_n by_o observation_n can_v say_v i_o set_v such_o a_o plant_n in_o my_o garden_n or_o orchard_n and_o i_o do_v perceive_v that_o within_o such_o a_o time_n it_o be_v grow_v so_o much_o high_a and_o strong_a and_o so_o for_o child_n there_o be_v a_o perceivable_a growth_n in_o they_o you_o may_v observe_v how_o they_o grow_v in_o process_n of_o time_n such_o a_o growth_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v after_o that_o it_o may_v be_v perceive_v by_o other_o by_o ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o and_o say_v as_o david_n speak_v in_o the_o day_n whereon_o i_o do_v call_v uprn_v thou_o thou_o do_v answer_v i_o and_o thou_o do_v strengthen_v i_o with_o strength_n in_o my_o soul._n 2._o as_o a_o perceivable_a growth_n so_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o proportionable_a growth_n if_o we_o will_v approve_v ourselves_o in_o this_o matter_n our_o growth_n in_o grace_n it_o must_v be_v a_o proportionable_a growth_n proportionable_a to_o time_n which_o god_n afford_v we_o what!_o so_o long_o under_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o godliness_n so_o long_o stand_v proportionable_a to_o the_o time_n of_o our_o stand_n shall_v be_v our_o increase_v why_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v of_o a_o great_a growth_n than_o other_o that_o be_v but_o of_o a_o late_a plantation_n the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o that_o purpose_n in_o heb._n 5._o for_o the_o time_n say_v he_o you_o may_v have_v be_v teacher_n of_o other_o you_o may_v have_v come_v to_o this_o to_o have_v be_v fit_a to_o feed_v upon_o strong_a meat_n but_o say_v he_o you_o have_v need_v to_o be_v teach_v the_o very_a first_o principle_n and_o to_o be_v feed_v nith_n milk_n and_o this_o he_o speak_v to_o their_o shame_n and_o in_o a_o way_n of_o blame_n and_o then_o second_o a_o proportionable_a growth_n there_o must_v be_v in_o grace_n proportionable_a to_o the_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o afford_v such_o and_o such_o large_a allowance_n and_o not_o answer_v they_o why_o it_o will_v turn_v to_o the_o shame_n and_o reproach_n of_o a_o professor_n let_v he_o be_v what_o he_o will_v 〈◊〉_d if_o his_o improvement_n do_v not_o hold_v some_o proportion_n to_o his_o enjoyment_n if_o he_o do_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n answer_v his_o growth_n to_o the_o time_n and_o the_o mean_n it_o turn_v to_o his_o dishonour_n and_o three_o if_o it_o be_v right_a it_o must_v be_v a_o fructify_a growth_n a_o growth_n with_o fruit_n so_o as_o still_o we_o must_v grow_v more_o and_o more_o fruitful_a fruitful_a in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o godliness_n that_o as_o we_o get_v more_o in_o say_v more_o in_o love_n increase_v more_o in_o holiness_n and_o in_o spiritual_a strength_n so_o we_o be_v the_o more_o in_o spiritual_a fruitfulness_n do_v more_o for_o god_n will_v it_o be_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o orchard_n planter_n to_o have_v a_o tree_n that_o when_o it_o be_v young_a and_o of_o lesser_a growth_n bring_v forth_o it_o may_v be_v twenty_o apple_n in_o a_o year_n and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v of_o seven_o year_n growth_n more_o to_o bring_v forth_o no_o more_o apple_n this-will_a not_o be_v to_o his_o satisfaction_n so_o for_o a_o christian_n that_o be_v but_o of_o a_o young_a plantation_n to_o bring_v forth_o such_o and_o such_o fruit_n and_o then_o when_o he_o have_v be_v seven_o and_o seven_o year_n long_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n to_o vi●…ld_a as_o little_o nay_o it_o may_v be_v less_o fruit_n to_o god_n than_o he_o do_v in_o his_o beginning_n true_o this_o be_v not_o well_o there_o must_v be_v fruitfulness_n and_o a_o growth_n in_o fruitfulness_n and_o then_o it_o must_v be_v a_o last_a and_o continue_v growth_n i_o tell_v you_o brethren_n think_v of_o it_o how_o we_o will_v the_o truth_n be_v if_o it_o be_v well_o with_o we_o we_o must_v grow_v as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v on_o this_o side_n heaven_n but_o that_o indeed_o be_v no_o place_n of_o growth_n mark_v that_o when_o once_o a_o saint_n come_v to_o heaven_n he_o come_v to_o his_o perfection_n he_o come_v to_o have_v a_o consistency_n then_o he_o shall_v be_v as_o good_a as_o god_n will_v have_v he_o to_o be_v and_o as_o good_a as_o his_o heart_n can_v desire_v to_o be_v but_o while_o we_o be_v on_o this_o side_n heaven_n there_o must_v be_v grow_v or_o else_o it_o be_v not_o right_a with_o we_o you_o see_v i_o have_v endeavour_v with_o as_o much_o plainness_n as_o possible_o i_o can_v to_o settle_v this_o upon_o your_o heart_n concern_v growth_n in_o grace_n that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o what_o interpretation_n it_o be_v and_o what_o a_o growth_n it_o be_v that_o god_n require_v now_o for_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o grow_v in_o grace_n why_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o why_o brethren_n how_o else_o will_v god_n be_v glorify_v by_o we_o how_o can_v person_n that_o have_v grace_n think_v that_o they_o can_v glorify_v god_n if_o they_o do_v not_o grow_v in_o it_o i_o tell_v you_o believer_n and_o saint_n they_o be_v god_n child_n they_o be_v child_n of_o god_n beget_v they_o be_v beget_v of_o a_o immortal_a seed_n through_o the_o word_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o pet._n 1._o why_o now_o consider_v be_v it_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o a_o father_n to_o have_v a_o child_n beget_v by_o he_o that_o prove_v a_o very_a dwarf_n abide_v and_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o proportion_n and_o stature_n that_o he_o be_v bear_v in_o there_o be_v no_o increase_n either_o in_o understanding_n or_o in_o stature_n or_o in_o strength_n but_o a_o poor_a creature_n a_o very_a babe_n so_o bear_v and_o so_o continue_v be_v it_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n to_o have_v such_o kind_n of_o child_n to_o beget_v child_n to_o himself_o by_o grace_n and_o to_o have_v they_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n and_o to_o have_v no_o growth_n believer_n be_v the_o plant_n of_o the_o lord_n observe_v that_o place_n in_o the_o 61._o of_o isai._n ver_fw-la 3._o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n be_v upon_o i_o etc._n etc._n and_o he_o have_v anoint_v i_o to_o appoint_v unto_o they_o that_o mourn_v in_o zion_n to_o give_v unto_o they_o beauty_n for_o ash_n the_o oil_n of_o joy_n for_o mourning_n the_o garment_n of_o praise_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o heaviness_n that_o they_o may_v be_v call_v tree_n of_o righteousness_n the_o plant_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v be_v glorify_v mark_v here_o they_o be_v the_o plant_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o plant_n be_v plant_v there_o be_v such_o a_o course_n take_v with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v come_v to_o grow_v to_o bulky-tree_n that_o they_o may_v be_v tree_n of_o righteousness_n that_o god_n may_v he_o glorify_v
do_v in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o epistle_n give_v this_o in_o charge_n unto_o the_o saint_n and_o believer_n that_o they_o look_v to_o their_o growth_n in_o grace_n these_o thing_n i_o do_v subjoin_v to_o the_o discourse_n i_o maintain_v the_o last_o day_n applic._n and_o now_o i_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o application_n of_o all_o true_o there_o be_v a_o great_a latitude_n wherein_o i_o may_v proceed_v i_o may_v have_v proceed_v in_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n and_o so_o may_v in_o the_o application_n and_o use_v make_v of_o this_o point_n but_o i_o shall_v contract_v myself_o as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v first_o of_o all_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o hence_o that_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n charge_v upon_o those_o that_o have_v grace_n that_o they_o do_v grow_v in_o grace_n we_o may_v infer_v from_o the_o premise_n that_o christian_n and_o believer_n be_v not_o perfect_a at_o once_o they_o have_v not_o their_o perfection_n in_o a_o moment_n the_o womb_n of_o god_n decree_n and_o of_o the_o promise_n do_v not_o bring_v forth_o perfect_a birth_n that_o be_v perfect_a at_o once_o a_o nation_n may_v be_v bear_v in_o a_o day_n a_o saint_n may_v be_v bear_v in_o a_o moment_n but_o he_o be_v not_o bear_v a_o perfect_a saint_n in_o a_o moment_n believer_n have_v not_o their_o perfection_n at_o once_o it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o the_o second_o creation_n than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o adam_n be_v create_v a_o perfect_a man_n perfect_a in_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n at_o the_o first_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o second_o creation_n it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o regeneration_n in_o the_o first_o generation_n it_o be_v thus_o god_n make_v the_o womb_n to_o travel_v and_o bring_v forth_o and_o the_o birth_n be_v perfect_a birth_n it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o regeneration_n perfect_a birth_n there_o be_v though_o they_o be_v such_o as_o shall_v be_v bring_v in_o due_a time_n to_o their_o perfection_n it_o be_v a_o say_n of_o one_o no_o man_n be_v perfect_o wicked_a at_o first_o so_o no_o man_n be_v exact_o and_o perfect_o godly_a at_o once_o grace_n it_o come_v into_o the_o soul_n by_o gradatem_n by_o degree_n now_o a_o little_a and_o then_o a_o little_a the_o light_n of_o a_o saint_n it_o be_v like_o the_o light_n of_o the_o day_n that_o break_v out_o more_o and_o more_o until_o it_o come_v unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o grace_n but_o take_v this_o withal_o we_o speak_v of_o grace_n as_o it_o be_v inherent_a grace_n as_o it_o be_v a_o quality_n implant_v in_o the_o soul._n there_o be_v this_o difference_n to_o be_v put_v between_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n and_o so_o between_o adoption_n and_o sanctification_n justification_n perfect_a in_o a_o moment_n it_o do_v not_o admit_v of_o degree_n a_o man_n be_v not_o more_o justify_v at_o one_o time_n than_o another_o it_o be_v true_a a_o believer_n may_v be_v more_o clear_a in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o his_o justification_n he_o may_v come_v to_o have_v more_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o his_o justification_n at_o one_o time_n than_o another_o but_o justification_n it_o be_v once_o and_o together_o and_o it_o be_v perfect_a a_o justify_v man_n be_v as_o much_o justify_v upon_o the_o first_o act_n of_o believe_v and_o close_v with_o christ_n as_o ever_o he_o shall_v be_v all_o his_o day_n though_o his_o justification_n be_v not_o so_o full_o manifest_v and_o so_o adoption_n a_o child_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o adoption_n he_o be_v as_o true_o a_o child_n of_o god_n at_o first_o as_o in_o process_n of_o time_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o as_o touch_v sanctification_n sanctification_n it_o come_v in_o in_o a_o gradual_a way_n sanctify_a a_o believer_n ●…s_v and_o be_v more_o and_o more_o sanctify_a he_o be_v make_v more_o holy_a he_o be_v bring_v to_o faith_n and_o come_v to_o have_v his_o improvement_n in_o faith_n and_o so_o it_o be_v true_a of_o all_o other_o the_o inherent_a grace_n they_o be_v bring_v on_o by_o degree_n 2._o i_o infer_v thus_o that_o if_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n and_o believer_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n this_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n then_o certain_o it_o be_v no_o duty_n to_o grow_v in_o sin_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a we_o have_v god_n allowance_n and_o his_o command_n for_o it_o that_o there_o be_v a_o growth_n in_o grace_n why_o it_o be_v contrary_a then_o unto_o the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o god_n that_o any_o person_n shall_v grow_v in_o sin_n you_o have_v no_o command_n for_o that_o nay_o there_o be_v no_o allowance_n for_o man_n to_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o sin_n it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o be_v not_o sinful_a it_o be_v the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n that_o we_o do_v not_o sin_n then_o certain_o we_o must_v reckon_v upon_o it_o that_o it_o be_v altogether_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o god_n that_o person_n shall_v grow_v in_o sin_n and_o yet_o alas_o how_o much_o be_v there_o of_o such_o a_o monstrous_a hellish_a growth_n in_o the_o world_n we_o may_v observe_v how_o man_n grow_v from_o bad_a to_o worse_o they_o grow_v big_a and_o big_a and_o more_o bulky_a in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o prophaneness_n from_o day_n to_o day_n according_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n foretells_a in_o the_o last_o day_n 2._o tim._n 3._o evil_a man_n and_o deceiver_n shall_v wax_v worse_o and_o worse_o they_o be_v bad_a enough_o when_o they_o be_v at_o the_o low_a and_o yet_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a they_o must_v be_v upon_o their_o advancing_n and_o improvement_n in_o wickedness_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o many_o a_o woeful_a growth_n to_o see_v man_n shoot_v up_o apace_o in_o wickedness_n increase_v in_o their_o ungodliness_n grow_v up_o in_o pride_n and_o profaneness_n and_o come_v up_o to_o a_o height_n in_o impiety_n thus_o it_o be_v but_o woe_n be_v to_o they_o who_o be_v find_v to_o be_v person_n of_o such_o a_o growth_n that_o grow_v in_o sin_n that_o grow_v most_o strong_a to_o act_v their_o impiety_n and_o to_o carry_v on_o their_o mischievous_a design_n and_o bear_v up_o in_o way_n of_o ungodliness_n as_o touch_v such_o i_o say_v this_o that_o they_o will_v know_v in_o time_n that_o their_o growth_n be_v stint_v and_o their_o measure_n be_v determine_v grant_v it_o that_o they_o do_v fill_v up_o the_o ephah_n they_o shall_v do_v no_o more_o than_o so_o 〈◊〉_d and_o when_o the_o ephah_n be_v once_o full_a the_o talon_n of_o lead_n shall_v be_v sure_o lay_v upon_o it_o to_o sink_v it_o down_o into_o everlasting_a destruction_n but_o 3._o consider_v this_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n charge_v upon_o we_o and_o especial_o such_o as_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o grow_v in_o grace_n let_v we_o now_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o especial_o such_o of_o we_o concern_v who_o it_o may_v be_v presume_v and_o hope_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v in_o they_o true_o it_o be_v a_o great_a duty_n and_o it_o be_v that_o that_o god_n expect_v the_o performance_n of_o from_o we_o and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o i_o be_o send_v this_o morning_n for_o to_o deal_v with_o you_o about_o you_o that_o be_v the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o grace_n you_o that_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o call_v of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o purpose_n it_o be_v that_o which_o lie_v upon_o you_o to_o bethink_v yourselves_o concern_v this_o matter_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n clear_o lie_v before_o you_o in_o the_o text_n it_o be_v require_v of_o you_o god_n have_v give_v it_o in_o charge_n that_o you_o grow_v in_o grace_n you_o be_v as_o much_o bind_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n as_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o have_v grace_n it_o be_v as_o much_o require_v of_o you_o that_o you_o increase_v in_o faith_n as_o that_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n it_o be_v as_o much_o require_v of_o you_o that_o you_o endeavour_v perfect_v of_o holiness_n as_o that_o you_o be_v partaker_n of_o holiness_n this_o be_v your_o duty_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n do_v in_o his_o word_n up_o and_o down_o require_v at_o your_o hand_n then_o consider_v you_o that_o be_v and_o may_v be_v presume_v and_o hope_v for_o to_o be_v the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o grace_n as_o i_o be_v say_v let_v i_o beseech_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o you_o will_v but_o bethink_v yourselves_o and_o consider_v do_v you_o persuade_v yourselves_o in_o your_o conscience_n and_o have_v you_o some_o good_a ground_n to_o be_v so_o persuade_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v in_o you_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o
this_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v such_o a_o growth_n in_o grace_n as_o that_o there_o may_v be_v much_o of_o grace_n and_o but_o little_a of_o sin_n that_o the_o house_n of_o david_n may_v grow_v strong_a and_o strong_a and_o may_v appear_v so_o to_o do_v by_o the_o house_n of_o saul_n its_o grow_v every_o day_n weak_a and_o weak_a oh_o christian_n so_o shall_v you_o labour_v to_o grow_v and_o to_o grow_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n to_o such_o a_o measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o grace_n that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v true_o the_o case_n stand_v so_o with_o i_o heretofore_o it_o stand_v thus_o with_o i_o that_o i_o can_v scarce_o tell_v how_o to_o do_v a_o duty_n and_o to_o turn_v my_o hand_n upon_o any_o holy_a duty_n but_o now_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o his_o blessing_n upon_o the_o mean_v i_o have_v use_v i_o be_o come_v to_o that_o pass_v now_o that_o i_o can_v scarce_o tell_v now_o how_o to_o commit_v a_o sin_n this_o be_v the_o growth_n we_o shall_v press_v after_o i_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n i_o can_v do_v little_a for_o the_o truth_n i_o can_v do_v little_a or_o nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n i_o have_v strength_n to_o sin_n and_o i_o be_v very_o weak_a to_o duty_n weak_a for_o prayer_n and_o weak_a for_o believe_v and_o weak_a for_o conflict_v with_o corruption_n i_o but_o now_o grace_n be_v so_o improve_v in_o i_o that_o now_o i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n and_o by_o his_o grace_n in_o i_o i_o can_v sin_v for_o my_o heart_n as_o once_o i_o can_v this_o be_v the_o growth_n that_o we_o shall_v press_v after_o ay_o such_o a_o growth_n in_o grace_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v upon_o all_o occasion_n command_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o scripture-argument_n and_o reason_n and_o sway_v with_o they_o whatsoever_o argument_n come_v to_o the_o contrary_n true_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o soul_n well_o improve_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n when_o god_n argument_n will_v bear_v sway_n with_o it_o all_o other_o argument_n they_o signify_v little_a or_o nothing_o but_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o command_n of_o god_n from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o from_o grace_n such_o a_o argument_n will_v prevail_v i_o shall_v sin_v against_o god_n if_o i_o neglect_v this_o duty_n if_o i_o commit_v this_o i_o shall_v dishonour_v god_n i_o shall_v offend_v my_o brother_n i_o shall_v wound_v my_o conscience_n i_o shall_v walk_v unsuitable_o to_o the_o name_n that_o be_v call_v upon_o i_o to_o my_o holy_a profession_n i_o shall_v walk_v unanswerable_o to_o the_o grace_n that_o i_o be_o plant_v under_o when_o such_o argument_n as_o these_o be_v of_o a_o prevail_a power_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v come_v with_o power_n into_o our_o soul_n when_o christ_n argument_n be_v the_o sway_v and_o the_o prevail_a argument_n with_o we_o thus_o now_o i_o have_v be_v drive_v this_o business_n for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o profess_v to_o you_o and_o the_o lord_n help_v we_o to_o consider_v wise_o of_o it_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n implant_v it_o do_v as_o much_o concern_v i_o as_o any_o one_o of_o you_o that_o i_o press_v on_o you_o to_o a_o growth_n in_o grace_n it_o be_v as_o much_o my_o duty_n as_o you_o and_o as_o much_o your_o duty_n as_o i_o and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o woeful_a account_n that_o we_o shall_v give_v another_o day_n if_o you_o and_o i_o shall_v appear_v before_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o shall_v have_v this_o charge_v upon_o we_o you_o preach_v indeed_o a_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o you_o that_o be_v the_o hearer_n you_o hear_v concern_v a_o growth_n in_o grace_n but_o neither_o preacher_n nor_o hearer_n set_v yourselves_o to_o answer_v your_o duty_n now_o owe_v shall_v we_o give_v account_n of_o this_o if_o you_o will_v go_v away_o with_o mere_a notion_n and_o rest_n in_o this_o for_o i_o tell_v you_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o danger_n that_o you_o lie_v open_a to_o in_o pass_v over_o sermon_n of_o this_o nature_n make_v no_o great_a matter_n of_o they_o you_o have_v hear_v the_o discourse_n and_o have_v be_v call_v upon_o to_o this_o purpose_n grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n please_v yourselves_o with_o this_o conceit_n well_o it_o matter_n not_o it_o be_v a_o mysterious_a thing_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o think_v of_o the_o matter_n whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o growth_n as_o be_v speak_v of_o we_o will_v look_v to_o this_o to_o see_v that_o there_o be_v grace_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o so_o put_v off_o the_o matter_n of_o growth_n i_o tell_v you_o that_o this_o be_v dangerous_a we_o must_v as_o we_o will_v approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o provision_n he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n that_o as_o we_o have_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n so_o to_o walk_v in_o he_o grow_v up_o in_o he_o that_o be_v the_o head_n and_o increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n and_o hold_v some_o proportion_n to_o time_n and_o mean_n and_o ordinance_n and_o pain_n that_o god_n take_v with_o we_o and_o that_o our_o profit_v may_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n serm._n vii_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o so_o to_o grow_v that_o our_o profit_v may_v appear_v unto_o all_o and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o concern_v both_o preacher_n and_o hearer_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o professor_n of_o godliness_n that_o they_o endeavour_v this_o that_o their_o profit_v may_v appear_v appear_v to_o themselves_o appear_v one_o to_o another_o and_o if_o you_o will_v ask_v i_o how_o we_o shall_v make_v it_o to_o appear_v that_o we_o do_v profit_n that_o there_o be_v a_o improvement_n that_o we_o do_v grow_v in_o grace_n how_o shall_v we_o make_v it_o appear_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o willingness_n and_o the_o heart_n be_v bring_v to_o this_o that_o it_o may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v you_o may_v without_o any_o great_a difficulty_n attain_v to_o a_o resolution_n this_o way_n do_v not_o you_o know_v how_o man_n make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o have_v more_o strength_n of_o body_n than_o other_o they_o make_v it_o appear_v by_o great_a activity_n and_o by_o do_v more_o and_o great_a service_n you_o know_v how_o man_n make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v rich_a than_o they_o be_v that_o they_o be_v increase_v in_o their_o estate_n why_o they_o will_v if_o they_o be_v ingenious_a and_o be_v not_o base_a and_o sordid_a and_o slave_n to_o their_o enjoyment_n make_v it_o appear_v in_o a_o suitableness_n in_o their_o deportment_n and_o carriage_n and_o expense_n and_o laying_n out_o they_o will_v fare_v better_o and_o they_o will_v go_v better_o apparel_v and_o they_o will_v be_v more_o ready_a to_o give_v and_o they_o will_v drive_v great_a trade_n you_o know_v this_o as_o well_o as_o i_o and_o better_a to_o you_o know_v how_o man_n make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v rich_a man_n of_o more_o able_a estate_n why_o and_o do_v not_o you_o know_v how_o you_o may_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o you_o be_v better_a man_n in_o christ_n that_o you_o be_v better_o in_o godliness_n that_o you_o have_v more_o grace_n than_o you_o have_v sure_o you_o can_v but_o reach_v this_o apprehension_n and_o know_v how_o you_o may_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o you_o be_v so_o that_o you_o be_v better_o in_o faith_n and_o godliness_n wicked_a man_n they_o do_v make_v it_o clear_o to_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v worse_o than_o once_o they_o be_v they_o will_v act_v more_o vigorous_o for_o the_o devil_n and_o in_o opposition_n to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n wicked_a man_n they_o make_v it_o clear_o to_o appear_v that_o they_o do_v grow_v worse_a and_o worse_o they_o be_v more_o profane_a more_o proud_a they_o discover_v themselves_o so_o to_o be_v by_o rise_v high_o and_o high_o in_o their_o impiety_n and_o insolence_n against_o god_n and_o discover_v themselves_o without_o shame_n and_o any_o check_n without_o any_o startle_a at_o it_o discover_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v resolve_v upon_o it_o for_o to_o go_v on_o with_o a_o high_a hand_n in_o their_o evil_a way_n why_o now_o can_v you_o tell_v you_o that_o be_v the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o grace_n that_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o you_o the_o truth_n in_o you_o and_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n can_v you_o tell_v how_o you_o may_v
they_o as_o you_o can_v use_v as_o strict_a discipline_n upon_o your_o lust_n and_o corruption_n as_o you_o can_v o_o it_o be_v this_o that_o do_v do_v we_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o mischief_n and_o do_v very_o much_o prejudice_v the_o soul_n that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o through_o repent_v and_o break_v off_o our_o corruption_n and_o lust_n amnon_n lustful_a love_n to_o his_o sister_n thamar_n it_o make_v he_o look_v lean_a from_o day_n to_o day_n i_o allude_v to_o it_o o_o say_v he_o to_o he_o why_o do_v thou_o be_v the_o king_n son_n look_v lean_a from_o day_n to_o day_n o_o say_v he_o i_o love_v my_o sister_n thamar_n why_o be_v christian_n that_o be_v the_o king_n son_n and_o daughter_n lean_a from_o day_n to_o day_n o_o there_o be_v something_o amiss_o something_o lie_v within_o some_o lust_n and_o corruption_n that_o be_v not_o full_o subdue_v this_o be_v that_o that_o cause_v leanness_n in_o their_o face_n and_o then_o three_o have_v not_o you_o be_v direct_v to_o this_o that_o you_o will_v take_v heed_n of_o entertain_v conceit_n of_o your_o own_o perfection_n that_o you_o will_v take_v heed_n of_o swell_a thought_n of_o what_o you_o have_v already_o attain_v so_o as_o to_o fancy_v to_o yourselves_o a_o perfection_n keep_v your_o heart_n in_o this_o apprehension_n as_o paul_n do_v i_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v i_o be_o not_o yet_o perfect_a i_o be_o not_o so_o good_a as_o i_o shall_v be_v and_o i_o be_o not_o so_o good_a as_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o be_v and_o thereupon_o you_o will_v by_o grace_n come_v to_o this_o resolve_n as_o paul_n do_v i_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v i_o be_o not_o yet_o perfect_a why_o then_o i_o will_v forget_v what_o be_v behind_o and_o i_o will_v reach_v to_o that_o which_o be_v before_o your_o duty_n be_v to_o take_v knowledge_n of_o whatsoever_o grace_n you_o have_v already_o receive_v i_o but_o so_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o to_o be_v thankful_a as_o that_o you_o do_v not_o rest_v in_o it_o and_o say_v it_o be_v enough_o and_o i_o will_v look_v after_o no_o more_o but_o so_o bless_v god_n for_o what_o be_v already_o bestow_v upon_o you_o that_o you_o still_o be_v press_v on_o for_o a_o large_a supply_n and_o that_o you_o may_v come_v to_o be_v more_o and_o more_o improve_v in_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v begin_v four_o i_o will_v add_v this_o in_o order_n to_o your_o growth_n that_o you_o may_v do_v according_a to_o your_o duty_n you_o and_o i_o that_o we_o may_v grow_v in_o grace_n will_v you_o but_o serious_o propound_v this_o to_o yourselves_o make_v it_o your_o business_n and_o resolve_v upon_o it_o that_o you_o will_v do_v your_o utmost_a to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o to_o be_v every_o day_n better_o and_o better_a natural_a growth_n that_o come_v on_o whether_o we_o mind_v it_o or_o no._n the_o child_n that_o be_v conceive_v in_o the_o womb_n it_o mind_v not_o its_o growth_n when_o it_o be_v bear_v and_o in_o its_o infancy_n it_o mind_v not_o its_o growth_n i_o but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o growth_n and_o nature_n carry_v it_o on_o i_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o grace_n growth_n in_o grace_n must_v be_v mind_v and_o it_o must_v be_v attain_v and_o we_o must_v propound_v it_o to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v grow_v and_o true_o i_o be_o persuade_v if_o so_o be_v that_o christian_n will_v but_o go_v to_o work_v like_o rational_a creature_n like_o man_n that_o understand_v themselves_o in_o a_o religious_o rational_a way_n if_o so_o be_v that_o they_o will_v but_o go_v to_o work_v as_o those_o that_o do_v with_o religious_a reason_n weigh_v and_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o grow_v and_o propound_v it_o and_o make_v it_o their_o design_n and_o resolve_v upon_o it_o to_o make_v a_o business_n of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v grow_v in_o grace_n i_o be_o very_o confident_a of_o it_o that_o there_o will_v be_v better_a growth_n you_o know_v whether_o this_o be_v propound_v by_o you_o that_o you_o may_v be_v better_o in_o your_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o holiness_n that_o you_o may_v have_v more_o of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n more_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n more_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v more_o in_o express_v these_o thing_n your_o conscience_n can_v tell_v you_o whether_o you_o propound_v these_o thing_n to_o yourselves_o whether_o you_o can_v say_v true_o i_o be_o not_o so_o good_a as_o i_o will_v be_v i_o will_v be_v better_o and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o will_v be_v better_a i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o better_v my_o condition_n and_o to_o express_v more_o of_o the_o indwelling_a of_o christ_n in_o i_o undoubted_o if_o you_o will_v but_o resolve_v to_o make_v it_o a_o business_n it_o will_v be_v better_o with_o you_o than_o it_o be_v 5._o if_o you_o desire_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n do_v but_o study_v what_o grace_n be_v and_o if_o you_o have_v it_o what_o it_o be_v in_o you_o why_o be_v it_o not_o a_o lovely_a thing_n do_v you_o know_v what_o grace_n be_v a_o dramn_v of_o it_o be_v worth_a a_o 10000_o world_n o_o a_o little_a faith_n a_o little_a love_n a_o little_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n it_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o all_o the_o p●…arls_n and_o jewel_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n there_o be_v nothing_o comparable_a to_o it_o now_o if_o you_o have_v a_o little_a of_o this_o precious_a commodity_n why_o shall_v not_o your_o heart_n be_v set_v to_o this_o that_o you_o may_v have_v more_o of_o it_o and_o true_o this_o will_v be_v a_o good_a conducement_n to_o the_o raise_n up_o of_o your_o heart_n to_o a_o endeavour_n this_o way_n why_o this_o grace_n be_v a_o precious_a thing_n a_o little_a i_o have_v get_v of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v so_o precious_a that_o i_o will_v not_o be_v content_v with_o this_o little_a but_o i_o will_v labour_v to_o have_v as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o i_o can_v more_o love_n o_o more_o love_n never_o never_o never_o too_o much_o of_o that_o six_o if_o you_o will_v grow_v in_o grace_n look_v to_o your_o union_n with_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o head_n and_o you_o be_v the_o member_n if_o you_o be_v believer_n now_o the_o body_n grow_v by_o influence_n from_o the_o head_n true_o our_o growth_n it_o spring_v up_o from_o union_n with_o christ_n if_o you_o abide_v in_o i_o and_o my_o word_n abide_v in_o you_o than_o it_o shall_v be_v well_o if_o so_o be_v that_o you_o hold_v the_o head_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a expression_n you_o have_v in_o 2_o collos._n the_o apostle_n use_v that_o expression_n of_o hold_v the_o head_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o hold_v the_o head_n there_o come_v to_o be_v a_o increase_n with_o all_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n when_o thou_o be_v well_o skill_v in_o this_o mystery_n of_o hold_v the_o head_n in_o a_o dependence_n upon_o christ_n draw_v every_o day_n from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n not_o content_v himself_o with_o what_o he_o have_v receive_v but_o be_v still_o draw_v and_o suck_v from_o christ_n the_o breast_n of_o christ._n he_o be_v in_o the_o proper_a way_n of_o proficiency_n and_o improvement_n in_o grace_n these_o be_v not_o empty_a notion_n no_o they_o be_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n do_v suggest_v they_o to_o you_o and_o therefore_o let_v they_o be_v according_o regard_v and_o heed_v by_o you_o seven_o your_o duty_n be_v to_o grow_v and_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n in_o order_n to_o that_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o will_v be_v a_o a_o good_a conducement_n labour_v to_o make_v it_o sure_a that_o you_o have_v grace_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o be_v very_o much_o in_o that_o inquiry_n into_o yourselves_o so_o as_o that_o you_o may_v be_v clear_a in_o this_o that_o you_o have_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o you_o that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o you_o stand_v this_o be_v a_o good_a conducement_n to_o proficiency_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n when_o you_o come_v to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o work_n begin_v for_o mark_v you_o if_o so_o be_v that_o a_o man_n be_v about_o a_o building_n and_o do_v question_n whether_o the_o foundation_n be_v well_o lay_v yea_o or_o no_o true_o he_o can_v never_o go_v on_o so_o clear_o and_o so_o dexterous_o in_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o build_n but_o if_o so_o be_v that_o he_o be_v well_o persuade_v sufficient_o satisfy_v concern_v this_o that_o the_o foundation_n be_v well_o lay_v this_o will_v strengthen_v his_o hand_n for_o to_o go_v on_o in_o the_o work_n if_o so_o be_v that_o a_o man_n be_v upon_o a_o journey_n and_o question_n whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a
of_o the_o text_n which_o concern_v growth_n in_o grace_n the_o next_o thing_n that_o follow_v to_o be_v consider_v of_o be_v this_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n here_o we_o have_v to_o consider_v of_o a_o further_a inquiry_n a_o further_a command_n grow_v in_o grace_n grow_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n and_o true_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o conceive_v that_o there_o be_v a_o dependence_n of_o one_o upon_o the_o other_o and_o that_o in_o order_n unto_o growth_n in_o grace_n christian_n and_o believer_n be_v require_v to_o grow_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n this_o i_o conceive_v be_v intend_v in_o this_o conjunction_n and_o connexion_n of_o these_o two_o requiry_n as_o if_o the_o apo●…le_n shall_v have_v say_v grow_v in_o grace_n and_o that_o you_o may_v so_o do_v grow_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n now_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o observation_n there_o be_v a_o question_n which_o i_o think_v may_v be_v very_o proper_o move_v upon_o occasion_n of_o these_o two_o requiry_n thus_o order_v out_o in_o the_o text._n this_o question_n i_o say_v i_o conceive_v may_v be_v very_o fit_o move_v when_o the_o apostle_n require_v that_o there_o be_v a_o growth_n in_o grace_n then_o he_o come_v to_o require_v a_o growth_n in_o knowledge_n it_o may_v be_v question_v from_o hence_o be_v not_o knowledge_n grace_n and_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n require_v a_o growth_n in_o knowledge_n when_o he_o require_v a_o growth_n in_o grace_n why_o shall_v he_o make_v this_o a_o distinct_a requiry_n from_o the_o former_a may_v not_o we_o conceive_v that_o knowledge_n be_v a_o grace_n and_o then_o require_v growth_n in_o grace_n he_o require_v growth_n in_o knowledge_n a_o little_a to_o answer_v this_o first_o i_o will_v say_v thus_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v but_o that_o knowledge_n be_v a_o gift_n and_o a_o gift_n that_o be_v very_o high_o to_o be_v account_v of_o but_o every_o gift_n be_v not_o a_o grace_n indeed_o every_o grace_n be_v a_o gift_n but_o every_o gift_n be_v not_o a_o grace_n understanding_n by_o grace_n as_o usual_o it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v that_o grace_n which_o be_v a_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o election_n a_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o special_a love_n understand_v by_o grace_n sanctify_v and_o save_a grace_n so_o every_o gift_n be_v not_o a_o grace_n every_o gift_n may_v be_v call_v a_o grace_n in_o this_o sense_n as_o it_o come_v from_o grace_n from_o common_a grace_n it_o be_v a_o common_a grace_n that_o god_n do_v bestow_v meat_n and_o drink_n upon_o we_o it_o be_v a_o common_a grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n that_o give_v we_o meat_n to_o eat_v clothing_n to_o put_v on_o that_o he_o give_v we_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n that_o he_o give_v we_o common_a understanding_n that_o we_o may_v carry_v ourselves_o like_o man_n like_o rational_a creature_n this_o be_v a_o common_a gift_n a_o common_a gràce_v and_o so_o for_o knowledge_n it_o be_v a_o gift_n i_o and_o it_o be_v a_o gift_n that_o come_v from_o common_a grace_n and_o a_o common_a grace_n it_o may_v be_v reckon_v to_o be_v but_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o special_a grace_n a_o distinguish_a grace_n grace_n that_o be_v to_o salvation_n true_o so_o every_o gift_n be_v not_o a_o grace_n and_o it_o be_v true_a concern_v knowledge_n knowledge_n be_v a_o gift_n and_o yet_o speak_v of_o grace_n strict_o knowledge_n be_v not_o a_o grace_n but_o only_o we_o must_v distinguish_v of_o knowledge_n there_o be_v a_o more_o common_a knowledge_n there_o be_v a_o notional_a knowledge_n a_o knowledge_n of_o a_o enlighten_v understanding_n eradi●…ated_v by_o the_o common_a light_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o a_o common_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o say_v that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o grace_n this_o as_o you_o shall_v hear_v may_v be_v have_v and_o yet_o person_n may_v perish_v for_o all_o this_o and_o damn_v eternal_o they_o may_v go_v down_o well_o accomplish_v as_o to_o their_o knowledge_n to_o hell_n but_o then_o there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n that_o be_v not_o only_o a_o brain-knowledge_n but_o a_o heart-knowledge_n i_o will_v give_v they_o a_o heart_n to_o know_v i_o true_o there_o be_v grace_n there_o to_o be_v sure_a if_o the_o knowledge_n be_v not_o grace_n yet_o there_o be_v grace_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o with_o the_o knowledge_n when_o god_n give_v a_o man_n a_o heart_n to_o know_v he_o that_o be_v a_o covenant-blessing_n and_o of_o covenant-conveyance_n and_o it_o be_v a_o conveyance_n to_o none_o but_o those_o that_o have_v a_o special_a favour_n but_o otherwise_o knowledge_n in_o itself_o consider_v though_o it_o be_v a_o gift_n yet_o not_o a_o grace_n for_o mark_v you_o first_o of_o all_o you_o have_v have_v many_o know_a person_n as_o i_o be_v say_v that_o be_v never_o partaker_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n true_a save_v grace_n balaam_n prophecy_n of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v the_o man_n who_o eye_n be_v open_v and_o he_o know_v the_o vision_n of_o god_n balaam_n speak_v it_o of_o himself_o he_o be_v a_o man_n that_o have_v very_o much_o insight_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o a_o wretch_n a_o covetous_a wretch_n that_o perish_v in_o his_o way_n of_o covetousness_n and_o do_v discover_v a_o madness_n of_o spirit_n the_o madness_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v eager_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o way_n of_o unrighteousness_n thus_o balaam_n and_o yet_o a_o know_a man_n his_o eye_n be_v open_v he_o see_v the_o vision_n of_o god_n he_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o a_o very_a wretch_n and_o fall_v at_o length_n under_o damnation_n what_o be_v he_o the_o better_a for_o his_o knowledge_n person_n may_v know_v much_o i_o they_o may_v have_v all_o knowledge_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o they_o may_v be_v without_o charity_n without_o love_n so_o the_o apostle_n in_o 1_o cor._n 13._o say_v he_o though_o i_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o though_o i_o have_v all_o knowledge_n and_o have_v not_o love_n i_o be_o nothing_o it_o profit_v i_o nothing_o now_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n that_o be_v another_o thing_n than_o grace_n and_o then_o consider_v that_o knowledge_n be_v that_o which_o a_o man_n may_v have_v and_o be_v swell_v and_o puff_v up_o with_o it_o so_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 8._o we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v all_o knowledge_n knowledge_n say_v he_o puff_v up_o charity_n edify_v now_o grace_n do_v not_o do_v so_o grace_n do_v not_o puff_n up_o and_o then_o again_o person_n may_v have_v knowledge_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o knowledge_n after_o that_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n they_o may_v come_v to_o be_v entangle_v again_o in_o their_o former_a corruption_n be_v bring_v again_o into_o their_o former_a woeful_a bondage_n and_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o they_o may_v be_v worse_o than_o ever_o their_o beginning_n be_v so_o the_o apostle_n in_o 2_o pet._n 2._o say_v he_o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n the_o best_a knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n they_o have_v this_o knowledge_n and_o escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n and_o they_o be_v entangle_v again_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a with_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o here_o be_v clear_o now_o according_a to_o this_o account_n the_o apostle_n give_v hold_v forth_o that_o person_n may_v have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o may_v come_v to_o have_v such_o a_o knowledge_n whereby_o they_o escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o they_o may_v come_v to_o be_v entangle_v and_o overcome_v so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v worse_o with_o they_o than_o ever_o it_o be_v before_o they_o may_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v to_o they_o and_o so_o become_v like_o the_o dog_n to_o his_o vomit_n and_o like_o the_o sow_n to_o her_o wallow_v again_o in_o the_o mire_n by_o all_o this_o i_o say_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n and_o knowledge_n
saviour_n jesus_n christ_n o_o it_o will_v spirit_n the_o soul_n and_o make_v it_o lively_a to_o the_o uttermost_a in_o publish_v the_o praise_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n i_o instance_n only_o in_o eph._n 3._o what_o the_o apostle_n be_v pray_v on_o their_o behalf_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v with_o all_o saint_n the_o height_n and_o depth_n and_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n so_o that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n and_o then_o mark_v what_o follow_v now_o say_v he_o unto_o he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o do_v exceed_v abundant_o above_o all_o that_o we_o ask_v or_o think_v according_a to_o the_o power_n that_o work_v in_o we_o unto_o he_o be_v glory_n in_o the_o church_n by_o christ_n jesus_n th●…ughout_v all_o age_n world_n without_o end_n amen_n paul_n 〈◊〉_d not_o hold_v his_o spirit_n be_v so_o full_a he_o be_v like_o a_o vessel_n that_o must_v either_o have_v a_o vent_n or_o burst_v itself_o o_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o meditation_n of_o this_o glorious_a mystery_n concern_v christ_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n why_o say_v he_o now_o unto_o he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o do_v exceed_v abundant_o o_o how_o his_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o praise_n and_o admiring_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o christ._n and_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o now_o come_v to_o mind_n wherein_o you_o may_v see_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o saint_n in_o the_o proper_a frame_n of_o it_o when_o there_o come_v to_o be_v a_o due_a improvement_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n when_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o 1_o tim._n 1._o have_v be_v make_v mention_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o come_v to_o express_v his_o knowledge_n and_o sense_n of_o that_o grace_n according_a to_o what_o you_o have_v express_v and_o hold_v forth_o in_o that_o chapter_n say_v he_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v exceed_v abundant_a with_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o so_o he_o go_v on_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n of_o who_o i_o be_o chief_a howbeit_o for_o this_o cause_n i_o obtain_v mercy_n that_o in_o i_o first_o jesus_n christ_n may_v show_v forth_o all_o long_a suffering_n for_o a_o pattern_n to_o they_o which_o shall_v hereafter_o believe_v on_o he_o to_o everlasting_a life_n paul_n have_v be_v thus_o upon_o the_o serious_a meditation_n of_o this_o knowledge_n concern_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n mark_v you_o now_o what_o his_o spirit_n rise_v up_o unto_o in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o chapter_n now_o say_v he_o unto_o the_o king_n eternal_a have_v but_o make_v mention_n of_o christ_n and_o speak_v something_o concern_v christ_n and_o give_v some_o account_n of_o his_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n concern_v christ_n mark_v how_o he_o break_v out_o into_o this_o acknowledgement_n now_o unto_o the_o king_n eternal_a immortal_a invisible_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n be_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n and_o this_o come_v in_o only_a occasional_o in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o digression_n for_o he_o intermit_v the_o prosecution_n of_o the_o argument_n he_o have_v in_o hand_n and_o fall_v upon_o this_o by_o way_n of_o a_o digression_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v o_o i_o can_v fall_v upon_o the_o mention_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o of_o the_o mystery_n concern_v he_o i_o can_v be_v upon_o the_o meditation_n of_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v to_o be_v have_v of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n but_o say_v he_o my_o heart_n must_v be_v breathe_v out_o in_o a_o way_n of_o praise_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n admire_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o thus_o will_v it_o be_v brethren_n if_o we_o be_v but_o set_v to_o it_o to_o advance_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n o_o it_o will_v enlarge_v our_o heart_n as_o unto_o prayer_n so_o unto_o thanksgiving_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n i_o add_v yet_o further_o o_o this_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v a_o knowledge_n that_o christian_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o grow_v and_o advance_v in_o for_o it_o be_v by_o great_a growth_n in_o this_o they_o will_v come_v to_o be_v the_o more_o happy_o accomplish_v for_o the_o perform_n of_o the_o service_n of_o preach_v and_o hear_v i_o join_v these_o two_o together_o preach_v and_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o you_o may_v consider_v how_o a_o well-improved_n knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n will_v conduce_v most_o strong_o to_o the_o provoke_a both_o of_o ministerial_a preach_v and_o likewise_o of_o christian_a hear_v and_o attend_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v know_v unto_o we_o according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o everlasting_a god_n for_o preach_v work_n o_o consider_v now_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o knowledge_n that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v of_o he_o well_o advance_v and_o improve_v will_v contribute_v exceed_o to_o the_o most_o lively_a management_n of_o this_o service_n alas_o it_o be_v account_v in_o the_o world_n but_o a_o low_a service_n and_o many_o time_n with_o too_o much_o lowness_n of_o spirit_n perform_v by_o those_o that_o profess_v to_o be_v call_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o o_o but_o whence_o be_v it_o but_o from_o the_o want_n of_o a_o well-grown_a knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n for_o consider_v brethren_n this_o be_v that_o that_o we_o be_v to_o know_v concern_v our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o word_n and_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o our_o preach_v and_o your_o hear_v i_o join_v these_o two_o together_o preaching-work_n and_o hearing-work_n now_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o a_o minister_n preach_v and_o of_o a_o beeleever_n hear_v this_o word_n it_o come_v out_o of_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o god_n out_o of_o the_o bless_a bosom_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n and_o as_o a_o precious_a token_n of_o that_o love_n and_o respect_n that_o he_o bear_v to_o his_o son_n he_o have_v give_v out_o this_o word_n out_o of_o his_o own_o breast_n and_o bosom_n he_o have_v give_v it_o and_o commit_v it_o as_o a_o trust_n unto_o his_o son_n will_v you_o consider_v this_o that_o this_o everlasting_a gospel_n this_o word_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o our_o preach_v and_o your_o hear_n it_o be_v give_v as_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n love_n it_o be_v give_v to_o christ_n observe_v that_o expression_n in_o joh._n 17._o in_o the_o prayer_n that_o our_o saviour_n make_v unto_o his_o father_n say_v he_o ver_fw-la 8._o i_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o the_o word_n which_o thou_o give_v unto_o i_o thou_o give_v the_o word_n to_o i_o first_o and_o then_o say_v christ_n i_o have_v give_v these_o word_n unto_o they_o our_o lord_n profess_v before_o all_o the_o world_n he_o make_v this_o open_a profession_n say_v he_o my_o doctrine_n be_v not_o i_o it_o be_v not_o i_o consider_v as_o mediator_n but_o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o my_o father_n which_o my_o father_n have_v give_v i_o and_o which_o he_o have_v entrust_v i_o with_o to_o make_v know_v unto_o the_o world_n and_o to_o communicate_v to_o my_o disciple_n that_o by_o they_o the_o world_n may_v have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o consider_v this_o that_o god_n the_o father_n the_o great_a jehovah_n he_o give_v this_o word_n this_o doctrine_n unto_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n well_o this_o be_v that_o that_o be_v to_o be_v know_v concern_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v that_o which_o be_v give_v as_o a_o gift_n by_o the_o father_n unto_o he_o and_o so_o likewise_o you_o have_v it_o in_o rev._n 1._o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v he_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v resolve_v thus_o which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o to_o show_v unto_o his_o servant_n which_o must_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o then_o he_o send_v and_o signify_v by_o his_o angel_n unto_o his_o servant_n john_n i_o but_o christ_n have_v a_o revelation_n who_o give_v it_o he_o god_n give_v it_o he_o god_n have_v give_v christ_n all_o the_o whole_a platform_n and_o frame_v of_o doctrine_n that_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o god_n his_o elect_a one_o and_o call_v one_o from_o the_o begin_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n god_n the_o father_n have_v give_v this_o to_o the_o son_n 2._o this_o be_v that_o that_o be_v
out_o of_o their_o religion_n and_o make_v a_o very_a mock_n of_o godliness_n and_o upbraid_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n with_o their_o hope_n and_o expectation_n now_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v most_o rational_a that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v thus_o give_v in_o charge_n that_o professor_n look_v to_o their_o growth_n in_o grace_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a be_v well_o improve_v in_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o bear_v up_o against_o all_o the_o scorn_n and_o scoff_v and_o derision_n that_o they_o may_v meet_v withal_o from_o man_n of_o profane_a spirit_n lest_o otherwise_o through_o want_n or_o weakness_n in_o grace_n they_o bedash_v out_o of_o countenance_n and_o so_o either_o desert_n their_o cause_n or_o act_v unworthy_o in_o the_o management_n of_o it_o that_o be_v a_o second_o thing_n true_o it_o be_v a_o great_a trial_n the_o trial_n of_o mock_v and_o scoff_v when_o man_n shall_v meet_v with_o such_o kind_n of_o deal_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o profane_a wretch_n when_o they_o shall_v flout_v and_o jeer_v at_o they_o for_o their_o profession_n and_o for_o the_o hope_n that_o they_o bear_v upon_o true_o its_o a_o great_a trial_n and_o it_o require_v a_o considerable_a strength_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v up_o under_o such_o a_o trial_n well_o may_v the_o apostle_n therefore_o charge_v this_o upon_o christian_n and_o believer_n that_o they_o look_v to_o their_o growth_n in_o grace_n because_o there_o be_v last_o time_n and_o because_o there_o will_v come_v scoffer_n in_o those_o last_o time_n 3._o consider_v this_o withal_o that_o these_o scoffer_n they_o be_v such_o as_o shall_v walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o lust_v they_o be_v violent_a where_o they_o have_v their_o predominancy_n and_o carry_v on_o in_o a_o very_a sharp_a impetuous_a manner_n and_o if_o so_o be_v there_o be_v not_o a_o considerable_a improvement_n in_o grace_n a_o advance_v in_o grace_n professor_n if_o they_o be_v but_o weakling_n will_v not_o be_v well_o able_a to_o stand_v before_o the_o violence_n of_o ungodly_a man_n that_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o own_o lust_n 4._o consider_v that_o in_o these_o last_o day_n there_o shall_v be_v scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n that_o shall_v engage_v to_o a_o dispute_n against_o that_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o promise_v which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a foundation_n whereupon_o believer_n have_v to_o bottom_n and_o find_v their_o hope_n and_o confidence_n towards_o god_n ho_o dispute_v there_o be_v against_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o there_o will_v be_v a_o endeavour_v to_o invalidate_v the_o promise_n and_o to_o shake_v the_o hope_n and_o the_o faith_n and_o confidence_n of_o believer_n concern_v this_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n now_o upon_o this_o account_n in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v most_o rational_a that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v press_v upon_o believer_n a_o care_n of_o growth_n in_o grace_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v able_a in_o the_o strength_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o which_o be_v well_o improve_v in_o they_o to_o hear_v up_o against_o all_o the_o shake_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a for_o to_o break_v the_o force_n of_o whatsoever_o argument_n may_v be_v urge_v against_o this_o bless_a promise_n 5._o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o a_o account_n concern_v most_o stupendous_a providence_n stupendous_a and_o amaze_a providence_n that_o shall_v be_v order_v out_o for_o say_v he_o the_o heaven_n shall_v pass_v away_o with_o a_o noise_n the_o element_n shall_v melt_v with_o fervent_a heat_n and_o the_o earth_n with_o the_o work_v therein_o shall_v be_v burn_v up_o now_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v most_o proper_o chargeable_a upon_o believer_n that_o they_o look_v to_o their_o grace_n and_o to_o their_o growth_n in_o grace_n that_o be_v corroborate_v and_o well_o strengthen_v in_o the_o grace_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v they_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o bear_v up_o under_o the_o most_o astonish_a and_o stupendous_a providence_n that_o when_o other_o shall_v say_v as_o balaam_n speak_v alas_o who_o shall_v live_v when_o god_n do_v this_o who_o shall_v live_v why_o a_o believer_n a_o saint_n of_o god_n be_v well_o grow_v have_v his_o grace_n well_o improve_v may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v i_o doubt_v it_o not_o but_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n i_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v up_o and_o lift_v up_o my_o head_n with_o joy_n and_o stand_v with_o boldness_n before_o god_n when_o other_o may_v fall_v under_o deep_a despondence_n and_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o astonishment_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o such_o stupendous_a providence_n 6._o i_o add_v that_o the_o apostle_n give_v a_o account_n concern_v a_o promise_n which_o shall_v be_v assure_o perform_v in_o due_a time_n of_o have_v new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n wherein_o dwell_v righteousness_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o there_o be_v such_o a_o promise_n which_o be_v of_o sure_a accomplishment_n true_o it_o be_v very_o requisite_a that_o believer_n that_o be_v plant_v under_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o have_v such_o a_o promise_n perform_v that_o they_o shall_v look_v unto_o their_o growth_n in_o grace_n that_o they_o come_v to_o be_v so_o improve_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o godliness_n that_o they_o may_v carry_v a_o suitableness_n unto_o such_o a_o time_n and_o such_o a_o state_n as_o that_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a for_o to_o bear_v up_o under_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v shine_v forth_o from_o these_o new_a heaven_n and_o this_o new_a earth_n wherein_o dwell_v righteousness_n you_o must_v think_v that_o a_o little_a small_a inconsiderable_a portion_n of_o grace_n will_v not_o be_v so_o answerable_a unto_o such_o a_o time_n and_o such_o a_o state_n as_o god_n have_v by_o promise_n engage_v himself_o for_o to_o advance_v his_o people_n to_o so_o that_o in_o that_o respect_n the_o apostle_n do_v most_o fit_o press_v this_o growth_n in_o grace_n 7._o god_n though_o he_o have_v make_v promise_n of_o his_o come_n and_o his_o come_n to_o make_v a_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n wherein_o righteousness_n shall_v dwell_v yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o have_v put_v a_o long_a date_n upon_o these_o promise_n and_o it_o will_v be_v long_o before_o such_o time_n as_o these_o promise_n shall_v have_v their_o accomplishment_n why_o god_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o he_o take_v a_o long_a date_n and_o so_o it_o appear_v for_o it_o be_v now_o about_o 1600_o year_n since_o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v and_o these_o thing_n communicate_v to_o the_o church_n and_o saint_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o their_o soul_n now_o in_o this_o regard_n well_o may_v the_o apostle_n require_v on_o the_o part_n of_o believer_n and_o saint_n a_o growth_n in_o grace_n that_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v patient_o to_o wait_v upon_o god_n and_o to_o run_v through_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o providence_n which_o shall_v be_v order_v out_o upon_o they_o and_o undergo_v all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o hardship_n which_o they_o be_v or_o be_v to_o be_v put_v upon_o in_o order_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v which_o will_v not_o well_o be_v do_v without_o a_o considerable_a growth_n in_o grace_n so_o that_o let_v that_o be_v consider_v of_o that_o this_o growth_n in_o grace_n it_o be_v most_o proper_o chargeable_a upon_o believer_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o god_n be_v please_v for_o to_o take_v a_o long_a day_n and_o to_o hold_v his_o people_n long_o in_o expectation_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o then_o 8._o i_o add_v this_o that_o as_o in_o all_o time_n there_o have_v be_v so_o there_o will_v be_v in_o these_o latter_a time_n such_o as_o shall_v have_v their_o error_n dangerous_a error_n error_n that_o be_v proper_a for_o wicked_a man_n error_n of_o the_o wicked_a by_o mean_n of_o which_o error_n the_o saint_n may_v be_v bring_v into_o great_a danger_n of_o fall_v from_o their_o own_o steadfastness_n according_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v also_o express_v towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o as_o i_o have_v discourse_v large_o upon_o there_o will_v be_v error_n of_o the_o wicked_a which_o will_v endanger_v the_o saint_n as_o to_o their_o steadfastness_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o apostle_n do_v most_o fit_o enjoin_v this_o duty_n of_o growth_n in_o grace_n so_o that_o now_o these_o 8_o thing_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v of_o we_o may_v clear_o see_v how_o proper_o the_o apostle_n
endeavour_n shall_v be_v to_o drive_v home_o this_o exhortation_n and_o to_o fasten_v it_o as_o a_o nail_n in_o a_o sure_a place_n if_o you_o will_v but_o give_v due_a regard_n unto_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v charge_v upon_o you_o and_o urge_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v so_o be_v that_o you_o will_v but_o labour_v to_o stand_v convince_v of_o this_o as_o your_o duty_n and_o upon_o convincement_n set_v up_o the_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o it_o undoubted_o this_o labour_n this_o morning_n will_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a and_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o shall_v be_v speak_v and_o press_v upon_o you_o may_v be_v the_o more_o successful_a i_o will_v beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v what_o a_o lovely_a duty_n it_o be_v to_o endeavour_v a_o growth_n in_o grace_n what_o a_o become_a thing_n it_o be_v for_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v call_v to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v most_o vigorous_a in_o endeavour_v this_o that_o they_o may_v be_v upon_o their_o growth_n we_o love_v to_o see_v our_o child_n grow_v the_o husbandman_n love_v to_o see_v his_o corn_n spring_v up_o and_o grow_v man_n in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o trade_n they_o set_v their_o heart_n upon_o this_o that_o they_o may_v grow_v upon_o their_o estate_n more_o big_a and_o bulky_a why_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n wherein_o a_o growth_n be_v more_o lovely_a to_o see_v than_o grace_n and_o holiness_n be_v what_o a_o sad_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o see_v poor_a creature_n take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n and_o be_v frequent_a in_o their_o attendance_n upon_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o it_o there_o be_v not_o a_o opportunity_n that_o they_o can_v well_o take_v hold_v of_o but_o they_o do_v yet_o to_o see_v they_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o wither_a state_n lean_a pale_a and_o ill-favoured_a in_o a_o languish_a condition_n and_o little_a or_o nothing_o appear_v of_o any_o proficiency_n of_o any_o spiritual_a growth_n indeed_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o will_v be_v lay_v to_o heart_n by_o professor_n that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o better_a account_n of_o their_o improvement_n in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o preach_v such_o frequent_a hear_v sermon_n they_o be_v eat_v up_o and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o so_o if_o they_o be_v eat_v and_o one_o will_v think_v well_o digest_v and_o yet_o still_o leanness_n appear_v one_o corruption_n or_o other_o eat_v out_o the_o strength_n of_o all_o and_o keep_v poor_a creature_n under_o true_o this_o be_v a_o sad_a consideration_n that_o we_o shall_v hear_v sermon_n after_o sermon_n and_o enjoy_v ordinance_n after_o ordinance_n and_o yet_o come_v to_o look_v upon_o professor_n even_o concern_v who_o there_o may_v be_v a_o wellgrounded_n confidence_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v right_a in_o the_o main_a and_o yet_o still_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o wither_a condition_n lean_a poor_a and_o bare_a little_o more_o as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v than_o skin_n and_o bone_n true_o this_o be_v that_o that_o shall_v be_v lay_v to_o heart_n and_o alas_o brethren_n do_v but_o think_v serious_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o attend_v the_o ordinance_n and_o not_o to_o be_v better_v by_o they_o you_o will_v think_v it_o a_o sad_a condition_n for_o a_o person_n to_o feed_v every_o day_n feed_v to_o the_o full_a with_o large_a provision_n variety_n set_v before_o he_o to_o partake_v of_o and_o yet_o after_o all_o his_o full_a feeding_n there_o be_v nothing_o of_o strength_n and_o fatness_n and_o growth_n and_o increase_v no_o better_n by_o their_o provision_n sure_o sure_o this_o shall_v set_v close_o upon_o our_o heart_n to_o think_v thus_o lord_n why_o be_v it_o thus_o with_o i_o i_o hear_v many_o a_o sermon_n and_o attend_v christ_n in_o ordinance_n have_v many_o bless_a opportunity_n for_o spiritual_a advantage_n and_o yet_o i_o have_v get_v little_a or_o nothing_o other_o see_v it_o not_o i_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o it_o it_o may_v be_v as_o much_o keep_v at_o a_o under_o by_o my_o pride_n by_o my_o passion_n by_o one_o corruption_n or_o other_o as_o apt_a to_o be_v overpower_v by_o every_o temptation_n as_o if_o i_o do_v not_o give_v any_o attendance_n upon_o god_n in_o any_o of_o his_o ordinance_n this_o meditation_n i_o desire_v may_v settle_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o that_o we_o will_v be_v commune_v with_o ourselves_o about_o this_o matter_n as_o rebecca_n say_v upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o struggle_a in_o her_o womb_n if_o it_o be_v so_o why_o be_o i_o thus_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o there_o be_v such_o allowance_n give_v such_o a_o provision_n make_v in_o so_o ample_a a_o manner_n if_o it_o be_v so_o lord_n why_o be_o i_o thus_o why_o be_o i_o not_o more_o in_o faith_n why_o be_o i_o not_o more_o in_o love_n to_o thou_o o_o christ_n and_o way_n of_o holiness_n why_o be_o i_o not_o more_o in_o spiritual_a strength_n why_o be_o i_o not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o better_a account_n what_o do_v i_o make_v hear_v the_o end_n of_o hear_v and_o duty_n the_o end_n of_o duty_n and_o do_v i_o rest_v in_o ordinance_n be_v not_o the_o ordinance_n give_v to_o profit_n withal_o and_o to_o improve_v by_o this_o be_v proper_a for_o we_o if_o we_o will_v deal_v true_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o concernment_n of_o our_o soul_n this_o indeed_o be_v proper_a work_n for_o you_o and_o i_o to_o be_v upon_o the_o daily_a performance_n of_o this_o i_o speak_v now_o in_o more_o general_a manner_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n that_o you_o may_v give_v the_o more_o due_a regard_n unto_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o be_o further_a to_o communicate_v to_o you_o concern_v growth_n in_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o text._n now_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o have_v to_o press_v upon_o you_o that_o you_o will_v reckon_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o duty_n and_o according_o with_o conscience_n and_o care_n apply_v it_o set_a your_o heart_n upon_o this_o that_o you_o may_v grow_v grow_v in_o grace_n i_o think_v as_o i_o say_v before_o it_o will_v be_v the_o proper_a course_n that_o i_o can_v take_v for_o to_o speak_v to_o some_o particular_n and_o i_o will_v speak_v especial_o to_o the_o main_a grace_n the_o captain-grace_n the_o leading-grace_n and_o that_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o faith_n think_v thus_o that_o when_o you_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n to_o be_v sure_a this_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o meaning_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o spirit_n that_o you_o shall_v grow_v in_o faith_n that_o you_o shall_v set_v your_o heart_n to_o this_o that_o have_v faith_n you_o may_v increase_v in_o it_o this_o be_v your_o duty_n even_o a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o every_o one_o that_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o true_a save_a faith_n in_o he_o to_o do_v his_o utmost_a that_o he_o may_v come_v to_o have_v a_o growth_n in_o that_o faith_n o_o that_o this_o may_v be_v consider_v of_o by_o you_o that_o be_v believer_n have_v you_o faith_n it_o be_v good_a for_o to_o make_v a_o inquiry_n and_o to_o search_v into_o yourselves_o whether_o you_o have_v faith_n you_o or_o no._n have_v you_o look_v to_o the_o growth_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n beget_v and_o it_o be_v a_o child_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o your_o trust_n to_o see_v to_o the_o nourish_a of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v well_o nurse_v by_o you_o have_v god_n give_v you_o faith_n in_o the_o spark_n your_o duty_n be_v to_o look_v to_o it_o that_o it_o be_v improve_v to_o a_o flame_n be_v it_o a_o seed_n that_o god_n have_v sow_v in_o your_o heart_n suppose_v it_o be_v but_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o lie_v upon_o you_o to_o look_v well_o to_o it_o that_o this_o little_a grain_n this_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_v be_v attend_v and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o improvement_n of_o it_o this_o be_v your_o duty_n that_o have_v faith_n you_o increase_v in_o faith_n that_o there_o be_v a_o due_a improvement_n of_o it_o that_o you_o may_v come_v to_o be_v not_o only_o babe_n in_o faith_n but_o strong_a man_n in_o faith_n this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o say_v be_v our_o duty_n and_o this_o i_o will_v press_v upon_o you_o grow_v in_o grace_n grow_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o i_o will_v have_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o all_o other_o growth_n in_o the_o other_o grace_n they_o have_v a_o dependence_n upon_o this_o growth_n in_o faith_n if_o faith_n be_v in_o well-liking_a other_o grace_n will_v be_v in_o a_o good_a condition_n true_o i_o think_v it_o be_v most_o thus_o
which_o a_o well-grown_a faith_n will_v enable_v to_o and_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o faith_n our_o duty_n be_v to_o endeavour_v after_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v with_o the_o spouse_n even_o so_o come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o concern_v faith_n when_o the_o apostle_n call_v upon_o we_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n i_o have_v press_v the_o duty_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o particular_a grace_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o know_v as_o i_o say_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o discourse_n that_o true_o the_o growth_n of_o other_o grace_n do_v very_o much_o depend_v upon_o the_o growth_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v so_o low_a and_o poor_a in_o other_o grace_n it_o be_v because_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o better_o improve_v and_o raise_v up_o to_o a_o high_a pitch_n but_o yet_o i_o will_v speak_v something_o concern_v two_o or_o three_o other_o grace_n and_o so_o endeavour_v to_o fasten_v this_o charge_n of_o the_o apostle_n upon_o you_o your_o duty_n be_v if_o you_o have_v grace_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n do_v but_o think_v of_o it_o serious_o and_o study_v to_o answer_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o text_n grow_v in_o grace_n grow_v in_o faith_n ay_o and_o know_v that_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o grow_v in_o love_n in_o love_n to_o god_n in_o love_n to_o christ_n in_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o love_n to_o the_o saint_n in_o love_n with_o heaven_n this_o be_v that_o that_o you_o shall_v set_v your_o heart_n unto_o have_v you_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o you_o if_o you_o know_v that_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o improve_v in_o that_o love_n as_o you_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n to_o love_n so_o you_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n to_o increase_v and_o abound_v in_o love_n if_o there_o be_v a_o spark_n of_o love_n in_o you_o to_o god_n you_o shall_v labour_v to_o bless_v god_n for_o that_o but_o labour_v withal_o that_o that_o spark_n may_v be_v blow_v up_o into_o a_o flame_n be_v you_o able_a to_o say_v with_o peter_z if_o the_o question_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o you_o as_o it_o be_v to_o he_o simon_n son_n of_o j●…nah_n love_v thou_o i_o you_o shall_v be_v think_v with_o yourselves_o if_o christ_n shall_v put_v such_o a_o question_n to_o you_o such_o a_o one_o thomas_n john_n brother_n sister_n do_v thou_o love_v i_o that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v without_o check_n of_o conscience_n yea_o lord_n thou_o know_v that_o i_o love_v thou_o it_o be_v very_o good_a for_o every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o be_v put_v this_o question_n to_o our_o own_o heart_n o_o my_o soul_n do_v thou_o love_v god_n indeed_o be_v thou_o able_a to_o make_v a_o bold_a profession_n of_o thy_o love_n to_o god_n do_v not_o thy_o conscience_n tell_v thou_o that_o thou_o lie_v when_o thou_o say_v thou_o love_v he_o and_o his_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o his_o way_n do_v thou_o indeed_o love_v he_o if_o we_o can_v say_v with_o boldness_n and_o without_o check_n and_o control_v of_o conscience_n lord_n thou_o know_v that_o i_o love_v thou_o then_o i_o will_v say_v this_o to_o thou_o do_v thou_o love_v he_o o_o labour_v to_o love_v he_o more_o and_o more_o to_o love_v he_o with_o a_o more_o entire_a love_n with_o a_o more_o intensive_a love_n love_v he_o with_o such_o a_o love_n that_o whatsoever_o duty_n he_o require_v of_o thou_o thou_o may_v cheerful_o apply_v to_o they_o o_o lord_n i_o love_v thou_o and_o i_o so_o love_v thou_o that_o i_o think_v nothing_o too_o much_o to_o do_v for_o thou_o so_o love_v thou_o as_o that_o i_o think_v nothing_o too_o much_o to_o suffer_v for_o thou_o if_o thou_o call_v i_o to_o duty_n o_o lord_n i_o love_v thou_o so_o dear_o that_o i_o stick_v at_o nothing_o of_o duty_n o_o lord_n i_o love_v thou_o with_o such_o a_o entire_a and_o a_o intensive_a love_n that_o i_o think_v nothing_o too_o much_o to_o suffer_v for_o thou_o such_o a_o love_n we_o shall_v press_v to_o and_o improve_v to_o such_o a_o flame_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v all_o this_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o as_o the_o church_n speak_v in_o ps._n 44._o yet_o have_v we_o not_o depart_v from_o thou_o no●…_n have_v we_o deal_v false_o in_o thy_o covenant_n this_o be_v the_o love_n a_o flame_a love_n to_o god_n to_o christ_n to_o the_o truth_n to_o way_n of_o holiness_n such_o a_o love_n as_o no_o water_n may_v be_v able_a to_o quench_v and_o then_o three_o grow_v in_o grace_n in_o what_o grace_n o_o christian_n if_o so_o be_v that_o you_o have_v any_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o you_o look_v to_o it_o that_o that_o fear_v be_v a_o grow_a fear_n i_o speak_v now_o of_o a_o holy_a fear_n a_o childlike_a fear_n a_o fear_n of_o reverence_n a_o fear_n that_o be_v consistent_a with_o love_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o grace_n which_o you_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o grow_v in_o that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o you_o that_o you_o fear_v god_n i_o you_o fear_v god_n above_o many_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a testimony_n that_o be_v give_v concern_v one_o in_o the_o book_n of_o neh._n the_o testimony_n be_v give_v of_o he_o that_o he_o fear_v god_n and_o he_o fear_v god_n above_o many_o now_o such_o a_o fear_n that_o we_o may_v go_v beyond_o other_o in_o their_o fear_n other_o have_v a_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o such_o or_o such_o a_o degree_n i_o but_o the_o fear_n in_o such_o a_o one_o be_v far_o pass_v the_o fear_n of_o other_o such_o a_o fear_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o come_v to_o that_o when_o a_o temptation_n come_v upon_o we_o and_o it_o come_v with_o the_o great_a advantage_n consider_v of_o it_o and_o we_o have_v the_o fair_a opportunity_n to_o commit_v the_o sin_n that_o we_o be_v tempt_v to_o such_o a_o fear_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o be_v possess_v withal_o that_o we_o may_v break_v the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o the_o temptation_n that_o it_o may_v not_o in_o the_o least_o fasten_v upon_o we_o such_o a_o fear_n there_o be_v in_o joseph_n when_o the_o temptation_n be_v upon_o he_o só_n strong_a and_o come_v upon_o he_o with_o so_o much_o advantage_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v so_o strong_a upon_o his_o heart_n that_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o temptation_n and_o to_o quit_v himself_o in_o a_o honourable_a manner_n such_o a_o fear_n of_o god_n so_o improve_v and_o grow_v up_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o when_o there_o be_v difficult_a duty_n before_o we_o to_o perform_v and_o such_o duty_n as_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o danger_n by_o perform_v of_o they_o to_o fall_v into_o deep_a and_o dreadful_a suffering_n such_o a_o fear_n as_o let_v the_o danger_n be_v what_o it_o will_v that_o i_o may_v expose_v myself_o to_o in_o case_n i_o perform_v the_o duty_n yet_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v so_o strong_a upon_o my_o heart_n as_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o danger_n the_o duty_n shall_v be_v do_v this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o obadiah_n there_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o he_o and_o which_o he_o have_v opportunity_n to_o perform_v concern_v the_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o take_v 100_o of_o they_o and_o get_v they_o into_o a_o cave_n and_o there_o he_o feed_v they_o by_o 50_o in_o a_o cave_n this_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a and_o a_o dangerous_a duty_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o his_o life_n amount_v to_o in_o case_n that_o jezabel_n shall_v have_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o ay_o but_o notwithstanding_o the_o difficulty_n and_o the_o danger_n such_o be_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o he_o that_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v speak_v bold_o to_o eliah_n in_o 1_o kin._n 18._o ay_o thy_o servant_n fear_v the_o lord_n and_o that_o with_o such_o a_o fear_n that_fw-mi when_z jezabel_n slay_v the_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o hide_v 100_o of_o they_o by_o 50_o in_o a_o cave_n such_o a_o fear_n we_o shall_v labour_v to_o be_v possess_v withal_o as_o that_o when_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v ensnare_v and_o enslave_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n may_v break_v the_o force_n of_o that_o fear_n solomon_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n there_o be_v a_o snare_n and_o how_o apt_a be_v people_n to_o be_v ensnare_v by_o it_o ay_o but_o now_o if_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v but_o well_o improve_v it_o will_v break_v the_o snare_n and_o swallow_v up_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n there_o be_v a_o snare_n but_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n there_o
world_n there_o be_v many_o they_o will_v be_v rich_a in_o the_o world_n and_o they_o decree_v and_o resolve_v upon_o it_o that_o they_o will_v be_v rich_a i_o sometime_o whether_o god_n will_v or_o no._n they_o carry_v the_o matter_n as_o if_o they_o will_v be_v rich_a whether_o god_n will_v or_o no._n they_o will_v be_v rich_a rich_a in_o the_o world_n and_o they_o have_v no_o warrant_n for_o god_n have_v not_o require_v this_o of_o any_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v grow_v rich_a in_o the_o world_n he_o require_v they_o shall_v do_v their_o duty_n and_o if_o he_o will_v come_v in_o with_o a_o blessing_n so_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v thankful_a but_o he_o do_v not_o command_v they_o to_o be_v rich_a in_o the_o world_n but_o there_o be_v that_o will_v be_v rich_a and_o resolve_v to_o be_v rich_a and_o so_o they_o run_v themselves_o into_o snare_n and_o temptation_n and_o many_o hurtful_a and_o noisome_a lust_n that_o drown_v man_n soul_n in_o destruction_n ay_o but_o here_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o his_o poor_a servant_n his_o will_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v rich_a in_o grace_n and_o he_o do_v encourage_v thereunto_o by_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v prosper_v you_o in_o your_o way_n he_o have_v give_v you_o such_o a_o stock_n he_o will_v give_v you_o more_o provide_v that_o you_o do_v but_o your_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v his_o mercy_n that_o he_o have_v make_v it_o the_o matter_n of_o your_o duty_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n 2._o and_o then_o reckon_v upon_o this_o for_o your_o encouragement_n and_o the_o quicken_a of_o you_o in_o your_o endeavour_n this_o way_n to_o be_v sure_a grow_v as_o much_o as_o you_o can_v you_o will_v never_o grow_v too_o good_a for_o god_n you_o can_v never_o have_v too_o much_o grace_n you_o can_v never_o have_v too_o much_o faith_n nor_o love_n nor_o holiness_n godliness_n know_v no_o bound_n you_o can_v never_o have_v too_o much_o of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o holiness_n when_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n see_v themselves_o at_o a_o loss_n as_o touch_v their_o oil_n and_o come_v to_o the_o wise_a to_o buy_v of_o they_o nay_o say_v they_o spare_v we_o there_o we_o have_v none_o to_o part_v withal_o we_o will_v keep_v what_o we_o have_v get_v lest_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v enough_o for_o we_o and_o you_o and_o so_o make_v account_n of_o this_o that_o when_o you_o have_v grow_v as_o high_a in_o grace_n as_o you_o can_v you_o will_v have_v no_o overpluss_a you_o will_v have_v none_o to_o spare_v serm._n viii_o it_o be_v god_n great_a mercy_n that_o there_o be_v any_o in_o the_o world_n which_o have_v any_o grace_n in_o they_o and_o that_o god_n shall_v make_v such_o a_o pleasant_a and_o precious_a plant_n to_o take_v root_n and_o spring_v up_o in_o such_o a_o soil_n as_o the_o soul_n be_v so_o barren_a of_o all_o good_a and_o so_o unapt_a to_o receive_v any_o good_a now_o as_o it_o be_v god_n mercy_n that_o any_o have_v grace_n so_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n that_o have_v it_o for_o to_o grow_v in_o it_o and_o this_o duty_n you_o have_v be_v over_o and_o over_o charge_v with_o but_o i_o shall_v now_o come_v to_o what_o remain_v to_o be_v speak_v concern_v this_o argument_n which_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o and_o then_o come_v to_o what_o follow_v in_o the_o text._n 2._o the_o further_a encouragement_n unto_o the_o lively_a and_o vigorous_a prosecution_n of_o this_o matter_n a_o strenuous_a endeavour_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n the_o encouragement_n they_o be_v very_o great_a and_o i_o desire_v that_o you_o may_v know_v the_o force_n and_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o they_o in_o your_o own_o heart_n 3._o if_o so_o be_v that_o you_o do_v indeed_o make_v it_o your_o business_n and_o do_v endeavour_v this_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o shall_v do_v so_o as_o you_o be_v very_o like_a to_o do_v it_o if_o you_o endeavour_v after_o it_o you_o will_v have_v this_o advantage_n you_o will_v not_o be_v altogether_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v unsettle_a in_o your_o apprehension_n concern_v your_o state_n you_o will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o upon_o the_o question_v point_n concern_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o you_o as_o many_o be_v when_o you_o come_v to_o be_v of_o some_o considerable_a growth_n in_o grace_n when_o you_o come_v to_o have_v much_o faith_n and_o much_o love_n and_o much_o holiness_n much_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n you_o will_v not_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v question_v the_o point_n and_o fluctuate_a in_o your_o soul_n concern_v your_o grace_n but_o you_o will_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v up_o against_o temptation_n of_o that_o kind_n and_o ready_a to_o make_v your_o confident_a avouchment_n and_o say_v if_o you_o be_v question_v about_o your_o faith_n yea_o lord_n thou_o know_v i_o do_v believe_v be_v question_v about_o your_o love_n as_o peter_n be_v simon_n love_v thou_o i_o yea_o lord_n th●…u_o know_v i_o love_v thou_o and_o true_o this_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n that_o will_v come_v over_o to_o we_o by_o improvement_n in_o grace_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o soundness_n of_o grace_n it_o do_v appear_v by_o its_o growth_n it_o be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n that_o a_o plant_v life_n w●…n_v it_o grow_v it_o may_v live_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o discovery_n of_o its_o growth_n but_o when_o there_o be_v a_o growth_n there_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o the_o plant_n be_v alive_a and_o this_o benefit_n will_v come_v over_o by_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o while_o poor_a weakling_n in_o grace_n that_o be_v of_o low_a attainment_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o please_v themselves_o in_o their_o low_a measure_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v shake_v by_o every_o wind_n of_o temptation_n and_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o question_v point_n upon_o every_o occasion_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o grace_n in_o they_o yea_o or_o no._n they_o that_o have_v but_o a_o little_a faith_n a_o little_a grace_n they_o will_v be_v apt_a ever_o and_o anon_o to_o be_v fluctuate_a in_o their_o spirit_n and_o doubt_v within_o themselves_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o grace_n in_o they_o well-grown_a christian_n will_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v up_o with_o a_o holy_a confidence_n that_o of_o a_o truth_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v in_o they_o 4._o this_o encouragement_n we_o have_v to_o endeavour_v a_o growth_n in_o grace_n god_n will_v be_v the_o more_o glorify_v christ_n will_v be_v the_o more_o magnify_v the_o gospel_n will_v be_v the_o more_o credit_v the_o more_o we_o have_v of_o grace_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o quit_v ourselves_o honourable_o in_o our_o way_n of_o duty_n in_o our_o way_n of_o suffer_v herein_o be_v our_o father_n glorify_v that_o we_o have_v much_o fruit_n and_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n 5._o god_n will_v glory_v in_o such_o and_o make_v his_o boast_n of_o they_o as_o he_o do_v of_o job_n do_v thou_o not_o see_v my_o servant_n job_n that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n like_o he_o in_o the_o earth_n a_o upright_a and_o a_o perfect_a man_n one_o that_o sear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a the_o lord_n do_v make_v a_o holy_a boast_n of_o his_o eminent_a servant_n that_o be_v so_o raise_v up_o in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n and_o you_o know_v what_o our_o saviour_n speak_v concern_v the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n o_o woman_n great_a be_v thy_o faith_n be_v it_o unto_o thou_o even_o as_o thou_o will_n true_o there_o be_v very_o much_o in_o that_o to_o consider_v of_o man_n and_o woman_n of_o advance_a faith_n and_o grace_n o_o how_o christ_n do_v glory_n in_o they_o and_o what_o be_v it_o that_o he_o can_v deny_v they_o be_v it_o unto_o thou_o even_o as_o th●…u_fw-mi wilt_fw-ge draw_v thy_o request_n and_o i_o will_v underwrite_v they_o i_o will_v say_v amen_o to_o they_o what_o can_v god_n deny_v a_o soul_n that_o be_v improve_v in_o grace_n of_o all_o other_o such_o be_v like_a to_o have_v the_o high_a communication_n from_o god_n for_o this_o we_o may_v well_o think_v that_o god_n will_v order_v out_o his_o communication_n of_o mercy_n and_o comfort_n to_o his_o people_n according_a to_o their_o capacity_n the_o large_a the_o vessel_n be_v the_o more_o liquor_n it_o take_v in_o and_o according_o the_o more_o shall_v there_o be_v communicate_v unto_o it_o narrow_a heart_n be_v like_a to_o have_v but_o little_a because_o they_o can_v receive_v but_o little_a they_o be_v little_a in_o capacity_n and_o be_v like_a to_o be_v according_o but_o little_a in_o the_o communication_n that_o shall_v be_v make_v unto_o they_o 6._o this_o will_v be_v our_o encouragement_n to_o endeavour_v a_o growth_n in_o grace_n we_o shall_v by_o this_o mean_n credit_v
in_o respect_n of_o his_o spiritual_a stature_n in_o christ_n despise_v not_o o_o despise_v not_o the_o small_a thing_n in_o other_o if_o god_n have_v give_v you_o a_o large_a measure_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n but_o rather_o improve_v your_o strength_n for_o they_o that_o have_v not_o come_v to_o your_o pitch_n if_o so_o be_v that_o you_o be_v strong_a than_o they_o let_v they_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o your_o strength_n know_v that_o they_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o your_o grace_n and_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n of_o they_o together_o with_o you_o and_o then_o withal_o such_o as_o may_v be_v improve_v in_o grace_n and_o of_o a_o good_a growth_n let_v such_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o not_o rest_n in_o that_o which_o they_o have_v attain_v but_o still_o as_o paul_n profess_v concern_v himself_o be_v forget_v what_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v out_o to_o that_o which_o be_v before_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n because_o whatsoever_o you_o have_v yet_o you_o may_v have_v more_o and_o till_o you_o be_v perfect_a in_o christ_n you_o must_v never_o cease_v your_o endeavour_n but_o be_v still_o press_v on_o after_o large_a measure_n and_o that_o you_o may_v come_v to_o your_o perfection_n and_o to_o the_o full_a stature_n that_o you_o be_v appoint_v to_o in_o christ._n and_o then_o withal_o reckon_v upon_o this_o as_o your_o duty_n such_o as_o be_v well_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o godliness_n do_v not_o reckon_v upon_o it_o that_o you_o will_v now_o have_v freedom_n from_o temptation_n nay_o rather_o look_v for_o the_o great_a temptation_n because_o that_o god_n do_v usual_o lay_v the_o great_a burden_n upon_o the_o strong_a shoulder_n weak_a christian_n they_o shall_v have_v their_o temptation_n proportionable_a to_o their_o strength_n man_n of_o great_a strength_n and_o ability_n in_o grace_n must_v reckon_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v put_v the_o hard_a to_o it_o and_o to_o have_v the_o great_a trial_n consider_v that_o they_o have_v receive_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n than_o other_o have_v and_o now_o belove_v i_o have_v do_v with_o this_o point_n wherein_o i_o have_v be_v somewhat_o large_a and_o have_v lay_v out_o the_o best_a of_o my_o endeavour_n that_o i_o may_v be_v so_o discourse_v of_o as_o that_o you_o may_v come_v to_o be_v the_o more_o benefit_v by_o what_o i_o have_v have_v to_o speak_v you_o have_v hear_v that_o they_o that_o have_v grace_n it_o be_v require_v of_o they_o and_o charge_v upon_o they_o that_o they_o be_v upon_o their_o growth_n now_o remember_v o_o remember_v that_o this_o be_v the_o charge_n of_o god_n upon_o you_o you_o that_o be_v the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o the_o participation_n of_o grace_n remember_v that_o this_o be_v your_o duty_n and_o god_n do_v require_v it_o of_o you_o o_o now_o shall_v all_o that_o have_v be_v preach_v to_o you_o from_o one_o morning_n to_o another_o pass_v away_o let_v i_o but_o put_v it_o to_o your_o conscience_n now_o true_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o in_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o this_o discourse_n concern_v growth_n in_o grace_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v some_o of_o you_o how_o many_o i_o know_v not_o but_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v of_o you_o that_o have_v have_v some_o convincement_n upon_o your_o conscience_n and_o that_o you_o may_v have_v cause_n to_o smite_v upon_o your_o heart_n and_o to_o say_v o_o wretch_n that_o i_o be_o that_o i_o shall_v be_v no_o better_o in_o grace_n that_o my_o estate_n in_o grace_n shall_v be_v so_o low_a i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o you_o have_v have_v some_o touch_n upon_o your_o spirit_n upon_o this_o account_n and_o that_o withal_o you_o have_v be_v upon_o some_o resolve_n to_o set_v upon_o the_o business_n and_o to_o endeavour_v a_o growth_n to_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v better_a christian_n than_o you_o have_v be_v i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o you_o have_v have_v some_o moving_n upon_o your_o heart_n have_v it_o be_v so_o and_o will_v you_o let_v the_o cause_n fall_v again_o will_v you_o please_v yourselves_o nay_o dare_v you_o please_v yourselves_o in_o your_o low_a measure_n have_v be_v convince_v and_o awaken_v and_o make_v to_o apprehend_v what_o a_o bless_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o be_v upon_o increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n hear_v so_o much_o encouragement_n what_o encouragement_n there_o be_v to_o endeavour_v a_o growth_n in_o grace_n dare_v you_o let_v this_o matter_n fall_v down_o again_o and_o your_o heart_n flag_n within_o and_o not_o set_v to_o it_o with_o all_o your_o might_n that_o you_o may_v come_v to_o be_v improve_v christian_n i_o beseech_v you_o consider_v well_o of_o it_o and_o know_v that_o god_n he_o take_v notice_n of_o every_o message_n that_o he_o send_v unto_o you_o of_o every_o sermon_n that_o he_o provide_v to_o be_v preach_v unto_o you_o and_o o_o that_o this_o be_v but_o well_o consider_v that_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n they_o have_v a_o eye_n upon_o we_o and_o observe_v how_o we_o carry_v ourselves_o after_o we_o have_v hear_v such_o a_o sermon_n such_o a_o duty_n god_n take_v notice_n whether_o we_o walk_v in_o any_o suitableness_n to_o what_o be_v urge_v and_o charge_v upon_o we_o i_o tell_v you_o brethren_n that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v complemented_a withal_o o_o will_v we_o make_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o mere_a compliment_n to_o come_v early_o in_o a_o morning_n and_o hear_v a_o sermon_n and_o when_o we_o have_v hear_v it_o go_v away_o and_o when_o we_o have_v have_v our_o task_n set_v we_o never_o set_v about_o it_o true_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o say_v this_o to_o you_o you_o that_o be_v master_n and_o mistress_n you_o will_v not_o very_o well_o like_o a_o servant_n if_o he_o shall_v only_o give_v you_o the_o hear_n when_o you_o come_v and_o lay_v he_o out_o his_o work_n and_o say_v my_o servant_n this_o business_n i_o will_v have_v do_v and_o that_o business_n i_o will_v have_v do_v and_o your_o servant_n be_v present_a with_o you_o and_o give_v you_o very_o patient_a hear_n and_o do_v private_o attend_v to_o your_o charge_n but_o when_o you_o have_v give_v your_o command_n and_o lay_v your_o charge_n upon_o your_o servant_n and_o say_v i_o require_v this_o of_o you_o that_o you_o do_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o service_n at_o such_o a_o time_n this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o this_o day_n and_o when_o they_o have_v give_v you_o the_o hear_n they_o go_v away_o and_o never_o set_v about_o their_o business_n nay_o scarce_o ever_o think_v of_o it_o after_o i_o know_v you_o will_v not_o like_v well_o of_o such_o a_o servant_n but_o think_v he_o more_o fit_a to_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o your_o service_n for_o to_o go_v and_o slight_a all_o that_o you_o require_v of_o they_o and_o charge_n upon_o they_o in_o way_n of_o duty_n and_o service_n why_o can_v you_o think_v in_o your_o conscience_n that_o god_n will_v take_v content_a in_o such_o kind_n of_o servant_n that_o come_v to_o attend_v upon_o he_o and_o to_o receive_v his_o charge_n and_o have_v the_o signification_n make_v to_o they_o of_o their_o duty_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v you_o call_v i_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o you_o say_v well_o for_o so_o i_o be_o now_o you_o come_v here_o and_o hear_v the_o will_n of_o your_o lord_n and_o among_o other_o thing_n he_o require_v this_o of_o you_o that_o you_o set_v upon_o this_o great_a work_n of_o growth_n in_o grace_n now_o if_o you_o come_v to_o the_o ordinance_n and_o hear_v what_o his_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n be_v concern_v faith_n and_o when_o you_o go_v away_o never_o regard_v what_o your_o duty_n be_v nor_o what_o your_o master_n require_v of_o you_o but_o you_o let_v all_o alone_a and_o rest_n in_o your_o hear_n and_o never_o go_v about_o the_o work_n and_o business_n that_o be_v require_v of_o you_o do_v you_o think_v that_o god_n and_o christ_n will_v be_v well_o please_v with_o this_o o_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o christ_n will_v say_v to_o you_o in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o account_n well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n faithful_a servant_n faithful_a servant_n why_o this_o be_v all_o thou_o give_v i_o the_o hear_n but_o thou_o do_v not_o go_v about_o my_o business_n i_o tell_v you_o brethren_n our_o preach_a will_v come_v in_o as_o a_o witness_n against_o you_o and_o your_o hear_n will_v be_v to_o your_o great_a condemnation_n and_o therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o that_o you_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a and_o so_o i_o have_v give_v now_o a_o dispatch_n unto_o this_o part_n
far_o from_o reckon_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o duty_n now_o whence_o be_v this_o but_o through_o ignorance_n sometime_o indeed_o it_o be_v through_o wilful_a ignorance_n but_o most_o through_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o our_o saviour_n give_v this_o reason_n these_o thing_n shall_v they_o do_v because_o they_o know_v neither_o the_o father_n nor_o i_o they_o know_v we_o not_o they_o do_v not_o know_v who_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n they_o will_v reckon_v you_o to_o be_v the_o base_a spawn_n of_o hell_n the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n though_o themselves_o be_v so_o yet_o they_o will_v reckon_v you_o to_o be_v so_o they_o reckon_v upon_o you_o to_o be_v the_o scumm_n and_o off-scowring_a of_o the_o world_n now_o because_o they_o know_v not_o i_o nor_o my_o father_n therefore_o they_o will_v do_v these_o thing_n and_o they_o reckon_v upon_o it_o that_o they_o do_v god_n very_o good_a service_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o paul_n i_o very_o think_v say_v he_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n say_v he_o i_o think_v it_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o cry_v down_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o cry_v down_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o cry_v down_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v these_o thing_n i_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v sin_n say_v he_o i_o be_v a_o persecuter_n and_o a_o blasphemer_n and_o injurious_a i_o but_o i_o do_v not_o know_v that_o it_o be_v persecution_n and_o blasphemy_n and_o injury_n i_o do_v these_o thing_n ignorant_o say_v he_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n because_o i_o be_v not_o lay_v in_o with_o knowledge_n as_o i_o shall_v have_v be_v that_o i_o do_v these_o thing_n so_o that_o we_o have_v need_v then_o to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n for_o the_o more_o we_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n the_o more_o able_a shall_v we_o be_v to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o judgement_n of_o grace_n the_o more_o we_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n the_o better_a shall_v we_o be_v to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o grace_n alas_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o through_o want_n of_o knowledge_n not_o be_v due_o inform_v and_o improve_v in_o their_o knowledge_n they_o do_v run_v upon_o most_o gross_a and_o dangerous_a mistake_n take_v that_o to_o be_v save_v grace_n which_o indeed_o be_v nothing_o so_o and_o that_o to_o be_v holiness_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o very_a show_n and_o resemblance_n of_o holiness_n that_o to_o be_v love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o faith_n in_o god_n which_o be_v nothing_o so_o o_o the_o dangerous_a mistake_n which_o poor_a soul_n do_v run_v upon_o they_o do_v very_o think_v that_o they_o do_v believe_v and_o that_o they_o have_v repent_v and_o that_o they_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o bear_v a_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o bear_v a_o love_n to_o godliness_n they_o be_v strong_a in_o that_o persuasion_n and_o yet_o they_o run_v upon_o dangerous_a mistake_n and_o all_o because_o there_o be_v a_o deficiency_n in_o their_o knowledge_n they_o be_v not_o so_o due_o improve_v in_o knowledge_n as_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o grace_n and_o so_o for_o duty_n we_o have_v need_v to_o endeavour_v a_o growth_n in_o knowledge_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o duty_n when_o they_o be_v duty_n perform_v according_a to_o god_n alas_o how_o many_o think_v they_o perform_v duty_n in_o most_o acceptable_a manner_n to_o god_n when_o they_o do_v no_o other_o than_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n they_o think_v they_o pray_v and_o pray_v please_v and_o hear_v and_o hear_v in_o a_o right_a manner_n come_v to_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o think_v they_o do_v excellent_a good_a service_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o which_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o when_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o they_o do_v profane_v his_o name_n and_o offer_v indignity_n to_o he_o they_o wound_v he_o again_o they_o crucify_v he_o they_o become_v guilty_a of_o his_o very_a body_n and_o blood_n and_o yet_o all_o the_o while_o they_o think_v that_o they_o quit_v themselves_o in_o a_o very_a fair_a commendable_a and_o comely_a manner_n and_o all_o because_o of_o a_o want_n of_o knowledge_n they_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o godliness_n and_o of_o gospel-worship_n they_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n therefore_o in_o that_o regard_n there_o be_v great_a reason_n that_o christian_n shall_v endeavour_v a_o growth_n in_o knowledge_n 4._o i_o add_v yet_o further_o well_o it_o may_v be_v require_v of_o believer_n that_o they_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n because_o by_o their_o growth_n in_o knowledge_n they_o shall_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o manage_v their_o affection_n and_o passion_n alas_o brethren_n we_o may_v know_v and_o it_o may_v be_v do_v in_o sad_a experience_n what_o unruly_a thing_n affection_n and_o passion_n be_v and_o how_o apt_a like_o untamed_a horse_n to_o ride_v over_o hedge_n and_o ditch_n and_o to_o be_v keep_v within_o no_o due_a bound_n and_o why_o this_o for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n because_o there_o be_v not_o the_o bridle_n of_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n to_o rein_v the_o affection_n and_o passion_n as_o now_o to_o instance_n alas_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o be_v inordinate_a in_o their_o love_n in_o their_o love_n to_o creature_n to_o child_n husband_n wife_n and_o all_o for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n because_o they_o do_v not_o know_v the_o true_a state_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o how_o their_o love_n ought_v to_o be_v manage_v and_o so_o for_o fear_n o_o how_o apt_a be_v our_o fear_n to_o go_v beyond_o its_o bound_n and_o our_o desire_n how_o apt_a be_v we_o how_o irregular_a and_o inordinate_a in_o they_o and_o so_o in_o our_o zeal_n zeal_n like_o fire_n that_o be_v very_o useful_a while_n it_o be_v keep_v in_o its_o place_n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o break_v up_o to_o the_o top_n of_o the_o house_n that_o threaten_v fire_v of_o all_o now_o all_o this_o be_v for_o want_v of_o the_o due_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n about_o which_o our_o affection_n be_v exercise_v and_o employ_v and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v find_v this_o that_o god_n do_v require_v in_o his_o word_n that_o our_o affection_n shall_v be_v manage_v with_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n i_o tell_v you_o brethren_n the_o best_a love_n be_v a_o judicious_a love_n a_o love_n with_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v find_v in_o 1_o phil._n the_o apostle_n pray_v and_o require_v that_o their_o love_n may_v ab●…nd_v it_o all_o knowledge_n and_o in_o all_o judgement_n why_o it_o be_v nothing_o for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v a_o ignorant_a blind_a love_n a_o injudicious_a love_n god_n do_v not_o value_v such_o a_o love_n it_o be_v the_o know_a love_n the_o well_o create_a love_n the_o love_n that_o a_o man_n can_v give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o judicious_a love_n that_o be_v the_o love_n which_o god_n value_v that_o your_o love_n may_v abound_v in_o all_o knowledge_n and_o so_o likewise_o zeal_n the_o apostle_n speak_v concern_v his_o brethren_n they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n o_o they_o be_v mighty_a hot_a and_o zealous_a but_o say_v he_o their_o zeal_n be_v not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o so_o for_o desire_n true_o by_o have_v a_o well_o improve_v knowledge_n a_o knowledge_n that_o be_v well_o grow_v we_o shall_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o manage_v these_o affection_n of_o love_n zeal_n delight_n desire_n fear_v and_o joy_n all_o the_o affection_n they_o will_v be_v the_o better_o order_v in_o case_n that_o our_o knowledge_n be_v well_o improve_v and_o that_o be_v another_o reason_n 5._o again_o well_o may_v it_o be_v require_v of_o christian_n that_o they_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n because_o by_o their_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n they_o shall_v be_v the_o better_a able_a for_o to_o order_v their_o word_n speech_n and_o discourse_n o_o what_o irregularity_n be_v there_o in_o the_o tongue_n the_o tongue_n be_v a_o unruly_a evil_n full_a of_o deadly_a poison_n ay_o but_o from_o hence_o it_o come_v very_o much_o it_o be_v for_o want_n of_o a_o well_o digest_v knowledge_n apt_a we_o be_v to_o sin_n and_o offend_v in_o wanton_a speech_n lustful_a lascivious_a speech_n and_o by_o language_n of_o swear_v and_o the_o like_a o_o the_o manifold_a evil_n that_o break_v out_o from_o the_o tongue_n and_o true_o much_o what_o upon_o that_o account_n because_o there_o
way_n or_o no_o he_o have_v begin_v the_o journey_n and_o he_o be_v doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n yea_o or_o no_o this_o will_v put_v he_o to_o a_o puzzle_v and_o make_v he_o to_o be_v fluctuate_a and_o hesitate_v have_v i_o best_o go_v on_o i_o doubt_v whether_o i_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n yea_o or_o no_o this_o will_v cause_v slackness_n of_o his_o motion_n but_o if_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o way_n this_o will_v be_v much_o to_o the_o encourage_v of_o he_o to_o make_v a_o further_a progress_n so_o if_o i_o find_v and_o be_o sure_a that_o this_o be_v the_o right_a way_n that_o i_o have_v grace_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o this_o will_v cause_v we_o to_o labour_v after_o the_o growth_n in_o grace_n eight_o you_o be_v to_o be_v upon_o the_o faithful_a and_o diligent_a exercise_n of_o what_o you_o have_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o have_v no_o more_o faith_n be_v because_o we_o be_v not_o more_o upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o we_o have_v we_o speak_v of_o trust_v in_o god_n alas_o how_o few_o be_v there_o of_o we_o that_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o purpose_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o trust_n and_o believe_v exercise_v faith_n upon_o christ_n and_o upon_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n concern_v pardon_n of_o sin_n sanctification_n why_o for_o want_v of_o exercise_v what_o grace_n we_o have_v already_o receive_v w●…_n improve_v no_o more_o the_o promise_n be_v a_o faithful_a promise_n and_o god_n will_v be_v true_a to_o it_o he_o that_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o that_o have_v what_o be_v that_o he_o that_o have_v and_o use_v for_o we_o must_v needs_o understand_v it_o in_o that_o sense_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o man_n that_o have_v the_o talon_n and_o have_v employ_v it_o have_v gain_v five_o talent_n he_o have_v employ_v his_o talon_n say_v christ_n give_v he_o the_o other_o talon_n for_o to_o he_o that_o have_v that_o be_v that_o have_v and_o do_v use_v and_o employ_v what_o he_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v if_o we_o will_v now_o but_o set_v ourselves_o serious_o and_o consider_o upon_o this_o business_n and_o exercise_n and_o employ_v what_o grace_n god_n have_v give_v we_o may_v be_v confident_a of_o it_o that_o god_n will_v come_v in_o with_o the_o inlargeing_n of_o his_o spirit_n nine_o our_o duty_n be_v in_o order_n to_o growth_n in_o grace_n to_o be_v constant_a in_o our_o attendance_n upon_o such_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o such_o a_o purpose_n word_n and_o ministry_n and_o other_o gospel-ordinance_n as_o we_o lie_v fair_a for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o true_o these_o mean_n be_v provide_v for_o this_o very_a purpose_n that_o christian_n may_v grow_v god_n have_v set_v up_o a_o ministry_n in_o the_o world_n not_o only_o to_o bring_v person_n that_o be_v stranger_n to_o grace_n to_o the_o participation_n of_o it_o but_o that_o be_v bring_v to_o partake_v of_o grace_n they_o may_v come_v to_o be_v increase_v in_o grace_n christ_n ascend_v up_o on_o high_a and_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o this_o be_v our_o duty_n when_o we_o have_v sound_v the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o our_o heart_n to_o bring_v we_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o god_n when_o we_o have_v find_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o ordinance_n to_o begin_v grace_n our_o duty_n be_v to_o attend_v they_o still_o that_o that_o grace_n be_v begin_v may_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n be_v increase_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o perfection_n this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o we_o may_v be_v confident_a of_o this_o that_o when_o christian_n come_v to_o god_n mean_n propound_v god_n end_n mark_v what_o i_o say_v and_o according_o wise_o judicious_o and_o conscientious_o apply_v to_o the_o mean_n to_o such_o end_n and_o purpose_n they_o may_v be_v confident_a of_o it_o that_o god_n will_v come_v in_o with_o a_o blessing_n for_o god_n do_v delight_n to_o crown_v his_o own_o mean_n to_o prosper_v his_o own_o prescription_n he_o love_v to_o see_v his_o meat_n that_o he_o give_v his_o child_n to_o prove_v their_o nourishment_n their_o physic_n to_o promote_v their_o health_n god_n love_v to_o see_v his_o mean_n that_o he_o provide_v for_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n to_o see_v they_o successful_a consider_v can_v you_o think_v so_o dishonourable_o of_o god_n of_o the_o most_o bless_a god_n that_o he_o shall_v provide_v a_o ministry_n continue_v it_o in_o the_o world_n continue_v his_o people_n in_o their_o attendance_n upon_o it_o what_o mere_o that_o they_o may_v keep_v on_o in_o a_o formalize_a course_n and_o be_v never_o the_o better_a or_o can_v we_o think_v so_o dishonourable_o of_o god_n as_o that_o he_o will_v go_v and_o tie_v we_o to_o hear_v and_o attend_v the_o ministry_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o grace_n and_o withhold_v his_o blessing_n while_o we_o do_v conscientious_o and_o judicious_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o such_o mean_n can_v we_o think_v so_o dishonourable_o of_o god_n as_o that_o he_o will_v suspend_v his_o work_n ah_o brethren_n the_o lord_n delight_v to_o meet_v they_o with_o his_o blessing_n that_o remember_v he_o in_o his_o way_n do_v but_o think_v of_o that_o passage_n in_o isa._n 64._o and_o look_v that_o text_n full_a in_o the_o face_n and_o hear_v what_o it_o speak_v to_o you_o thou_o meet_v he_o that_o rejoice_v and_o work_v righteousness_n those_o that_o remember_v thou_o in_o thy_o way_n mark_v it_o thou_o meet_v they_o to_o what_o purpose_n why_o to_o prosper_v they_o to_o command_v thy_o blessing_n upon_o they_o ay_o undoubted_o if_o we_o do_v but_o propound_v this_o to_o ourselves_o when_o we_o come_v to_o attend_v the_o ordinance_n think_v thus_o with_o ourselves_o why_o god_n have_v set_v up_o this_o ministry_n in_o the_o world_n that_o his_o people_n soul_n may_v prosper_v that_o they_o may_v thrive_v that_o they_o may_v grow_v rich_a that_o they_o may_v improve_v in_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o love_n and_o the_o like_a god_n have_v give_v this_o that_o there_o may_v be_v the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n the_o perfect_a of_o my_o soul_n i_o go_v to_o this_o mean_n i_o attend_v this_o ministry_n and_o i_o will_v attend_v in_o expectation_n of_o a_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o i_o will_v wait_v upon_o god_n and_o i_o will_v expect_v his_o blessing_n and_o reckon_v upon_o it_o that_o i_o shall_v be_v the_o better_a for_o these_o mean_n it_o be_v god_n mean_n and_o he_o love_v to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o to_o bless_v and_o prosper_v his_o own_o appointment_n oh_o this_o be_v that_o will_v conduce_v exceed_v much_o to_o proficiency_n in_o faith_n and_o godliness_n if_o we_o will_v but_o go_v this_o way_n to_o work_v but_o i_o tell_v you_o friends_z our_o formality_n spoil_v we_o it_o be_v a_o most_o lamentable_a thing_n to_o consider_v what_o formalize_v spirit_n many_o of_o we_o have_v will_v you_o but_o mind_n this_o that_o i_o say_v i_o will_v i_o may_v not_o have_v that_o occasion_n that_o sometime_o we_o have_v in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o preach_n to_o speak_v to_o such_o a_o purpose_n people_n come_v together_o and_o profess_v to_o pray_v as_o that_o be_v one_o part_n of_o our_o public_a ministry_n yet_o how_o many_o be_v there_o of_o you_o that_o scarce_o ever_o close_o with_o one_o petition_n in_o a_o whole_a prayer_n your_o eye_n be_v wander_v and_o thought_n be_v rove_a do_v not_o your_o conscience_n tell_v you_o that_o of_o a_o truth_n you_o make_v nothing_o of_o this_o duty_n but_o you_o can_v gaze_v and_o wander_v and_o look_v this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n and_o discover_v to_o other_o a_o unfixed_a heart_n and_o that_o you_o mind_v not_o the_o business_n that_o you_o be_v transact_v what_o be_v this_o but_o formalize_v as_o if_o we_o come_v to_o set_v out_o a_o prayer_n and_o not_o to_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o prayer_n and_o so_o for_o hear_v with_o what_o a_o formalize_a spirit_n be_v we_o many_o time_n we_o can_v hear_v as_o if_o we_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v never_o consider_v of_o the_o ordinance_n in_o reference_n to_o god_n as_o that_o that_o have_v the_o stamp_n of_o his_o authority_n upon_o it_o o_o this_o if_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o the_o more_o merciful_a it_o will_v be_v the_o ruin_n of_o our_o soul_n this_o plague_n formality_n we_o have_v get_v a_o course_n of_o go_v to_o church_n as_o you_o use_v to_o say_v and_o keep_v on_o a_o course_n and_o go_v in_o account_n for_o prosessor_n but_o
be_v a_o mystery_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o keep_v secret_a in_o his_o own_o bosom_n for_o many_o thousand_o of_o year_n some_o little_a whisper_n there_o be_v of_o it_o upon_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n and_o what_o a_o pittance_n be_v here_o though_o infinite_a mercy_n appear_v in_o make_v this_o little_a appearance_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n then_o afterward_o a_o little_a more_o of_o this_o but_o a_o mystery_n and_o still_o a_o mystery_n and_o a_o unsearchable_a mystery_n a_o mystery_n which_o they_o that_o be_v most_o insighted_a in_o will_v have_v cause_n to_o say_v alas_o how_o little_a a_o thing_n be_v know_v of_o he_o and_o what_o a_o depth_n be_v here_o and_o how_o scant_o and_o short_a be_v our_o line_n that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o fathom_v the_o depth_n o_o it_o be_v such_o a_o knowledge_n the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o that_o all_o those_o dimension_n be_v most_o proper_o reckon_v to_o it_o height_n and_o depth_n and_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o knowledge_n that_o pass_v knowledge_n such_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n we_o have_v need_v then_o to_o be_v endeavour_v a_o growth_n in_o it_o and_o to_o resolve_v thus_o i_o have_v not_o attain_v nor_o know_v nothing_o as_o i_o ought_v to_o know_v i_o be_o not_o yet_o sufficient_o skilled_a in_o this_o mystery_n if_o paul_n that_o be_v such_o a_o know_a man_n be_v alive_a at_o this_o day_n he_o will_v be_v still_o pursue_v after_o this_o knowledge_n the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n ay_o but_o what_o account_n be_v to_o be_v give_v of_o this_o knowledge_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o set_v to_o endeavour_v a_o growth_n in_o it_o consider_v beside_o that_o that_o i_o have_v now_o speak_v as_o touch_v the_o smallness_n of_o that_o measure_n attain_v consider_v yet_o further_o first_o of_o all_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n that_o christian_n and_o believer_n shall_v endeavour_v a_o growth_n in_o this_o knowledge_n first_o it_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a knowledge_n that_o ever_o be_v discover_v to_o the_o world_n and_o you_o have_v the_o apostle_n word_n for_o it_o who_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o knowledge_n and_o knowledge_n phil._n 3._o 8._o o_o say_v he_o i_o do_v here_o give_v my_o judgement_n and_o say_v he_o this_o be_v my_o stand_a judgement_n i_o be_o a_o hebrew_n of_o the_o hebrew_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n i_o be_o a_o israelite_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o benjamin_n as_o touch_v the_o law_n a_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o he_o be_v a_o man_n that_o can_v speak_v with_o tongue_n more_o than_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o profound_a knowledge_n though_o i_o be_v rude_a in_o speech_n yet_o not_o in_o knowledge_n why_o he_o have_v a_o vast_a portion_n of_o knowledge_n yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o for_o my_o part_n say_v he_o i_o account_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n and_o dung_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n all_o but_o l●…ss_n and_o dung_n such_o a_o excellency_n there_o be_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o true_o all_o other_o knowledge_n may_v well_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o inconsiderable_a knowledge_n and_o all_o other_o enjoyment_n in_o the_o world_n but_o even_o account_v as_o loss_n and_o dung_n compare_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ._n consider_v the_o subject_a of_o this_o knowledge_n christ_n himself_o consider_v he_o in_o his_o person_n the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n one_o that_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n think_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n consider_v he_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o account_n of_o he_o as_o one_o that_o have_v a_o transcendent_a love_n to_o his_o father_n love_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o comply_v with_o his_o father_n pleasure_n in_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n the_o lord_n to_o become_v a_o servant_n the_o prince_n of_o life_n to_o become_v subject_a to_o death_n o_o the_o bless_a and_o only_a potentate_n to_o be_v make_v a_o curse_n he_o that_o know_v no_o sin_n become_v willing_a to_o be_v make_v sin_n he_o that_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o all_o to_o become_v a_o servant_n of_o all_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o knowledge_n it_o commend_v it_o to_o we_o as_o the_o most_o excellent_a knowledge_n that_o ever_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o world_n and_o then_o consider_v but_o this_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o in_o his_o person_n so_o in_o his_o qualification_n in_o his_o love_n in_o his_o meekness_n in_o his_o fatience_n in_o his_o humility_n in_o his_o gentleness_n in_o his_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n in_o every_o respect_n consider_v he_o in_o his_o office_n such_o a_o priest_n such_o a_o prophet_n such_o a_o king_n as_o the_o world_n never_o have_v the_o like_a consider_v he_o in_o his_o action_n and_o performance_n consider_v he_o in_o his_o miraculous_a action_n in_o his_o moral_a action_n consider_v he_o in_o his_o military_a action_n and_o performance_n such_o a_o saviour_n of_o such_o wonderful_a power_n and_o of_o such_o a●…chievements_n and_o accomplishment_n as_o the_o like_a be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o shall_v rout_n hell_n itself_o all_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n it_o be_v a_o great_a matter_n in_o david_n to_o come_v into_o the_o camp_n and_o to_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o a_o giant_n a_o goliath_n that_o be_v yet_o but_o a_o man_n but_o for_o this_o captain_n this_o noble_a soldier_n to_o come_v into_o the_o camp_n and_o to_o engage_v against_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n and_o darkness_n all_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n that_o be_v all_o of_o they_o in_o arm_n against_o he_o and_o yet_o he_o rout_v they_o and_o make_v a_o spoil_n of_o they_o and_o lead_v they_o a_o company_n of_o base_a slave_n after_o he_o he_o make_v a_o show_n of_o they_o open_o and_o triumph_v over_o they_o in_o his_o cross_n he_o get_v a_o conquest_n this_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a captain_n and_o the_o most_o worthy_a soldier_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n have_v consider_v he_o i_o say_v in_o those_o military_a performance_n moral_a performance_n miraculous_a performance_n the_o wonderful_a cure_n that_o he_o wrought_v such_o a_o physician_n that_o the_o world_n never_o have_v the_o like_a can_v cure_v with_o a_o look_n with_o a_o word_n with_o a_o touch_n he_o can_v cure_v body_n soul_n there_o be_v never_o a_o physician_n in_o the_o world_n can_v purge_v a_o sin_n out_o of_o a_o man_n conscience_n i_o but_o christ_n can_v purge_v the_o soul_n from_o sin_n now_o brethren_n i_o can_v at_o present_a but_o name_n these_o thing_n and_o then_o to_o come_v to_o tell_v you_o what_o a_o excellent_a knowledge_n the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v as_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o subject_n of_o it_o so_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o benefit_n and_o usefulness_n of_o it_o never_o any_o knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n will_v profit_v like_a unto_o this_o knowledge_n here_o i_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o say_v but_o i_o only_o at_o present_a give_v you_o but_o a_o little_a touch_n of_o they_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n o_o it_o be_v the_o most_o profitable_a and_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a knowledge_n mark_v by_o the_o law_n come_v the_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n so_o the_o apostle_n in_o rom._n 7._o i_o have_v not_o know_v sin_n except_o the_o law_n have_v say_v thus_o and_o thus_o i_o but_o when_o a_o man_n come_v to_o know_v his_o plague_n and_o disease_n what_o be_v he_o the_o near_a if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v his_o remedy_n if_o you_o shall_v now_o be_v try_v as_o indeed_o it_o be_v necessary_a you_o shall_v if_o you_o have_v not_o be_v bring_v to_o it_o if_o you_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o know_v what_o vicious_a nature_n you_o have_v what_o curse_a corruption_n make_v to_o see_v what_o deep_a and_o dreadful_a guilt_n you_o have_v contract_v upon_o you_o if_o you_o shall_v come_v to_o have_v the_o discovery_n make_v as_o those_o that_o god_n have_v a_o favour_n to_o they_o have_v such_o dis●…overies_n make_v to_o they_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n come_v 〈◊〉_d as_o a_o convince_a spirit_n if_o you_o shall_v come_v to_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o your_o sin_n o_o now_o i_o be_o make_v to_o see_v and_o know_v that_o i_o be_o a_o vile_a damn_a wretch_n i_o come_v to_o know_v my_o sin_n and_o i_o know_v no_o more_o
to_o be_v so_o that_o do_v not_o correspond_v to_o christ_n and_o do_v not_o answer_v christ_n as_o the_o pattern_n this_o be_v that_o therefore_o that_o we_o be_v to_o know_v and_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o believer_n and_o saint_n shall_v be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n because_o by_o that_o knowledge_n we_o be_v to_o regulate_v our_o judgement_n concern_v our_o own_o person_n and_o so_o the_o church_n as_o in_o rev._n 2._o beforementioned_a and_o so_o again_o the_o like_a be_v to_o be_v say_v concern_v doctrine_n and_o concern_v worship_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v hold_v forth_o and_o concern_v the_o worship_n that_o be_v perform_v why_o brethren_n there_o be_v many_o doctrine_n preach_v in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v no_o better_a than_o chaff_n to_o the_o wheat_n and_o no_o other_o than_o dross_n to_o the_o gold_n what_o be_v the_o chaff_n to_o the_o wheat_n as_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n speak_v and_o what_o be_v the_o dross_n to_o the_o gold_n now_o how_o shall_v we_o judge_v but_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n the_o more_o we_o improve_v in_o that_o knowledge_n the_o better_a able_a shall_v we_o be_v to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o doctrine_n and_o so_o likewise_o of_o worship_n such_o worship_n as_o shall_v have_v acceptance_n with_o god_n why_o they_o must_v be_v worship_n that_o be_v according_a to_o christ_n and_o the_o more_o we_o improve_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n the_o more_o able_a shall_v we_o be_v to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o these_o thing_n o_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o spiritual_a christ_n though_o we_o have_v know_v he_o say_v the_o apostle_n after_o the_o flesh_n yet_o henceforth_o know_v we_o he_o so_o no_o more_o he_o be_v make_v after_o the_o power_n of_o a_o endless_a life_n and_o not_o after_o the_o law_n of_o a_o carnal_a commandment_n and_o his_o worship_n be_v draw_v up_o not_o after_o the_o law_n of_o a_o carnal_a commandment_n but_o after_o the_o power_n of_o a_o endless_a life_n suitable_a to_o himself_o o_o consider_v of_o this_o and_o take_v heed_n of_o carnal_a heart_n and_o of_o carnal_a service_n that_o hold_v no_o correspondency_n with_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o upon_o this_o account_n you_o may_v see_v and_o stand_v convince_v of_o it_o that_o it_o concern_v we_o very_o much_o to_o endeavour_v a_o growth_n and_o increase_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n because_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o that_o knowledge_n we_o be_v enable_v to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o church_n and_o their_o constitution_n we_o be_v enable_v to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o doctrine_n and_o of_o worship_n which_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v 〈◊〉_d yet_o further_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o knowledge_n that_o christian_n and_o believer_n shall_v endeavour_v a_o growth_n in_o and_o that_o as_o with_o respect_n unto_o their_o judgement_n that_o they_o may_v come_v to_o be_v well_o accomplish_v and_o to_o become_v a_o judicious_a people_n so_o likewise_o 2_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o conscience_n conscience_n true_o it_o be_v a_o great_a word_n and_o i_o wish_v that_o the_o interpretation_n of_o it_o be_v better_o know_v the_o interpretation_n of_o conscience_n i_o tell_v you_o brethren_n that_o every_o man_n and_o woman_n have_v a_o conscience_n within_o they_o and_o this_o conscience_n be_v either_o his_o cordial_a friend_n or_o it_o will_v be_v his_o dreadful_a enemy_n it_o will_v either_o be_v a_o friend_n or_o a_o fury_n either_o his_o best_a friend_n on_o earth_n or_o his_o great_a enemy_n on_o earth_n conscience_n will_v be_v a_o friend_n if_o it_o be_v right_a but_o god_n be_v a_o great_a friend_n conscience_n will_v be_v a_o enemy_n i_o but_o god_n be_v a_o great_a enemy_n if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o faith_n the_o apostle_n god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o he_o know_v all_o thing_n but_o on_o earth_n there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a friend_n nor_o be_v there_o a_o great_a enemy_n than_o a_o man_n conscience_n i_o tell_v you_o this_o that_o your_o conscience_n when_o you_o come_v to_o know_v they_o and_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v awaken_v and_o set_v on_o work_n your_o conscience_n will_v either_o create_v a_o heaven_n within_o you_o or_o else_o they_o will_v create_v a_o hell_n within_o you_o true_o conscience_n will_v do_v thus_o it_o will_v either_o make_v your_o life_n to_o be_v a_o heaven_n or_o else_o it_o will_v make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o hell_n i_o will_v give_v you_o two_o instance_n and_o i_o think_v that_o more_o remarkable_a instance_n can_v be_v give_v to_o instance_n in_o paul_n and_o judas_n there_o be_v never_o man_n i_o think_v in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v able_a to_o speak_v more_o from_o experience_n concern_v his_o conscience_n and_o how_o it_o befriend_v he_o than_o paul_n be_v never_o man_n better_o study_v in_o conscience_n never_o man_n more_o befriend_v by_o conscience_n and_o he_o know_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o and_o be_v exceed_o rejoice_v in_o it_o and_o there_o be_v never_o man_n that_o be_v more_o terrify_v by_o his_o conscience_n i_o think_v than_o judas_n be_v and_o no_o man_n more_o able_a to_o speak_v to_o the_o terror_n of_o his_o conscience_n than_o he_o be_v paul_n make_v his_o boast_n of_o his_o conscience_n this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o man_n and_o brethren_n i_o have_v live_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n and_o still_o upon_o every_o occasion_n my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v o_o this_o conscience_n of_o paul_n it_o sing_v within_o his_o bosom_n like_o a_o bird_n of_o paradise_n o_o this_o good_a conscience_n of_o paul_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n he_o meet_v with_o his_o conscience_n befriend_v he_o and_o do_v keep_v he_o up_o in_o heart_n and_o he_o be_v cheer_v with_o it_o under_o all_o the_o trouble_n and_o disquietment_n that_o he_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o world_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o he_o as_o to_o his_o conscience_n and_o as_o for_o judas_n his_o conscience_n be_v a_o fury_n within_o he_o when_o he_o come_v to_o be_v awaken_v and_o have_v the_o guilt_n of_o blood_n upon_o he_o o_o how_o conscience_n rage_v it_o create_v a_o hell_n within_o he_o and_o he_o be_v in_o hell_n before_o he_o come_v there_o as_o many_o be_v and_o will_v be_v when_o god_n come_v to_o awake_v their_o conscience_n now_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o judas_n and_o he_o be_v so_o hurry_v and_o agaster_v and_o amaze_v and_o affright_v that_o he_o be_v a_o magor-missabib_a a_o terror_n to_o himself_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o judas_n and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o awaken_v conscience_n labour_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o his_o iniquity_n and_o impiety_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v well_o this_o be_v conscience_n the_o best_a friend_n on_o earth_n or_o the_o great_a and_o dreadful_a enemy_n on_o earth_n a_o man_n have_v better_o have_v all_o the_o world_n against_o he_o than_o have_v his_o conscience_n against_o he_o and_o if_o all_o the_o world_n be_v against_o a_o man_n yet_o if_o his_o conscience_n be_v for_o he_o if_o his_o conscience_n will_v befriend_v he_o it_o will_v enable_v he_o to_o bear_v up_o with_o comfort_n notwithstanding_o ay_o but_o now_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v by_o the_o well-improvement_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v by_o the_o well-improvement_n of_o that_o knowledge_n and_o by_o endeavour_v a_o advance_n and_o a_o growth_n and_o increase_n in_o that_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o i_o drive_v at_o it_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o the_o conscience_n come_v to_o be_v set_v to_o right_n and_o be_v enable_v to_o do_v the_o part_n of_o a_o dear_a and_o cordial_a friend_n which_o it_o will_v never_o do_v upon_o other_o term_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o your_o conscience_n will_v never_o do_v the_o part_n of_o a_o friend_n to_o you_o to_o any_o purpose_n but_o rather_o storm_n against_o you_o and_o make_v you_o to_o become_v as_o magor-missabibs_a terror_n to_o yourselves_o unless_o you_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n man_n and_o woman_n may_v daub_v with_o their_o conscience_n and_o soothe_v up_o themselves_o and_o lay_v their_o conscience_n upon_o a_o pillow_n when_o it_o be_v sick_a and_o distemper_v and_o ill_o at_o ease_n and_o will_v be_v break_v out_o man_n may_v take_v this_o and_o that_o course_n to_o still_o their_o conscience_n for_o
of_o the_o earth_n serve_v the_o lord_n with_o fear_n rejoice_v you_o with_o tremble_v kiss_v the_o son_n king_n and_o prince_n and_o great_a man_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o forget_v themselves_o as_o if_o so_o be_v that_o there_o be_v none_o above_o they_o as_o if_o so_o be_v there_o be_v none_o to_o check_v and_o control_v they_o you_o know_v how_o pharaoh_n carry_v himself_o who_o be_v the_o lord_n ah_o but_o there_o be_v a_o lord_n above_o all_o lord_n there_o be_v a_o king_n above_o all_o king_n even_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o god_n have_v set_v to_o be_v king_n upon_o his_o holy_a hill_n of_o zion_n and_o the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o well_o improve_v and_o advance_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n it_o will_v promote_v a_o holy_a fear_n and_o awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o he_o and_o of_o the_o great_a god_n who_o have_v constitute_v and_o appoint_v he_o lord_n and_o king_n i_o may_v speak_v large_o to_o this_o particular_a but_o i_o will_v pass_v it_o by_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o you_o in_o these_o particular_n how_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n well_o improve_v how_o it_o do_v contribute_v to_o a_o growth_n in_o grace_n i_o will_v now_o tell_v you_o this_o further_a that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o be_v most_o beneficial_a to_o we_o in_o respect_n of_o gospel-duty_n and_o service_n and_o do_v contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o lively_a management_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o may_v well_o be_v require_v of_o christian_n and_o believer_n that_o they_o grow_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o upon_o this_o very_a account_n because_o i_o say_v that_o the_o more_o we_o know_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o more_o shall_v we_o advance_v in_o the_o lively_a performance_n of_o gospel-worship_n and_o duty_n and_o service_n which_o the_o lord_n require_v of_o we_o alas_o brethren_n it_o be_v that_o which_o may_v well_o be_v matter_n of_o shame_n and_o mourning_n to_o think_v how_o low_o we_o be_v as_o in_o grace_n so_o in_o gracious_a performance_n and_o in_o holy_a service_n what_o be_v the_o account_n that_o be_v to_o be_v give_v of_o our_o daily_a service_n that_o we_o perform_v sabbath-worship_n and_o duty_n alas_o what_o kind_n of_o sabbath_n do_v we_o keep_v and_o what_o kind_n of_o prayer_n do_v we_o perform_v and_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n what_o kind_n of_o worship_n be_v they_o that_o we_o present_v before_o the_o lord_n o_o if_o we_o will_v but_o take_v a_o account_n of_o ourselves_o we_o may_v see_v cause_n enough_o to_o fall_v a_o weep_n over_o every_o d●…_n we_o perform_v when_o we_o come_v to_o attend_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o to_o do_v our_o service_n to_o god_n it_o appear_v by_o man_n carriage_n what_o a_o looseness_n of_o spirit_n there_o be_v a_o unfixedness_n of_o spirit_n on_o god_n and_o there_o be_v not_o the_o breathe_n after_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o ordinance_n and_o so_o for_o prayer_n and_o other_o service_n what_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o we_o may_v well_o reckon_v upon_o this_o it_o be_v because_o we_o be_v not_o more_o advance_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n we_o have_v not_o heart-knowledge_n so_o due_o improve_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v concern_v our_o lord_n jesus_n for_o brethren_n this_o be_v 〈◊〉_d that_o we_o shall_v know_v concern_v christ_n that_o his_o heart_n be_v upon_o his_o work_n and_o business_n and_o when_o he_o pray_v he_o pray_v as_o one_o that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o o_o what_o wrestle_n of_o spirit_n be_v there_o on_o his_o part_n with_o god_n he_o pray_v most_o earnest_o and_o o_o how_o intent_n upon_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n when_o he_o have_v to_o do_v that_o and_o when_o he_o be_v to_o preach_v o_o with_o what_o intention_n of_o soul_n be_v that_o service_n perform_v and_n when_o he_o have_v the_o last_o 〈◊〉_d to_o keep_v o_o with_o desire_n have_v i_o desire_v to_o keep_v this_o pass●…_n o_o father_n it_o be_v meat_n and_o drink_n to_o 〈◊〉_d to_o do_v thy_o w●…_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o christ_n now_o if_o we_o have_v but_o a_o well-digested_a knowledge_n of_o this_o it_o will_v make_v we_o ashamed_a of_o ourselves_o and_o make_v we_o put_v on_o with_o more_o activity_n and_o vigour_n of_o spirit_n think_v with_o ourselves_o what_o a_o pattern_n we_o have_v in_o christ._n and_o then_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a highpriest_n of_o our_o holy_a 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o he_o have_v engage_v himself_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o people_n both_o to_o procure_v their_o acceptance_n and_o to_o vou●…hsafe_v they_o assistance_n now_o consider_v but_o this_o and_o these_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o know_v concern_v jesus_n our_o lord_n that_o it_o be_v his_o undertake_n to_o procure_v acceptance_n and_o to_o give_v assistance_n for_o now_o he_o have_v all_o power_n in_o his_o hand_n the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o give_v strength_n to_o his_o people_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o make_v their_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n and_o to_o perform_v their_o worship_n and_o service_n i_o will_v strengthen_v thou_o i_o will_v help_v thou_o i_o will_v uphold_v thou_o with_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o my_o righteousness_n my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o thus_o christ_n have_v signify_v concern_v himself_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n of_o his_o people_n and_o then_o withal_o this_o be_v to_o be_v know_v concern_v our_o lord_n jesus_n that_o he_o appear_v in_o heaven_n before_o his_o father_n to_o promote_v their_o acceptance_n and_o to_o plead_v their_o cause_n and_o as_o the_o highpriest_n to_o present_v their_o service_n and_o to_o sprinkle_v they_o with_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o to_o desire_v the_o father_n acceptance_n of_o they_o now_o if_o this_o be_v but_o due_o know_v concern_v christ_n and_o we_o have_v but_o a_o well_o improve_v and_o digest_v knowledge_n concern_v this_o that_o now_o i_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o o_o how_o much_o will_v it_o conduce_v to_o the_o quicken_a up_o our_o heart_n to_o a_o lively_a performance_n of_o our_o service_n when_o we_o shall_v consider_v what_o a_o example_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n of_o duty_n and_o service_n to_o god_n and_o then_o that_o he_o have_v undertake_v to_o afford_v assistance_n and_o to_o procure_v acceptance_n this_o will_v make_v we_o go_v on_o with_o more_o life_n and_o vigour_n in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n and_o then_o i_o will_v have_v tell_v you_o far_o that_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n christian_n shall_v endeavour_v a_o growth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n because_o as_o this_o knowledge_n well_o improve_v conduce_v to_o a_o judiciousness_n and_o to_o a_o well_o order_v of_o the_o conscience_n and_o to_o the_o increase_n of_o all_o the_o grace_n and_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o our_o duty_n so_o by_o a_o well_o improve_v knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n we_o shall_v come_v to_o have_v the_o more_o kind_o relish_v of_o gospel-priviledge_n and_o suck_v the_o sweet_a of_o they_o and_o come_v to_o know_v what_o there_o be_v of_o comfort_n and_o soul-rejoycing_a to_o be_v find_v in_o these_o privilege_n and_o then_o this_o knowledge_n well_o improve_v o_o how_o will_v it_o conduce_v to_o bear_v affliction_n to_o the_o incounter_v temptation_n and_o enable_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o well_o order_v of_o a_o gospel-conversation_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n serm._n fourteen_o i_o shall_v pass_v by_o what_o be_v the_o last_o day_n hint_v to_o you_o only_o now_o suggest_v some_o few_o particular_n more_o which_o if_o we_o be_v but_o acquaint_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o we_o shall_v quit_v ourselves_o better_a than_o we_o do_v in_o this_o gospel-worship_n and_o service_n of_o prayer_n as_o now_o do_v we_o but_o know_v and_o serious_o ponder_v upon_o this_o that_o christ_n himself_o be_v very_o much_o in_o this_o service_n that_o he_o be_v a_o constant_a practiser_n to_o his_o very_a death_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n if_o this_o be_v but_o well_o consider_v that_o christ_n be_v very_o much_o give_v to_o prayer_n and_o if_o he_o can_v not_o have_v opportunity_n in_o the_o day_n time_n he_o will_v fetch_v it_o out_o in_o the_o night_n and_o be_v in_o the_o night_n season_n pour_v out_o his_o soul_n before_o his_o father_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o christ_n he_o be_v give_v to_o prayer_n and_o his_o last_o breathe_n be_v breathe_n in_o a_o way_n of_o prayer_n into_o his_o father_n bosom_n and_o then_o consider_v this_o this_o be_v that_o that_o
in_o this_o i_o propound_v now_o as_o one_o of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o comfort_n whereof_o come_v over_o to_o we_o by_o a_o well_o improve_v knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ._n consider_v further_o what_o reason_n there_o be_v that_o believer_n christian_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o advance_v a_o growth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o by_o this_o knowledge_n well_o improve_v we_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v very_o much_o advantage_v for_o suffering_n suffer_v with_o comfort_n and_o with_o boldness_n and_o courage_n and_o that_o be_v a_o great_a matter_n for_o we_o to_o consider_v of_o for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o suffering_n as_o the_o comfortable_a suffering_n and_o the_o confident_a suffering_n and_o the_o courageous_a suffering_n of_o a_o christian_n that_o god_n be_v glorify_v by_o mark_v you_o it_o be_v not_o bare_o the_o suffering_n the_o damn_a in_o hell_n they_o suffer_v and_o shall_v suffer_v eternal_o but_o what_o glory_n have_v god_n from_o their_o suffering_n only_o thus_o far_o he_o have_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o justice_n in_o the_o inflict_a of_o deserve_a punishment_n upon_o they_o he_o have_v that_o glory_n but_o otherwise_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o glory_n that_o be_v give_v to_o god_n by_o they_o in_o their_o suffering_n there_o be_v glory_n that_o god_n fetch_v and_o force_n out_o of_o they_o and_o he_o will_v do_v so_o out_o of_o every_o damn_a wretch_n he_o will_v force_v a_o glory_n to_o himself_o out_o of_o their_o suffering_n but_o there_o be_v no_o glory_n that_o do_v result_v to_o god_n out_o of_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o damn_a as_o a_o glory_n which_o they_o do_v actual_o give_v up_o to_o god_n but_o now_o god_n expect_v that_o his_o people_n shall_v be_v active_a in_o a_o way_n of_o glorify_v he_o when_o they_o be_v under_o their_o suffering_n and_o then_o be_v god_n glorify_v when_o his_o people_n suffer_v with_o courage_n and_o with_o confidence_n and_o with_o comfort_n and_o rejoice_v and_o be_v not_o of_o despondent_a spirit_n do_v not_o fall_v under_o that_o why_o now_o consider_v all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o will_v approve_v themselves_o in_o their_o godliness_n they_o must_v reckon_v upon_o suffering_n there_o be_v no_o come_n to_o heaven_n by_o leap_v over_o the_o brook_n christ_n himself_o be_v say_v to_o drink_v of_o the_o brook_n in_o the_o way_n there_o be_v a_o brook_n and_o it_o run_v with_o black_a and_o bitter_a stream_n and_o we_o must_v not_o think_v to_o leap_v over_o the_o brook_n you_o must_v drink_v of_o it_o and_o be_v plunge_v into_o it_o why_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n shall_v suffer_v what_o shall_v they_o suffer_v what_o must_v they_o reckon_v upon_o to_o suffer_v suffer_v from_o god_n suffer_v from_o man_n suffer_v from_o devil_n suffer_v sometime_o through_o their_o own_o default_n from_o their_o own_o conscience_n wherein_o now_o must_v they_o reckon_v to_o suffer_v suffer_v in_o their_o soul_n by_o divine_a desertion_n suffer_v in_o their_o soul_n by_o dreadful_a temptation_n suffer_v in_o their_o conscience_n by_o astonish_a apprehension_n i_o and_o sometime_o there_o be_v their_o own_o default_n from_o their_o conscience_n that_o be_v a_o suffering_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o mere_a stranger_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o by_o the_o way_n christ_n never_o suffer_v from_o his_o conscience_n and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o it_o may_v not_o be_v peremptory_o assert_v that_o he_o never_o suffer_v in_o his_o conscience_n to_o be_v sure_a never_o from_o his_o conscience_n his_o conscience_n never_o put_v he_o to_o any_o suffering_n his_o conscience_n be_v always_o his_o friend_n and_o his_o comforter_n he_o be_v not_o know_v to_o himself_o of_o any_o thing_n shall_v cause_v and_o create_v the_o least_o trouble_n to_o he_o godly_a man_n be_v subject_a through_o their_o own_o default_n to_o suffer_v in_o their_o conscience_n and_o from_o their_o conscience_n to_o suffer_v in_o their_o liberty_n in_o their_o estate_n in_o their_o name_n and_o reputation_n by_o reproach_n and_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n to_o suffer_v in_o their_o estate_n by_o loss_n and_o sad_a breach_n upon_o they_o subject_a to_o suffer_v to_o the_o very_a loss_n of_o their_o life_n by_o fiery_a trial_n and_o sharp_a persecution_n ay_o but_o now_o whereas_o the_o great_a matter_n as_o i_o say_v before_o be_v to_o know_v how_o a_o believer_n may_v suffer_v and_o to_o suffer_v comfortable_o to_o suffer_v courageous_o and_o not_o sink_v under_o suffering_n though_o he_o drink_v of_o the_o brook_n in_o the_o way_n yet_o that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o way_n though_o he_o drink_v of_o it_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o sink_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o but_o he_o keep_v his_o head_n aloft_o this_o be_v a_o great_a matter_n for_o we_o to_o study_v and_o to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v withal_o now_o consider_v o_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n it_o do_v contribute_v most_o large_o to_o such_o a_o purpose_n if_o so_o be_v that_o christian_n believer_n in_o christ_n have_v but_o a_o well-improved_n knowledge_n of_o christ_n well_o digest_v i_o do_v not_o speak_v as_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o and_o shall_v further_o tell_v you_o of_o a_o notional_a knowledge_n to_o get_v a_o head_n full_a of_o notion_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o heart_n altogether_o unedified_a we_o can_v babble_v over_o the_o creed_n as_o many_o do_v that_o place_n their_o religion_n and_o such_o thing_n in_o it_o though_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v good_a use_n to_o be_v make_v of_o those_o old_a principle_n but_o this_o be_v the_o misery_n that_o people_n rest_n in_o word_n and_o form_n if_o they_o can_v patter_v over_o such_o and_o such_o a_o form_n and_o say_v he_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n suffer_v under_o pontius_n pilate_n be_v crucify_v dead_a and_o bury_v thus_o they_o can_v say_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n know_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n to_o any_o purpose_n but_o i_o speak_v of_o a_o heart-knowledge_n a_o well-digested_a knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o this_o knowledge_n will_v contribute_v very_o large_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o a_o christian_n comfortable_a undergo_a his_o suffering_n and_o keep_v he_o up_o from_o sink_v under_o they_o and_o it_o will_v appear_v thus_o by_o consider_v first_o of_o all_o by_o know_v this_o concern_v christ_n that_o this_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v himself_o a_o sufferer_n there_o be_v very_o much_o in_o this_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n and_o think_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n he_o that_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n he_o be_v please_v to_o put_v himself_o into_o such_o a_o condition_n and_o state_n as_o that_o he_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o suffer_v as_o he_o be_v the_o second_o person_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o suffer_v but_o he_o take_v a_o body_n with_o much_o complacency_n and_o delight_n upon_o this_o very_a account_n that_o he_o may_v be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o suffer_v and_o suffer_v he_o do_v never_o man_n nor_o angel_n the_o like_a he_o suffer_v to_o the_o astonish_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n he_o suffer_v from_o god_n he_o suffer_v from_o man_n he_o suffer_v from_o devil_n o_o the_o dreadful_a suffering_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o i_o say_v before_o so_o i_o say_v it_o again_o he_o do_v not_o suffer_v from_o his_o conscience_n his_o heart_n do_v not_o reproach_v he_o his_o heart_n within_o be_v clear_a he_o have_v no_o terror_n his_o conscience_n it_o raise_v up_o no_o terror_n in_o he_o that_o kind_n of_o suffer_v he_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o now_o consider_v this_o be_v christ_n jesus_n a_o sufferer_n and_o so_o deep_a and_o dreadful_a a_o sufferer_n why_o then_o a_o believer_n may_v comfort_v himself_o whatsoever_o suffering_n he_o fall_v under_o why_o bless_a be_v god_n my_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o sufferer_n before_o i_o he_o have_v be_v in_o a_o suffer_a state_n and_o i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o startle_v at_o it_o that_o my_o condition_n be_v a_o suffer_a condition_n i_o be_o but_o now_o in_o a_o way_n to_o have_v conformity_n to_o christ_n and_o that_o be_v a_o bless_a comfort_n you_o must_v consider_v a_o little_a what_o shall_v the_o apostle_n mean_v when_o he_o profess_v in_o 1_o cor._n 2._o that_o he_o determine_v to_o know_v nothing_o but_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a a_o suffering_n christ_n christ_n and_o a_o suffering_n christ_n what_o shall_v he_o mean_v by_o this_o but_o that_o
that_o the_o christian_n be_v as_o his_o faith_n be_v if_o his_o faith_n be_v in_o good_a plight_n his_o other_o grace_n will_v be_v so_o too_o if_o there_o be_v a_o flourish_a faith_n there_o will_v be_v a_o flame_a love_n and_o there_o will_v be_v a_o abound_a and_o a_o increase_n in_o other_o grace_n i'faith_o it_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o all_o other_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n grow_v in_o that_o and_o grow_v in_o all_o now_o if_o you_o ask_v but_o how_o will_v you_o have_v we_o to_o grow_v or_o to_o what_o pitch_n and_o proportion_n will_v you_o have_v we_o to_o arrive_v you_o persuade_v we_o to_o a_o growth_n in_o faith_n what_o growth_n be_v it_o that_o you_o press_v we_o to_o will_v you_o now_o but_o a_o little_a weigh_v these_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v to_o communicate_v i_o tell_v you_o thus_o your_o growth_n in_o faith_n if_o so_o be_v that_o you_o will_v answer_v your_o duty_n it_o must_v first_o be_v a_o growth_n practical_o answer_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o faith_n that_o you_o come_v up_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o as_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o faith_n as_o you_o can_v 2._o that_o in_o a_o practical_a way_n you_o may_v answer_v the_o testimony_n that_o be_v give_v of_o faith_n 3._o that_o in_o a_o practical_a way_n you_o may_v answer_v the_o eminent_a and_o signal_n example_n and_o pattern_n of_o faith_n 4._o that_o in_o a_o practical_a way_n you_o may_v perform_v the_o act_n and_o express_v the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o faith_n all_o this_o in_o a_o practical_a way_n and_o then_o shall_v you_o answer_v the_o duty_n and_o approve_v yourselves_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v person_n of_o a_o well_o grow_v faith_n first_o of_o all_o when_o i_o persuade_v you_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n in_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n interpret_v thus_o that_o every_o believe_a soul_n be_v to_o look_v unto_o and_o to_o press_v after_o such_o a_o growth_n as_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o attainment_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o faith_n in_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o thus_o we_o distinguish_v of_o a_o weak_a faith_n and_o of_o a_o strong_a faith_n we_o distinguish_v of_o a_o faith_n of_o adherence_n and_o of_o a_o faith_n of_o evidence_n and_o assurance_n we_o speak_v of_o believer_n some_o that_o be_v poor_a in_o faith_n other_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n expression_n in_o james_n the_o poor_a of_o this_o world_n rich_a in_o faith_n we_o distinguish_v of_o a_o live_a faith_n and_o of_o a_o lively_a faith_n we_o distinguish_v of_o a_o combat_v faith_n and_o of_o a_o conquer_a faith_n of_o a_o conflict_a faith_n and_o of_o a_o triumph_a faith_n such_o distinction_n there_o be_v now_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o press_v after_o such_o a_o growth_n that_o we_o may_v be_v in_o the_o advance_n and_o come_v up_o to_o the_o high_a degree_n that_o we_o can_v attain_v unto_o our_o saviour_n complain_v of_o the_o disciple_n o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n import_v thus_o much_o that_o their_o duty_n be_v for_o to_o be_v much_o in_o faith_n and_o to_o have_v a_o great_a faith_n a_o well_o grow_v faith_n such_o a_o faith_n as_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n of_o who_o i_o shall_v speak_v o_o woman_n great_a be_v thy_o faith_n there_o be_v that_o be_v poor_a in_o faith_n they_o have_v but_o a_o poor_a degree_n and_o measure_n of_o faith_n but_o even_o as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o will_v keep_v life_n and_o soul_n together_o as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v all_o that_o they_o can_v do_v be_v but_o to_o keep_v in_o life_n i_o but_o now_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o look_v after_o a_o inrichment_n in_o faith_n that_o we_o may_v live_v like_o rich_a man_n live_v at_o a_o high_a rate_n that_o we_o may_v spend_v and_o spend_v very_o large_o this_o be_v our_o duty_n that_o we_o have_v a_o lively_a faith_n a_o faith_n so_o improve_v as_o that_o its_o quick_a and_o active_a and_o nimble_a and_o can_v put_v on_o vigorous_o in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n this_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o grow_v from_o one_o degree_n to_o another_o to_o be_v strong_a and_o strong_a to_o proceed_v from_o faith_n of_o adherence_n unto_o faith_n of_o assurance_n not_o only_o to_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o recumbency_n that_o we_o can_v hang_v upon_o christ_n and_o roll_n ourselves_o upon_o he_o for_o salvation_n but_o that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o have_v a_o faith_n of_o confidence_n that_o we_o may_v not_o only_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o promise_n but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v persuade_v of_o our_o personal_a interest_n and_o propriety_n in_o promise_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o only_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o of_o our_o title_n to_o they_o that_o we_o may_v not_o only_o be_v able_a to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a by_o faith_n to_o say_v i_o and_o this_o jesus_n come_v to_o save_v i_o as_o much_o as_o any_o other_o sinner_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v only_o able_a to_o say_v he_o love_v his_o people_n and_o give_v himself_o for_o his_o people_n but_o we_o may_v be_v able_a by_o a_o well-improved_n faith_n to_o say_v yea_o he_o love_v i_o and_o he_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o thus_o can_v paul_n say_v such_o be_v paul_n faith_n a_o faith_n of_o assurance_n when_o we_o can_v only_o reflect_v with_o fear_n and_o difficulty_n but_o we_o can_v trample_v upon_o they_o and_o triumph_v over_o they_o and_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o length_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v i_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o christ._n such_o a_o growth_n we_o shall_v have_v that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o bear_v up_o with_o a_o holy_a confidence_n towards_o god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o i_o know_v that_o my_o redeemer_n live_v we_o know_v that_o if_o this_o tabernacle_n be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o build_n of_o god_n a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o we_o shall_v press_v after_o a_o faith_n of_o such_o a_o size_n as_o this_o of_o such_o a_o proportion_n as_o this_o and_o not_o rest_v content_v with_o this_o that_o we_o can_v hang_v upon_o christ_n though_o its_o a_o great_a mercy_n to_o have_v the_o least_o degree_n of_o faith_n yet_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v press_v to_o that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o a_o holy_a confidence_n towards_o god_n this_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o that_o that_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o grow_a faith_n that_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n 2._o our_o duty_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o faith_n and_o to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o growth_n in_o faith_n as_o that_o we_o may_v answer_v the_o high_a and_o honourable_a and_o glorious_a testimony_n that_o be_v give_v of_o faith_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v in_o our_o justification_n of_o such_o testimony_n and_o say_v thus_o and_o thus_o be_v faith_n testify_v of_o it_o be_v a_o true_a testimony_n i_o be_o able_a to_o prove_v it_o i_o be_o able_a to_o speak_v it_o out_o of_o my_o own_o person_n and_o from_o my_o own_o experience_n it_o be_v our_o bless_a sayiours_n speech_n wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n if_o we_o will_v approve_v ourselves_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o wisdom_n we_o shall_v look_v after_o this_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o justify_v the_o say_n of_o wisdom_n now_o what_o be_v the_o say_n of_o wisdom_n concern_v faith_n the_o testimony_n that_o be_v give_v of_o it_o mark_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 11_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o it_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v be_v this_o a_o true_a testimony_n it_o may_v be_v you_o will_v say_v you_o believe_v this_o that_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n concern_v faith_n ay_o but_o what_o of_o that_o be_v it_o a_o truth_n in_o you_o be_v your_o faith_n such_o a_o faith_n be_v you_o able_a to_o subscribe_v to_o this_o and_o to_o say_v yea_o bless_a be_v god_n i_o can_v speak_v this_o from_o my_o own_o experience_n and_o say_v faith_n be_v to_o i_o the_o substance_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v hope_v for_o faith_n be_v in_o i_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v
be_v strong_a confidence_n these_o be_v two_o proverb_n that_o be_v worthy_a of_o our_o meditation_n now_o this_o be_v the_o fear_n that_o we_o shall_v press_v after_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o three_o child_n that_o be_v require_v upon_o pain_n of_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o fiery_a furnace_n they_o must_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n there_o be_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o king_n i_o but_o there_o be_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n so_o improve_v upon_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v enslave_v nor_o ensnare_v by_o the_o king_n fear_n and_o so_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n when_o the_o charge_n be_v give_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v preach_v no_o more_o in_o this_o name_n they_o labour_v to_o put_v they_o into_o a_o fear_n and_o to_o over-awe_n they_o that_o they_o shall_v let_v their_o cause_n fall_v and_o appear_v no_o more_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n ay_o but_o mark_v how_o their_o spirit_n be_v keep_v up_o have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n strong_a upon_o their_o heart_n they_o be_v enable_v to_o break_v the_o snare_n and_o to_o go_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o duty_n such_o a_o fear_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v labour_v to_o be_v possess_v withal_o to_o grow_v up_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o duty_n though_o difficult_a and_o dangerous_a may_v be_v perform_v and_o sin_n may_v be_v resist_v and_o that_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n may_v be_v conquer_v such_o a_o fear_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o grow_v in_o and_o then_o as_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n of_o love_n and_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n so_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o endeavour_v a_o growth_n in_o holiness_n it_o be_v a_o mercy_n to_o have_v the_o least_o impress_n of_o holiness_n upon_o our_o spirit_n i_o but_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o holiness_n if_o we_o be_v holy_a we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o be_v more_o holy_a according_a to_o that_o in_o rev._n 22._o le●…_n he_o that_o be_v righteous_a be_v righteous_a still_o let_v he_o be_v more_o righteous_a let_v he_o that_o be_v holy_a be_v holy_a still_o let_v he_o be_v holy_a and_o holy_a and_o more_o and_o more_o holy_a and_o let_v he_o labour_n to_o better_v his_o holiness_n and_o to_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o high_a degree_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o look_v to_o the_o begin_n of_o holiness_n but_o to_o the_o progress_n and_o to_o the_o increase_v of_o it_o according_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n charge_n 2_o cor._n 7._o have_v these_o promise_n let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o pollution_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n be_v there_o some_o filthiness_n cleanse_v away_o ay_o but_o see_v that_o you_o cleanse_v yourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n be_v there_o holiness_n begin_v in_o you_o ay_o but_o see_v that_o you_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n this_o be_v our_o duty_n thus_o to_o grow_v in_o holiness_n i_o and_o so_o to_o be_v holy_a even_o as_o god_n be_v holy_a according_a to_o what_o the_o lord_n require_v not_o that_o we_o can_v come_v to_o such_o a_o perfection_n i_o but_o according_a to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o creature_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o be_v holy_a as_o god_n be_v holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a as_o a_o god_n so_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o be_v holy_a according_a to_o the_o state_n and_o measure_n of_o a_o creature_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n grow_v in_o holiness_n and_o to_o such_o a_o pitch_n of_o holiness_n as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o we_o according_a to_o what_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o spouse_n thou_o be_v all_o fair_a my_o love_n and_o there_o be_v no_o spot_n in_o thou_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o endeavour_v after_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o holiness_n as_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o blemish_n but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v present_v before_o god_n at_o last_o with_o exceed_a joy_n such_o a_o holiness_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o press_v after_o as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o corruption_n where_o there_o be_v but_o a_o little_a grace_n corruption_n and_o lust_n in_o the_o stir_n of_o they_o be_v not_o so_o easy_o perceive_v but_o where_o there_o be_v most_o grace_n there_o be_v most_o life_n and_o where_o there_o be_v most_o life_n there_o be_v most_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o feeling_n and_o there_o be_v none_o so_o sensible_a of_o corruption_n and_o stir_n of_o lust_n as_o those_o that_o have_v the_o most_o grace_n in_o they_o there_o be_v secret_a motion_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n which_o it_o may_v be_v a_o person_n that_o have_v but_o a_o low_a measure_n and_o degree_n of_o grace_n and_o faith_n will_v not_o take_v any_o great_a notice_n of_o the_o motion_n and_o inward_a boiling_n of_o lust_n and_o corruption_n the_o lust_n of_o uncleanness_n or_o of_o pride_n or_o covetounsess_v there_o be_v many_o a_o stir_a lust_n that_o a_o soul_n that_o either_o be_v in_o total_a want_n of_o grace_n or_o have_v but_o grace_n in_o a_o low_a measure_n or_o degree_n take_v no_o great_a knowledge_n of_o ay_o but_o when_o there_o come_v to_o be_v a_o growth_n in_o grace_n to_o a_o good_a degree_n o_o than_o every_o stir_v of_o lust_n and_o corruption_n will_v be_v perceive_v and_o the_o soul_n will_v be_v up_o against_o it_o and_o endeavour_v a_o suppress_n of_o it_o such_o a_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o sense_n of_o every_o lust_n and_o corruption_n a_o lust_n can_v stir_v in_o the_o soul_n but_o the_o soul_n be_v upon_o the_o back_n of_o it_o and_o endeavour_n to_o use_v all_o severity_n against_o it_o such_o a_o growth_n in_o holiness_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o that_o we_o may_v be_v most_o cordial_o compliant_a with_o all_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o the_o more_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v and_o make_v know_v to_o we_o the_o more_o we_o delight_v in_o it_o the_o more_o it_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v in_o the_o latitude_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o strictness_n of_o it_o the_o more_o our_o heart_n be_v upon_o compliance_n with_o it_o such_o a_o holiness_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o press_v after_o as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v there_o be_v a_o ●…ecret_a heart_n rise_v against_o every_o bubble_a of_o corruption_n such_o a_o holiness_n we_o shall_v press_v after_o as_o that_o we_o can_v take_v the_o great_a delight_n in_o communion_n with_o god_n such_o a_o holiness_n as_o that_o we_o can_v long_o after_o heaven_n and_o that_o because_o of_o the_o holiness_n of_o it_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o holiness_n as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v we_o be_v even_o weary_a of_o live_v here_o in_o this_o low_a world_n because_o of_o the_o corruption_n and_o lust_n and_o profaneness_n and_o abominable_a impiety_n that_o be_v commit_v here_o o_o this_o be_v the_o holiness_n that_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o holiness_n as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o suitable_a to_o god_n and_o fit_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o bless_a god_n for_o this_o know_v that_o the_o more_o holiness_n the_o more_o conformity_n to_o god_n and_o the_o more_o holiness_n the_o more_o fitness_n for_o the_o most_o intimate_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o thus_o in_o these_o and_o all_o other_o grace_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o gorw_n according_a to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o apostle_n here_o but_o grow_v in_o grace_n i_o have_v thus_o be_v labour_v with_o you_o according_a to_o my_o ability_n and_o press_v upon_o you_o to_o this_o purpose_n a_o growth_n in_o grace_n a_o growth_n in_o faith_n a_o growth_n in_o love_n a_o growth_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n a_o growth_n in_o holiness_n and_o so_o in_o other_o grace_n which_o i_o may_v insist_v upon_o but_o i_o shall_v satisfy_v myself_o in_o have_v thus_o deal_v with_o you_o concern_v these_o particular_n and_o in_o the_o general_n according_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o text_n brethren_n this_o be_v your_o duty_n you_o that_o be_v son_n and_o daughter_n of_o grace_n this_o be_v the_o duty_n that_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o you_o and_o which_o be_v require_v of_o you_o you_o that_o l●…ave_v grace_n your_o duty_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o endeavour_v such_o a_o growth_n in_o grace_n that_o sin_n may_v be_v almost_o quite_o go_v out_o of_o you_o thus_o it_o be_v so_o much_o as_o you_o have_v of_o grace_n so_o much_o there_o be_v of_o a_o riddance_n of_o sin_n so_o much_o as_o there_o be_v a_o remain_v of_o sin_n so_o much_o there_o be_v of_o the_o want_n of_o grace_n now_o