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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
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
B03501 The mystery of faith opened up: or Some sermons concerning faith (two where of were not formerly printed.) Wherein the nature, excellency, and usefulness of that noble grace is much cleared, and the practice thereof most powerfully pressed. Whereunto are added other three sermons, two concerning the great salvation, one of these not formerly printed, and a third concerning death. / By that pious and worthy servant of Jesus Christ, Mr. Andrew Gray, late minister of the Gospel in Glasgow. All these sermons being now carefully revised, and much corrected. Gray, Andrew, 1633-1656.; Traill, Robert, 1642-1716.; Stirling, John, b. 1621? 1668 (1668) Wing G1616; ESTC R177630 121,416 225

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can_v have_v no_o other_o foundation_n it_o will_v build_v itself_o upon_o humility_n and_o a_o christian_a will_v grow_v proud_a in_o this_o that_o he_o be_v grow_v humble_a three_o it_o be_v a_o difficulty_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o examine_v his_o grow_n in_o grace_n and_o not_o to_o be_v puff_v up_o it_o be_v certain_a a_o christian_n ought_v to_o examine_v his_o growth_n in_o grace_n humble_o according_a to_o that_o psal_n 63.8_o my_o soul_n follow_v hard_a after_o thou_o thy_o right_a hand_n uphold_v i_o he_o do_v not_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o that_o his_o soul_n do_v follow_v after_o god_n but_o of_o the_o measure_n of_o that_o pursuit_n my_o soul_n follow_v hard_a after_o thou_o and_o yet_o sweet_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v not_o his_o own_o foot_n which_o carry_v he_o nor_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o keep_v he_o from_o fall_v 3._o you_o be_v not_o to_o build_v your_o faith_n upon_o your_o work_n and_o upon_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n i_o need_v not_o stand_v long_o to_o refute_v that_o practical_a popery_n that_o be_v among_o we_o that_o think_v we_o can_v go_v to_o heaven_n through_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n i_o tell_v you_o not_o long_o since_o what_o your_o go_v to_o heaven_n through_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n speak_v even_o this_o horrible_a blasphemy_n that_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o monstruous_a folly_n to_o send_v christ_n to_o die_v for_o sinner_n for_o if_o you_o can_v go_v to_o heaven_n without_o he_o be_v not_o then_o christ_n crucify_v in_o vain_a and_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o now_o that_o this_o speak_v out_o your_o damnable_a ignorance_n of_o the_o weakness_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o your_o own_o heart_n o_o you_o that_o be_v so_o great_a defender_n of_o salvation_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n i_o beseech_v you_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o you_o break_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n often_o than_o any_o for_o there_o be_v none_o that_o think_v they_o will_v go_v to_o heaven_n this_o way_n but_o those_o that_o be_v the_o great_a breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o be_v not_o that_o inconsistent_a and_o contradictory_n divinity_n your_o faith_n contradict_v your_o practice_n and_o your_o practice_n tell_v you_o that_o your_o faith_n be_v a_o lie_n 4._o we_o must_v not_o mix_v our_o own_o righteousness_n with_o christ_n as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o believe_v this_o be_v indeed_o a_o evil_a that_o often_o lodge_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o most_o refine_a hypocrite_n when_o satan_n can_v prevail_v to_o exclude_v christ_n altogether_o than_o he_o be_v content_a with_o that_o whorish_a woman_n to_o divide_v the_o child_n and_o let_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v half_a of_o christ_n and_o half_a of_o self_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v many_o of_o these_o poor_a unwise_a son_n who_o stay_v long_o in_o the_o place_n of_o break_v forth_o of_o child_n do_v willing_o hearken_v to_o this_o overture_n for_o fear_v it_o be_v presumption_n for_o such_o poor_a wretch_n to_o meddle_v too_o bold_o with_o the_o riches_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o be_v good_a such_o weak_a one_o will_v consider_v that_o word_n rom._n ●_o 2_o where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n call_v the_o make_v 〈◊〉_d of_o his_o righteousness_n a_o act_n of_o submission_n they_o 〈◊〉_d not_o submit_v say_v he_o unto_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n o_o will_v you_o not_o lay_v this_o to_o heart_n that_o our_o lord_n will_v take_v your_o believe_v or_o your_o put_n on_o his_o righteousness_n for_o a_o act_n of_o great_a humility_n and_o will_v take_v your_o misbelief_n as_o a_o marvellous_a act_n of_o the_o high_a pride_n and_o presumption_n 5._o we_o be_v not_o to_o make_v providence_n the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o that_o ask_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o right_n of_o heaven_n they_o will_v tell_v we_o that_o god_n have_v be_v kind_a to_o they_o all_o their_o day_n i_o will_v only_o say_v to_o such_o he_o may_v be_v feed_v you_o unto_o the_o day_n of_o slaughter_n and_o no_o man_n know_v love_n or_o hatred_n by_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o he_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n negative_o and_o now_o to_o speak_v to_o it_o positive_o we_o see_v the_o text_n hold_v out_o christ_n himself_o as_o that_o excellent_a and_o complete_a object_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o we_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n and_o thus_o faith_n close_v with_o christ_n under_o a_o fourfold_a consideration_n first_o it_o close_v with_o god_n in_o christ_n not_o with_o god_n immediate_o and_o naked_o for_o he_o dwell_v in_o light_n inaccessible_a that_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v unto_o he_o be_v high_a than_o the_o heaven_n what_o can_v we_o do_v and_o deep_a than_o hell_n what_o can_v we_o know_v job_n 11._o therefore_o we_o must_v approach_v unto_o he_o through_o a_o vail_n even_o the_o vail_n of_o christ_n his_o flesh_n heb._n 10._o god_n be_v a_o consume_a fire_n and_o of_o pure_a eye_n than_o that_o he_o can_v behold_v iniquity_n a●…_n therefore_o we_o must_v first_o cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o tha●_n bless_a dayman_n that_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o we_o both_o and_o look_v unto_o god_n as_o in_o christ_n reconcile_a 〈◊〉_d world_n to_o himself_o and_o so_o draw_v near_o unto_o hi●…_n through_o a_o mediator_n who_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o he_o that_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a fo●_n evermore_o able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a all_o th●…_n come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o see_v he_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o second_o faith_n close_v with_o christ_n as_o tender_v free_o in_o a_o covenant_n of_o promise_n we_o will_v have_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o christ_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v give_v of_o the_o father_n and_o offer_v himself_o in_o a_o free_a covenant_n of_o promise_n but_o he_o be_v thus_o hold_v forth_o upon_o term_n of_o free_a love_n which_o do_v utter_o abominate_a hire_n and_o so_o noble_a a_o proclamation_n issue_v forth_o under_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o heaven_n that_o whosoever_o will_v may_v come_v and_o drink_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o upon_o this_o the_o poor_a creature_n draw_v near_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o right_n and_o stretch_v out_o the_o arm●_n of_o most_o enlarge_a affection_n do_v run_v upon_o he_o with_o that_o joyful_a shout_n my_o lord_n my_o god_n and_o then_o make_v a_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o itself_o to_o he_o which_o be_v hold_v out_o in_o the_o scripture_n by_o that_o sweet_a expression_n of_o kiss_v of_o the_o son_n and_o there_o be_v three_o part_n of_o christ_n bless_a body_n that_o the_o christian_n must_v endeavour_v to_o kiss_v and_o embrace_v the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n the_o hand_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o foot_n of_o christ_n the_o kiss_n of_o his_o foot_n import_v the_o exercise_n of_o love_n the_o kiss_n of_o his_o hand_n the_o exercise_n of_o subjection_n and_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n the_o exercise_n of_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o three_o faith_n close_v with_o christ_n as_o the_o purchaser_n and_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o good_a we_o receive_v he_o be_v the_o person_n that_o have_v purchase_v all_o these_o thing_n unto_o we_o and_o there_o be_v not_o one_o blink_n of_o love_n there_o be_v nor_o the_o small_a enjoyment_n that_o a_o christian_n meet_v with_o but_o it_o be_v the_o price_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n christ_n precious_a blood_n be_v lay_v down_o for_o it_o four_o faith_n close_v with_o christ_n as_o the_o efficient_a and_o worker_n of_o all_o our_o mercy_n all_o our_o enjoyment_n be_v from_o he_o as_o the_o efficient_a cause_n that_o be_v he_o be_v the_o worker_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o we_o it_o be_v his_o preciouss_n finger_n that_o must_v accomplish_v that_o bless_a work_n of_o grace_n and_o they_o be_v from_o christ_n as_o the_o dispenser_n of_o these_o thing_n christ_n be_v the_o great_a steward_n of_o heaven_n that_o do_v communicate_v unto_o believer_n all_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o high_a house_n for_o he_o have_v god_n the_o father_n seal_v o_o but_o that_o word_n that_o christ_n once_o speak_v be_v much_o verify_v by_o himself_o it_o be_v more_o bless_a to_o give_v then_o to_o receive_v christ_n be_v that_o fountain_n and_o treasure_n in_o who_o all_o our_o gift_n and_o grace_n be_v treasure_v up_o for_o before_o the_o blessing_n come_v to_o believer_n they_o come_v to_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n according_a to_o that_o word_n 2_o tim._n 1.9_o which_o grace_n be_v give_v to_o we_o in_o he_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v it_o be_v give_v to_o christ_n before_o the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o
bond_n of_o love_n and_o respect_n than_o our_o faith_n will_v increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n our_o entertainment_n of_o a_o bosom_n idol_n be_v ordinary_o punish_v with_o the_o want_n of_o the_o sensible_a intimation_n of_o his_o peace_n and_o of_o our_o interest_n in_o he_o so_o that_o sometime_o his_o own_o be_v constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o god_n have_v depart_v from_o i_o and_o he_o answer_v i_o not_o neither_o by_o dream_n nor_o vision_n 4._o there_o be_v that_o likewise_o that_o have_v influence_n upon_o it_o our_o not_o close_v absolute_o with_o jesus_n christ_n but_o upon_o condition_n and_o supposition_n we_o make_v not_o a_o absolute_a and_o blank_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o over_o to_o christ_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o covenant_n notwithstanding_o he_o shall_v dispense_v both_o bitter_a and_o sad_a thing_n to_o we_o but_o we_o conceive_v that_o christ_n covenant_n with_o believer_n be_v like_o that_o covenant_n that_o god_n make_v with_o noah_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v summer_n and_o winter_n seed_n time_n and_o harvest_n night_n and_o day_n unto_o a_o christian_a a_o christian_a must_v have_v his_o night_n as_o well_o as_o his_o day_n he_o must_v once_o sow_v in_o tear_n before_o he_o reap_v in_o joy_n he_o must_v once_o go_v forth_o bear_v his_o precious_a seed_n before_o he_o can_v return_v bear_v his_o sheaf_n in_o his_o bosom_n and_o that_o this_o have_v influence_n upon_o our_o instability_n may_v be_v see_v from_o this_o that_o often_o a_o christian_a after_o his_o first_o close_v with_o christ_n he_o meet_v with_o desertion_n in_o point_n of_o tenderness_n in_o point_n of_o joy_n and_o in_o point_n of_o strength_n so_o that_o his_o corruption_n seem_v now_o to_o be_v awake_v more_o than_o former_o that_o he_o want_v those_o seem_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o which_o former_o he_o have_v and_o that_o much_o of_o his_o softness_n of_o his_o heart_n have_v now_o evanished_a which_o be_v clear_a somewhat_o from_o heb._n 10.32_o and_o after_o they_o be_v enlighten_v they_o endure_v a_o great_a fight_n of_o affliction_n for_o the_o word_n that_o be_v there_o render_v affliction_n signify_v inward_a trouble_n through_o the_o motion_n of_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o outward_a affliction_n gal._n 5.24_o and_o god_n use_v to_o dispense_v this_o way_n to_o his_o own_o not_o only_o to_o take_v trial_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o your_o close_n with_o he_o but_o to_o make_v our_o faith_n more_o steadfast_a and_o sure_a and_o no_o doubt_n if_o we_o close_v not_o absolute_o with_o christ_n when_o under_o these_o temptation_n and_o trial_n we_o will_v reject_v our_o confidence_n as_o a_o delusion_n and_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v but_o a_o morning_n dream_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o noble_a and_o divine_a practice_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o close_o with_o christ_n without_o reservation_n see_v he_o do_v dispense_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o may_v tend_v to_o our_o advantage_n and_o we_o will_v say_v to_o such_o as_o be_v under_o these_o temptation_n that_o if_o you_o endeavour_v to_o resist_v they_o it_o be_v the_o most_o compendious_a and_o excellent_a way_n to_o make_v your_o heart_n which_o now_o be_v die_v as_o a_o stone_n to_o be_v as_o a_o water_a garden_n &_o spring_n of_o water_n who_o water_n fail_v not_o and_o to_o make_v you_o strong_a as_o a_o lion_n so_o that_o no_o temptation_n can_v rouse_v you_o up_o but_o you_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o tread_v upon_o the_o high_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o sing_v song_n of_o triumph_n over_o our_o idol_n 5._o there_o be_v this_o likewise_o which_o have_v influence_n on_o it_o our_o building_n of_o our_o faith_n more_o upon_o sense_n then_o upon_o christ_n or_o his_o word_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o faith_n be_v so_o unconstant_a and_o changeable_a as_o the_o moon_n we_o not_o know_v what_o such_o a_o thing_n mean_n to_o hope_v against_o hope_n and_o to_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o we_o will_v only_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o erect_v your_o confidence_n upon_o so_o sandy_a a_o foundation_n that_o when_o the_o wind_n and_o storm_n of_o temptation_n shall_v blow_v that_o house_n shall_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n as_o likewise_o build_v of_o your_o faith_n upon_o sense_n do_v not_o abate_v much_o of_o your_o joy_n and_o much_o of_o your_o precious_a esteem_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v faith_n exercise_v itself_o upon_o a_o invisible_a object_n that_o make_v the_o christian_n to_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n 1_o pet._n 1.8_o 6._o there_o be_v this_o last_o that_o have_v influence_n upon_o it_o even_o our_o sloathfulness_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o spiritual_a duty_n by_o which_o faith_n shall_v be_v entertain_v faith_n be_v a_o tender_a grace_n and_o a_o plant_n that_o must_v not_o be_v ruffle_v but_o nourish_v through_o the_o sap_n of_o other_o precious_a grace_n but_o we_o grow_v remiss_a in_o our_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o do_v turn_v ourselves_o upon_o the_o bed_n of_o security_n as_o the_o door_n upon_o the_o hinge_n and_o do_v not_o our_o drowsiness_n clothe_v we_o with_o rag_n and_o make_v we_o fall_v into_o a_o deep_a sleep_n while_z as_o if_o we_o be_v diligent_a our_o soul_n shall_v be_v make_v fat_a and_o rich_a yea_o sloathfulness_n do_v not_o only_o imp_v assurance_n of_o this_o that_o it_o hinder_v the_o divine_a communication_n of_o his_o love_n and_o respect_n by_o which_o assurance_n may_v be_v keep_v in_o life_n cant._n 5.2_o but_o also_o it_o make_v our_o poverty_n come_v on_o we_o as_o a_o arm_a man_n and_o our_o want_n as_o one_o that_o travel_v and_o withal_o it_o let_v loose_v the_o chain_n by_o which_o our_o corruption_n be_v tie_v and_o make_v they_o to_o lift_v up_o their_o head_n by_o which_o our_o assurance_n be_v much_o darken_v and_o impair_v and_o our_o hope_n be_v much_o convert_v into_o diffidence_n and_o despair_n and_o we_o will_v only_o say_v this_o it_o be_v the_o diligent_a 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will_v tell_v the_o worst_a company_n that_o one_o shall_v have_v in_o hell_n it_o be_v always_o this_o you_o shall_v go_v to_o that_o place_n where_o hypocrite_n and_o sinner_n be_v and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v of_o your_o concernment_n that_o by_o the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n you_o will_v search_v the_o inward_a part_n of_o the_o belly_n before_o you_o go_v down_o to_o the_o grave_n with_o a_o lie_n in_o your_o right_a hand_n a_o deceive_a heart_n have_v turn_v you_o aside_o we_o confess_v it_o be_v sad_a to_o consider_v those_o anxious_a disappointment_n that_o many_o in_o these_o day_n shall_v once_o meet_v with_o iu._n but_o there_o be_v this_o last_o difference_n betwixt_o justify_v faith_n and_o temporary_a faith_n that_o there_o be_v three_o precious_a effect_n of_o justify_v faith_n which_o a_o temporary_a believer_n can_v win_v to_o 1._o to_o be_v deny_v to_o all_o his_o enjoyment_n and_o attainment_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o under_o they_o for_o we_o may_v say_v that_o 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then_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o read_v their_o name_n in_o the_o precious_a and_o ancient_a record_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o see_v in_o these_o book_n their_o unworthy_a name_n write_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o everlasting_a prince_n this_o be_v clear_a rev._n 2.17_o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o give_v a_o white_a stone_n and_o in_o the_o stone_n a_o new_a name_n write_v that_o no_o man_n know_v save_v he_o that_o receive_v it_o and_o from_o that_o 2_o tim._n 4.8_o believe_v i_o more_o mortification_n will_v make_v more_o believe_v but_o will_v you_o know_v the_o original_n of_o misbelief_n it_o be_v the_o want_n of_o exercise_n of_o spiritual_a mortification_n of_o our_o lust_n i_o know_v not_o where_o the_o most_o part_n of_o we_o intend_v to_o lodge_v at_o night_n but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o live_v with_o much_o contentment_n with_o our_o lust_n and_o these_o predominat_fw-la idol_n that_o do_v so_o much_o possess_v we_o ii_o it_o be_v second_o a_o seal_a time_n to_o a_o christian_a when_o he_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o divine_a enjoyment_n of_o these_o satisfy_a delight_n that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o christ_n when_o be_v it_o that_o the_o spouse_n cry_v out_o so_o often_o my_o belove_a be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o he_o be_v it_o not_o when_o she_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o banquet_n and_o his_o banner_n over_o she_o be_v love_n believe_v i_o more_o communion_n with_o a_o absent_a christ_n will_v make_v more_o intimation_n in_o a_o divine_a manner_n of_o our_o peace_n with_o he_o we_o desire_v to_o bless_v those_o that_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o these_o dispute_n and_o question_n that_o we_o be_v so_o much_o subject_n unto_o iii_o this_o be_v a_o seal_a time_n to_o a_o
ladder_n that_o reach_v betwixt_o heaven_n and_o earth_n by_o the_o step_n of_o which_o a_o christian_n do_v daily_o go_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o converse_v with_o the_o high_a house_n faith_n be_v that_o grace_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v by_o which_o we_o have_v access_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o grace_n faith_n usher_v in_o the_o believer_n to_o the_o throne_n and_o without_o it_o he_o can_v have_v no_o access_n there_o nor_o joy_n when_o he_o be_v there_o v._o here_o be_v this_o advantage_n that_o attend_v the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n a_o believe_a christian_n be_v a_o pray_v christian_n according_a to_o that_o word_n in_o mark_n 9.24_o where_o these_o two_o be_v conjoin_v together_o lord_n i_o believe_v and_o then_o he_o fall_v to_o his_o prayer_n present_o after_o that_o confession_n help_v thou_o our_o unbelief_n and_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o psal_n 63.1_o o_o god_n thou_o be_v my_o god_n early_o will_v i_o seek_v thou_o my_o soul_n chri_v for_o thou_o and_o sometime_o faith_n be_v a_o most_o impatient_a grace_n but_o we_o may_v always_o say_v of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o diligent_a grace_n oh_o be_v not_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o precious_a exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n that_o make_v our_o lean●ness_n testify_v to_o our_o face_n and_o make_v our_o soul_n as_o a_o barren_a wilderness_n i_o be_o persuade_v of_o this_o that_o sinc0e_n ch_n be_v it_o have_v any_o follower_n and_o since_o ever_o this_o everlasting_a gospel_n be_v preach_v in_o paradise_n the_o exercise_n of_o secret_a prayer_n be_v never_o so_o much_o neglect_v we_o have_v turn_v over_o all_o our_o prayer_n into_o compliment_n with_o god_n we_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o rise_v at_o midnight_n and_o call_v upon_o god_n and_o to_o inquire_v after_o our_o maker_n under_o the_o silent_a watch_n of_o the_o night_n o_o but_o it_o be_v a_o sweet_a diversion_n from_o sleep_n to_o retire_v ourselves_o in_o the_o silent_a season_n of_o the_o night_n from_o all_o thought_n about_o worldly_a matter_n and_o to_o converse_v with_o that_o invisible_a majesty_n iv_o there_o be_v this_o six_o consideration_n to_o point_v out_o the_o advantage_n of_o faith_n that_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n that_o do_v facilitate_v a_o christian_n obedience_n and_o make_v it_o most_o pleasant_a and_o easy_a this_o be_v clear_a from_o heb._n 11.8_o by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v command_v to_o go_v to_o a_o strange_a land_n obey_v and_o go_v out_o not_o know_v whether_o he_o go_v the_o word_n may_v be_v render_v he_o do_v cheerful_o obey_v and_o vers_fw-la 17._o by_o faith_n he_o offer_v up_o his_o only_a son_n will_v you_o know_v the_o reason_n why_o his_o command_n be_v your_o burden_n and_o why_o his_o precept_n be_v your_o cress_n it_o be_v because_o of_o this_o you_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o so_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o attain_v to_o a_o pleasant_a way_n of_o obedience_n without_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n faith_n hold_v up_o the_o crown_n to_o a_o christian_a and_o this_o crown_n make_v he_o to_o obey_v faith_n gather_v strength_n from_o christ_n and_o that_o strength_n make_v obedience_n very_o easy_a faith_n take_v up_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o make_v a_o christian_n to_o look_v upon_o his_o duty_n more_o as_o his_o dignity_n than_o his_o duty_n and_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o this_o that_o our_o chariot-wheel_n shall_v move_v more_o swift_o like_o the_o chariot_n of_o aminadab_n if_o we_o be_v more_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n will_v you_o know_v a_o answer_n to_o that_o question_n what_o be_v first_o more_o requisite_a for_o a_o christian_a while_n here_o below_o faith_n and_o what_o second_o be_v most_o requisite_a faith_n and_o what_o three_o be_v most_o requisite_a for_o a_o christian_a even_o faith_n faith_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n faith_n vii_o there_o be_v another_o advantage_n of_o it_o that_o by_o faith_n our_o service_n and_o prayer_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n will_v you_o know_v what_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o a_o christian_n that_o be_v not_o in_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o smoke_n in_o his_o nostril_n and_o a_o fire_n that_o burn_v all_o the_o day_n the_o unbeliver_v sacrifice_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o heb._n 11.4_o by_o faith_n abel_n offer_v up_o unto_o god_n a_o more_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n than_o cain_n and_o we_o conceive_v that_o there_o be_v many_o unanswered_a prayer_n which_o we_o do_v put_v up_o because_o we_o want_v that_o noble_a exercise_n of_o faith_n viii_o and_o last_o we_o shall_v likewise_o add_v this_o that_o faith_n be_v the_o grace_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a have_v that_o pefect_n and_o immediate_a sight_n as_o be_v be_v of_o great_a thing_n that_o be_v promise_v to_o he_o faith_n bring_v a_o christian_a within_o sight_n of_o heaven_n and_o faith_n bring_v a_o christian_a within_o sight_n of_o god_n according_a to_o that_o word_n heb._n 11.1_o faith_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v and_o that_o noble_a paradox_n that_o be_v say_v of_o faith_n heb._n 11.27_o by_o faith_n moses_n see_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a be_v it_o not_o a_o impossible_a thing_n to_o see_v that_o which_o can_v be_v see_v but_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o faith_n discovery_n of_o god_n be_v as_o certain_a and_o sure_a as_o the_o discovery_n of_o our_o bodily_a eye_n be_v faith_n be_v a_o intelligent_a grace_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o most_o sure_a and_o infallible_a grace_n what_o will_v faith_n not_o do_v and_o what_o can_v you_o do_v who_o want_n faith_n now_o to_o enforce_v the_o advantage_n and_o excellency_n of_o faith_n a_o little_a more_o we_o shall_v propose_v to_o you_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o that_o woeful_a sin_n of_o unbelief_n 1._o there_o be_v this_o disadvantage_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n that_o all_o the_o action_n that_o proceed_v from_o a_o unbeliever_n they_o be_v impure_a and_o defile_v according_a to_o that_o in_o tit._n 1.15_o but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v defile_v and_o unbelieving_a be_v nothing_o pure_a but_o even_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v defile_v their_o prayer_n be_v unclean_a yea_o as_o solomon_n speak_v their_o plough_v in_o sin_n yea_o their_o go_v about_o the_o most_o excellent_a duty_n for_o matter_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o god_n according_a to_o that_o word_n rom._n 14.23_o what_o ever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n so_o the_o want_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o great_a polluter_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o of_o all_o our_o performance_n 2._o there_o be_v this_o second_o disadvantage_n of_o misbelief_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o one_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o unbelief_n to_o mortify_v a_o lust_n or_o idol_n and_o we_o may_v allude_v unto_o those_o word_n in_o matth._n 17.20_o when_o his_o disciple_n come_v to_o he_o &_o ask_v he_o this_o question_n why_o can_v not_o we_o cast_v out_o this_o devil_n tha●_n be_v give_v as_o a_o answer_n because_o of_o your_o unbelief_n unbelief_n be_v that_o which_o take_v up_o arm_n for_o out_o idol_n and_o do_v most_o strong_o defend_v they_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o will_v kill_v corruption_n so_o much_o as_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o when_o that_o be_v lay_v aside_o we_o have_v lay_v by_o our_o weapon_n and_o have_v in_o a_o manner_n conclude_v a_o treaty_n of_o peace_n with_o our_o idol_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o offend_v they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o offend_v we_o 3._o there_o be_v this_o disadvantage_n that_o wait_v upon_o the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n that_o such_o a_o one_o can_v win_v to_o attain_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o establishment_n but_o be_v always_o as_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o until_o once_o he_o win_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o isai_n 7.9_o except_o you_o believe_v you_o shall_v not_o be_v establish_v 4._o there_o be_v this_o disadvantage_n that_o wait_v on_o it_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o hardness_n and_o stupidity_n of_o heart_n according_a to_o that_o word_n in_o mark_n 16.14_o where_o he_o upbraid_v they_o because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n and_o then_o that_o danger_n follow_v to_o with_o hardness_n of_o heart_n this_o be_v clear_a also_o from_o act_n 19_o 9_o where_o these_o two_o sister-devil_n be_v conjoin_v and_o lock_v together_o unbelief_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n because_o it_o be_v unblief_n indeed_o that_o hinder_v all_o the_o grace_n by_o which_o the_o grace_n of_o tenderness_n must_v be_v maintain_v 5._o there_o be_v this_o disadvantage_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n that_o it_o be_v big_a with_o child_n of_o apostasy_n from_o
precious_a christian_n shall_v call_v 〈◊〉_d hypocrite_n and_o not_o acknowledge_v we_o this_o be_v clear_a be_v the_o practice_n of_o job_n and_o most_o clear_a from_o th●_n word_n isai_n 63.16_o doubtless_o thou_o be_v our_o father_n though_o abraham_n be_v ignorant_a of_o we_o and_o isra●…_n acknowledge_v we_o not_o iii_o three_o this_o point_v out_o the_o excellence_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n that_o faith_n when_o it_o be_v i●_n exercise_n be_v that_o grace_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a dot●_n attain_v unto_o most_o sensible_a enjoyment_n there_o be_v great_a question_n that_o be_v much_o debate_v among●…_n christian_n what_o be_v the_o way_n to_o win_v to_o this_o happy_a length_n to_o be_v always_o under_o the_o sweet_a and_o refresh_a influence_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o have_v his_o dew_n always_o come_v down_o upon_o our_o branch_n i_o can_v give_v 〈◊〉_d answer_n to_o it_o but_o this_o be_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n 〈◊〉_d faith_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o that_o notion_n and_o name_n pu●_n upon_o faith_n isai_n 45.22_o it_o be_v call_v a_o look_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o most_o sensible_a act_n if_o you_o will_v know_v a_o description_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v this_o the_o divin●_n contemplation_n of_o the_o immortal_a soul_n upon_o that_o divin●_n excellent_a and_o precious_a object_n jesus_n christ_n for_o god_n never_o make_v faith_n a_o liar_n and_o therefore_o its_o eye_n be_v never_o off_o he_o that_o be_v the_o noble_a object_n of_o faith_n jesus_n christ_n manifest_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v clear_a eph._n 1.13_o after_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o preach_v out_o the_o excellent_a enjoyment_n these_o have_v after_o their_o close_n with_o christ_n who_o be_v invisible_a our_o faith_n be_v call_v a_o see_v which_o speak_v out_o this_o that_o faith_n sight_n of_o god_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o if_o it_o do_v behold_v he_o with_o our_o eye_n as_o be_v clear_a heb._n 11.27_o moses_n see_v he_o by_o faith_n who_o be_v invisible_a and_o we_o conceive_v that_o the_o ground_n which_o make_v the_o most_o part_n of_o we_o have_v such_o complaint_n how_o long_o will_v thou_o forget_v we_o for_o ever_o it_o be_v this_o the_o want_n of_o the_o spiritual_a exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v there_o not_o some_o here_o who_o may_v cry_v out_o it_o be_v more_o than_o thirty_o day_n since_o i_o do_v behold_v the_o king_n yea_o there_o be_v some_o who_o go_v a_o great_a length_n and_o cry_v out_o i_o have_v live_v these_o two_o year_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o i_o have_v not_o see_v the_o king_n face_n yea_o there_o be_v some_o here_o who_o complaint_n may_v go_v a_o little_a high_o and_o cry_v forth_o these_o three_o year_n and_o six-moneth_n it_o have_v not_o rain_v on_o i_o but_o the_o cloud_n have_v be_v restrain_v and_o bind_v up_o and_o the_o heaven_n have_v become_v brass_n and_o will_v you_o know_v the_o rise_n of_o these_o complaint_n it_o be_v this_o you_o be_v not_o much_o in_o the_o spiritual_a exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o you_o i_o will_v only_o say_v these_o two_o word_n first_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o persuade_v a_o reprobate_n that_o he_o be_v defective_a in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o in_o his_o love_n to_o god_n then_o to_o persuade_v some_o such_o that_o they_o be_v want_v to_o god_n in_o their_o say_v for_o they_o hold_v fast_o that_o piece_n of_o desperate_a iniquity_n till_o they_o die_v second_o we_o will_v say_v to_o those_o of_o you_o wh●_n have_v the_o valley_n of_o anchor_n for_o a_o door_n of_o hope_n an●_n have_v taste_v of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o christ_n some_o 〈◊〉_d you_o will_v be_v less_o convince_v for_o the_o neglect_n of_o th●_n duty_n of_o faith_n then_o for_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o duty_n o●_n prayer_n or_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n day_n but_o i_o be_o persuade_v of_o this_o that_o if_o the_o nomble_a worth_n of_o that_o transcendent_a object_n be_v know_v we_o 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son_n to_o the_o king_n of_o king_n second_o we_o do_v not_o take_v up_o nor_o understand_v those_o matchless_a privilege_n which_o be_v give_v to_o they_o who_o be_v once_o in_o this_o estate_n i_o be_o persuade_v if_o this_o be_v believe_v that_o he_o who_o be_v a_o servant_n do_v not_o abide_v in_o the_o house_n for_o ever_o though_o he_o that_o be_v a_o son_n do_v it_o will_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o more_o divine_a zeal_n in_o our_o pursuit_n after_o christ_n v._n five_o this_o likewise_o point_v out_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o say_v it_o be_v that_o grace_n by_o which_o all_o othere_o action_n be_v pleasant_a to_o god_n &_o be_v take_v off_o our_o hand_n as_o be_v clear_a heb._n 11.4_o by_o faith_n abel_n offer_v unto_o god_n a_o more_o excellent_a sacrifice_n than_o cain_n which_o must_v be_v understand_v even_o to_o all_o other_o duty_n and_o that_o word_n vers_fw-la 6._o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n speak_v this_o also_o that_o 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much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o secret_a prayer_n o_o but_o many_o love_n much_o to_o pray_v when_o abroad_o who_o never_o love_v to_o pray_v when_o alone_o and_o that_o be_v a_o desperate_a sign_n of_o hypocrisy_n according_a to_o that_o matth._n 6.5_o it_o be_v say_v of_o hypocrite_n they_o love_v to_o pray_v stand_v in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o in_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o street_n that_o they_o may_v be_v see_v of_o man_n but_o it_o be_v never_o say_v of_o these_o person_n that_o they_o love_v to_o pray_v alone_o only_o they_o love_v to_o pray_v in_o synagogue_n but_o be_v be_v secret_a and_o retire_a prayer_n by_o which_o faith_n must_v be_v keep_v in_o exercise_n 3._o and_o there_o be_v this_o likewise_o that_o we_o will_v press_v upon_o you_o that_o you_o will_v be_v much_o in_o study_v communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n that_o so_o your_o faith_n may_v be_v keep_v in_o life_n and_o o_o what_o a_o bless_a life_n be_v it_o each_o day_n to_o be_v take_v up_o to_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mount_n pisga_n and_o there_o to_o behold_v that_o promise_a land_n to_o get_v a_o refresh_a sight_n of_o the_o crown_n every_o morning_n which_o may_v make_v we_o walk_v with_o joy_n all_o along_o the_o day_n the_o heart_n of_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o be_v in_o heaven_n his_o conversation_n ought_v to_o be_v there_o his_o eye_n ought_v to_o be_v there_o and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o of_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o be_v out_o of_o heaven_n even_o before_o his_o go_v there_o save_v his_o lumpish_a tabernacle_n of_o clay_n which_o can_v inherit_v incorruption_n till_o he_o be_v make_v incorruptible_a and_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o but_o this_o many_o of_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o betray_v he_o with_o a_o kiss_n and_o crucify_v he_o afresh_o then_o to_o keep_v communion_n with_o he_o but_o woe_n eternal_o be_v to_o he_o by_o who_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v betray_v and_o that_o do_v crucify_v christ_n afresh_o i●_n be_v better_a that_o a_o millstone_n 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instruct_v i_o say_v to_o close_o with_o he_o by_o faith_n now_o to_o he_o who_o can_v make_v you_o to_o do_v so_o we_o desire_v to_o give_v praise_n in_o the_o two_o sermon_n next_o follow_v you_o have_v the_o rest_n of_o these_o sweet_a purpose_n which_o the_o worthy_a author_n preach_v upon_o the_o same_o text._n sermon_n v._n john_n 3.23_o this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o you_o shall_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v two_o great_a rock_n upon_o which_o a_o christian_a do_v ordinary_o dash_v in_o his_o way_n and_o motion_n towards_o his_o rest_n 1._o the_o rock_n of_o presumption_n and_o carnal_a confidence_n so_o that_o when_o christ_n dangle_v they_o upon_o his_o knee_n and_o satisfi_v they_o with_o the_o breast_n of_o his_o consolation_n and_o make_v their_o cup_n to_o overflow_n than_o they_o cry_v out_o my_o mountain_n stand_v strong_a i_o shall_v never_o be_v move_v and_o 2._o the_o rock_n of_o misbelief_n and_o 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that_o there_o be_v three_o great_a idol_n and_o dagon_n of_o a_o christian_a that_o hinder_v he_o from_o put_v a_o blan●…_n in_o christ_n hand_n concern_v his_o guide_n to_o heaven_n there_o be_v pride_n self-indulgence_n and_o security_n do_v we_o not_o covet_v to_o be_v more_o excellent_a than_o our_o neighbour_n do_v we_o not_o love_v to_o travel_v to_o heaven_n through_o a_o valley_n of_o rose_n and_o do_v we_o not_o ambitious_o desire_v to_o walk_v towards_o zion_n sleep_v rather_o than_o weep_v as_o we_o go_v be_v there_o not_o some_o word_n that_o we_o will_v have_v take_v out_o of_o the_o bible_n that_o be_v sad_a divinity_n to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n through_o many_o tribulation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n we_o love_v not_o to_o be_v change_v form_n vessel_n to_o vessel_n that_o so_o our_o scent_n may_v be_v take_v from_o we_o there_o be_v three_o great_a enemy_n of_o christ_n misbelief_n hypocrisy_n and_o profanity_n misbelief_n be_v a_o 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●…e_a handmaid_n that_o wait_v upon_o it_o but_o more_o particular_o to_o make_v it_o out_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o these_o ●hings_n the_o first_o be_v that_o this_o grace_n give_v a_o christian_a a_o broad_a and_o comprehensive_a sight_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v to_o behold_v not_o only_o the_o beau●y_n of_o his_o act_n but_o the_o beauty_n of_o his_o person_n and_o there_o be_v these_o three_o precious_a sight_n that_o faith_n give_v to_o a_o christian_a of_o christ_n first_o ●t_z let_v the_o christian_n see_n christ_n in_o his_o absolute_a ●nd_n personal_a excellency_n take_v he_o up_o as_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n as_o the_o ancient_n of_o day_n as_o the_o ●ather_n of_o eternity_n as_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o father_n person_n and_o
they_o all_o if_o we_o make_v conscience_n serious_o to_o obey_v this_o command_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o sweet_a compend_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o these_o thing_n do_v most_o clear_o appear_v i●_n that_o believe_v here_o be_v call_v his_o commandment_n by_o way_n of_o excellency_n as_o if_o this_o be_v his_o only_a commandment_n but_o that_o we_o may_v yet_o a_o little_a more_o particular_o point_v out_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v these_o thing_n that_o speak_v it_o forth_o to_o the_o full_a 1._o that_o though_o river_n of_o tear_n shall_v run_v down_o our_o eye_n because_o we_o keep_v not_o his_o law_n though_o we_o shall_v never_o rise_v off_o our_o knee_n from_o prayer●_n and_o shall_v all_o our_o life-time_n speak_v to_o god_n with_o the_o tongue_n of_o angel_n and_o though_o we_o shall_v constant_o obey_v his_o command_n yet_o without_o faith_n we_o shall_v never_o escape_v that_o eternal_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n from_o 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pray_v and_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o godliness_n but_o alace_o too_o late_a and_o little_a to_o their_o advantage_n shall_v no●_n he_o who_o all_o the_o minister_n on_o earth_n can_v scarce_o ever_o persuade_v to_o believe_v so_o much_o as_o a_o heaven_n o●_n hell_n or_o one_o threaten_v in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o god_n at_o last_o be_v force_v to_o believe_v their_o own_o sense_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o ancient_n of_o day_n upon_o the_o throne_n and_o shall_v hear_v the_o cry_n of_o so_o many_o thou●and_o live_a witness_n come_v out_o both_o from_o heaven_n and_o hell_n bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o threaten_n and_o promise_n that_o not_o one_o jot_n of_o they_o ●s_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o he_o will_v never_o be_v persuade_v to_o bow_v a_o knee_n to_o god_n in_o earnest_a all_o his_o ●…fe_n shall_v he_o not_o then_o pray_v with_o great_a fervency_n that_o hill_n and_o mountain_n may_v fall_v upon_o he_o ●o_o cover_v he_o from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o he_o that_o will_v never_o submit_v to_o a_o command_n of_o god_n must_v he_o not_o at_o last_o obey_v that_o dreadful_a command_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a torment_n etc._n etc._n yea_o he_o who_o be_v the_o great_a mocker_n ●n_o the_o world_n shall_v then_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v blessed_v who_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o the_o lord_n as_o they_o be_v excellent_o bring_v in_o though_o in_o a_o apocryphal_a ●ook_n wisd_v chap._n 5.4_o cry_v out_o with_o great_a ter●or_n while_o they_o behold_v that_o unexpected_a sight_n of_o ●he_n glorious_a condition_n of_o the_o godly_a o_o here_o be_v the_o man_n say_v they_o who_o we_o mock_v who_o life_n we_o account_v madness_n and_o their_o end_n dishonourable_a be_v wise_a therefore_o in_o time_n and_o do_v that_o willing_o which_o you_o must_v do_v by_o constraint_n and_o do_v that_o with_o sweetness_n and_o advantage_n that_o you_o must_v do_v at_o last_o with_o loss_n and_o sorrow_n three_o there_o be_v some_o who_o certain_o have_v some_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o assurance_n &_o these_o i_o will_v befeech_v that_o you_o will_v be_v more_o endeavour_v to_o make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a and_o will_v be_v endeavour_v to_o see_v your_o name_n write_v in_o the_o ancient_a record_n of_o heaven_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v press_v upon_o you_o by_o several_a argument_n 1._o those_o strong_a and_o subtle_a and_o soul-destroying_a delusion_n that_o be_v among_o many_o who_o conceive_v they_o do_v believe_v as_o we_o be_v say_v and_o be_v pure_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o purge_v from_o their_o iniquity_n o_o be_v there_o not_o many_o of_o we_o that_o be_v in_o a_o golden_a dream_n that_o suppose_v we_o be_v eat_v but_o when_o we_o awake_v our_o soul_n be_v empty_a who_o faith_n be_v a_o metaphysic_n notion_n that_o have_v no_o foundation_n but_o man_n apprehension_n and_o this_o shall_v never_o bear_v we_o through_o the_o gate_n of_o death_n nor_o convey_v we_o in_o unto_o eternity_n of_o joy_n 2._o may_v not_o this_o press_v you_o to_o follow_v after_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v the_o compendious_a way_n to_o sweeten_v all_o your_o cross_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o hab._n 3.17.18_o where_o the_o conviction_n of_o this_o make_v habakkuk_n to_o rejoyice_n in_o the_o god_n of_o his_o salvation_n though_o the_o fig_n tree_n do_v not_o bear_v fruit_n and_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o olive_n do_v fail_v and_o there_o be_v no_o sweetness_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o vine_n and_o from_o heb._n 10.34_o when_o they_o take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n know_v within_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v a_o better_a and_o a_o endure_a substance_n this_o be_v
indeed_o that_o tree_n which_o if_o we_o cast_v into_o the_o water_n of_o mar●h_n they_o will_v present_o become_v sweet_a for_o be_v it_o not_o below_o the_o child_n of_o hope_n to_o be_v much_o anxious_a about_o these_o thing_n that_o he_o meet_v with_o here_o when_o he_o sincere_o know_v that_o commandment_n shall_v come_v forth_o lift_v up_o your_o head_n for_o the_o day_n of_o your_o eternal_a redemption_n draw_v near_o even_o the_o day_n when_o all_o the_o river_n of_o his_o sorrow_n shall_v sweet_o run_v into_o the_o ocean_n of_o everlasting_a delight_n 3._o a_o christian_n that_o be_v much_o in_o assurance_n he_o be_v much_o in_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o song_n 1.13.14_o and_o song_n 2.3_o where_o when_o once_o she_o come_v to_o that_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o christ_n be_v she_o belove_v than_o she_o sit_v down_o under_o his_o shadow_n and_o his_o fruit_n be_v pleasant_a unto_o here_o taste_v for_o the_o assure_a christian_n do_v taste_v of_o these_o crumb_n that_o fall_v from_o that_o high_a table_n and_o no_o doubt_n those_o that_o have_v taste_v of_o that_o old_a wine_n will_v not_o straightway_o desire_v the_o new_a because_o the_o old_a be_v better_a and_o then_o fourthly_a it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o keep_v you_o from_o apostasy_n and_o make_v defection_n from_o god_n faith_n be_v that_o grace_n that_o will_v make_v you_o continue_v with_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o temptation_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o 2._o pet._n 1_o 10._o where_o this_o be_v set_v down_o as_o a_o fruit_n of_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a that_o if_o we_o do_v these_o thing_n we_o shall_v never_o fail_v faith_n make_v a_o christian_n to_o live_v a_o dependent_a life_n for_o will_v you_o know_v the_o motto_n of_o a_o christian_a it_o be_v this_o self_n diffidence_n and_o christ-dependence_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o that_o word_n in_o the_o song_n 8.5_o that_o while_o we_o be_v walk_v through_o this_o wilderness_n we_o be_v lean_v upon_o our_o well-beloved_a 5._o this_o assurance_n will_v help_v a_o christian_n to_o overcome_v many_o temptation_n there_o be_v four_o sort_n of_o temptation_n that_o assault_v the_o christian_a there_o be_v temptation_n of_o desire_n temptation_n of_o love_n temptation_n of_o hope_n and_o temptation_n of_o anxiety_n all_o which_o a_o christian_a through_o this_o noble_a grace_n of_o assurance_n may_v sweet_o overcome_v he_o that_o have_v once_o make_v christ_n his_o own_o what_o can_v he_o desire_v but_o he_o as_o psal_n 17.4_o one_o thing_n have_v i_o desire_v of_o the_o lord_n what_o can_v he_o love_v more_o than_o christ_n or_o love_n beside_o christ_n all_o his_o love_n be_v drown_v as_o it_o be_v in_o that_o ocean_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o a_o sweet_a complacency_n find_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o as_o to_o hope_v will_v not_o assurance_n make_v a_o christian_a cry_n forth_o now_o lord_n what_o wait_v i_o for_o 〈◊〉_d my_o hope_n be_v in_o thou_o and_o when_o the_o heart_n be_v anxious_a do_v not_o assurance_n make_v the_o christian_n to_o hear_v the_o indignation_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o partient_o submit_v unto_o the_o cross_n since_o there_o be_v a_o sweet_a connexion_n between_o his_o cross_n and_o his_o crown_n rom._n 8.35.36_o if_o he_o suffer_v with_o he_o he_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o and_o last_o there_o be_v this_o argument_n to_o press_v you_o to_o assurance_n that_o it_o sweeten_v the_o thought_n of_o death_n it_o make_v death_n unto_o a_o christian_a not_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n but_o the_o king_n of_o desire_n and_o it_o be_v upon_o these_o ground_n that_o assurance_n make_v death_n refreshful_a unto_o a_o christian_a 1._o he_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o funeral_n of_o all_o his_o misery_n and_o the_o birthday_n of_o all_o his_o bless_a and_o eternal_a enjoyment_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v the_o coronation_n day_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o the_o day_n when_o he_o shall_v have_v that_o marriage_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o he_o sweet_o solemnize_v and_o that_o when_o he_o be_v to_o step_v that_o last_o step_n he_o know_v that_o death_n will_v make_v he_o change_v his_o place_n but_o not_o his_o company_n and_o o_o that_o we_o can_v once_o win_v unto_o this_o to_o seal_v that_o conclusion_n without_o presumption_n my_o beloved_n be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o he_o we_o may_v without_o presumption_n sing_v one_o of_o the_o song_n of_o zion_n even_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o strange_a land_n and_o take_v christ_n in_o our_o arm_n may_v sweet_o cry_v forth_o now_o let_v ●hou_a thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v thy_o salvation_n comfort_v yourselves_o in_o this_o '_o that_n all_o your_o cloud_n shall_v once_o pass_v away_o and_o that_o that_o truth_n shall_v once_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o a_o angel_n with_o his_o hand_n lift_v up_o towards_o heaven_n that_o time_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o time_n shall_v once_o sweet_o die_v out_o in_o eternity_n and_o you_o may_v be_v look_v after_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n wherein_o dwell_v righteousness_n o_o long_a to_o be_v with_o he_o for_o christ_n long_v to_o have_v you_o with_o he_o sermon_n iii_o john_n 3.23_o this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o you_o shall_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v three_o most_o precious_a and_o cardinal_a grace_n which_o a_o christian_a ought_v main_o to_o pursue_v there_o be_v that_o exalt_v grace_n of_o faith_n that_o comfort_a grace_n of_o hope_n and_o that_o aspire_a grace_n of_o love_n and_o if_o once_o a_o christian_n do_v take_v up_o that_o heavenly_a difference_n that_o be_v betwixt_o these_o sister-grace_n he_o may_v be_v provoke_v to_o move_v after_o they_o most_o swift_o as_o the_o chariot_n of_o aminadab_n and_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n between_o these_o grace_n faith_n be_v a_o sober_a and_o silent_a grace_n hope_n be_v a_o patient_a and_o submissive_a grace_n love_n be_v a_o ambitious_a and_o impatient_a grace_n faith_n cry_v out_o o_o my_o soul_n be_v silent_a unto_o god_n hope_n cry_v out_o i_o will_v wait_v patient_o for_o the_o lord_n until_o the_o vision_n shall_v speak_v but_o love_n it_o cry_v out_o how_o long_o be_v thou_o a_o come_n and_o it_o be_v wait_v to_o hear_v the_o sound_n of_o his_o foot_n come_v over_o the_o mountain_n of_o separation_n that_o be_v the_o motto_n of_o hope_n quod_fw-la defertur_fw-la non_fw-la aufertur_fw-la that_o which_o be_v delay_v say_v hope_n be_v not_o altogether_o take_v away_o and_o make_v void_a and_o that_o may_v be_v the_o divine_a emblem_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o love_n it_o be_v sight_n infolding_a desire_n in_o 〈◊〉_d arm_n and_o it_o be_v desire_v clothe_v with_o wing_n tread_v upon_o delay_n and_o impediment_n there_o be_v this_o second_o difference_n between_o these_o grace_n the_o grace_n of_o faith_n it_o embrace_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o grace_n of_o hope_n it_o embrace_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v promise_v but_o that_o exalt_v grace_n of_o love_n it_o embrace_v the_o promiser_n faith_n cry_v out_o have_v he_o speak_v it_o he_o will_v also_o do_v it_o hope_n cry_v out_o good_a be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v it_o unto_o thy_o servant_n according_a to_o thy_o promise_n and_o love_v it_o cry_v out_o in_o a_o high_a note_n as_o be_v the_o apple_n tree_n among_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o wood_n so_o be_v my_o wellbeloved_a among_o the_o son_n three_o there_o be_v that_o difference_n between_o these_o grace_n faith_n it_o overcome_v temptation_n hope_v it_o overcome_v difficulty_n but_o love_n stay_v at_o home_n and_o divide_v the_o spoil_n there_o be_v a_o sweet_a correspondence_n between_o those_o grace_n in_o this_o faith_n it_o fight_v and_o conquer_v and_o hope_v it_o fight_v and_o conquer_v but_o love_n it_o do_v enjoy_v the_o trophy_n of_o the_o victory_n and_o fourthly_a there_o 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world_n without_o end_n and_o five_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n less_o will_v satisfy_v the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o hope_n then_o will_v satisfy_v the_o grace_n of_o love_n faith_n it_o will_v be_v content_a with_o the_o promise_n and_o hope_n will_v be_v content_a with_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v promise_v but_o that_o ambitious_a grace_n of_o love_n it_o will_v be_v only_o content_a with_o the_o promiser_n love_n clasp_v its_o arm_n about_o that_o precious_a and_o noble_a object_n jesus_n christ_n love_n be_v a_o suspicious_a grace_n it_o oftentimes_o cry_v forth_o they_o have_v take_v away_o my_o lord_n and_o i_o know_v not_o where_o they_o have_v lay_v he_o so_o that_o faith_n be_v oftentimes_o put_v to_o resolve_v suspicion_n of_o love_n i_o can_v compare_v these_o three_o grace_n to_o nothing_o so_o fit_o as_o to_o those_o three_o great_a worthy_n that_o david_n have_v these_o three_o grace_n they_o will_v break_v through_o all_o difficulty_n be_v it_o a_o host_n of_o philistine_n that_o so_o they_o may_v pleasure_n christ_n and_o may_v drink_v of_o the_o well_o of_o bethlehem_n that_o well_o of_o everlasting_a consolation_n that_o flow_v from_o beneath_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n love_n be_v like_o noah_n dove_n it_o never_o find_v rest_n for_o the_o sole_a of_o its_o foot_n until_o once_o it_o be_v within_o that_o ark_n that_o place_n of_o repose_n jesus_n christ_n and_o sixthly_a there_o be_v this_o last_o difference_n between_o they_o faith_n take_v hold_v upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o christ_n hope_n take_v hold_v upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o christ_n but_o love_v it_o take_v hold_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o christ_n and_o think_v you_o not_o it_o must_v be_v a_o pleasant_a and_o soul-refreshing_a exercise_n to_o be_v continual_o take_v up_o in_o embrace_v he_o that_o be_v that_o eternal_a admiration_n of_o angel_n must_v it_o not_o be_v a_o excellent_a life_n daily_o to_o be_v feed_v upon_o the_o fine_a of_o the_o 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be_v a_o most_o unconstant_a a_o most_o fluctuate_a and_o transient_a faith_n i_o know_v sense_n have_v its_o fit_n of_o love_n and_o as_o it_o be_v have_v its_o fit_n of_o faith_n sometime_o sense_n be_v sick_a of_o love_n and_o sometime_o sense_n be_v strong_a in_o faith_n but_o ere_o six_o hour_n go_v about_o sense_n may_v be_v sick_a of_o jealousy_n and_o sick_a of_o misbelife_n as_o you_o will_v see_v from_o psal_n 30.6.7_o sense_n that_o bold_a thing_n it_o will_v instant_o cry_v out_o my_o mountain_n stand_v strong_a i_o shall_v never_o be_v move_v but_o behold_v how_o soon_o it_o change_v its_o note_n thou_o hide_v thy_o face_n and_o i_o be_v trouble_v at_o one_o time_n it_o will_v cry_v forth_o who_o be_v like_a unto_o he_o that_o pardon_v iniquity_n and_o that_o pass_v over_o transgression_n but_o ere_o many_o hour_n go_v about_o it_o will_v sing_v a_o long_a upon_o another_o key_n and_o cry_v out_o why_o be_v thou_o become_v unto_o i_o as_o a_o liar_n and_o as_o water_n that_o fail_v 2._o that_o faith_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o sense_n it_o want_v the_o promise_n of_o blessedness_n for_o this_o be_v annex_v to_o believe_v that_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o word_n according_a to_o that_o in_o john_n 20.29_o bless_a be_v those_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v nor_o have_v that_o faith_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o sense_n such_o a_o solid_a joy_n wait_v on_o it_o as_o faith_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o naked_a word_n of_o promise_n as_o may_v be_v clear_v from_o that_o word_n 1._o pet._n 1.8_o where_o faith_n exercise_v itself_o upon_o christ_n not_o see_v make_v a_o christian_n to_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n 〈◊〉_d joy_n that_o do_v not_o attend_v believe_v found_v upon_o sense_n 3._o that_o faith_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o sense_n 〈◊〉_d give_v not_o much_o glory_n to_o god_n for_o faith_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o sense_n it_o exalt_v not_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n it_o 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of_o his_o faith_n that_o be_v when_o a_o christian_a do_v behold_v love_n burn_v within_o he_o when_o he_o do_v be_v hold_v influence_n to_o prayer_n increase_v and_o mortification_n wax_v strong_a he_o be_v not_o to_o build_v his_o faith_n upon_o they_o this_o be_v condemn_v in_o the_o church_n ezek._n 16.14_o compare_v with_o the_o 15._o verse_n i_o make_v thou_o perfect_a with_o my_o comeliness_n but_o the_o use_n that_o thou_o do_v make_v of_o it_o thou_o do_v put_v thy_o trust_n in_o thy_o beauty_n and_o then_o thou_o do_v play_v the_o harlot_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o grace_n when_o it_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o do_v provoke_v god_n to_o blast_v the_o lively_a exercise_n thereof_o and_o to_o make_v a_o christian_a oft_o time_n have_v that_o complaint_n woe_n to_o i_o my_o leanness_n my_o leanness_n testify_v to_o my_o face_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o three_o great_a mystery_n in_o christianity_n about_o grace_n the_o first_o be_v to_o ride_v march_n between_o these_o two_o not_o to_o deny_v what_o they_o have_v and_o yet_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o what_o they_o have_v many_o time_n there_o be_v grace-denying_a and_o not_o self-denying_a but_o this_o be_v that_o we_o will_v press_v upon_o you_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o grace_n according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v record_v of_o moses_n his_o face_n do_v shine_v and_o he_o know_v it_o not_o he_o do_v misken_fw-mi it_o as_o it_o be_v and_o be_v not_o at_o all_o puff_v up_o with_o it_o for_o so_o the_o word_n we_o conceive_v may_v run_v second_o it_o be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v deny_v to_o his_o self-denial_n to_o be_v humble_a in_o his_o be_v humble_a for_o if_o pride_n
and_o infinite_a love_n unto_o eternity_n after_o must_v make_v faith_n to_o fall_v in_o a_o sea_n of_o wonder_v &_o raise_v the_o thought_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o desire_n and_o estimation_n four_o we_o may_v likewise_o add_v that_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o preciousness_n of_o christ_n which_o sense_n make_v upon_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o so_o constant_a nor_o so_o single_a as_o that_o which_o faith_n do_v make_v o_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n give_v the_o christian_a a_o broad_a look_n of_o christ_n and_o let_v he_o see_v christ_n clothe_v with_o ornament_n of_o glory_n and_o divine_a majesty_n sense_n follow_v christ_n rather_o that_o it_o may_v see_v his_o miracle_n and_o love_n that_o it_o may_v be_v feed_v with_o loaf_n but_o faith_n follow_v christ_n for_o himself_o above_o all_o ii_o the_o second_o consideration_n to_o speak_v the_o advantage_n of_o it_o be_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n it_o have_v as_o it_o be_v a_o arbitrary_a power_n with_o god_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o a_o christian_a shall_v seek_v in_o faith_n he_o shall_v receive_v it_o it_o be_v the_o noble_a gift_n that_o be_v once_o give_v to_o faith_n that_o it_o never_o shall_v seek_v any_o thing_n and_o be_v deny_v according_a to_o that_o word_n in_o matt._n 21.22_o and_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o prayer_n believe_v you_o shall_v receive_v it_o and_o that_o word_n in_o john_n 15.7_o abide_v in_o i_o that_o be_v believe_v and_o the_o promise_n be_v annex_v to_o this_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v you_o shall_v receive_v and_o it_o be_v clear_a likewise_o from_o the_o precede_a verse_n to_o our_o text_n that_o if_o we_o obey_v this_o command_n of_o faith_n whatsoever_o we_o shall_v ask_v of_o god_n we_o shall_v receive_v it_o and_o i_o will_v speak_v these_o two_o thing_n to_o you_o from_o this_o first_o that_o oftentimes_o christ_n put_v a_o blank_a in_o a_o christian_n hand_n who_o be_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o that_o in_o matth_n 20.32_o be_v there_o not_o a_o ample_a blank_n put_v into_o that_o man_n hand_n what_o will_v thou_o that_o i_o shall_v do_v unto_o thou_o christ_n desire_v he_o to_o fill_v up_o the_o blank_a with_o what_o he_o will_v and_o second_o there_o be_v this_o which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a step_n of_o christ_n matchless_a condescendency_n that_o oftentimes_o when_o his_o own_o have_v seek_v in_o their_o presumption_n a_o blank_a to_o be_v put_v in_o their_o hand_n christ_n condescend_v to_o give_v it_o according_a to_o that_o strange_a passage_n in_o mark_n 10.35.36_o the_o two_o disciple_n who_o present_v this_o desire_n to_o christ_n we_o desire_v say_v they_o that_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v thou_o shall_v give_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o present_o that_o be_v answer_v what_o will_v you_o that_o i_o shall_v do_v for_o you_o christ_n have_v a_o infinite_a good_a will_n to_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o his_o own_o and_o that_o which_o yet_o more_o speak_v out_o christ_n boundless_a good_a will_n to_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o he_o it_o may_v be_v decare_v in_o that_o word_n john_n 16.24_o where_o he_o charge_v his_o disciple_n with_o this_o hither_o to_o say_v he_o have_v you_o ask_v i_o nothing_o you_o must_v not_o suppose_v that_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n never_o seek_v a_o suit_n of_o christ●_n but_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n be_v this_o you_o seek_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o which_o i_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v and_o which_o your_o necessity_n do_v call_v for_o at_o my_o hand_n which_o you_o shall_v have_v seek_v iii_o there_o be_v this_o three_o consideration_n to_o poin●_n out_o the_o advantage_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o grace_n tha●_n keep_v all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o life_n &_o exercise_n faith_n be_v that_o high_a wheel_n at_o the_o motion_n o●_n which_o all_o the_o low_a wheel_n do_v move_v if_o so_o we_o may_v speak_v faith_n be_v 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and_o solace_v itself_o in_o the_o discovery_n of_o faith_n second_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n likewise_o it_o keep_v the_o grace_n of_o mortification_n in_o exercise_n as_o be_v clear_a not_o only_o from_o eph._n 6.9_o but_o from_o 1_o john_n 5.4_o this_o be_v our_o victory_n whereby_o we_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o faith_n keep_v mortification_n in_o exercise_n and_o advance_v holiness_n not_o only_o because_o of_o this_o that_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n that_o present_v to_o a_o christian_a the_o absolute_a purity_n and_o spotless_a holiness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o also_o because_o it_o make_v they_o esteem_v their_o idol_n taste_v less_o as_o the_o white_a of_o a_o egg_n and_o they_o become_v unto_o they_o as_o their_o sorrowful_a meat_n the_o best_a principle_n of_o mortification_n be_v this_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o invisible_a virtue_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o mortification_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o 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