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christian_n great_a strong_a trial_n 1,638 5 11.7543 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A49244 Grace: the truth and growth and different degrees thereof. The summe and substance of XV. sermons. Preached by that faithful and painful servant of Jesus Christ, Mr. Christopher Love, late minister of Lawrence Jury, London. They being his last sermons. To which is added a funerall sermon, being the very last sermon he ever preached. Love, Christopher, 1618-1651.; Cross, Thomas, fl. 1632-1682, engraver. 1652 (1652) Wing L3156; ESTC R214001 127,409 242

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another_o may_v be_v to_o check_v pride_n there_o be_v no_o great_a temptation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o pride_n than_o eminency_n in_o grace_n pride_n it_o be_v that_o worst_a fruit_n which_o grow_v upon_o the_o best_a stock_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o ornament_n of_o the_o body_n as_o the_o endowment_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o stir_v up_o pride_n 9_o and_o this_o be_v paul_n case_n after_o his_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n there_o be_v a_o thorn_n in_o his_o flesh_n a_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v he_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v lift_v up_o god_n will_v suffer_v those_o which_o have_v strong_a grace_n to_o be_v strong_o tempt_v to_o check_v the_o pride_n of_o their_o heart_n 3._o the_o godly_a be_v more_o able_a to_o grapple_v with_o strong_a temptation_n then_o weak_a christian_n be_v and_o so_o god_n suit_v the_o service_n and_o suffering_n of_o his_o people_n to_o the_o proportion_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o grace_n 3._o another_o reason_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o devil_n 3._o from_o that_o malice_n which_o he_o bear_v to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o especial_o to_o those_o who_o have_v most_o grace_n who_o god_n love_v most_o the_o devil_n hate_v most_o when_o the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v to_o christ_n thou_o be_v my_o well-beloved_a son_n than_o come_v the_o devil_n to_o assault_v and_o to_o tempt_v he_o if_o you_o be_v the_o object_n of_o god_n dear_a love_n you_o will_v be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o devil_n deep_a rage_n and_o though_o he_o can_v damn_v thy_o soul_n yet_o he_o will_v trouble_v thy_o conscience_n if_o he_o can_v break_v thy_o head_n he_o will_v bruise_v thy_o heel_n 2._o it_o also_o proceed_v from_o the_o devil_n knowledge_n as_o well_o as_o his_o malice_n he_o know_v if_o he_o can_v but_o get_v those_o which_o be_v strong_a in_o grace_n to_o sin_n he_o shall_v do_v the_o more_o mischief_n as_o 1._o it_o will_v open_v the_o mouth_n of_o wicked_a man_n to_o blaspheme_v god_n and_o religion_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o david_n 14._o by_o this_o deed_n thou_o have_v give_v great_a ●ecasion_n to_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o blaspheme_v how_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o god_n enemy_n open_v to_o blaspheme_v his_o name_n 2._o it_o will_v embolden_v the_o weak_a to_o sin_n with_o more_o freedom_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v those_o which_o be_v eminent_a to_o fall_v and_o thus_o the_o example_n of_o peter_n make_v the_o gentile_n to_o judaize_v 14._o when_o the_o strong_a shall_v abuse_v his_o liberty_n he_o become_v a_o stumble_a block_n to_o those_o which_o be_v weak_a 9_o when_o phigellus_n and_o hermogenes_n turn_v away_o from_o the_o faith_n how_o do_v all_o asia_n turn_v aside_o also_o 15_o man_n of_o eminent_a gift_n when_o they_o shall_v apostatise_v how_o do_v they_o draw_v other_o in_o abundance_n 3._o it_o will_v provoke_v god_n to_o inflict_v heavy_a judgement_n on_o the_o place_n where_o you_o dwell_v thus_o the_o devil_n know_v that_o if_o he_o can_v get_v 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wicked_a one_o touch_v he_o not_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v absolute_o as_o if_o the_o devil_n do_v not_o tempt_v a_o man_n at_o all_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o restriction_n of_o the_o clause_n he_o touch_v he_o not_o that_o be_v with_o a_o deadly_a touch_n and_o so_o cajetan_n this_o phrase_n exelude_v not_o the_o kind_n of_o temptation_n but_o that_o we_o be_v not_o burt_n or_o eternal_o dostroy_v by_o they_o but_o i_o conceive_v rather_o that_o these_o word_n have_v a_o peculiar_a reference_n to_o the_o 16_o verse_n where_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o a_o sin_n unto_o death_n the_o devil_n shall_v not_o prevail_v or_o touch_v a_o man_n so_o as_o to_o commit_v that_o sin_n which_o be_v unto_o death_n though_o he_o may_v tempt_v and_o will_v be_v continual_o assault_v a_o man_n yet_o he_o shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o he_o so_o as_o to_o draw_v he_o to_o the_o commit_n of_o that_o sin_n 1._o from_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v the_o indulgence_n of_o god_n to_o 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may_v make_v they_o think_v they_o be_v above_o ordinance_n yet_o their_o own_o experience_n may_v satisfy_v they_o that_o they_o be_v not_o above_o temptation_n and_o certain_o they_o which_o be_v not_o above_o temptation_n will_v still_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o ordinance_n now_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n either_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v above_o temptation_n if_o any_o sure_o adam_n will_v yet_o he_o in_o paradise_n the_o best_a of_o place_n and_o in_o in_o noeency_n the_o best_a of_o state_n be_v not_o exempt_v from_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o thereby_o fall_v therefore_o let_v no_o man_n presume_v upon_o his_o own_o strength_n 3._o remember_v this_o for_o thy_o comfort_n that_o though_o the_o devil_n tempt_v thou_o with_o strong_a temptation_n yet_o he_o shall_v never_o have_v his_o will_n against_o thou_o it_o be_v true_a a_o godly_a man_n may_v fall_v into_o that_o particular_a act_n unto_o which_o the_o devil_n tempt_v he_o yet_o as_o to_o the_o devil_n general_a aim_n the_o damn_v of_o thy_o soul_n he_o shall_v never_o have_v his_o wil._n it_o be_v a_o notable_a expression_n that_o of_o our_o saviour_n to_o peter_n say_v he_o satan_n have_v destre_v to_o have_v you_o 31_o that_o he_o may_v sift_v you_o as_o wheat_n satan_n have_v desire_v to_o have_v thou_o that_o be_v the_o devil_n general_a aim_n though_o he_o may_v have_v his_o will_n as_o to_o a_o particular_a act_n and_o thou_o may_v yield_v to_o his_o temptation_n yet_o he_o shall_v never_o carry_v thou_o with_o himself_o into_o hell_n 4._o remember_v to_o your_o great_a comfort_n you_o who_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o harrass_v with_o the_o devil_n temptation_n thou_o complain_v that_o they_o be_v great_a for_o kind_n long_o for_o continuance_n and_o the_o more_o dangerous_a because_o suit_v to_o thy_o present_a condition_n remember_v that_o thus_o the_o devil_n deal_v with_o jesus_n christ_n his_o temptation_n be_v suit_v continue_a and_o for_o kind_n gross_a be_v to_o distrust_v providence_n to_o self-murder_n and_o to_o blasphemy_n and_o why_o be_v all_o this_o but_o for_o thy_o comfort_n he_o suffer_v be_v tempt_v that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o pity_v compassionate_a 18._o and_o succour_v thou_o be_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n ix_o sermon_n at_o laurence_n jury_n london_n april_n 6._o 1651._o 2_o tim_n 2._o 1._o my_o son_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n we_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o case_n of_o conscience_n concern_v strength_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v this_o whether_o strength_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v consistent_a with_o strength_n of_o lust_n and_o corruption_n in_o the_o he_o be_v 2._o in_o the_o answer_v whereof_o i_o shall_v speak_v to_o these_o
up_o each_o other_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o christian_a discourse_n and_o holy_a fellowship_n do_v not_o our_o weakness_n require_v it_o as_o among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n god_n have_v so_o order_v they_o that_o each_o member_n be_v serviceable_a to_o another_o the_o eye_n can_v say_v to_o the_o hand_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o 21._o so_o among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n some_o be_v weak_a other_o strong_a there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o maintain_v communion_n together_o there_o be_v a_o instinct_n in_o nature_n that_o thing_n weak_a in_o themselves_o cleave_v to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v strong_a than_o they_o 26_o the_o coney_n be_v but_o a_o feeble_a flock_n yet_o make_v they_o their_o house_n in_o the_o rock_n among_o bird_n the_o dove_n the_o silly_a and_o most_o shiftless_a creature_n 14._o yet_o she_o hide_v herself_o in_o the_o cleft_n of_o the_o rock_n the_o vine_n among_o the_o tree_n the_o weak_a yet_o it_o cling_v to_o the_o wall_n the_o hopps_n among_o the_o plant_n yet_o it_o twine_v about_o the_o pole_n so_o god_n have_v order_v it_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n that_o some_o christian_n shall_v be_v strong_a and_o some_o weak_a in_o grace_n that_o the_o strong_a may_v help_v the_o weak_a and_o each_o be_v serviceable_a to_o one_o another_o 5._o to_o set_v out_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o glorious_a attribute_n 1._o this_o different_a size_n of_o grace_n in_o christian_n do_v glorify_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n who_o when_o there_o be_v some_o christian_n that_o have_v but_o a_o little_a grace_n yet_o god_n reward_v those_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n with_o great_a measure_n of_o glory_n 1._o this_o magnify_v the_o power_n of_o god_n who_o when_o we_o be_v weak_a yet_o the_o great_a god_n manifest_v his_o power_n in_o our_o weakness_n 10._o yea_o his_o strength_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o weakness_n 10_o and_o therefore_o paul_n add_v vers_fw-la 10._o for_o when_o i_o be_o weak_a then_o be_o i_o strong_a that_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v it_o not_o a_o demonstration_n of_o great_a power_n to_o keep_v a_o small_a spark_n of_o fire_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v quench_v in_o a_o flood_n of_o water_n yet_o behold_v that_o little_a spark_n of_o grace_n in_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v quench_v in_o thou_o by_o the_o flood_n and_o torrent_n of_o thy_o corruption_n it_o be_v by_o god_n power_n that_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v preserve_v there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o of_o god_n power_n see_v in_o preserve_v the_o angel_n as_o a_o weak_a believer_n for_o the_o angel_n though_o mutable_a yet_o be_v perfect_a creature_n they_o have_v no_o weight_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n to_o pull_v they_o down_o but_o alas_o we_o have_v such_o a_o bias_n and_o inclination_n to_o sin_n that_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v turn_v aside_o from_o god_n every_o moment_n the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v more_o see_v in_o preserve_v a_o poor_a 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a_o giant_n and_o a_o dwarf_n a_o grow_v man_n of_o a_o tall_a stature_n and_o a_o child_n but_o of_o a_o span_n long_o so_o be_v god_n wisdom_n great_o illustrate_v that_o as_o there_o be_v variety_n of_o natural_a proportion_n in_o the_o world_n so_o there_o be_v various_a proportion_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o church_n among_o his_o child_n before_o i_o come_v to_o apply_v this_o point_n which_o be_v of_o very_o great_a use_n to_o god_n child_n for_o their_o comfort_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o general_a position_n about_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n that_o in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v find_v more_o weak_a christian_n then_o strong_a posit_n more_o young_a convert_v then_o old_a and_o grow_v christian_n as_o in_o a_o forest_n there_o be_v more_o young_a sprout_n then_o old_a tree_n in_o a_o garden_n more_o young_a slip_n then_o old_a root_n in_o the_o world_n more_o young_a child_n then_o old_a man_n in_o niniveh_n there_o be_v 120000_o infant_n but_o there_o be_v not_o 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particular_n 1._o when_o may_v corruption_n be_v say_v to_o be_v strong_a 2._o why_o those_o that_o have_v strong_a grace_n have_v many_o time_n strong_a corruption_n 3._o what_o strong_a corruption_n be_v they_o that_o those_o that_o be_v strong_a in_o grace_n be_v most_o subject_a unto_o 4._o in_o what_o case_n and_o with_o what_o limitation_n may_v strength_n of_o corruption_n consist_v with_o strength_n of_o grace_n 1._o when_o may_v corruption_n and_o lust_n be_v say_v to_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o soul_n 1._o 1._o when_o sin_n be_v commit_v with_o complacency_n 1._o sin_n at_o first_o be_v like_o a_o snake_n that_o be_v almost_o starve_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o cold_a and_o be_v very_o weak_a and_o feeble_a but_o if_o it_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o bosom_n than_o it_o gather_v strength_n and_o after_o a_o while_n sin_n revive_v and_o become_v a_o delight_n in_o the_o soul_n if_o thou_o be_v at_o first_o trouble_v at_o sin_n and_o afterward_o take_v pleasure_n in_o sin_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o sin_n have_v a_o great_a hand_n over_o thou_o thus_o god_n complain_v of_o his_o people_n what_o have_v my_o belove_v to_o do_v in_o my_o house_n 15._o when_o thou_o do_v evil_a then_o thou_o rejoic_a we_o may_v know_v the_o power_n and_o strength_n of_o corruption_n in_o we_o by_o sin_n activity_n in_o we_o and_o by_o our_o chearsulness_n and_o complacency_n in_o sin_n 2._o by_o the_o frequency_n of_o sin_n as_o a_o relapse_n into_o a_o disease_n 2_o argue_v the_o strength_n of_o that_o peccant_a humour_n in_o the_o body_n so_o reiterated_a and_o multiply_v act_n of_o the_o same_o sin_n argue_v the_o power_n and_o strength_n of_o that_o sin_n in_o our_o heart_n corruption_n gather_v strength_n even_o as_o grace_n do_v by_o the_o frequent_a act_n and_o exercise_n of_o it_o 3._o when_o sin_n be_v persist_v in_o against_o the_o cheek_n of_o conscience_n 3._o and_o it_o argue_v the_o strength_n of_o a_o stream_n that_o it_o bear_v down_o before_o it_o whatsoever_o bank_n will_v check_v the_o course_n of_o it_o so_o it_o also_o argue_v that_o there_o be_v a_o strong_a current_n of_o corruption_n in_o thy_o soul_n that_o bear_v down_o before_o it_o all_o the_o warning_n check_n and_o reproof_n of_o conscience_n 2._o why_o have_v those_o that_o have_v the_o strong_a grace_n 2._o many_o time_n also_o the_o strong_a corruption_n 1._o it_o arise_v from_o the_o natural_a temperature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o body_n 1._o which_o do_v dispose_v man_n to_o some_o sin_n more_o than_o another_o although_o they_o have_v such_o eminency_n of_o grace_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o who_o be_v natural_o and_o constitutional_o passionate_a and_o give_v to_o anger_n though_o they_o may_v have_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n yet_o what_o ado_n have_v they_o to_o bridle_v in_o their_o anger_n what_o ado_n to_o be_v great_o angry_a and_o not_o great_o sinful_a and_o so_o such_o who_o temperature_n incline_v they_o to_o be_v lustful_a though_o they_o have_v much_o grace_n yet_o all_o little_a enough_o to_o suppress_v lustful_a thought_n and_o wanton_a look_n in_o they_o 2._o god_n suffer_v this_o to_o humble_v his_o people_n 2._o and_o to_o keep_v they_o humble_a under_o their_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v observable_a in_o nature_n that_o those_o creature_n which_o have_v the_o most_o excellency_n in_o they_o have_v something_o also_o of_o defect_n and_o deformity_n in_o they_o as_o if_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n do_v it_o to_o keep_v they_o humble_a the_o peacock_n have_v glitter_a feather_n and_o yet_o black_a foot_n the_o swan_n have_v white_a feather_n but_o under_o that_o a_o black_a skin_n the_o eagle_n have_v many_o excellency_n quick_a sight_n and_o high_a flight_n but_o yet_o very_o ravenous_a the_o camel_n and_o elephant_n be_v great_a and_o stately_a creature_n but_o of_o a_o deform_a shape_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n god_n do_v suffer_v some_o strong_a &_o unsubdued_a corruption_n to_o remain_v in_o they_o who_o have_v not_o only_a truth_n but_o strength_n of_o grace_n and_o this_o be_v to_o keep_v they_o humble_a 7._o thus_o paul_n after_o his_o great_a revelation_n have_v a_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v he_o and_o a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n to_o afflict_v and_o keep_v he_o humble_a the_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n do_v let_v out_o the_o impostumate_v matter_n of_o pride_n out_o of_o his_o heart_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o corruption_n do_v much_o affect_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o godly_a that_o they_o become_v 1._o more_o condescend_v and_o compassionate_a to_o the_o weak_a 2._o they_o do_v depend_v less_o upon_o their_o own_o righteousness_n they_o see_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o think_v of_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o that_o it_o be_v too_o weak_a a_o foundation_n to_o lay_v the_o weight_n and_o stress_n of_o their_o salvation_n upon_o the_o cover_v be_v too_o narrow_a and_o the_o bed_n be_v too_o short_a for_o they_o to_o rest_v quiet_o upon_o 3._o they_o be_v hereby_o bring_v to_o think_v better_o of_o other_o then_o of_o themselves_o yea_o to_o judge_n themselves_o the_o least_o of_o saint_n and_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n 3._o this_o be_v from_o satan_n malice_n 3._o who_o if_o he_o can_v draw_v out_o great_a corruption_n from_o they_o who_o be_v eminent_a in_o grace_n 1._o he_o thereby_o aim_v to_o blemish_v religion_n and_o to_o darken_v the_o honour_n of_o profession_n and_o in_o this_o case_n usual_o fight_v against_o none_o great_a nor_o small_a but_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n viz._n such_o as_o be_v eminent_a for_o holiness_n when_o david_n fall_v into_o those_o great_a sin_n of_o murder_n and_o adultery_n satan_n have_v a_o main_a end_n grant_v he_o to_o make_v the_o way_n of_o true_a religion_n stink_n and_o be_v abhor_v 14._o 2._o hereby_o satan_n have_v his_o end_n to_o embolden_v those_o that_o be_v weak_a to_o sin_n the_o sin_n and_o great_a miscarriage_n of_o such_o as_o be_v great_a professor_n be_v great_a stumble_a block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o weak_a to_o make_v they_o fall_v 10_o 3._o hereby_o the_o peace_n and_o purity_n of_o conscience_n be_v violate_v the_o devil_n will_v play_v at_o small_a game_n rather_o than_o at_o no_o game_n and_o if_o he_o can_v prevail_v to_o damn_v thy_o soul_n yet_o he_o will_v endeavour_v to_o disquiet_v thy_o conscience_n 3._o what_o be_v those_o great_a corruption_n and_o sin_n unto_o which_o strong_a believer_n be_v incident_a 3._o 1._o to_o lose_v those_o strong_a affection_n which_o they_o have_v at_o their_o first_o conversion_n 1._o holy_a greenham_n complain_v that_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o keep_v together_o his_o old_a discretion_n and_o young_a zeal_n young_a christian_n as_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v have_v strong_a affection_n and_o but_o weak_a judgement_n their_o heat_n be_v more_o than_o their_o light_n their_o present_a apprehension_n and_o sense_n be_v great_a and_o high_a their_o experience_n little_a and_o low_a and_o so_o also_o strong_a christian_n who_o may_v have_v much_o grace_n yet_o tha_z flood_n and_o flush_v of_o affection_n may_v be_v much_o abate_v and_o it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o old_a professor_n that_o they_o do_v not_o labour_v to_o maintain_v the_o primitive_a vigour_n and_o vivacity_n of_o their_o first_o affection_n 4._o they_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o leave_v their_o first_o love_n yet_o we_o must_v know_v they_o do_v not_o decay_v so_o as_o to_o be_v bankerupt_v in_o grace_n in_o the_o godly_a the_o decay_n and_o decline_a though_o it_o may_v be_v great_a yet_o it_o be_v neither_o total_a nor_o final_a though_o he_o may_v fail_v yet_o he_o be_v not_o a_o bankrupt_a he_o have_v still_o a_o stock_n remain_v which_o can_v never_o be_v quite_o spend_v a_o fountain_n which_o can_v never_o be_v quite_o dry_a 14._o he_o have_v in_o he_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o to_o eternal_a life_n the_o water_n of_o a_o fountain_n may_v be_v mud_v but_o it_o will_v clear_v itself_o again_o it_o may_v be_v damn_v up_o in_o one_o place_n but_o it_o will_v break_v out_o in_o another_o so_o it_o be_v with_o grace_n a_o tree_n you_o know_v in_o winter-season_n the_o fruit_n and_o leaf_n fall_v off_o and_o it_o seem_v as_o if_o it_o be_v dead_a but_o there_o be_v life_n in_o the_o root_n so_o it_o be_v in_o christian_n their_o beauty_n and_o blossom_n may_v fall_v off_o their_o fruit_n dry_v up_o their_o leaf_n drop_v off_o the_o beauty_n the_o exercise_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o grace_n may_v cease_v for_o a_o time_n and_o yet_o the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v in_o they_o 28_o it_o often_o fare_v with_o old_a professor_n as_o it_o do_v with_o old_a david_n 1._o of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o
boast_v what_o he_o will_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o christ_n though_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v offend_v because_o of_o thou_o 35._o yet_o will_v i_o never_o be_v offend_v and_o if_o i_o shall_v die_v with_o thou_o yet_o will_v i_o not_o deny_v thou_o nay_o and_o present_o after_o this_o confident_a undertake_n peee_a deny_v christ_n and_o swear_v and_o curse_n that_o he_o know_v he_o not_o some_o observe_v that_o peter_n curse_v be_v not_o only_o his_o curse_v of_o himself_o if_o he_o know_v christ_n but_o that_o he_o also_o curse_a jesus_n christ_n that_o so_o he_o may_v appear_v to_o they_o to_o be_v none_o of_o his_o disciple_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o peter_n have_v not_o only_a truth_n and_o reality_n but_o eminency_n and_o strength_n of_o grace_n for_o though_o temptation_n and_o corruption_n do_v sometime_o prevail_v yet_o he_o have_v strong_a affection_n towards_o jesus_n christ_n he_o do_v and_o suffer_v that_o which_o few_o or_o none_o of_o the_o other_o disciple_n do_v 1._o he_o be_v the_o man_n 75_o that_o of_o all_o the_o disciple_n weep_v most_o bitter_o for_o his_o sin_n 2._o peter_n be_v the_o first_o that_o run_v to_o the_o sepulchre_n 5._o and_o go_v into_o the_o sepulchre_n to_o see_v what_o be_v become_v of_o christ_n 3._o he_o be_v the_o man_n 7._o who_o hear_v that_o christ_n be_v rise_v and_o on_o the_o seashore_n leap_v into_o the_o sea_n for_o joy_n 4._o he_o be_v the_o man_n that_o make_v the_o first_o sermon_n 15._o and_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n 5._o he_o have_v that_o love_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v as_o strong_a as_o death_n for_o he_o suffer_v death_n and_o be_v crucify_v as_o say_v ecclesiastical_a writer_n but_o will_v not_o be_v crcuify_v but_o with_o his_o heel_n upward_o deem_v it_o too_o great_a a_o honour_n to_o be_v crucify_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v so_o that_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o affection_n do_v argue_v notwithstanding_o his_o great_a fail_n the_o strength_n of_o grace_n in_o he_o to_o make_v application_n of_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v in_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n 1_o though_o in_o the_o case_n before_o mention_v strength_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v consistent_a with_o strength_n of_o corruption_n yet_o there_o be_v other_o case_n wherein_o they_o be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a 1._o when_o the_o strength_n and_o work_n of_o corruption_n be_v not_o clear_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n for_o grace_n always_o as_o a_o light_n set_v up_o in_o the_o soul_n do_v discover_v the_o darkness_n of_o corruption_n 2._o where_o corruption_n be_v not_o sensible_o bewail_v it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o there_o be_v not_o strength_n of_o grace_n 3._o where_o occasion_n to_o those_o strong_a prevail_a sin_n and_o corruption_n be_v not_o heedful_o avoid_v certain_o if_o thou_o have_v grace_n to_o make_v thou_o sensible_a of_o what_o corruption_n thou_o be_v incident_a unto_o thy_o grace_n will_v make_v thou_o walk_v so_o circumspect_o as_o to_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n lead_v thereunto_o 4._o if_o they_o be_v not_o strong_o resist_v and_o the_o beginning_n of_o each_o corruption_n not_o diligent_o suppress_v in_o this_o case_n strength_n of_o grace_n and_o strength_n of_o corruption_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a 5._o though_o there_o may_v be_v strong_a grace_n and_o strong_a coriuption_n in_o the_o soul_n yet_o the_o reign_n of_o any_o one_o corruption_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o grace_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o it_o let_v not_o sin_n reign_v in_o your_o mortal_a body_n 23._o sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o you_o for_o you_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o antinomisis_n sense_n that_o believer_n be_v not_o under_o the_o mandatory_a power_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n but_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n law_n as_o beza_n interpret_v it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n paul_n chap._n 7._o 23_o mention_n a_o law_n in_o his_o member_n that_o do_v war_n against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o do_v hr_v he_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v sin_n will_v have_v sway_v in_o he_o with_o the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o a_o law_n and_o this_o argue_v grace_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o grace_n in_o paul_n that_o though_o he_o be_v overbear_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o corruption_n and_o sin_n and_o take_v prisoner_n by_o it_o yet_o he_o never_o yield_v to_o it_o as_o to_o a_o lawful_a sovereign_n for_o so_o he_o add_v vers_fw-la 29._o so_o then_o with_o the_o mind_n i_o serve_v the_o law_n of_o god_n 25._o but_o with_o my_o flesh_n the_o law_n of_o sin_n it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o corruption_n in_o god_n child_n what_o be_v show_v to_o daniel_n concern_v the_o beast_n they_o have_v their_o dominion_n take_v away_o yet_o their_o life_n be_v prolong_v for_o a_o season_n 12._o 6._o when_o we_o say_v there_o be_v a_o consistency_n between_o grace_n and_o corruption_n i_o will_v be_v understand_v of_o spiritual_a and_o inward_a corruption_n as_o hardness_n of_o heart_n spiritual_a pride_n deadness_n in_o duty_n for_o into_o gross_a external_a open_a act_n of_o evil_a strong_a christian_n do_v seldom_o fall_v 7._o we_o must_v also_o be_v further_o inform_v that_o if_o we_o consider_v particular_a act_n of_o sin_n some_o one_o lust_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v more_o strong_a in_o a_o godly_a christian_a then_o in_o a_o mere_a moral_n man_n as_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o lust_n when_o we_o consider_v how_o david_n do_v abuse_v his_o neigh_n bour_v wife_n and_o how_o abimelech_n will_v not_o touch_v another_o man_n wife_n one_o will_v have_v judge_v david_n the_o heathen_a and_o abimelech_n the_o believer_n and_o therefore_o the_o strength_n of_o grace_n or_o corruption_n must_v not_o be_v judge_v by_o any_o one_o particular_a act_n when_o some_o impetuous_a temptation_n have_v prevail_v 8._o last_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o a_o corruption_n may_v be_v real_o weak'n_v when_o sensible_o strong_a as_o a_o man_n in_o a_o fever_n be_v seem_o strong_a but_o be_v real_o weak_a so_o corruption_n may_v be_v then_o most_o enfeeble_v when_o in_o our_o apprehension_n it_o be_v most_o enrage_a it_o may_v rave_v and_o rage_v when_o it_o be_v in_o crucify_a as_o a_o coal_n glow_v most_o just_a before_o its_o go_v out_o a_o candle_n burnt_v down_o in_o the_o socket_n give_v a_o blaze_n a_o little_a before_o it_o be_v extinct_a so_o it_o be_v when_o corruption_n be_v ready_a to_o expire_v as_o in_o a_o mere_a moral_a man_n sin_n may_v be_v restrain_v when_o it_o be_v not_o subdue_v corruption_n may_v be_v quiet_a where_o it_o be_v not_o mortify_v so_o in_o a_o regenerate_a person_n it_o may_v be_v subdue_v and_o mortify_v where_o yet_o it_o may_v rage_v as_o if_o unrestrained_a a_o man_n last_o gasp_n may_v be_v the_o strong_a breath_n so_o when_o corruption_n be_v ready_a to_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n it_o may_v seem_v to_o breath_n strong_a as_o a_o bird_n may_v flutter_v when_o his_o neck_n be_v break_v so_o sin_n may_v seem_o resist_v grace_v when_o the_o power_n strength_n and_o life_n of_o it_o be_v utter_o break_v x._o sermon_n at_o laurence_n jury_n london_n april_n 13._o 1651._o 2_o tim_n 2._o 1._o be_v strong_a in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n we_o have_v already_o handle_v two_o great_a case_n of_o conscience_n about_o strength_n of_o grace_n about_o the_o consistency_n of_o strong_a temptation_n and_o strong_a cortuption_n with_o the_o strength_n of_o grace_n and_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o a_o three_o case_n which_o be_v this_o 3._o whether_o strength_n of_o grace_n may_v consist_v with_o the_o want_n of_o those_o strong_a affection_n 3._o which_o christian_n have_v have_v at_o their_o first_o conversion_n in_o answer_v whereof_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v three_o thing_n 1._o when_o a_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o lose_v his_o first_o affection_n 2._o in_o what_o case_n may_v a_o strong_a christian_a want_n strong_a affection_n 3._o whence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o that_o have_v strong_a grace_n may_v want_v such_o strong_a affection_n as_o they_o have_v at_o their_o first_o conversion_n 1._o when_o may_v a_o christian_a be_v say_v to_o lose_v his_o first_o affection_n 1._o affection_n be_v fit_o compare_v to_o the_o pulse_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o may_v judgement_n be_v give_v of_o the_o state_n and_o temper_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o we_o may_v know_v when_o these_o affection_n beat_v low_a and_o be_v decay_v we_o may_v make_v judgement_n hereof_o 1._o when_o we_o have_v not_o such_o eager_a desire_n after_o duty_n 1._o it_o
of_o thy_o master_n then_o strengthen_v thy_o brethren_n labour_v to_o strengthen_v the_o grace_n of_o other_o man_n when_o thy_o grace_n be_v strong_a and_o thy_o strength_n recover_v and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a good_a evidence_n that_o thou_o have_v not_o only_a grace_n but_o strength_n of_o grace_n thyself_o when_o thou_o be_v careful_a to_o strengthen_v other_o but_o such_o as_o have_v gift_n only_o with_o little_a or_o no_o grace_n they_o be_v loath_a to_o communicate_v their_o gift_n unto_o other_o they_o will_v willing_o monopolise_v their_o gift_n and_o grudge_v to_o impart_v they_o to_o other_o they_o will_v not_o have_v other_o man_n have_v the_o like_a gift_n with_o themselves_o lest_o their_o glory_n shall_v be_v darken_v they_o be_v not_o of_o john_n baptist_n mind_n who_o care_v not_o though_o he_o decrease_v so_o as_o christ_n increase_v but_o rather_o they_o be_v like_a to_o one_o aspendius_n a_o skilful_a musician_n who_o will_v never_o play_v on_o his_o instrument_n before_o any_o of_o his_o profession_n lest_o they_o shall_v learn_v his_o skill_n this_o be_v a_o notable_a discovery_n whether_o thou_o have_v strong_a grace_n or_o strong_a gift_n only_o which_o thou_o may_v know_v by_o thy_o willingness_n and_o readiness_n to_o communicate_v unto_o other_o what_o god_n have_v impart_v unto_o thou_o xiii_o sermon_n at_o laurence_n jury_n london_n april_n 20._o 1651._o 2_o tim_n 2._o 1._o my_o son_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n you_o have_v hear_v the_o first_o doctrine_n open_v viz._n that_o believer_n be_v not_o to_o be_v satisgfy_v in_o weak_a measure_n of_o grace_n already_o receive_v but_o aught_o to_o endeavour_v to_o attain_v great_a strength_n of_o grace_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o this_o point_n by_o make_v some_o application_n of_o it_o and_o i_o shall_v direct_v the_o use_n to_o two_o sort_n of_o christian_n 1._o to_o such_o as_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n 2._o to_o 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sure_a thy_o grace_n be_v right_a and_o as_o the_o light_n shine_v more_o and_o more_o to_o the_o perfect_a day_n and_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o leaven_n be_v that_o it_o do_v spread_v through_o the_o whole_a lump_n so_o be_v grace_n it_o be_v of_o a_o spread_a and_o increase_a nature_n and_o therefore_o be_v careful_a thy_o grace_n for_o nature_n and_o for_o essence_n be_v true_a and_o for_o the_o measure_n of_o it_o it_o will_v then_o increase_v 2._o in_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n we_o must_v not_o measure_v it_o so_o much_o by_o action_n as_o affection_n and_o holy_a disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o bent_n frame_n and_o tendency_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o best_a discoverer_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n when_o a_o christian_a cast_v up_o all_o the_o stock_n of_o grace_n he_o have_v he_o will_v find_v that_o it_o do_v consist_v more_o in_o desire_n than_o endeavour_n &_o more_o in_o endeavour_n and_o attempt_n to_o perform_v holy_a duty_n then_o in_o performance_n itself_o natural_a life_n be_v more_o discernible_a by_o the_o heat_n then_o by_o the_o colour_n a_o painter_n may_v counterfeit_v the_o one_o but_o not_o the_o other_o when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v describe_v the_o beauty_n of_o his_o spouse_n he_o do_v not_o say_v how_o fair_a be_v thy_o look_n but_z how_o fair_a be_v thy_o love_n 10._o 3._o be_v not_o discourage_v though_o man_n of_o glorious_a gift_n fall_v away_o for_o the_o poor_a christian_a that_o have_v but_o the_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n shall_v never_o fall_v away_o the_o gift_n of_o a_o formalist_n may_v quick_o wither_v for_o they_o have_v their_o root_n in_o nature_n but_o the_o grace_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a shall_v never_o perish_v because_o they_o have_v their_o root_n in_o christ_n a_o christian_n life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n hide_v in_o he_o as_o in_o a_o root_n 33._o as_o in_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n a_o paint_a face_n may_v soon_o fade_v so_o do_v not_o a_o true_a and_o natural_a complexion_n the_o varnish_n of_o a_o formal_a hypocrite_n be_v soon_o wash_v out_o but_o when_o true_a grace_n like_o a_o colour_n in_o grain_n have_v grow_v habitual_a in_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v not_o removable_a soon_o will_v the_o sun_n discard_v its_o own_o beam_n than_o christ_n will_v desert_n and_o destroy_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o true_a grace_n which_o be_v a_o beam_n from_o that_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n 3._o improve_v your_o little_a grace_n well_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o have_v more_o 1_o to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v it_o be_v give_v i._n e._n more_o shall_v be_v give_v god_n never_o give_v any_o man_n a_o talon_n to_o hide_v it_o in_o a_o napkin_n the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n be_v accountable_a for_o god_n be_v improve_v 1._o when_o we_o ascribe_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o grace_n unto_o god_n as_o he_o say_v right_a 10_o lord_n thy_o pound_n have_v gain_v ten_o pound_n thy_o pound_n and_o not_o my_o pain_n we_o shall_v do_v all_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n if_o we_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n he_o will_v give_v we_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o it_o 2._o when_o for_o the_o edification_n and_o build_n up_o of_o other_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n to_o do_v good_a to_o other_o be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o get_v more_o good_a ourselves_o the_o more_o the_o well_o be_v draw_v the_o more_o water_n come_v and_o the_o better_a the_o water_n be_v so_o the_o more_o thy_o grace_n be_v exercise_v the_o more_o grace_n thou_o will_v have_v and_o the_o sweet_a will_v the_o comfort_n be_v of_o thy_o grace_n 5._o to_o weak_a chaistian_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n in_o your_o soul_n because_o you_o can_v find_v the_o strength_n of_o grace_n in_o your_o soul_n a_o poor_a weak_a man_n in_o a_o consumption_n can_v lift_v up_o such_o a_o weight_n nor_o can_v he_o bear_v such_o a_o burden_n as_o a_o man_n in_o strength_n and_o health_n can_v do_v yet_o he_o have_v life_n as_o well_o as_o the_o strong_a man_n in_o the_o world_n it_o may_v be_v day_n when_o it_o be_v not_o noon_n thou_o may_v in_o respect_n of_o spiritual_a estate_n have_v the_o strength_n of_o a_o child_n though_o not_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o man_n it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o act_n of_o untbank_n fullness_n to_o god_n but_o also_o of_o uncharitableness_n to_o a_o man_n own_o soul_n to_o conclude_v a_o nullity_n of_o grace_n from_o the_o weakness_n of_o it_o 6._o look_v not_o so_o much_o on_o your_o sin_n but_o look_v upon_o your_o grace_n also_o though_o weak_a grace_n weak_a christian_n look_v more_o on_o their_o sin_n then_o on_o their_o grace_n yet_o god_n look_v on_o their_o grace_n and_o overlook_v their_o sin_n and_o infirmity_n say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n 13._o you_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o patience_n of_o job_n he_o may_v also_o have_v say_v you_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o impatiency_n of_o job_n but_o god_n reckon_v of_o his_o people_n not_o by_o what_o be_v bad_a in_o they_o but_o by_o what_o be_v good_a in_o they_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o r●habs_n entertainment_n of_o the_o spy_n but_o no_o mention_n be_v make_v that_o she_o tell_v the_o lie_n when_o she_o do_v so_o that_o which_o be_v well_o do_v be_v mention_v to_o her_o praise_n and_o what_o be_v amiss_o be_v bury_v in_o silence_n or_o at_o least_o be_v not_o record_v against_o she_o and_o charge_v upon_o she_o he_o that_o draw_v the_o picture_n of_o alexander_n with_o his_o scar_n on_o his_o face_n draw_v he_o with_o his_o finger_n on_o his_o scar_n god_n lay_v the_o finger_n of_o mercy_n upon_o the_o scar_n of_o our_o sin_n oh_o it_o be_v
grace._n the_o truth_n and_o growth_n and_o different_a degree_n thereof_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o xv._n sermon_n preach_v by_o that_o faithful_a and_o painful_a servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n mr._n christopher_n love_n late_a minister_n of_o laurence_n jury_n london_n they_o be_v his_o last_o sermon_n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o funeral_n sermon_n be_v the_o very_a last_o sermon_n he_o ever_o preach_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v like_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n which_o a_o man_n take_v and_o sow_v in_o his_o field_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n but_o when_o it_o be_v grow_v it_o be_v the_o great_a among_o herb_n and_o become_v a_o tree_n etc._n etc._n mat._n 12._o 31._o 32._o london_n print_v by_o e._n g._n for_o j._n rothwell_n at_o the_o sun_n and_o fountain_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1652._o to_o the_o christian_a reader_n our_o purpose_n in_o publish_v this_o small_a treatise_n be_v not_o to_o make_v old_a sore_n bleed_v or_o foment_n any_o one_o discontent_n or_o renew_v any_o one_o grief_n concern_v the_o much_o lament_a death_n of_o this_o godly_a and_o reverend_a author_n nor_o shall_v we_o mention_v what_o great_a loss_n the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v in_o the_o death_n of_o so_o useful_a and_o hopeful_a a_o minister_n but_o we_o shall_v in_o a_o few_o word_n acquaint_v thou_o why_o this_o little_a piece_n be_v thus_o make_v public_a there_o be_v many_o imperfect_a copy_n of_o mr._n love_n sermon_n which_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v obtrude_v into_o the_o world_n by_o some_o who_o regard_v no_o other_o end_n in_o publish_v and_o print_v book_n than_o their_o own_o private_a gain_n to_o prevent_v which_o we_o have_v from_o his_o own_o note_n publish_v these_o sermon_n and_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v notice_n that_o whatever_o sermon_n of_o this_o author_n shall_v be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v publish_v shall_v be_v attest_v with_o some_o of_o our_o hand_n who_o be_v entrust_v with_o 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we_o hope_v will_v be_v the_o more_o acceptable_a to_o those_o to_o who_o soul_n his_o ministry_n be_v profitable_a and_o precious_a thou_o will_v find_v here_o no_o new_a uncouth_a and_o unscripturall_a expression_n but_o plain_a practical_a doctrine_n old_a divinity_n sound_z solid_a and_o conscience-searching_a truth_n the_o gracious_a author_n preach_v and_o press_v they_o on_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o hearer_n from_o his_o own_o experience_n of_o they_o neither_o will_v thou_o meet_v with_o any_o rail_n or_o reproaching_n of_o the_o public_a and_o present_a governor_n the_o usual_a though_o the_o most_o unjust_a charge_v against_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n this_o whole_a discourse_n be_v not_o about_o state_n but_o soul-affair_n which_o be_v another_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v publish_v to_o check_v the_o licentiousness_n of_o this_o age_n which_o have_v surfeit_v upon_o absurd_a and_o unprofitable_a pamphlet_n the_o lord_n give_v thou_o to_o have_v thy_o spiritual_a sense_n exercise_v 14._o to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil_n but_o alas_o what_o between_o state-mutation_n and_o church-dissension_n spiritual_a truth_n lie_v by_o neglect_a it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n go_v on_o but_o slow_o few_o inquire_v into_o their_o soul-state_n but_o to_o inquire_v into_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n be_v the_o best_a husbandry_n in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o be_v to_o be_v diligent_a to_o know_v the_o state_n of_o our_o flock_n 23_o then_o sure_o we_o shall_v give_v all_o diligence_n to_o know_v how_o it_o be_v with_o our_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n the_o benefit_n and_o profit_n of_o this_o soul-searching_a will_v abundant_o recompense_v our_o pain_n and_o care_n in_o perform_v it_o there_o be_v two_o great_a mistake_n to_o which_o the_o best_a christian_n be_v very_a subject_n 1._o either_o to_o despise_v and_o disparage_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n if_o their_o measure_n be_v small_a 2._o or_o else_o if_o their_o attainment_n be_v somewhat_o considerable_a to_o sit_v down_o content_v with_o their_o acquire_v measure_n we_o beseech_v you_o take_v heed_n of_o both_o these_o evil_n which_o be_v both_o alike_o unthankfulness_n to_o god_n and_o injuriousnesse_n to_o your_o own_o soul_n the_o one_o despise_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o other_o neglect_v the_o growth_n of_o grace_n 1._o if_o thou_o be_v one_o of_o the_o tender_a plant_n in_o christ_n orchard_n a_o weak_a lamb_n in_o his_o flock_n a_o babe_n in_o his_o family_n yet_o oh_o despise_v not_o the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n in_o thy_o soul_n though_o thy_o gift_n be_v few_o &_o thy_o comfort_n few_o yet_o tread_v not_o out_o thyself_o the_o smoke_a flax_n stay_v thyself_o upon_o his_o name_n who_o be_v a_o rock_n of_o age_n and_o who_o work_n be_v perfect_a and_o his_o grace_n unchangeable_a who_o will_v bring_v forth_o judgement_n unto_o victory_n slight_v not_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n though_o the_o first_o and_o rude_a draught_n be_v but_o draw_v on_o thy_o soul_n yet_o be_v comfort_v in_o this_o that_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n be_v begin_v to_o be_v renew_v there_o but_o be_v sure_a thy_o grace_n be_v right_a temporary_a faith_n partial_a obedience_n mercenary_a love_n pretend_a zeal_n legal_a sorrow_n feign_a humility_n may_v make_v up_o a_o lifeless_a picture_n of_o a_o professor_n who_o have_v the_o form_n without_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o it_o be_v true_a grace_n that_o make_v a_o true_a christian_a common_a gift_n and_o grace_n may_v bring_v a_o man_n near_o heaven_n but_o they_o will_v never_o bring_v a_o man_n into_o heaven_n this_o treatise_n therefore_o will_v teach_v thou_o to_o bring_v thy_o grace_n to_o the_o true_a touchstone_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a consideration_n that_o can_v settle_v on_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o think_v how_o high_a a_o formal_a hypocrite_n may_v go_v towards_o heaven_n with_o his_o seem_a grace_n and_o how_o low_o a_o 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know_v but_o little_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n at_o first_o and_o be_v ignorant_a concern_v the_o 45._o passsion_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o 10._o resurrection_n as_o also_o of_o the_o 17._o ascension_n of_o christ_n till_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v and_o teach_v they_o these_o thing_n and_o bring_v those_o thing_n to_o remembrance_n that_o christ_n have_v teach_v they_o 8._o weak_a christian_n be_v strong_a in_o affection_n 8._o and_o not_o in_o judgement_n they_o have_v usual_o more_o heat_n then_o light_a young_a christian_n be_v like_o young_a horse_n they_o have_v much_o metal_n but_o be_v not_o so_o fit_a for_o a_o journey_n because_o they_o be_v not_o so_o through_o pace_a there_o be_v many_o christian_n that_o have_v much_o zeal_n and_o affection_n but_o be_v not_o so_o solid_a in_o their_o judgement_n but_o this_o argue_v much_o weakness_n in_o grace_n 9_o a_o weak_a christian_a be_v one_o that_o can_v bear_v reproof_n 9_o sharp_a weather_n will_v 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dare_v trust_n god_n for_o heaven_n and_o yet_o not_o trust_v he_o for_o earth_n but_o these_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o little_a faith_n the_o disciple_n when_o they_o want_v bread_n 〈◊〉_d begin_v to_o reason_n among_o themselves_o how_o they_o shall_v be_v supply_v oh_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n say_v christ_n why_o do_v you_o thus_o reason_n 8._o can_v you_o trust_v i_o for_o the_o bread_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o dare_v you_o not_o trust_v i_o for_o the_o bread_n of_o this_o life_n be_v not_o then_o discourage_v you_o that_o discern_v in_o yourselves_o but_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n use_v look_v on_o your_o want_n and_o imperfection_n so_o as_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o not_o to_o be_v content_a with_o any_o measure_n but_o look_v not_o on_o the_o small_a beginning_n in_o grace_n as_o discouragement_n to_o you_o when_o you_o see_v in_o a_o field_n a_o great_a oak_n you_o may_v say_v this_o great_a tree_n be_v once_o but_o a_o small_a acorne_n those_o christian_n who_o be_v now_o but_o small_a sprig_n may_v hereafter_o be_v tall_a cedar_n say_v to_o thy_o soul_n though_o i_o be_o but_o weak_a yet_o i_o shall_v be_v strong_a grace_n where_o it_o be_v true_a will_v be_v grow_v the_o smoke_a flax_n may_v be_v a_o burn_a and_o shine_a lamp_n in_o god_n candlestick_n and_o therefore_o as_o you_o must_v not_o be_v content_a with_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n so_o neither_o be_v discourage_v with_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n 20_o may_v grow_v a_o great_a tree_n content_v not_o yourselves_o with_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n use_n a_o little_a of_o the_o world_n will_v not_o content_v you_o in_o the_o womb_n a_o foot_n content_v we_o three_o foot_n in_o the_o cradle_n and_o seven_o foot_n in_o the_o grave_n but_o betwixt_o the_o cradle_n and_o the_o grave_n a_o whole_a world_n will_v not_o content_v we_o and_o shall_v a_o little_a grace_n content_v we_o for_o wealth_n and_o desire_n of_o it_o thou_o be_v as_o the_o horseleech_n which_o cry_v give_v and_o as_o the_o grave_n that_o never_o say_v it_o be_v enough_o and_o for_o grace_n will_v thou_o be_v content_a with_o a_o little_a sermon_n iii_o at_o laurence_n jury_n london_n march_n 16._o 1650_o 1._o 1._o king_n 14._o part_n of_o the_o 13._o verse_n because_o in_o he_o there_o be_v find_v some_o good_a thing_n towards_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o house_n of_o jeroboam_n we_o have_v give_v some_o scripture_n character_n of_o those_o that_o have_v a_o little_a grace_n now_o we_o proceed_v to_o resolve_v a_o three_o question_n 3._o quest_n quest_n why_o do_v god_n so_o order_n and_o ordain_v it_o that_o among_o his_o own_o people_n all_o shall_v not_o be_v of_o a_o equal_a stature_n in_o christ_n but_o there_o be_v of_o they_o some_o in_o who_o there_o shall_v be_v but_o the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n find_v answ_n answ_n it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v not_o with_o regeneration_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o creation_n it_o be_v not_o with_o the_o tree_n of_o righteousness_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o tree_n of_o paradise_n which_o be_v create_v all_o perfect_a at_o the_o first_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n we_o be_v not_o perfect_o sanctify_v nor_o at_o once_o but_o we_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o that_o by_o degree_n and_o god_n have_v give_v to_o some_o of_o his_o people_n but_o small_a beginning_n and_o measure_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n 1._o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o our_o estate_n on_o earth_n and_o our_o be_v in_o heaven_n in_o heaven_n we_o shall_v all_o have_v a_o equal_a stature_n in_o grace_n though_o it_o be_v dispute_v that_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o glory_n but_o in_o heaven_n the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n shall_v all_o be_v make_v perfect_a 23_o and_o there_o we_o shall_v all_o come_v unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n 13._o all_o believer_n here_o be_v justify_v by_o god_n alike_o god_n do_v not_o acquit_v the_o strong_a and_o hold_v guilty_a the_o weak_a but_o justification_n be_v alike_o to_o all_o but_o our_o sanctification_n be_v not_o alike_o but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n our_o sanctification_n shall_v be_v then_o as_o our_o justification_n be_v now_o that_o be_v perfect_a and_o equal_a we_o shall_v have_v not_o only_o a_o perfection_n of_o part_n but_o of_o degree_n 2._o this_o be_v to_o make_v man_n live_v in_o a_o continual_a dependence_n upon_o divine_a influx_n and_o supply_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n if_o child_n shall_v be_v bear_v perfect_a man_n as_o adam_n be_v create_v we_o shall_v not_o then_o see_v that_o continual_a need_n of_o &_o dependence_n on_o our_o parent_n we_o be_v breed_v in_o the_o womb_n and_o afterward_o bear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o then_o by_o degree_n grow_v up_o from_o stature_n to_o stature_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o grace_n god_n deal_v thus_o convert_v grace_n do_v not_o make_v we_o so_o perfect_a as_o we_o shall_v be_v afterward_o at_o the_o first_o creation_n he_o make_v the_o tree_n all_o fruitful_a and_o at_o their_o full_a growth_n but_o now_o it_o be_v otherwise_o they_o be_v first_o kernel_n or_o seed_n then_o plant_v before_o they_o be_v grow_v tree_n and_o they_o have_v dependence_n on_o the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n so_o we_o be_v first_o babe_n then_o young_a man_n and_o then_o strong_a man_n in_o christ_n to_o keep_v our_o soul_n in_o a_o dependence_n on_o god_n grace_n 3._o for_o the_o great_a ornament_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o natural_a body_n if_o every_o member_n shall_v be_v of_o a_o equal_a bigness_n the_o body_n will_v be_v monstrous_a but_o the_o body_n be_v so_o proportion_v in_o its_o different_a member_n that_o the_o lesser_a become_v serviceable_a to_o the_o great_a and_o so_o they_o all_o orderly_a discharge_v their_o mutual_a operation_n as_o in_o music_n there_o will_v be_v no_o harmony_n if_o the_o string_n be_v all_o of_o a_o equal_a bigness_n but_o one_o string_n be_v the_o base_a and_o the_o other_o the_o treble_a that_o make_v the_o music_n to_o be_v more_o melodious_a so_o it_o be_v in_o grace_n the_o different_a degree_n of_o grace_n make_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n more_o harmonious_a it_o be_v here_o as_o in_o some_o curious_a piece_n of_o needle_n work_n if_o all_o the_o silk_n be_v of_o one_o colour_n it_o will_v not_o set_v out_o the_o work_n with_o so_o much_o lustre_n and_o amiableness_n as_o the_o variety_n of_o colour_n will_v do_v 4._o to_o make_v god_n people_n see_v a_o necessity_n of_o maintain_v fellowship_n and_o communion_n together_o to_o edify_v and_o build_v
gold_n as_o well_o as_o the_o whole_a wedge_n a_o drop_n of_o water_n be_v water_n as_o well_o as_o the_o whole_a ocean_n a_o little_a grace_n be_v true_a grace_n 4._o the_o end_n it_o have_v the_o same_o salvation_n of_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 9_o 5._o god_n will_v not_o put_v your_o weak_a grace_n to_o trial_n beyond_o your_o strength_n 8._o god_n will_v debate_v with_o it_o in_o measure_n he_o will_v stay_v his_o rough_a wind_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o east-wind_n thou_o shall_v not_o have_v such_o boisterous_a storm_n of_o temptation_n as_o a_o strong_a christian_n god_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a 13._o god_n will_v take_v care_n that_o the_o spirit_n shall_v not_o fail_v 16._o 6._o take_v this_o for_o your_o comfort_n the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n be_v enough_o to_o bring_v you_o to_o heaven_n this_o be_v not_o speak_v to_o make_v you_o idle_a but_o only_o to_o comfort_v a_o perplex_a conscience_n many_o because_o their_o grace_n be_v weak_a they_o think_v they_o have_v no_o grace_n 8._o i_o have_v set_v before_o thou_o say_v christ_n to_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n a_o open_a door_n and_o no_o man_n can_v shut_v in_o for_o thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n and_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n it_o be_v true_a our_o comfort_n lie_v much_o in_o the_o comparative_a degree_n but_o our_o salvation_n in_o the_o positive_a degree_n strong_a grace_n have_v strong_a comfort_n much_o faith_n will_v bring_v thou_o with_o much_o comfort_n to_o heaven_n but_o a_o little_a faith_n will_v bring_v thou_o safe_o to_o heaven_n sermon_n iv._o at_o laurence_n jury_n london_n march_n 16._o 1650_o 1._o 1._o king_n 14._o part_n of_o the_o 13._o verse_n because_o in_o he_o there_o be_v find_v some_o good_a thing_n towards_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o house_n of_o jeroboam_n before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o caution_n i_o shall_v here_o state_n a_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v this_o resolve_v that_o if_o among_o god_n people_n there_o be_v some_o find_v that_o have_v but_o little_a grace_n and_o but_o small_a measure_n find_v in_o they_o then_o what_o be_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o geace_n less_o than_o which_o a_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n this_o be_v a_o practical_a and_o useful_a case_n first_o this_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o christian_n who_o be_v but_o of_o a_o low_a form_n in_o religion_n and_o have_v but_o little_a grace_n yet_o they_o may_v know_v that_o little_a they_o have_v and_o though_o they_o have_v not_o attain_v strength_n of_o grace_n yet_o they_o may_v know_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n in_o themselves_o and_o although_o they_o come_v short_a of_o strong_a believer_n yet_o they_o shall_v hereby_o know_v they_o go_v beyond_o the_o hypocrite_n for_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n be_v better_a than_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o gift_n second_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o will_v quicken_v the_o soul_n unto_o due_a endeavour_n after_o a_o further_o increase_v this_o will_v teach_v they_o to_o abound_v more_o and_o more_o 1_o now_o that_o we_o may_v discover_v what_o be_v the_o low_a degree_n of_o true_a grace_n we_o shall_v show_v you_o it_o in_o some_o of_o these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o a_o light_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o see_v the_o evil_a and_o the_o mischievous_a nature_n of_o sin_n though_o not_o a_o ability_n to_o mortify_v sin_n the_o entrance_n of_o god_n word_n give_v light_a and_o giveth_z understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a 119._o that_o be_v the_o first_o work_n of_o the_o word_n upon_o the_o soul_n the_o very_a beginning_n of_o convert_v grace_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v light_a whereby_o thou_o see_v sin_n and_o its_o sinfulness_n and_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o creation_n the_o first_o thing_n that_o be_v create_v be_v light_a so_o in_o the_o second_o creation_n the_o first_o work_n be_v to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n 18_o and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n upon_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n in_o the_o sovie_n the_o first_o degree_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o light_n of_o the_o live_n so_o that_o where_o this_o light_n be_v want_v 30._o there_o can_v be_v a_o work_n of_o grace_n 2._o a_o settle_a and_o fix_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o leave_v sin_n and_o to_o cleave_v unto_o god_n grace_n do_v not_o consist_v so_o much_o in_o a_o actual_a mortify_n of_o sin_n as_o in_o a_o unfeigned_a and_o settle_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o leave_v every_o sin_n the_o prodigal_n resolution_n to_o go_v to_o his_o father_n house_n 18._o argue_v some_o grace_n in_o he_o i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n house_n that_o be_v i_o will_v leave_v my_o wicked_a company_n and_o course_n and_o it_o be_v say_v his_o father_n see_v he_o afar_o off_o and_o run_v and_o meet_v he_o the_o lord_n do_v work_v in_o he_o a_o purpose_n to_o leave_v his_o sin_n gregory_n on_o this_o say_v greg._n that_o remission_n of_o sin_n come_v to_o his_o heart_n before_o his_o confession_n break_v out_o in_o his_o speech_n to_o his_o father_n so_o david_n i_o acknowledge_v my_o sin_n unto_o thou_o and_o my_o iniquity_n have_v i_o not_o hide_v 5._o i_o say_v i_o will_v confess_v my_o transgression_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o thou_o forgave_v the_o iniquity_n of_o my_o sin_n august_n augustine_n observe_v on_o this_o place_n that_o david_n do_v not_o say_v he_o do_v confess_v but_o he_o purpose_v to_o confess_v hi●_n sin_n and_o yet_o this_o his_o purpose_n be_v true_a grace_n though_o one_o of_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n that_o holy_a purpose_n of_o david_n argue_v grace_n in_o he_o when_o he_o say_v 3._o i_o have_v purpose_v and_o will_v not_o transgress_v thy_o law_n 106._o i_o have_v swear_v and_o will_v perform_v it_o that_o i_o will_v keep_v thy_o righteous_a judgement_n it_o argue_v grace_n when_o a_o soul_n do_v cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n 23._o 3._o another_o low_a measure_n of_o grace_n be_v this_o a_o sensible_a complaint_n of_o the_o want_n of_o grace_n thus_o he_o that_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o say_v with_o tear_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n he_o have_v grace_n 24._o he_o do_v not_o say_v lord_n help_v my_o faith_n but_o lord_n help_v my_o unbelief_n his_o expression_n about_o his_o unbelief_n do_v note_n not_o only_o his_o want_n but_o his_o sensibleness_n of_o his_o want_n this_o be_v that_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n which_o have_v the_o first_o place_n in_o the_o beatitude_n 3._o this_o be_v the_o low_a round_n of_o the_o ladder_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n in_o sigh_n and_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v 26._o observe_v here_o that_o it_o be_v not_o say_v the_o spirit_n help_v we_o with_o comfort_n and_o joy_n but_o with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n whence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o the_o spirit_n help_v be_v as_o well_o in_o sigh_n and_o groan_n and_o sensible_a complaint_n of_o our_o want_n as_o in_o holy_a ravishment_n strength_n of_o grace_n be_v see_v in_o holy_a joy_n and_o ravishment_n of_o spirit_n but_o truth_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v see_v &_o discern_v in_o sigh_n groan_n and_o complaint_n of_o our_o want_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v sigh_n and_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v not_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o greatness_n but_o as_o master_n perkins_n observe_v in_o regard_n of_o their_o weakness_n stupent_fw-la god_n child_n at_o first_o want_v ability_n to_o express_v their_o own_o thought_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o want_n of_o grace_n be_v grace_n for_o nature_n can_v make_v a_o man_n due_o sensible_a of_o the_o want_n of_o grace_n nor_o sensible_o to_o complain_v of_o that_o want_n 4._o earnest_a desire_n after_o more_o grace_n argue_v there_o be_v grace_n in_o the_o soul_n though_o it_o be_v but_o small_a i_o do_v not_o place_v the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n in_o a_o ability_n to_o exercise_v grace_n but_o rather_o in_o a_o earnest_a desire_n after_o grace_n desire_v after_o grace_n be_v account_v by_o god_n the_o grace_n itself_o we_o desire_v for_o so_o we_o find_v that_o nehemiah_n desire_n to_o fear_v the_o lord_n be_v count_v for_o actual_a fear_v god_n 5._o desire_v be_v the_o seed_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o grace_n themselves_o be_v the_o blossom_n and_o sweet_a fruit_n that_o spring_n from_o thence_o grace_n exercise_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o a_o holy_a desire_n after_o grace_n that_o the_o desire_n after_o grace_n be_v in_o god_n acceptation_n grace_n may_v be_v thus_o demonstrate_v 1._o
epistle_n of_o john_n say_v he_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o young_a man_n because_o you_o be_v strong_a and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o you_o 12._o and_o you_o have_v overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o but_o when_o he_o write_v to_o child_n he_o say_v i_o write_v to_o you_o because_o your_o sin_n be_v forgive_v for_o his_o name_n sake_n intimate_v that_o though_o weak_a grace_n be_v sufficient_a to_o evidence_n to_o we_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n yet_o it_o be_v strong_a grace_n which_o be_v able_a to_o overcome_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o devil_n shall_v not_o overcome_v the_o weak_a measure_n of_o grace_n but_o the_o strong_a our_o grace_n be_v the_o more_o able_a we_o be_v to_o rest_v and_o overcome_v that_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n 9_o the_o devil_n be_v call_v a_o roar_a lion_n who_o we_o must_v resist_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v not_o weak_a faith_n which_o be_v able_a to_o grapple_v with_o the_o devil_n therefore_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v grow_v and_o strong_a christian_n 2._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o strong_a opposition_n we_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o world_n reason_n we_o may_v be_v put_v upon_o it_o as_o paul_n to_o fight_v with_o beast_n 32._o such_o manner_n of_o unreasonable_a man_n we_o may_v meet_v withal_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v command_v to_o watch_v and_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o faith_n 13._o to_o quit_v ourselves_o like_o man_n and_o be_v strong_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v give_v v_o 9_o there_o be_v many_o adversary_n we_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_v to_o pray_v with_o the_o psalmist_n 7._o to_o be_v strengthen_v and_o save_v by_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n weak_a faith_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v in_o a_o crowd_n of_o opposition_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o grow_v strong_a in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n 3._o we_o have_v many_o strong_a corruption_n in_o our_o heart_n reason_n which_o weak_a grace_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o mortify_v strong_a passion_n strong_a lust_n and_o how_o shall_v weak_a grace_n be_v able_a to_o grapple_v with_o and_o have_v a_o conquest_n over_o these_o if_o thy_o grace_n be_v weak_a when_o thy_o corruption_n be_v strong_a thou_o will_v be_v miserable_o foil_v by_o thy_o corruption_n therefore_o pray_v for_o strengthen_v and_o assist_v grace_n whereby_o thou_o may_v be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o resist_v but_o to_o subdue_v and_o mortify_v the_o strong_a lust_n and_o passion_n in_o thy_o heart_n another_o ground_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v take_v from_o the_o danger_n if_o you_o grow_v not_o strong_a in_o grace●_n as_o 1._o other_o that_o make_v profession_n of_o religion_n after_o you_o in_o time_n will_v go_v before_o you_o in_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o grace_n so_o it_o be_v say_v 16._o that_o many_o that_o be_v first_o shall_v be_v last_o and_o the_o last_o shall_v be_v first_o those_o who_o be_v first_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v last_o in_o the_o degree_n and_o measure_n of_o grace_n because_o they_o have_v not_o improve_v grace_n to_o a_o further_a increase_n of_o it_o 2._o if_o thou_o do_v not_o grow_v strong_a in_o grace_n thou_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o decay_v regredi_fw-la and_o to_o grow_v weak_a for_o not_o to_o go_v forward_o in_o grace_n be_v to_o go_v backward_o grace_n may_v be_v lose_v in_o some_o degree_n and_o to_o its_o exercise_n and_o comfort_n though_o not_o to_o its_o be_v and_o therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o you_o and_o abound_v 2._o they_o make_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v neither_o be_v barren_a nor_o unfruitful_a intimate_v that_o you_o will_v be_v barren_a if_o you_o do_v not_o add_v grace_n to_o grace_n weak_a thing_n if_o they_o be_v not_o watch_v over_o and_o strengthen_v will_v be_v ready_a to_o die_v 3._o though_o thou_o can_v not_o lose_v the_o be_v of_o thy_o grace_n 3_o yet_o thou_o will_v lose_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o and_o thou_o may_v be_v in_o as_o much_o trouble_n and_o perplexity_n as_o if_o thou_o have_v no_o grace_n at_o all_o it_o be_v true_a weak_a grace_n will_v bring_v thy_o soul_n to_o heaven_n but_o it_o be_v only_o strong_a grace_n which_o will_v bring_v heaven_n into_o thy_o soul_n little_a grace_n be_v like_o a_o little_a mote_n which_o be_v not_o see_v because_o it_o be_v little_a little_a grace_n be_v as_o it_o be_v no_o grace_n as_o that_o man_n in_o the_o gospel_n he_o call_v his_o faith_n unbelief_n 24._o lord_n say_v he_o help_v my_o unbelief_n weakness_n of_o grace_n make_v man_n persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n to_o be_v presumption_n their_o zeal_n to_o be_v lukewarmnesse_n their_o grace_n to_o be_v but_o gift_n and_o as_o here_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v but_o unbelief_n it_o be_v strong_a grace_n which_o give_v gladness_n of_o heart_n and_o hope_v in_o god_n therefore_o say_v jeremy_n my_o strength_n 18._o and_o my_o hope_n be_v perish_v from_o the_o lord_n when_o strength_n in_o grace_n decay_v there_o hope_v &_o comfort_n decay_v also_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n prayer_n in_o the_o inscription_n of_o many_o of_o his_o epistle_n that_o grace_n and_o peace_n may_v be_v multiply_v if_o therefore_o you_o do_v not_o increase_v your_o grace_n you_o will_v neither_o increase_v nor_o keep_v your_o comfort_n he_o that_o lack_v these_o thing_n be_v blind_a say_v the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o he_o can_v see_v afar_o off_o 9_o it_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o a_o total_a lack_n of_o grace_n as_o have_v be_v show_v for_o as_o after_o be_v express_v he_o be_v purge_v from_o his_o old_a sin_n though_o he_o forget_v it_o have_v lose_v the_o sense_n of_o pardon_n for_o want_n of_o add_v grace_n to_o grace_n 4._o weak_a grace_n under_o great_a trial_n will_v expose_v a_o man_n to_o doubt_n and_o fall_v as_o if_o he_o have_v no_o grace_n at_o all_o little_a grace_n will_v keep_v a_o man_n in_o small_a trial_n but_o not_o in_o great_a little_a grace_n as_o to_o the_o strait_a a_o man_n may_v be_v in_o may_v be_v as_o good_a as_o no_o grace_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o disciple_n be_v at_o sea_n 40._o and_o a_o great_a tempest_n arise_v in_o so_o much_o that_o they_o be_v afraid_a that_o which_o in_o matthew_n be_v say_v to_o be_v little_a in_o mark_n be_v say_v to_o be_v no_o faith_n intimate_v that_o as_o to_o that_o particular_a exigency_n and_o straight_o they_o be_v in_o their_o little_a faith_n do_v stand_v they_o in_o no_o more_o stead_n then_o if_o they_o have_v have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o so_o peter_n christ_n call_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 31._o because_o though_o he_o begin_v to_o walk_v upon_o the_o wave_n but_o 〈◊〉_d when_o the_o wind_n grow_v boisterous_a 29._o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d &_o begin_v to_o sink_v peter_n do_v not_o sink_v into_o the_o sea_n before_o his_o faith_n begin_v to_o sink_v in_o his_o soul_n he_o that_o faint_v in_o the_o day_n of_o adversity_n it_o argue_v his_o strength_n be_v small_a 10_o so_o say_v solomon_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o a_o second_o particular_a use_v and_o that_o be_v to_o give_v some_o scripture-note_n of_o that_o man_n who_o be_v grow_v in_o grace_n b●●_n let_v i_o shut_v up_o this_o sermon_n with_o a_o sharp_a and_o just_a reproof_n of_o many_o professor_n in_o our_o time_n who_o go_v from_o one_o ordinance_n to_o another_o and_o yet_o make_v little_a progress_n or_o increase_n in_o religion_n they_o may_v be_v fit_o compare_v to_o a_o company_n of_o ant_n who_o be_v very_o busy_a about_o a_o molehill_n and_o run_v to_o and_o fro_o but_o never_o grow_v great_a even_o so_o we_o have_v many_o christian_n they_o run_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o from_o one_o preacher_n to_o another_o and_o it_o may_v be_v from_o one_o opinion_n to_o another_o but_o never_o grow_v up_o in_o the_o true_a grace_n and_o in_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o i_o shall_v meet_v with_o such_o people_n hereafter_o in_o this_o discourse_n vii_o sermon_n at_o laurence_n jury_n london_n march_n 30._o 1651._o 2_o tim_n 2._o 1._o my_o son_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n observe_v from_o this_o apostolical_a injunction_n to_o timothy_n which_o be_v obligatory_a to_o all_o christian_n that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o believer_n not_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o weak_a measure_n of_o grace_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v doct._n but_o they_o be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o attain_v unto_o great_a strength_n of_o grace_n this_o point_n we_o have_v prove_v both_o by_o scripture-instance_n as_o also_o by_o several_a reason_n now_o i_o proceed_v to_o answer_v this_o
question_n viz._n what_o be_v the_o note_n the_o scripture_n lay_v down_o of_o strong_a and_o grow_v christian_n quest_n we_o be_v to_o know_v there_o be_v mark_n in_o scripture_n both_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n as_o also_o of_o the_o strength_n of_o grace_n and_o these_o must_v not_o be_v confound_v but_o distinct_o consider_v our_o present_a question_n be_v about_o mark_n of_o growth_n in_o grace_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v grow_v in_o grace_n answ_n do_v ordinary_o enjoy_v a_o ground_a assurance_n calvin_n and_o comfortable_a manifestation_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o their_o soul_n so_o st._n john_n say_v perfect_a love_n cast_v out_o fear_n the_o more_o perfect_a love_n be_v the_o less_o of_o torment_a fear_n be_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o fear_n and_o doubt_v be_v for_o want_n of_o love_n we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o great_a love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o our_o soul_n till_o we_o be_v strengthen_v with_o might_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o ind_a man_n which_o you_o will_v see_v in_o the_o apostle_n prayer_n for_o the_o ephesian_n 18._o that_o god_n will_v grant_v unto_o they_o according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n to_o be_v strengthen_v with_o might_n by_o his_o spirit_n that_o christ_n may_v dwell_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v with_o all_o saint_n what_o be_v the_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o depth_n and_o height_n and_o to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o more_o strength_n of_o grace_n be_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o clear_a be_v our_o comprehension_n of_o christ_n love_n to_o the_o soul_n 2._o strong_a and_o grow_v christian_n be_v able_a answ_n experimental_o to_o comfort_v other_o with_o the_o same_o comfort_n 4._o wherewith_o they_o themselves_o be_v comfort_v of_o god_n and_o when_o they_o be_v convert_v they_o be_v able_a to_o strengthen_v their_o brethren_n expound_v as_o christ_n speak●_n to_o peter_n by_o conversion_n in_o that_o place_n be_v not_o mean_v the_o first_o work_n of_o grace_n wronght_n in_o the_o soul_n for_o that_o be_v wrought_v in_o peter_n before_o his_o fall_n but_o the_o meaning_n be_v peter_z when_o thou_o be_v strengthen_v and_o recover_v from_o thy_o fall_n when_o thou_o have_v recover_v strength_n again_o then_o see_v that_o thou_o be_v careful_a to_o strengthen_v other_o who_o perhaps_o may_v fall_v into_o the_o same_o weakness_n with_o thyself_o if_o any_o man_n be_v overtake_v with_o a_o fault_n expound_v say_v paul_n to_o the_o galatian_n you_o that_o be_v spiritual_a restore_v such_o a_o man_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n you_o that_o be_v spiritual_a i.e._n you_o that_o be_v grow_v and_o experience_v christian_n see_v that_o you_o do_v endeavour_n to_o recover_v such_o a_o fall_v brother_n paul_n pray_v for_o the_o philippian_n that_o their_o love_n may_v abound_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o in_o all_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n expowd_v that_o be_v that_o they_o may_v have_v knowledge_n with_o judgement_n and_o experience_n so_o as_o they_o may_v use_v their_o judicious_a knowledge_n in_o love_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o that_o be_v but_o weak_a in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n the_o same_o apostle_n lay_v down_o this_o character_n of_o a_o strong_a christian_a 14._o i_o be_o persuade_v of_o you_o my_o brethren_n that_o you_o be_v full_a of_o goodness_n fill_v with_o all_o knowledge_n able_a also_o to_o admonish_v one_o another_o from_o whence_o we_o may_v gather_v the_o character_n mention_v that_o the_o more_o perfect_a any_o christian_n be_v in_o knowledge_n or_o any_o other_o grace_n the_o more_o able_a he_o be_v to_o admonish_v other_o for_o their_o edification_n grow_v christian_n be_v such_o as_o understand_v answ_n the_o great_a and_o profound_a mystery_n of_o religion_n they_o be_v not_o only_o 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the_o low_a part_n so_o there_o be_v some_o as_o it_o have_v be_v show_v who_o have_v the_o disease_n of_o the_o spiritual_a rickets_o they_o do_v grow_v big_a in_o the_o head_n big_a in_o gift_n and_o yet_o decay_v in_o their_o vital_n decay_n in_o grace_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o 3._o when_o their_o gift_n do_v but_o tend_v to_o the_o promotion_n of_o division_n in_o the_o church_n 3._o and_o pride_n in_o their_o own_o heart_n this_o be_v discover_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 7._o they_o come_v behind_o in_o no_o gift_n but_o see_v what_o he_o say_v in_o verse_n 11._o for_o it_o have_v be_v declare_v unto_o i_o of_o you_o my_o brethren_n by_o they_o which_o be_v of_o the_o bouse_n of_o cloe_n 11._o that_o there_o be_v contention_n among_o you_o and_o then_o in_o vers_n 12._o now_o this_o i_o say_v 12._o that_o everyone_o of_o you_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n i_o of_o apollo_n i_o of_o cephas_n and_o i_o of_o christ_n they_o be_v carnal_a as_o to_o grace_v and_o walk_v 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then_o be_v that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o weak_a thou_o be_v 24._o the_o more_o advantage_n have_v god_n to_o magnify_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n in_o thy_o weakness_n 5._o 1._o comfort_v yourselves_o you_o weak_a christian_n for_o you_o have_v a_o strong_a god_n perfectionem_fw-la in_o the_o lord_n jehoboah_n be_v everlasting_a strength_n your_o god_n be_v able_a to_o keep_v you_o from_o fall_v and_o to_o present_v you_o faultless_a before_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o glory_n with_o exceed_a joy_n he_o be_v able_a through_o his_o almighty_a power_n through_o faith_n to_o keep_v you_o unto_o salvation_n you_o have_v a_o strong_a god_n fear_v not_o his_o power_n will_v be_v magnify_v in_o your_o weakness_n 2._o you_o have_v a_o strong_a saviour_n though_o your_o grace_n be_v weak_a yet_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v they_o to_o the_o uttermost_a that_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o myr._n christ_n be_v the_o 24._o wisdom_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o those_o 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