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their_o faith_n as_o be_v by_o the_o power_n of_o it_o alone_o they_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o all_o blast_n resist_v all_o temptation_n for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a grace_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o creature_n and_o imperfect_a too_o and_o therefore_o in_o sense_n and_o distrust_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n we_o have_v need_v to_o cry_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v shield_v we_o with_o his_o grace_n and_o support_n both_o we_o and_o our_o faith_n by_o his_o power_n last_o it_o follow_v hence_o use_v 6_o that_o faith_n do_v not_o justify_v by_o any_o valour_n virtue_n dignity_n of_o its_o own_o neither_o as_o a_o habit_n or_o quality_n nor_o as_o a_o work_n but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n or_o instrument_n of_o obtain_v that_o for_o which_o we_o be_v justify_v it_o be_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o faith_n dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n nor_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v as_o the_o noveller_n teach_v but_o the_o thing_n hold_v and_o possess_v by_o believe_v which_o be_v 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of_o god_n 2._o faith_n believe_v god_n upon_o his_o bare_a word_n if_o god_n have_v reveal_v or_o promise_v this_o or_o that_o though_o all_o the_o world_n say_v it_o can_v be_v though_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v how_o or_o why_o it_o shall_v be_v though_o many_o reason_n appear_v why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v believe_v none_o at_o all_o why_o it_o shall_v but_o this_o that_o god_n have_v speak_v faith_n will_v still_o all_o contrary_a surmise_n and_o subscribe_v to_o god_n testimony_n as_o more_o stable_n and_o steadfast_a than_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n thus_o faith_n high_o honour_v god_n truth_n 3._o faith_n proclaim_v god_n to_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o believe_v that_o though_o a_o thousand_o difficulty_n stand_v in_o the_o way_n the_o overcome_a of_o which_o flesh_n and_o blood_n judge_v not_o only_o a_o thing_n improbable_a but_o impossible_a it_o be_v as_o sure_a as_o if_o it_o be_v do_v already_o 21._o rom._n 4.20_o 21._o thus_o it_o give_v glory_n to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 4._o faith_n cause_v a_o man_n deny_v and_o renounce_v his_o own_o judgement_n wisdom_n will_n as_o foolishness_n to_o bless_v god_n as_o well_o when_o he_o deny_v or_o take_v away_o as_o when_o he_o give_v as_o well_o for_o the_o worst_a as_o the_o best_a and_o to_o rest_v persuade_v that_o the_o worst_a estate_n be_v the_o best_a for_o he_o when_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o that_o poverty_n be_v better_a than_o abundance_n when_o god_n will_v have_v he_o poor_a restraint_n than_o liberty_n when_o god_n will_v have_v he_o restrain_v etc._n etc._n that_o it_o be_v great_a gain_n to_o lose_v all_o thing_n for_o christ_n that_o god_n love_v in_o smite_v heal_v by_o wound_v exalt_v by_o humble_v through_o the_o gate_n of_o death_n bring_v unto_o life_n thus_o faith_n extol_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n 5._o faith_n make_v man_n justify_v god_n in_o all_o his_o decree_n judgement_n deal_n subscribe_v to_o the_o equity_n of_o they_o all_o even_o when_o he_o conceive_v not_o of_o they_o adore_v the_o unsearchableness_n of_o they_o reverent_o submit_v unto_o they_o yea_o when_o they_o thwart_v his_o desire_n pronounce_v approve_v all_o his_o way_n to_o be_v pure_a and_o righteous_a when_o he_o neither_o see_v nor_o ask_v any_o reason_n thereof_o but_o god_n will_n be_v not_o this_o a_o great_a honour_n which_o faith_n give_v to_o god_n righteousness_n 6._o it_o behold_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a every_o where_o present_a persuade_v that_o he_o see_v and_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o so_o glorifi_v he_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o omnipresence_n in_o a_o word_n that_o i_o be_v not_o too_o long_o in_o multiply_a particular_n faith_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v give_v unto_o god_n his_o whole_a divinity_n and_o of_o all_o grace_n most_o sanctify_v his_o name_n by_o acknowledge_v and_o confirm_v as_o it_o be_v by_o seal_n all_o those_o excellent_a property_n and_o perfection_n which_o the_o scripture_n ascribe_v to_o he_o indeed_o other_o grace_n also_o as_o love_v fear_v joy_n and_o the_o rest_n do_v honour_n god_n nor_o do_v i_o mean_v to_o rob_v they_o of_o their_o due_a praise_n but_o neither_o primary_o for_o the_o cause_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o honour_n be_v in_o faith_n nor_o yet_o in_o such_o ample_a and_o full_a manner_n as_o faith_n see_v then_o nothing_o be_v so_o glorious_a to_o god_n as_o faith_n and_o consequent_o the_o more_o faith_n any_o man_n have_v the_o more_o he_o glorify_v god_n do_v it_o not_o stand_v every_o christian_a in_o hand_n above_o all_o grace_n to_o labour_n for_o perfection_n of_o faith_n second_o reason_n 2_o no_o grace_n be_v more_o useful_a more_o profitable_a to_o man_n than_o faith_n whether_o we_o consider_v life_n spiritual_a or_o natural_a for_o spiritual_a life_n 1._o faith_n espouse_v and_o conjoyn_v man_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o who_o he_o find_v and_o obtain_v the_o dignity_n or_o prerogative_n of_o sonship_n and_o justification_n of_o life_n which_o thing_n the_o better_o they_o be_v know_v the_o more_o they_o be_v feel_v and_o seal_v up_o in_o the_o soul_n by_o believe_v the_o more_o be_v the_o heart_n refresh_v with_o unspeakable_a comfort_n 2._o faith_n purify_v and_o sanctifi_v because_o 1._o be_v a_o gift_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a nature_n descend_v from_o above_o it_o will_v oppose_v and_o fight_v against_o corruption_n as_o light_n expel_v darkness_n heat_n cold_a and_o antidote_n poison_n 2._o laying_z hold_v on_o christ_n it_o draw_v and_o derive_v from_o he_o the_o fountain_n virtue_n and_o power_n whereby_o corruption_n be_v master_v and_o mortify_v as_o a_o leaden_a pipe_n bring_v water_n from_o the_o spring_n wherein_o vessel_n be_v wash_v and_o cleanse_v 3._o faith_n be_v the_o mother_n and_o root_n of_o all_o other_o holy_a grace_n in_o a_o christian_a and_o therefore_o as_o faith_n increase_v the_o rest_n will_v increase_v the_o more_o perfect_a that_o faith_n grow_v the_o near_a the_o persection_n be_v the_o whole_a cluster_n of_o heavenly_a gift_n in_o the_o child_n of_o god_n the_o more_o a_o man_n know_v and_o believe_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o he_o the_o more_o fervent_o he_o will_v love_v god_n the_o more_o reverent_o he_o will_v fear_v he_o burn_v with_o zeal_n of_o his_o glory_n patient_o hope_v earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v with_o he_o in_o heaven_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n 3._o faith_n strengthen_v 1._o to_o obey_v god_n in_o lead_v a_o holy_a life_n in_o perform_v all_o duty_n and_o do_v all_o the_o good_a work_n he_o require_v of_o his_o people_n so_o as_o they_o may_v please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n 2._o to_o fight_v against_o and_o foil_v all_o spiritual_a enmity_n faith_n make_v a_o poor_a soul_n able_a to_o resist_v the_o devil_n
fall_v i_o can_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n therefore_o these_o outward_a duty_n be_v not_o needful_a for_o i_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n will_v make_v no_o such_o conclusion_n it_o be_v the_o devil_n logic_n not_o god_n which_o teach_v to_o reason_n from_o the_o certainty_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o the_o neglect_n of_o our_o own_o duty_n thus_o of_o the_o former_a instruction_n our_o second_o lesson_n from_o the_o same_o ground_n be_v that_o godly_a man_n prayer_n promote_v the_o salvation_n of_o other_o the_o hearty_a supplication_n of_o the_o faithful_a put_v up_o unto_o god_n for_o their_o brethren_n be_v good_a mean_n further_a and_o help_v forward_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o brethren_n if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o our_o saviour_n will_v not_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v that_o god_n kingdom_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n may_v come_v to_o other_o as_o well_o as_o ourselves_o that_o other_o as_o well_o as_o ourselves_o may_v know_v and_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n sincere_o cheerful_o constant_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o have_v say_v i_o know_v this_o shall_v turn_v to_o my_o salvation_n through_o your_o prayer_n my_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o israel_n be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v the_o lord_n grant_v that_o he_o may_v find_v mercy_n in_o that_o day_n if_o a_o man_n see_v his_o brother_n sin_n a_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o unto_o death_n he_o shall_v ask_v and_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o life_n for_o they_o that_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n for_o sometime_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o godly_a obtain_v for_o other_o the_o beginning_n of_o actual_a salvation_n that_o be_v conversion_n as_o our_o saviour_n prayer_n for_o the_o jew_n who_o crucify_v he_o take_v effect_v when_o so_o many_o of_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n by_o peter_n first_o sermon_n and_o stevens_n when_o paul_n be_v convert_v therefore_o the_o apostle_n will_v christian_n to_o pray_v that_o heathenish_a magistrate_n may_v be_v turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n sometime_o the_o progress_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o continuance_n and_o increase_n of_o all_o consequent_a blessing_n and_o gift_n which_o be_v preparative_n forerunner_n certain_a prognostic_n of_o perfect_a salvation_n as_o full_a assurance_n comfort_n in_o affliction_n spiritual_a establishment_n and_o the_o like_a yet_o here_o we_o must_v know_v that_o we_o may_v right_o and_o sound_o understand_v the_o point_n that_o prayer_n be_v not_o a_o cause_n move_v god_n to_o save_v those_o who_o before_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o save_v or_o make_v he_o more_o willing_a to_o save_v such_o who_o salvation_n he_o former_o will_v for_o divinity_n teach_v that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n admit_v not_o intention_n or_o remission_n but_o a_o condition_n command_v and_o require_v in_o we_o which_o be_v fulfil_v by_o we_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v to_o show_v and_o shed_v abroad_o upon_o other_o that_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v purpose_v before_o all_o time_n to_o bestow_v upon_o they_o the_o which_o doctrine_n serve_v first_o to_o teach_v we_o what_o be_v the_o best_a office_n and_o great_a good_a turn_n we_o can_v do_v to_o any_o who_o we_o love_v or_o who_o kindness_n we_o desire_v to_o recompense_v as_o faithful_a friend_n bountiful_a benefactor_n kind_a parent_n dutiful_a child_n love_a yoke-fellow_n lend_v they_o many_o hearty_a prayer_n entreat_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o this_o present_a evil_a world_n their_o eye_n enlighten_v their_o sin_n pardon_v their_o heart_n purge_v their_o foot_n guide_v in_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n beg_v these_o thing_n for_o they_o if_o thou_o prevaile_v in_o thy_o suit_n thou_o have_v do_v more_o for_o they_o than_o if_o thou_o have_v make_v they_o lord_n of_o all_o that_o the_o iberian_a nimrod_n do_v either_o possess_v or_o desire_v all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n oh_o the_o dignity_n utility_n riches_n of_o prayer_n a_o good_a man_n by_o prayer_n may_v do_v that_o for_o his_o friend_n which_o all_o the_o wealth_n and_o power_n of_o the_o world_n can_v do_v the_o poor_a christian_n on_o who_o god_n have_v pour_v the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n may_v be_v very_o profitable_a to_o the_o rich_a help_v he_o to_o that_o which_o all_o his_o store_n can_v purchase_v for_o by_o the_o heaven-piercing_a prayer_n which_o ascend_v daily_o from_o the_o altar_n of_o a_o pure_a heart_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o his_o soul_n he_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n of_o receive_v he_o into_o everlasting_a habitation_n that_o be_v of_o save_v his_o soul_n second_o hence_o we_o must_v be_v stir_v up_o 1._o in_o our_o daily_a petition_n not_o only_o to_o speak_v for_o ourselves_o but_o to_o remember_v also_o the_o whole_a community_n of_o they_o that_o belong_v to_o god_n wheresoever_o scatter_v it_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n in_o christian_n not_o only_o to_o omit_v this_o duty_n altogether_o but_o to_o make_v it_o as_o too_o many_o do_v a_o mere_a matter_n of_o form_n indeed_o our_o wicked_a heart_n out_o of_o sloth_n or_o unbelief_n will_v be_v too_o ready_a to_o say_v alas_o wherein_o can_v our_o prayer_n be_v profitable_a to_o they_o who_o face_n and_o case_n be_v unknown_a to_o we_o but_o answer_v they_o from_o this_o doctrine_n our_o prayer_n may_v advance_v the_o business_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o like_o a_o prosperous_a wind_n facilitate_v their_o course_n or_o set_v themsorward_o with_o happy_a speed_n towards_o the_o celestial_a paradise_n how_o be_v we_o friend_n of_o god_n people_n if_o we_o deny_v our_o help_a hand_n to_o procure_v they_o such_o a_o benefit_n as_o be_v the_o further_a of_o their_o best_a preferment_n 2._o to_o crave_v the_o prayer_n of_o our_o christian_a brethren_n we_o must_v light_o esteem_v the_o intercession_n of_o our_o godly_a and_o religious_a friend_n nor_o think_v it_o a_o idle_a thing_n much_o less_o condemn_v it_o for_o a_o puritanical_a form_n of_o speech_n to_o say_v when_o we_o speak_v or_o write_v to_o they_o i_o pray_v help_v i_o with_o your_o prayer_n for_o the_o mean_a of_o believer_n have_v receive_v the_o cry_a spirit_n of_o adoption_n may_v be_v a_o mean_a or_o instrnment_n of_o our_o great_a good_a by_o speak_v to_o our_o common_a father_n in_o our_o behalf_n last_o use_v 3_o this_o instruction_n breathe_v out_o consolation_n to_o such_o poor_a soul_n who_o because_o they_o feel_v great_a weakness_n in_o themselves_o and_o live_v in_o place_n where_o spiritual_a mean_n be_v scarce_o and_o slender_a be_v discourage_v and_o almost_o despair_v of_o attain_v salvation_n let_v such_o know_v for_o their_o comfort_n that_o they_o have_v part_n in_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o saint_n in_o all_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v ready_a every_o day_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n to_o speak_v good_a for_o they_o before_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o these_o prayer_n can_v be_v vain_a and_o ineffectual_a but_o shall_v like_o the_o shoulder_n of_o the_o palsiemans_n friend_n in_o the_o gospel_n bear_v they_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v strengthen_v and_o heal_v of_o their_o infirmity_n support_v and_o carry_v they_o along_o in_o their_o pilgrimage_n and_o minister_v unto_o they_o abundant_a entrance_n into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o three_o point_n now_o follow_v v._o the_o person_n for_o who_o these_o minister_n pray_v thus_o constant_o for_o you_o say_v the_o text_n that_o be_v for_o the_o thessalonian_o who_o at_o this_o time_n be_v under_o persecution_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o four_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n where_o the_o apostle_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v glorify_v of_o they_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n because_o of_o their_o patience_n and_o faith_n in_o all_o their_o persecutious_a and_o tribulation_n which_o they_o do_v suffer_v whence_o observe_v we_o doctrine_n that_o christian_n in_o their_o prayer_n must_v remember_v their_o afflict_a brethren_n as_o we_o must_v not_o forget_v to_o intercede_v and_o call_v upon_o god_n for_o all_o his_o disperse_a israel_n call_v uncalled_a so_o in_o special_a sort_n we_o shall_v be_v mindful_a of_o they_o that_o travel_n under_o tribulation_n and_o suffer_v with_o christ_n or_o for_o christ_n this_o duty_n be_v include_v in_o that_o general_a precept_n remember_v they_o that_o be_v in_o bond_n the_o practice_n of_o it_o occur_v often_o in_o scripture_n the_o sweet_a psalmist_n sing_v redeem_v israel_n o_o god_n ont_fw-fr of_o all_o his_o trouble_n that_o thy_o belove_a may_v be_v deliver_v save_v with_o thy_o right_a hand_n and_o hear_v i_o how_o often_o do_v the_o faithful_a in_o the_o psalm_n complain_v to_o god_n of_o the_o church_n distress_n and_o petition_n for_o redress_n 80._o psal_n 74.79_o 80._o daniel_n and_o nehemiah_n
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child_n gradual_o by_o little_a and_o little_a that_o he_o may_v lead_v they_o to_o a_o more_o distinct_a and_o punctual_a notice-taking_a of_o all_o his_o grace_n in_o themselves_o and_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o worker_n that_o be_v the_o sundry_a wonderful_a way_n and_o passage_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o administration_n in_o the_o perfect_a of_o they_o whence_o they_o gather_v much_o sweet_a experimental_a knowledge_n that_o he_o may_v give_v occasion_n more_o full_o to_o observe_v deep_o ponder_v and_o high_o praise_v his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n which_o shine_v forth_o more_o conspicuous_a and_o illustrious_a in_o his_o make_v a_o small_a grain_n of_o grace_n to_o prevail_v against_o a_o world_n of_o corruption_n and_o bring_v they_o through_o so_o many_o weakness_n battle_n sea_n of_o trouble_n and_o temptation_n fall_n and_o foil_n every_o of_o they_o threaten_a death_n to_o complete_a holiness_n and_o happiness_n than_o if_o he_o have_v make_v they_o perfect_a at_o 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that_o we_o may_v know_v and_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n acknowledge_v ourselves_o to_o be_v beggar_n depend_v upon_o he_o for_o a_o continual_a subministration_n of_o new_a grace_n learn_v better_o to_o husband_n and_o improve_v that_o little_a which_o he_o have_v put_v into_o our_o hand_n first_o use_v 1_o this_o doctrine_n confute_v all_o those_o that_o dream_n of_o perfection_n attainable_a in_o a_o short_a moment_n as_o 1._o papist_n teach_v that_o in_o baptism_n the_o soul_n be_v make_v inherent_o as_o pure_a spotless_a glorious_a as_o the_o sun_n and_o grace_v infuse_v by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v make_v able_a to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n alas_o no_o marvel_n man_n roave_fw-it strange_o speak_v absurd_o and_o ignorant_o of_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o save_a working_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o they_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o themselves_o 2._o familist_n and_o such_o like_a fanatic_n who_o boast_v of_o such_o a_o fullness_n of_o holiness_n that_o they_o need_v no_o further_o purge_v ging_n who_o if_o their_o confident_a affirmation_n may_v be_v believe_v have_v so_o much_o joy_n that_o they_o need_v or_o desire_v no_o more_o in_o heaven_n brag_v that_o they_o be_v pass_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o heart_n deceitfulness_n never_o crave_v pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o deride_o tell_v they_o that_o do_v they_o have_v their_o pardon_n on_o their_o back_n acknowledge_v no_o use_n of_o the_o law_n after_o justification_n feel_v no_o need_n of_o preach_v prayer_n sabbath_n use_v these_o thing_n rather_o lest_o they_o shall_v give_v offence_n than_o for_o any_o necessity_n profess_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n this_o to_o be_v their_o opinion_n that_o the_o new_a man_n may_v be_v so_o strong_a as_o it_o shall_v not_o need_v any_o mean_n and_o to_o this_o height_n they_o be_v mount_v in_o a_o few_o month_n i_o may_v true_o say_v day_n even_o by_o hear_v one_o or_o two_o sermon_n well_o we_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n if_o we_o be_v wise_a to_o persuade_v we_o to_o stop_v our_o ear_n against_o such_o erroneous_a spirit_n but_o this_o that_o they_o boast_v of_o and_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o the_o possession_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o paul_n the_o great_a of_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o attain_v many_o year_n after_o his_o conversion_n not_o many_o before_o his_o death_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o complaint_n to_o the_o roman_n his_o confession_n to_o the_o philippian_n second_o this_o must_v comfort_v and_o stay_v those_o righteous_a soul_n who_o be_v much_o deject_v because_o they_o find_v much_o corruption_n and_o great_a want_n of_o grace_n in_o themselves_o i_o forbid_v they_o not_o to_o deplore_v and_o grieve_v for_o their_o spiritual_a defect_n not_o to_o seek_v to_o the_o fountain_n for_o supply_v and_o perfect_a his_o work_n in_o they_o only_o i_o exhort_v they_o not_o to_o be_v dismay_v nor_o to_o conclude_v they_o have_v no_o grace_n because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o measure_n they_o desire_v thy_o case_n be_v the_o common_a case_n of_o all_o the_o godly_a not_o one_o of_o they_o but_o have_v his_o want_n to_o complain_v of_o not_o one_o of_o they_o but_o feel_v in_o himself_o much_o emptiness_n great_a weakness_n of_o holiness_n much_o ignorance_n vanity_n unbelief_n hardness_n deadness_n inordinacy_n of_o affection_n nay_o evil_a motion_n and_o inclination_n yea_o the_o better_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o he_o discern_v and_o groan_v under_o these_o thing_n and_o confess_v himself_o far_o short_a of_o perfect_a fullness_n look_v not_o the_o lord_n shall_v deal_v otherwise_o with_o thou_o than_o with_o all_o the_o son_n he_o bring_v to_o glory_n be_v content_a therefore_o first_o to_o be_v a_o babe_n in_o christ_n for_o so_o thou_o must_v before_o thou_o can_v be_v a_o tall_a man_n be_v content_a that_o the_o seed_n of_o grace_n do_v first_o poor_o peep_v up_o and_o sprout_v in_o the_o mould_n of_o thy_o heart_n which_o in_o time_n will_v grow_v to_o be_v great_a herb_n and_o fill_v the_o whole_a garden_n if_o thou_o be_v recover_v of_o a_o great_a sickness_n though_o health_n shall_v return_v very_o slow_o will_v thou_o not_o be_v glad_a and_o praise_v the_o author_n of_o life_n do_v here_o in_o like_a manner_n rejoice_v and_o bless_v god_n that_o thou_o be_v beget_v again_o and_o come_v into_o the_o new_a world_n of_o new_a creature_n though_o thou_o want_v much_o of_o that_o strength_n which_o some_o have_v attain_v the_o three_o instruction_n be_v doct_v 3_o christian_n shall_v desire_n a_o full_a measure_n of_o all_o grace_n or_o spiritual_a gift_n that_o which_o paul_n beg_v for_o his_o thessalonian_o every_o believer_n ought_v to_o desire_v for_o himself_o but_o paul_n desire_v that_o god_n will_v accomplish_v in_o they_o all_o good_a thing_n needful_a for_o their_o salvation_n this_o be_v further_a confirm_v in_o those_o place_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n pray_v or_o testify_v that_o he_o pray_v for_o they_o to_o who_o he_o write_v etc._n ephes_n 3.19_o etc._n etc._n that_o they_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o all_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n abound_v more_o and_o more_o in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o all_o judgement_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n yea_o with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n make_v perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n to_o do_v his_o will_n those_o place_n also_o which_o exhort_v to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v you_o perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a be_v you_o fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o such_o like_a and_o good_a reason_n for_o first_o reas_n 1_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a fullness_n attainable_a in_o this_o life_n which_o appear_v because_o 1._o god_n have_v promise_v to_o replenish_v and_o satiate_v the_o hungry_a soul_n to_o pour_v his_o spirit_n abundant_o on_o his_o people_n to_o fill_v the_o earth_n with_o
shall_v in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v if_o therefore_o we_o know_v but_o imperfect_o we_o must_v needs_o trust_v imperfect_o experience_n in_o ourselves_o and_o other_o christian_n may_v partly_o teach_v we_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o consequence_n do_v we_o not_o perceive_v this_o to_o be_v or_o have_v be_v one_o special_a cause_n of_o the_o fail_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o either_o we_o know_v not_o this_o or_o that_o promise_n or_o be_v not_o sufficient_o acquaint_v with_o the_o faithfulness_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o promiser_n or_o do_v not_o so_o evident_o behold_v the_o good_a thing_n god_n have_v begin_v in_o we_o as_o from_o they_o we_o can_v conclude_v ourselves_o to_o be_v heir_n of_o the_o promise_n second_o there_o be_v many_o enemy_n which_o oppugn_v a_o christian_n faith_n from_o without_o satan_n by_o his_o temptation_n sometime_o more_o subtle_a sometime_o more_o violent_a in_o his_o own_o bosom_n carnal_a wisdom_n and_o reason_n natural_a slowness_n or_o 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at_o home_n who_o hold_v that_o a_o man_n never_o doubt_v after_o he_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n it_o seem_v these_o man_n think_v faith_n to_o be_v like_o certain_a little_a bone_n in_o man_n head_n of_o which_o the_o doctor_n of_o nature_n write_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o bigness_n in_o a_o old_a man_n and_o in_o a_o child_n 3._o our_o common_a people_n and_o silly_a ignorant_o who_o brag_v their_o belief_n be_v so_o strong_a as_o nothing_o can_v shake_v it_o no_o company_n can_v hurt_v no_o devil_n prevail_v against_o they_o they_o never_o sound_v in_o themselves_o any_o want_n or_o weakness_n of_o faith_n they_o never_o disinherit_v god_n in_o all_o their_o life_n they_o can_v believe_v as_o steadfast_o as_o they_o lift_v from_o their_o own_o word_n their_o faith_n be_v evince_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o idle_a sancy_n for_o the_o child_n of_o god_n seel_v such_o craziness_n in_o his_o faith_n as_o wring_n from_o he_o many_o deep_a sigh_n bitter_a cry_n dolorous_a complaint_n before_o his_o heavenly_a father_n who_o see_v in_o secret_a he_o who_o never_o groan_v under_o sense_n and_o conscience_n of_o great_a infidelity_n be_v yet_o in_o the_o state_n of_o infidelity_n and_o death_n and_o have_v no_o more_o true_a faith_n than_o the_o devil_n but_o be_v it_o possible_a may_n some_o say_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o deceive_v and_o mistake_v object_n as_o to_o persuade_v himself_o he_o be_v rich_a in_o faith_n when_o he_o have_v none_o at_o all_o i_o answer_v answ_o yes_o very_o easy_o for_o 1._o the_o heart_n be_v natural_o very_o full_a of_o strong_a presumption_n which_o these_o man_n because_o of_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o not_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v from_o say_v do_v therefore_o take_v and_o rest_n in_o the_o one_o instead_o of_o the_o other_o 2._o be_v full_a of_o darkness_n destitute_a of_o spiritual_a light_n they_o see_v not_o that_o mighty_a mass_n that_o sink_v that_o sea_n of_o unbelief_n which_o be_v in_o they_o they_o know_v not_o what_o infidelity_n be_v nor_o what_o be_v the_o proper_a symptom_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v continual_o stir_v yea_o rule_v in_o they_o and_o break_v out_o so_o as_o other_o may_v discern_v it_o yet_o they_o see_v it_o not_o themselves_o because_o they_o know_v not_o themselves_o nor_o what_o be_v in_o they_o as_o one_o bodily_a blind_a or_o go_v into_o a_o dark_a night_n without_o a_o candle_n into_o a_o room_n can_v discern_v what_o filth_n and_o baggage_n be_v â—n_v it_o 3._o all_o unconvert_v be_v in_o a_o deep_a and_o deadly_a sleep_n for_o repentance_n be_v call_v awake_v therefore_o we_o need_v not_o think_v it_o strange_a or_o impossible_a they_o shall_v dream_v of_o great_a riches_n when_o they_o have_v nothing_o of_o eat_v and_o drink_v while_o their_o soul_n be_v empty_a 4._o the_o devil_n will_v do_v his_o best_a to_o keep_v such_o from_o doubt_v for_o fear_v of_o lose_v they_o for_o well_o he_o know_v that_o to_o doubt_v one_o have_v go_v wrong_a be_v a_o step_n to_o return_v and_o to_o fear_v one_o heart_n be_v faithless_a and_o graceless_a a_o step_n to_o believe_v second_o let_v the_o child_n of_o god_n take_v heed_n of_o number_v himself_o among_o unbeliever_n and_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v void_a of_o faith_n because_o sometime_o he_o find_v his_o heart_n tremble_v and_o shake_v with_o doubt_n and_o fear_n indeed_o satan_n will_v encounter_v a_o christian_a with_o this_o sophistry_n thou_o have_v experience_n oâ—_n much_o waver_v thou_o be_v not_o steadfast_a and_o root_v in_o faith_n therefore_o thou_o be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o faith_n but_o we_o must_v answer_n the_o tempter_n bold_o if_o this_o reason_n be_v good_a all_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o just_a must_v be_v condemn_v none_o of_o which_o be_v exempt_v and_o privilege_v from_o know_v weakness_n and_o fail_n of_o faith_n if_o it_o be_v object_v object_n christ_n pray_v for_o every_o believer_n as_o well_o as_o for_o peter_n that_o his_o faith_n shall_v not_o fail_v i_o answer_n sol_o faith_n may_v be_v say_v to_o fail_v either_o in_o regard_n of_o habit_n when_o it_o be_v utter_o lose_v and_o extinguish_v and_o this_o fail_n do_v not_o shall_v not_o befall_v a_o true_a believer_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n prayer_n and_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o it_o or_o in_o regard_n of_o act_n and_o operation_n when_o in_o time_n of_o danger_n some_o grievous_a fall_n or_o temptation_n it_o faint_v swoun_v work_v not_o or_o but_o very_o weak_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n and_o manner_n the_o best_a man_n faith_n may_v fail_v as_o peter_n do_v for_o his_o denial_n proceed_v from_o such_o a_o cause_n as_o strength_n or_o lively_a powerful_a work_v of_o faith_n expel_v viz._n predominancy_n of_o carnal_a fear_n neither_o do_v our_o lord_n jesus_n pray_v that_o his_o elect_a might_n be_v preserve_v from_o it_o if_o it_o be_v object_v again_o object_n abraham_n believe_v without_o stagger_v i_o answer_v 1._o true_o sol_fw-mi when_o god_n promise_v isaac_n but_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o he_o never_o at_o any_o time_n stagger_v 2._o this_o example_n teach_v what_o a_o strong_a faith_n ordinary_o can_v do_v and_o what_o every_o christian_a shall_v labour_v to_o do_v but_o not_o that_o every_o one_o who_o reach_v not_o abraham_n measure_n be_v a_o hypocrite_n i_o speak_v this_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o true_a believer_n not_o to_o nuzzle_v up_o any_o in_o their_o doubt_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v hence_o take_v occasion_n to_o please_v himself_o in_o a_o float_a uncertainty_n hang_v between_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o neglect_v to_o try_v or_o labour_n for_o more_o strength_n of_o faith_n because_o he_o hear_v the_o best_a faith_n have_v weakness_n he_o pervert_v and_o wrest_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o his_o own_o destruction_n but_o may_n some_o man_n say_v see_v a_o good_a christian_a may_v be_v trouble_v quest_n and_o toss_v with_o doubt_n shall_v not_o i_o conclude_v i_o be_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o in_o a_o happy_a case_n if_o i_o feel_v doubt_n take_v heed_n of_o this_o deceit_n answ_n a_o right_a believer_n may_v doubt_v and_o he_o may_v doubt_v that_o never_o be_v believer_n the_o difference_n between_o they_o be_v this_o first_o the_o doubt_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n touch_v his_o salvation_n be_v cause_v or_o confirm_v by_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o god_n word_n right_o divide_v and_o apply_v discover_v his_o unsoundness_n and_o so_o convince_a his_o conscience_n that_o its_o force_a to_o give_v sentence_n against_o he_o and_o roundly_o to_o tell_v he_o he_o be_v not_o qualifr_v like_o one_o that_o shall_v inherit_v the_o promise_n and_o enjoy_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n they_o come_v not_o from_o satan_n ordinary_o for_o his_o