neither_o be_v preven_v nor_o oblige_v by_o any_o thing_n in_o or_o for_o we_o be_v a_o pillar-truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n rom._n 9_o 16._o it_o be_v not_o of_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o of_o he_o that_o run_v etc._n etc._n so_o far_o as_o we_o detract_v from_o god_n sovereignty_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o convert_v and_o save_v grace_n we_o so_o far_o make_v god_n a_o debtor_n to_o the_o creature_n before_o he_o make_v himself_o so_o by_o a_o free_a promise_n 2._o that_o all_o which_o parent_n can_v do_v for_o their_o child_n in_o attendance_n to_o the_o precept_n viz._n in_o bring_v they_o up_o for_o god_n instruct_v they_o in_o his_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n exercise_v their_o authority_n in_o keep_v they_o in_o from_o lewd_a course_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o visible_a attendance_n on_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o their_o duty_n and_o be_v in_o no_o way_n to_o be_v count_v meritorious_a luk._n 17._o 10._o hence_o for_o their_o own_o soul_n safety_n they_o must_v do_v it_o except_o they_o will_v hazard_v the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o it_o outdo_v the_o power_n of_o moral-mean_n and_o endeavour_n though_o never_o so_o sincere_o use_v to_o plant_v or_o infuse_v grace_n into_o any_o soul_n the_o work_n of_o conversion_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n only_o joh._n 1._o 13._o if_o good_a man_n can_v will_n can_v pray_v can_v labour_v faith_n into_o any_o according_a to_o their_o desire_n their_o will_v none_o of_o their_o child_n none_o of_o their_o servant_n none_o of_o their_o neighbour_n none_o in_o the_o world_n perish_v 4._o that_o divine_a faith_n be_v not_o only_o a_o confidence_n but_o a_o ground_a confidence_n the_o rule_n do_v not_o only_o command_v and_o bind_v we_o to_o believe_v but_o it_o also_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o hold_v of_o faith_n be_v the_o promise_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o any_o thing_n no_o further_o than_o that_o go_v faith_n must_v have_v a_o clear_a word_n for_o its_o trust_n else_o it_o be_v but_o vain_a all_o our_o plea_n be_v in_o the_o covenant-promise_a and_o if_o we_o can_v find_v that_o we_o look_v for_o there_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o build_v upon_o but_o be_v at_o uncertainty_n 5._o that_o believer_n have_v no_o absolute_a and_o illimited_a promise_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o all_o their_o child_n or_o this_o or_o that_o child_n shall_v be_v save_v no_o nor_o limit_v neither_o to_o their_o care_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o if_o they_o do_v their_o best_a he_o will_v infallible_o add_v save_v grace_n this_o will_v appear_v by_o two_o argument_n 1._o because_o god_n be_v faithful_a to_o every_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v he_o be_v a_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v or_o repent_v i_o know_v godly_a parent_n may_v be_v remiss_a but_o they_o be_v not_o always_o so_o and_o yet_o have_v have_v their_o child_n who_o god_n have_v reject_v abraham_n his_o ishmael_n isaac_n his_o esau_n david_n his_o ahsolom_n and_o adonijah_n eli_n his_o hophni_n and_o phinehas_n now_o of_o abraham_n we_o read_v that_o he_o be_v trusty_a and_o faithful_a in_o teach_v his_o child_n gen._n 18._o 19_o and_o therefore_o he_o instruct_v and_o discipline_v ishmael_n he_o circumcise_v he_o and_o pray_v earnest_o for_o he_o 2._o because_o the_o faithful_a people_n of_o god_n have_v themselves_o thus_o interpret_v the_o promise_n they_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v upon_o supposition_n &_o to_o carry_v a_o condition_n in_o it_o eminent_a for_o this_o be_v the_o forementioned_a instance_n of_o david_n that_o he_o thus_o understand_v it_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o by_o that_o forecited_a warning_n which_o he_o give_v to_o solomon_n 1_o chron._n 28._o 9_o but_o also_o by_o that_o knowledgment_n which_o he_o make_v of_o it_o to_o god_n himself_o psal_n 132._o 11_o 12._o object_n but_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o god_n make_v a_o absolute_a promise_n to_o david_n that_o he_o will_v establish_v his_o covenant_n with_o his_o seed_n and_o not_o violate_v it_o psal_n 89._o 28_o 29._o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o in_o that_o place_n david_n represent_v or_o typifyes_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o his_o child_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v only_o those_o that_o be_v give_v to_o christ_n of_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n concern_v who_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o shall_v obtain_v salvation_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v his._n but_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o subject_n of_o the_o visible_a covenant_n who_o have_v no_o right_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n que._n but_o you_o will_v say_v then_o what_o encouragement_n be_v there_o for_o parent_n to_o pray_v for_o to_o instruct_v and_o take_v pain_n with_o their_o child_n and_o give_v they_o up_o to_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n if_o they_o can_v do_v all_o this_o in_o faith_n what_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v of_o sin_n ans_fw-fr there_o be_v other_o way_n for_o faith_n to_o act_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n beside_o this_o particular_a confident_a persuasion_n of_o this_o fruit_n and_o effect_n consider_v then_o 1._o that_o faith_n be_v to_o eye_n the_o precept_n as_o well_o as_o the_o promise_n faith_n be_v to_o influence_n our_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o our_o assurance_n faith_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v this_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o perform_v because_o god_n command_v it_o and_o be_v hereby_o animate_v to_o our_o duty_n this_o be_v obedience_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o sow_v our_o seed_n in_o the_o morning_n etc._n etc._n although_o we_o know_v not_o which_o shall_v prosper_v this_o or_o that_o because_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n 2._o that_o a_o believer_n be_v to_o be_v engage_v to_o his_o duty_n not_o only_o by_o a_o promise_n but_o also_o by_o the_o precept_n it_o be_v true_a the_o promise_n be_v our_o encouragement_n but_o the_o precept_n be_v our_o rule_n in_o submission_n to_o the_o command_n therefore_o he_o be_v to_o go_v about_o his_o work_n and_o to_o leave_v the_o success_n of_o it_o to_o divine_a dispose_n and_o so_o do_v he_o perform_v his_o duty_n in_o faith_n and_o he_o that_o be_v not_o act_v by_o this_o principle_n but_o do_v all_o mere_o as_o he_o think_v it_o may_v succeed_v be_v true_o mercenary_a 3._o there_o be_v other_o promise_n which_o may_v encourage_v a_o believer_n in_o this_o duty_n viz._n that_o if_o he_o do_v it_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n it_o shall_v be_v accept_v and_o reward_v by_o god_n god_n will_v some_o way_n or_o other_o make_v he_o to_o find_v that_o his_o labour_n have_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a the_o husbandman_n be_v in_o duty_n to_o sow_v his_o seed_n in_o faith_n but_o he_o be_v not_o sure_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o good_a crop_n the_o figtree_n may_v not_o blossom_n though_o he_o manure_n it_o with_o care_n but_o this_o be_v his_o encouragement_n that_o in_o a_o way_n of_o do_v duty_n god_n have_v say_v that_o he_o will_v bless_v he_o 4._o i'faith_o also_o teach_v we_o that_o attend_v the_o mean_n be_v near_o to_o the_o particular_a blessing_n than_o not_o attend_v but_o neglect_v they_o god_n often_o meet_v his_o people_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o ordinary_a then_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a providence_n nor_o do_v god_n always_o though_o he_o may_v sometime_o in_o sovereignty_n deny_v the_o desire_a blessing_n to_o his_o people_n yea_o and_o although_o he_o may_v sometime_o work_v there_o where_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o shameful_a neglect_n as_o in_o convert_v josiah_n the_o son_n of_o a_o wicked_a amon_n yet_o our_o neglect_n be_v inexcusable_a because_o we_o have_v despise_v the_o command_n such_o a_o parent_n as_o have_v faithful_o do_v his_o duty_n may_v die_v in_o hope_n that_o although_o he_o see_v not_o the_o desire_a fruit_n of_o his_o pain_n and_o prayer_n yet_o they_o may_v appear_v when_o his_o head_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o dust_n to_o be_v sure_o he_o may_v with_o this_o comfort_n leave_v the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o his_o place_n 3._o the_o provocation_n of_o covenant-children_n be_v most_o heinous_a and_o consequent_o most_o provoke_v to_o god_n the_o sin_n of_o none_o be_v so_o offensive_a in_o his_o sight_n as_o they_o you_o shall_v find_v therefore_o that_o the_o scripture_n set_v a_o note_n observable_a upon_o this_o consideration_n amos._n 3._o 2._o so_o deut._n 32._o 19_o the_o provoking_n of_o son_n and_o daughter_n be_v bitter_a jer._n 5._o 7._o thy_o child_n have_v
only_o as_o a_o consequent_a condion_fw-la or_o the_o way_n in_o which_o we_o be_v to_o attain_v unto_o felicity_n jam._n 1._o 25._o beside_o in_o the_o former_a it_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o man_n own_o strength_n or_o the_o improvement_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v give_v man_n in_o his_o creation_n in_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o help_n and_o strength_n of_o christ_n phil._n 4._o 14._o in_o the_o former_a it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v perfect_o else_o man_n be_v to_o lose_v his_o reward_n in_o this_o though_o every_o believer_n ought_v to_o press_v earnest_o after_o perfection_n and_o be_v sensible_a of_o every_o defect_n and_o bewail_v it_o before_o god_n yet_o none_o be_v to_o expect_v to_o be_v perfect_a in_o this_o life_n but_o god_n have_v respect_n to_o and_o ready_o acknowledge_v the_o sincerity_n and_o integrity_n of_o his_o people_n in_o the_o former_a god_n punish_v the_o least_o defect_n with_o death_n in_o this_o god_n be_v tender_a and_o pitiful_a to_o his_o poor_a people_n bear_v with_o their_o many_o infirmity_n and_o accept_v of_o their_o humble_a confession_n and_o repentance_n there_o god_n animedvert_v on_o the_o least_o defect_n here_o he_o cover_v many_o transgression_n there_o he_o cast_v the_o sinner_n out_o of_o his_o favour_n here_o his_o child_n be_v only_o chastise_v but_o his_o love_n be_v not_o take_v away_o nor_o covenant_n profane_v psal_n 89._o 30._o etc._n etc._n in_o the_o former_a repentance_n be_v of_o no_o worth_n nor_o account_n for_o it_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o it_o in_o this_o the_o people_n of_o god_n may_v in_o a_o way_n of_o repentance_n obtain_v pardon_n and_o there_o sin_n be_v do_v away_o psal_n 32._o 7._o 2_o sam._n 12._o 13._o these_o difference_n well_o observe_v will_v give_v we_o light_n into_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o gospel-obedience_n and_o there_o be_v these_o thing_n requisite_a in_o it_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a love_n and_o respect_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n david_n a_o evangelicall_n man_n profess_v his_o endear_a love_n to_o god_n law_n and_o declare_v that_o his_o precept_n be_v his_o delight_n yea_o that_o they_o be_v sweet_a and_o precious_a to_o he_o psal_n 19_o 7._o etc._n etc._n yea_o though_o he_o be_v not_o unacquainted_a with_o his_o own_o frailty_n yet_o by_o this_o token_n he_o be_v quiet_v and_o not_o afraid_a of_o be_v put_v to_o shame_n psal_n 119._o 6._o 2._o that_o this_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o faithful_a endeavour_n after_o conformity_n to_o the_o whole_a know_v and_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n this_o have_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o former_a for_o if_o we_o do_v love_n god_n we_o will_v keep_v his_o commandment_n joh._n 14._o 15._o i_o e._n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v we_o will_v observe_v they_o with_o a_o upright_a and_o devote_a heart_n david_n will_v exercise_v himself_o in_o the_o law_n day_n and_o night_n because_o he_o love_v it_o psal_n 119._o we_o must_v avoid_v temptation_n abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n walk_v according_a to_o rule_n do_v our_o outmost_a that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v by_o we_o and_o therefore_o endeavour_v conformity_n to_o his_o holiness_n in_o our_o whole_a conversation_n 3._o to_o bear_v about_o a_o humble_a sense_n or_o consciousness_n of_o and_o a_o spirit_n of_o mourning_n for_o our_o frailty_n and_o daily_a neglect_n we_o must_v bewail_v both_o our_o impotency_n and_o exorbitancy_n though_o we_o do_v sin_n for_o who_o live_v and_o sin_v not_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o allow_v it_o though_o we_o do_v omit_v much_o of_o our_o duty_n yet_o we_o condemn_v ourselves_o for_o it_o though_o sin_n be_v too_o subtle_a and_o potent_a for_o we_o and_o often_o we_o be_v entangle_v by_o it_o yet_o we_o do_v account_v it_o a_o sore_a oppression_n a_o distress_a captivity_n and_o cry_v out_o earnest_o to_o heaven_n for_o help_n and_o deliverance_n this_o be_v paul_n spirit_n and_o practice_n rom._n 7._o this_o show_v the_o heart_n be_v true_a to_o god_n and_o be_v therefore_o in_o his_o account_n and_o interpretation_n esteem_v evangelicall-obedience_n 4._o that_o we_o do_v constant_o repair_v to_o christ_n for_o his_o strength_n to_o help_v we_o and_o that_o sole_o rely_v upon_o his_o grace_n to_o give_v we_o favour_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o ultimate_o resolve_v all_o our_o hope_n not_o into_o our_o own_o but_o his_o righteousness_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o be_v engage_v and_o require_v to_o do_v in_o the_o new-covenant_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o this_o let_v our_o obedience_n be_v never_o so_o specious_a it_o be_v still_o repute_v but_o legal_a and_o so_o become_v worthless_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o infirmity_n disable_n we_o from_o do_v duty_n perfect_o ought_v not_o to_o discourage_v we_o from_o endeavour_v to_o do_v it_o sincere_o but_o its_o use_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o this_o lesson_n that_o since_o our_o strength_n be_v not_o in_o ourselves_o but_o in_o another_o we_o ought_v to_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o repair_v unto_o he_o all_o the_o grace_n and_o strength_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v exhibit_v and_o proffer_v in_o the_o covenant_n for_o the_o help_n of_o a_o believer_n in_o perform_v of_o his_o duty_n and_o here_o appear_v the_o work_n of_o faith_n in_o quicken_a and_o enliun_a of_o obedience_n that_o it_o enable_v we_o to_o rely_v upon_o this_o strength_n of_o christ_n for_o our_o help_n and_o have_v place_v our_o hope_n here_o in_o this_o confidence_n to_o set_v about_o our_o duty_n and_o now_o have_v cast_v ourselves_o upon_o christ_n to_o go_v on_o in_o it_o with_o courage_n not_o be_v dismay_v for_o its_o imperfection_n but_o leave_v it_o with_o he_o to_o render_v the_o service_n we_o do_v acceptable_a with_o his_o father_n look_v to_o have_v our_o prayer_n and_o performance_n offer_v not_o by_o themselves_o but_o with_o his_o sweet_a incense_n and_o hence_o when_o we_o have_v thus_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v our_o duty_n we_o be_v to_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o worth_n and_o merit_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o purchase_v aught_o of_o favour_n and_o happiness_n for_o we_o but_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o way_n of_o obedience_n only_o in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n phil._n 3._o 8_o 9_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o dependence_n between_o the_o two_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n must_v always_o be_v consider_v with_o the_o respect_n it_o have_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n go_v before_o it_o and_o make_v way_n for_o it_o for_o till_o we_o be_v redeem_a we_o can_v be_v reconcile_v and_o when_o through_o the_o grace_n and_o help_v of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o only_a surety_n we_o be_v enable_v thus_o to_o walk_v and_o do_v then_o do_v we_o in_o god_n account_n keep_v covenant_n with_o he_o we_o answer_v the_o law_n and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n enjoin_v we_o and_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o he_o to_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o his_o special_a grace_n and_o heir_n of_o everlasting_a mercy_n iu._n what_o be_v those_o everlasting_a mercy_n that_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o covenant_n ans_fw-fr these_o mercy_n comprise_v under_o they_o the_o whole_a blessing_n of_o the_o new-covenant_n whatsoever_o be_v in_o particular_a promise_v to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n come_v under_o this_o general_a denomination_n in_o our_o text._n these_o mercy_n be_v call_v everlasting_a for_o several_a reason_n 1._o from_o the_o big_a and_o better_a part_n of_o they_o which_o be_v positive_o and_o proper_o so_o not_o but_o that_o there_o be_v transitory_a and_o pass_a mercy_n include_v in_o the_o covenant-promise_a for_o godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v as_o well_o as_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v 1_o tim._n 4._o 8._o but_o these_o temporal_a mercy_n be_v though_o great_a in_o respect_n of_o our_o deserve_n who_o be_v less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o god_n mercy_n yet_o little_a and_o of_o low_a consideration_n when_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o which_o be_v in_o reversion_n in_o another_o world_n and_o be_v therefore_o swallow_v up_o and_o lose_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o these_o 2._o to_o note_v to_o we_o the_o original_a and_o continuance_n of_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o covenant-mercy_n for_o their_o original_a they_o proceed_v from_o everlasting_a love_n and_o be_v therefore_o say_v to_o be_v from_o everlasting_a the_o love_n of_o god_n decree_v they_o before_o the_o creature_n have_v a_o be_v yea_o and_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n they_o be_v provide_v &_o secure_v for_o god_n elect_n before_o man_n either_o be_v or_o actual_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o mercy_n for_o their_o continuance_n also_o although_o some_o mercy_n be_v
covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n it_o be_v his_o purchase_n and_o therefore_o call_v the_o purchase_a possession_n eph._n 1._o 14._o nor_o be_v it_o heaven_n alone_o that_o be_v at_o his_o dispose_n but_o the_o orderly_a management_n of_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n too_o as_o psal_n 2._o 8_o 9_o 10._o hence_o also_o all_o treasure_n be_v say_v to_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o he_o col._n 2._o 3._o and_o he_o give_v they_o out_o to_o who_o he_o see_v meet_v according_a to_o his_o own_o pleasure_n joh._n 17._o 2._o christ_n as_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v all_o in_o he_o and_o he_o influence_v it_o into_o his_o member_n according_a to_o his_o own_o wisdom_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 30._o 2._o that_o christ_n in_o fulfil_v for_o his_o people_n all_o the_o good_a which_o respect_v the_o mean_n bear_v a_o constant_a eye_n to_o and_o aim_v at_o the_o end_n the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o business_n lie_v on_o his_o hand_n be_v to_o bring_v his_o own_o to_o be_v there_o where_o he_o be_v john_n 17._o 24._o to_o bring_v many_o son_n to_o glory_n heb_fw-mi 2._o 10._o and_o if_o he_o do_v this_o he_o have_v accomplish_v that_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o which_o god_n stand_v engage_v to_o we_o and_o for_o which_o he_o be_v his_o father_n surety_n if_o a_o believer_n be_v bring_v safe_a to_o heaven_n be_v it_o by_o what_o mean_v soever_o he_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o complain_v that_o god_n have_v not_o fulfil_v the_o whore_n promise_v for_o he_o if_o the_o mean_n fail_v not_o of_o reach_v to_o the_o end_n god_n be_v no_o covenant-breaker_n though_o we_o through_o darkness_n and_o diffidency_n may_v sometime_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v as_o david_n do_v his_o promise_n fail_v for_o evermore_o 3._o hence_o christ_n reserve_v a_o great_a latitude_n in_o his_o dispensation_n of_o temporal_a good_a to_o we_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n have_v no_o other_o consideration_n in_o the_o condition_n require_v of_o we_o than_o a_o faithful_a improvement_n of_o they_o so_o far_o as_o god_n shall_v bestow_v they_o upon_o we_o and_o a_o content_a want_v they_o when_o he_o withhold_v they_o from_o we_o may_v be_v various_o dispense_v to_o we_o without_o any_o infringement_n of_o the_o promise_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o our_o be_v bring_v unto_o glory_n that_o we_o be_v thus_o or_o so_o rich_a healthy_a abound_v in_o creature_n comfort_n etc._n etc._n poverty_n disgrace_n sickness_n &c_n &c_n will_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o any_o one_o in_o the_o great_a day_n why_o they_o may_v not_o enter_v and_o possess_v the_o kingdom_n again_o abundance_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v often_o to_o fall_v man_n a_o occasion_n of_o many_o temptation_n to_o forget_v god_n and_o glory_n to_o neglect_v his_o work_n and_o duty_n and_o thereby_o will_v obstruct_v his_o main_a end_n if_o god_n in_o wisdom_n do_v not_o prevent_v furthermore_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o a_o believer_n shall_v have_v any_o of_o these_o thiug_n only_o hypothetical_o christ_n can_v take_v they_o hence_o to_o glory_n when_o he_o see_v meet_v hence_o though_o when_o god_n give_v we_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o accept_v and_o improve_v they_o as_o covenant-mercy_n yet_o when_o he_o withhold_v they_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n either_o to_o think_v ourselves_o therefore_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n or_o he_o to_o have_v forget_v what_o he_o have_v promise_v much_o less_o when_o we_o find_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o outward_a bitterness_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o for_o christ_n have_v tack_v a_o cross_n to_o this_o part_n of_o the_o promise_n mark_n 10._o 30._o 4._o hence_o also_o in_o his_o peform_v of_o spiritual_a good_a he_o may_v give_v it_o in_o what_o degree_n he_o see_v meet_v and_o yet_o not_o fail_v of_o fulfil_v the_o promise_n for_o though_o here_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o come_v under_o the_o covenant-condition_n as_o requisite_a to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o yet_o the_o new-covenant_n most_o absolute_o respect_v the_o reality_n and_o not_o the_o degree_n &_o here_o be_v some_o spiritual_a blessing_n not_o necessary_a to_o our_o perform_v the_o condition_n true_a faith_n be_v require_v sincere_a obedience_n real_a and_o active_a patience_n spiritual_a hope_n and_o final_a perseverance_n but_o weak_a faith_n come_v under_o the_o promise_n as_o well_o as_o strong_a and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n now_o if_o god_n maintain_v grace_n alive_a that_o it_o die_v not_o it_o shall_v attain_v its_o end_n viz._n glory_n although_o it_o may_v not_o here_o be_v so_o illustrious_a nor_o comfortable_a in_o some_o as_o in_o other_o and_o as_o to_o other_o spiritual_a favour_n which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o of_o the_o esse_fw-la as_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la of_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n here_o also_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v a_o great_a latitude_n such_o as_o be_v strong_a assurance_n clear_v evidence_n abound_v comfort_n and_o overflow_a joy_n christ_n may_v withdraw_v these_o as_o often_o and_o as_o long_o and_o to_o what_o degree_n he_o see_v meet_v and_o yet_o not_o fail_v of_o his_o promise_n if_o he_o carry_v we_o through_o a_o shady_a valley_n yet_o if_o he_o carry_v we_o to_o glory_n if_o he_o lead_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a where_o we_o see_v neither_o sun_n moon_n nor_o star_n yet_o if_o he_o feel_v out_o our_o way_n for_o we_o and_o carry_v we_o home_o it_o suffice_v and_o we_o be_v to_o trust_v isa_n 50._o 10._o psal_n 23._o 4._o 4._o the_o complete_a fulfil_n of_o many_o spiritual_a promise_n be_v reserve_v till_o another_o life_n there_o be_v a_o near_a relation_n between_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o thing_n heavenly_a grace_n differ_v from_o glory_n but_o in_o degree_n hence_o as_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v to_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o glory_n fulfil_v here_o so_o neither_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o grace_n to_o be_v complete_v god_n have_v say_v and_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v take_v away_o all_o sin_n that_o he_o will_v pluck_v out_o of_o we_o the_o heart_n of_o stone_n that_o he_o will_v give_v we_o complete_a victory_n over_o satan_n and_o many_o the_o like_a word_n he_o have_v engage_v in_o concern_v which_o a_o believer_n be_v many_o time_n ready_a to_o wonder_v to_o think_v that_o god_n in_o the_o promise_n speak_v so_o large_o and_o liberal_o and_o yet_o in_o his_o providence_n seem_v to_o perform_v it_o so_o little_a and_o so_o mean_o in_o he_o &_o now_o satan_n tempt_v his_o heart_n relent_v doubt_n begin_v to_o assault_v he_o and_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v sure_o i_o have_v but_o deceive_v myself_o and_o why_o the_o reason_n be_v he_o forget_v that_o here_o we_o be_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n the_o promise_n be_v sure_a and_o shall_v without_o fail_v be_v fulfil_v but_o when_o why_o when_o he_o have_v patient_o wait_v and_o come_v to_o leave_v this_o and_o go_v to_o another_o world_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n we_o be_v to_o expect_v and_o be_v content_a with_o nothing_o but_o earnest_n and_o some_o small_a essay_n and_o taste_n of_o these_o thing_n viz._n enough_o to_o keep_v he_o up_o to_o his_o work_n and_o to_o strengthen_v faith_n in_o hope_n to_o be_v wait_v in_o way_n of_o obedience_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o now_o to_o clear_v up_o that_o there_o be_v such_o everlasting_a mercy_n engage_v i_o may_v heap_v up_o scripture_n in_o plenty_n if_o need_v require_v it_o and_o indeed_o we_o have_v no_o other_o demonstration_n of_o this_o truth_n than_o what_o god_n have_v therein_o reveal_v unto_o we_o for_o when_o man_n have_v fall_v away_o from_o his_o obedience_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o thereby_o involve_v himself_o in_o guilt_n and_o a_o curse_n who_o shall_v discover_v to_o he_o god_n thought_n and_o counsel_n of_o mercy_n or_o speak_v to_o he_o of_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o god_n himself_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v therefore_o full_a for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o this_o point_n every_o promise_n in_o it_o be_v big_a with_o or_o full_a of_o mercy_n it_o be_v endless_a to_o particularize_v now_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o new-covenant_n be_v call_v mercy_n not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v god_n free_a unmerited_a mercy_n to_o exhibit_v they_o to_o man_n now_o fall_v and_o forfeit_v into_o the_o band_n of_o revenge_a justice_n but_o also_o because_o the_o way_n of_o his_o communicate_v they_o unto_o we_o be_v such_o as_o there_o be_v no_o merit_n of_o we_o interpose_v itself_o to_o procure_v the_o application_n of_o they_o unto_o we_o but_o they_o come_v to_o we_o for_o the_o merit_n sake_n of_o christ_n alone_o ezek._n 36._o 22._o but_o the_o main_a thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o for_o
such_o a_o objection_n as_o this_o we_o can_v believe_v we_o can_v obey_v they_o be_v thing_n above_o we_o and_o hereupon_o we_o take_v discouragement_n and_o begin_v to_o think_v our_o condition_n be_v as_o remote_a from_o hope_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n as_o ever_o we_o mistake_v the_o covenant_n for_o god_n know_v that_o we_o can_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o understand_v it_o aright_o the_o covenant_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n do_v not_o expect_v at_o our_o hand_n nor_o will_v he_o accept_v of_o we_o a_o faith_n of_o our_o own_o make_n or_o a_o obedience_n do_v in_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o that_o if_o thus_o we_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v covenant_n with_o he_o we_o shall_v but_o irritate_fw-la or_o make_v it_o void_a and_o therefore_o christ_n stand_v as_o a_o mediator_n in_o the_o covenant_n proffer_v himself_o to_o be_v our_o surety_n and_o undertaker_n to_o help_v we_o and_o work_v all_o our_o work_n in_o and_o for_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v perform_v the_o term_n and_o attend_v the_o requisite_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o and_o perfect_v we_o in_o holiness_n and_o so_o to_o keep_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v never_o depart_v from_o he_o and_o if_o we_o set_v about_o or_o think_v to_o do_v any_o new-covenant-duty_n without_o a_o eye_n hither_o and_o reliance_n here_o we_o run_v upon_o woeful_a undo_n mistake_v and_o utter_o lose_v ourselves_o let_v all_o these_o thought_n teach_v we_o to_o see_v and_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o excellency_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n coll._n 2._o we_o have_v here_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o a_o people_n that_o be_v in_o visible_a covenant_n with_o god_n and_o also_o it_o teach_v we_o what_o be_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a ground_n of_o a_o stable_a hope_n that_o such_o a_o people_n may_v comfortable_o rely_v upon_o we_o see_v that_o it_o all_o have_v a_o certain_a reference_n to_o our_o dependence_n upon_o this_o one_o supposition_n if_o they_o keep_v covenant_n this_o be_v the_o only_a three_o argument_n from_o whence_o may_v be_v draw_v a_o sure_a conclusion_n for_o our_o more_o full_a and_o clear_a understanding_n of_o this_o take_v these_o assertion_n 1._o that_o for_o a_o people_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o visible_a and_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o good_a be_v outward_a and_o probationary_a favour_n it_o be_v true_a the_o ordinance_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v in_o a_o sense_n be_v call_v spiritual_a relate_v to_o the_o end_n they_o direct_v we_o unto_o because_o they_o be_v mean_n guide_v and_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o spiritual_a good_a but_o yet_o in_o themselves_o as_o they_o be_v enjoy_v by_o a_o visible_a church_n visible_o they_o be_v outward_a thing_n i_o e._n they_o be_v separable_a from_o and_o may_v be_v enjoy_v without_o true_a inward_a save_v grace_n a_o people_n high_a in_o mean_n may_v be_v low_a in_o grace_n yea_o empty_a of_o it_o such_o be_v capernaum_n mat._n 11._o 23._o laodicea_n may_v be_v rich_a and_o yet_o poor_a rev._n 3._o 17._o etc._n etc._n the_o best_a manure_v and_o most_o careful_o tend_v vineyard_n may_v bring_v forth_o wild_a and_o sour_a grape_n isa_n 5._o begin_v and_o as_o they_o be_v outward_a so_o also_o they_o be_v probationary_a god_n try_v and_o prove_v a_o people_n with_o gospell-priviledge_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a security_n to_o a_o figtree_n that_o because_o it_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o vineyard_n and_o there_o careful_o manure_v it_o shall_v therefore_o bear_v fig_n but_o the_o husband_n man_n come_v year_n after_o year_n to_o see_v whither_o it_o bear_v or_o no_o and_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o he_o shall_v find_v it_o barren_a though_o in_o the_o vineyard_n so_o that_o parable_n seem_v to_o hold_v forth_o luk._n 13._o 7_o 8._o god_n indeed_o expect_v fruit_n according_a to_o his_o lay_v out_o and_o that_o just_o and_o therefore_o he_o come_v and_o look_v for_o it_o but_o it_o do_v not_o always_o prove_v according_a to_o his_o just_a expectation_n not_o that_o god_n can_v indeed_o be_v frustrate_v of_o any_o of_o his_o purpose_n but_o god_n here_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o take_v pain_n in_o their_o husbandry_n with_o a_o eye_n to_o profit_n and_o therefore_o observe_v what_o income_n they_o receive_v 2._o to_o confide_v in_o these_o outward_a enjoyment_n as_o if_o they_o be_v real_a assurance_n of_o god_n complacency_n be_v not_o faith_n but_o presumption_n they_o be_v indeed_o expression_n of_o his_o beneficence_n and_o bring_v with_o they_o a_o demonstration_n of_o his_o great_a benevolence_n but_o they_o be_v not_o assurance_n that_o he_o take_v inward_a delight_n in_o such_o a_o people_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o vain_a thing_n for_o they_o to_o repose_v their_o trust_n &_o confidence_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o yet_o what_o more_o common_a then_o for_o the_o child_n of_o man_n thus_o to_o delude_v themselves_o with_o such_o opinion_n to_o trust_v in_o church-priviledge_n as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a so_o it_o be_v the_o most_o common_a mischief_n and_o misery_n of_o a_o people_n in_o visible_a covenant_n god_n call_v it_o to_o trust_v in_o lie_v word_n jer._n 7._o 4._o and_o it_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o the_o jew_n ruin_n who_o when_o they_o abound_v and_o be_v immerse_v in_o sin_n and_o apostasy_n yet_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o say_v they_o be_v abraham_n child_n john_n baptist_n therefore_o so_o solemn_o warn_v they_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o mat._n 3._o 9_o think_v not_o to_o say_v etc._n etc._n q._n d._n it_o be_v vain_a and_o will_v not_o profit_v it_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n that_o god_n indulge_v not_o only_o with_o worldly_a favour_n and_o the_o affluence_n of_o earthly_a abundance_n but_o also_o with_o gospellenjoyment_n and_o plenty_n of_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n a_o multitude_n that_o be_v the_o generation_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o child_n of_o his_o curse_n who_o shall_v be_v press_v to_o eternal_a death_n and_o sink_v down_o to_o hell_n by_o the_o weight_n of_o ordinance_n such_o be_v those_o unto_o who_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n be_v send_v isai_n 6._o 9_o 10._o the_o mean_v they_o have_v have_v have_v help_v to_o fit_v they_o for_o their_o own_o place_n 3._o where_o god_n have_v do_v more_o for_o a_o people_n there_o he_o expect_v more_o from_o they_o clear_v for_o this_o be_v that_o of_o our_o saviour_n luk._n 12._o 48._o to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v be_v much_o require_v christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n compare_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n i_o e._n the_o visible_a church_n to_o a_o vineyard_n which_o the_o owner_n let_v out_o to_o husbandman_n and_o in_o the_o season_n send_v for_o his_o revenue_n gospell-priviledge_n as_o free_o as_o man_n think_v they_o be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o indeed_o inasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v undeserved_a they_o be_v free_a yet_o they_o shall_v find_v when_o god_n come_v to_o reckon_v with_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o a_o severe_a account_n for_o they_o god_n keep_v a_o book_n of_o account_n what_o ever_o man_n think_v of_o he_o or_o how_o careless_a soever_o they_o may_v judge_v he_o to_o be_v and_o there_o he_o charge_v down_o to_o man_n score_n all_o the_o several_a particular_a disbursement_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v out_o upon_o this_o and_o that_o man_n these_o and_o those_o church_n you_o find_v the_o several_n enumerate_v of_o what_o he_o have_v be_v out_o upon_o or_o do_v for_o his_o vineyard_n isai_n 5._o begin_v and_o so_o he_o do_v for_o every_o vineyard_n and_o every_o figtree_n every_o sermon_n that_o be_v preach_v to_o they_o every_o sacrament_n that_o be_v administer_v every_o labourer_n who_o he_o either_o fix_v among_o they_o or_o send_v occasional_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o his_o husbandry_n there_o these_o be_v in_o his_o treasure_n and_o a_o memorial_n of_o they_o register_v with_o he_o not_o a_o item_n forget_v poor_a heathen_a have_v not_o so_o much_o to_o account_v for_o as_o a_o people_n who_o be_v in_o visible_a covenant_n with_o god_n have_v god_n connive_n at_o abundance_n of_o sin_n in_o place_n of_o darkness_n which_o he_o will_v not_o where_o gospell-light_n shine_v observable_a be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n acts._n 17._o 30._o the_o time_n of_o this_o ignorance_n god_n wink_v at_o but_o now_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v and_o what_o a_o difference_n of_o time_n mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v our_o saviour_n christ_n make_v joh._n 15._o 22._o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v to_o they_o they_o have_v have_v no_o sin_n but_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o
visible_a covenant-priviledge_n and_o they_o be_v for_o the_o bring_v the_o elect_a home_n unto_o glory_n eph._n 4._o 10_o 11_o 12._o object_n but_o this_o be_v no_o covenant-priviledge_n for_o the_o heathen_a have_v this_o liberty_n we_o keep_v they_o not_o away_o from_o come_v to_o the_o ordinance_n answ_n from_o the_o word_n preach_v we_o exclude_v none_o any_o may_v come_v that_o will_n but_o still_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o other_o ordinance_n which_o we_o admit_v they_o to_o till_o they_o do_v embrace_v the_o covenant_n and_o that_o by_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o so_o they_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n we_o baptise_v they_o not_o we_o admit_v they_o not_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n exercise_v not_o church_n watch_v cover_n or_o discipline_n to_o they_o till_o then_o so_o that_o the_o covenant_n be_v unto_o they_o a_o necessary_a medium_fw-la of_o perticipation_n there_o must_v be_v a_o visible_a conversion_n 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forsake_v i_o how_o shall_v i_o pardon_v thou_o for_o this_o god_n have_v take_v such_o as_o these_o very_a near_a to_o he_o he_o have_v give_v they_o such_o privilege_n and_o so_o many_o advantage_n hence_o for_o a_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o live_v like_o the_o child_n of_o heathen_a and_o those_o who_o god_n have_v not_o know_v this_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o a_o deep_a dye_n yea_o far_o deep_o than_o they_o who_o only_o abuse_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o common_a goodness_n of_o god_n if_o you_o read_v ezek._n 16._o per_fw-la totum_fw-la you_o shall_v there_o see_v what_o a_o course_n god_n take_v to_o make_v jerusalem_n sin_n to_o appear_v unparrellele_v viz._n by_o declare_v what_o covenant_n privilege_n and_o favour_n they_o have_v enjoy_v and_o profane_o abuse_v very_o god_n can_v endure_v to_o see_v that_o in_o sodom_n which_o he_o can_v bear_v to_o see_v in_o zion_n 4._o hence_o to_o perish_v from_o under_o the_o covenant_n will_v be_v a_o most_o astonish_a 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very_o careful_a and_o watchful_a to_o yourselves_o that_o you_o keep_v it_o you_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o boast_v of_o or_o confide_v in_o your_o covenant_n relation_n as_o to_o see_v to_o your_o own_o part_n and_o duty_n in_o which_o you_o be_v next_o concern_v take_v these_o thing_n for_o motive_n 1._o it_o be_v no_o little_a or_o light_a matter_n to_o keep_v covenant_n with_o god_n it_o be_v true_a evangelical_n duty_n be_v easy_a if_o it_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o rigid_a and_o strict_a yea_o impossible_a to_o be_v perform_v demand_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n impossible_a i_o mean_v by_o the_o child_n of_o fall_v adam_n god_n give_v acceptance_n to_o such_o weak_a duty_n and_o withal_o give_v strength_n to_o do_v they_o but_o still_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v require_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v for_o matter_n very_o large_a and_o for_o difficulty_n exceed_v all_o our_o own_o power_n in_o ourselves_o and_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o special_a grace_n from_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n comprehend_v in_o those_o two_o short_a word_n believe_v and_o obey_v perseverance_n in_o the_o faith_n maintain_v it_o against_o all_o the_o shock_n of_o temptation_n which_o assault_v it_o and_o constancy_n in_o obedience_n continue_v faithful_a unto_o death_n wait_v till_o afterward_o for_o our_o reward_n these_o be_v great_a work_n to_o do_v all_o we_o do_v for_o god_n as_o be_v his_o servant_n to_o devote_v all_o our_o time_n to_o jesus_n christ_n as_o those_o who_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n require_v care_n diligence_n vigilance_n again_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o duty_n lay_v upon_o we_o in_o the_o covenant_n the_o precept_n be_v of_o great_a latitude_n psal_n 119_o 96._o every_o command_n be_v full_a there_o be_v duty_n to_o be_v do_v sin_v to_o be_v avoid_v there_o be_v affliction_n &_o trial_n to_o be_v undergo_v god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o and_o worship_v our_o neighbour_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v and_o love_v there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o relation_n which_o a_o christian_a stand_v in_o and_o every_o one_o have_v its_o particular_a respective_a duty_n moreover_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o all_o in_o it_o stand_v engage_v in_o these_o covenant_n duty_n every_o faculty_n and_o member_n owe_v obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o have_v our_o heart_n to_o look_v after_o and_o keep_v with_o diligence_n for_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n prov._n 4._o 23._o our_o tongue_n to_o order_n and_o keep_v within_o bound_n which_o must_v be_v well_o look_v after_o psal_n 39_o 1._o and_o all_o our_o bodily_a action_n must_v be_v conform_v to_o divine_a prescript_n all_o our_o natural_a civil_a and_o religious_a action_n must_v be_v square_v by_o the_o right_a rule_n and_o direct_v to_o their_o proper_a end_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 31._o final_o that_o which_o make_v it_o so_o great_a a_o work_n to_o keep_v covenant_n be_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o strength_n of_o our_o corruption_n and_o force_v of_o the_o temptation_n we_o be_v expose_v to_o we_o have_v every_o one_o of_o we_o a_o traitor_n in_o our_o bosom_n beside_o a_o solicitous_a and_o diligent_a enemy_n wait_v all_o opportunity_n to_o tempt_v and_o draw_v we_o aside_o and_o there_o must_v be_v great_a vigilancy_n and_o resolution_n to_o resist_v a_o subtle_a devil_n hold_v correspondence_n with_o a_o treacherous_a heart_n put_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o and_o they_o will_v speak_v thus_o much_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a work_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o keep_v covenant_n with_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a whither_o you_o keep_v covenant_n or_o no._n if_o you_o will_v enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o promise_n you_o must_v have_v the_o witness_n of_o your_o own_o conscience_n unto_o this_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v in_o visible_a covenant_n and_o another_o to_o have_v the_o promise_n 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that_o have_v true_o place_v their_o soul_n trust_v in_o he_o that_o he_o stand_v engage_v to_o and_o for_o to_z other_o he_o be_v only_o propound_v all_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v not_o save_v faith_n wrought_v in_o they_o they_o have_v not_o cordial_o close_v with_o christ_n as_o their_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n though_o they_o have_v outward_o and_o verbal_o promise_v so_o to_o do_v and_o his_o mediation_n and_o redemption_n will_v not_o be_v profitable_a to_o such_o these_o have_v pardon_n peace_n and_o salvation_n promise_v to_o they_o only_o with_o this_o proviso_n if_o they_o believe_v and_o that_o with_o such_o a_o caveat_n annex_v to_o it_o too_o that_o if_o they_o believe_v not_o they_o shall_v be_v damn_v god_n indeed_o bestow_v upon_o they_o all_o visible_a mean_n and_o help_v to_o believe_v but_o if_o they_o improve_v they_o not_o unto_o the_o
must_v go_v to_o he_o that_o he_o may_v work_v your_o work_n in_o and_o for_o you_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o life_n of_o faith_n heb._n 10._o 38._o consider_v therefore_o 1_o as_o long_a as_o you_o remain_v in_o unbelief_n you_o be_v on_o that_o very_a account_n covenant-breaker_n for_o it_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n require_v in_o the_o covenant_n viz._n that_o we_o believe_v it_o bind_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o go_v to_o christ_n and_o make_v a_o absolute_a choice_n of_o he_o and_o place_v the_o hope_n and_o trust_v of_o our_o soul_n upon_o he_o think_v of_o this_o you_o that_o live_v &_o lie_v in_o a_o state_n of_o vnregeneracy_n you_o break_v your_o bond_n as_o long_o as_o you_o thus_o live_v and_o be_v not_o therefore_o under_o the_o promise_n but_o the_o threaten_n at_o the_o present_a when_o you_o shall_v be_v put_v upon_o trial_n whether_o you_o have_v keep_v covenant_n with_o god_n the_o first_o question_n will_v be_v whither_o you_o have_v believe_v and_o if_o this_o can_v be_v make_v good_a there_o need_v no_o more_o enquiry_n to_o be_v make_v but_o the_o case_n be_v cast_v against_o you_o all_o the_o plea_n you_o can_v possible_o make_v from_o your_o moral_a obedience_n or_o legal_a work_n do_v by_o you_o will_v not_o in_o the_o least_o salve_n it_o but_o you_o will_v be_v find_v among_o and_o pronounce_v to_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n 2._o without_o this_o faith_n we_o can_v perform_v gospel-obedience_n which_o be_v also_o require_v of_o we_o as_o it_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n call_v for_o on_o our_o part_n so_o it_o be_v the_o root_n and_o principle_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n without_o which_o no_o service_n can_v be_v receive_v to_o acceptable_a obedience_n three_o thing_n be_v require_v 1._o that_o the_o person_n do_v it_o be_v accept_v in_o christ_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v perform_v by_o strength_n derive_v from_o christ_n 3._o that_o it_o come_v to_o god_n through_o his_o hand_n now_o to_o each_o of_o these_o faith_n thus_o 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great_a help_n and_o the_o only_a help_n we_o have_v in_o we_o to_o fetch_v in_o that_o strength_n by_o which_o alone_o we_o can_v do_v that_o which_o be_v well-pleasing_a unto_o god_n it_o be_v not_o for_o a_o believer_n to_o say_v i_o be_o weak_a and_o dare_v not_o stir_v lest_o i_o fall_v no_o but_o he_o be_v to_o say_v christ_n be_v strong_a and_o he_o have_v bid_v i_o to_o wait_v on_o he_o and_o believe_v in_o he_o this_o i_o may_v assure_v you_o of_o that_o when_o a_o child_n of_o god_n in_o tender_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o inability_n to_o do_v his_o duty_n as_o he_o shall_v have_v believe_o cast_v it_o upon_o and_o commit_v it_o to_o christ_n the_o big_a &_o better_a part_n of_o his_o duty_n be_v do_v and_o he_o may_v cheerful_o and_o steadfast_o go_v through_o the_o rest_n let_v none_o hope_v or_o think_v to_o keep_v covenant_n in_o his_o own_o strength_n nor_o let_v any_o despair_n of_o it_o as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v strength_n in_o christ_n especial_o consider_v that_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o he_o he_o stand_v surety_n for_o we_o and_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n not_o only_o our_o highpriest_n to_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o we_o to_o his_o father_n but_o our_o king_n too_o to_o rule_v in_o we_o and_o lead_v we_o in_o his_o fear_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v we_o to_o depart_v from_o he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n when_o we_o find_v ourselves_o to_o be_v of_o no_o strength_n go_v to_o and_o lean_a upon_o jesus_n christ_n we_o be_v carry_v forth_o happy_o and_o shall_v serve_v god_n acceptable_o it_o be_v then_o alone_o when_o we_o be_v too_o presumptuous_a of_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o rely_v on_o that_o that_o we_o fail_v and_o dishonour_v the_o name_n of_o god_n by_o break_v his_o covenant_n 2._o labour_v to_o get_v a_o good_a understanding_n of_o and_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o nature_n tenor_n and_o extent_n of_o your_o covenant-duty_n and_o keep_v it_o upon_o your_o thought_n many_o be_v very_o forward_o and_o critical_o 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acceptable_o except_o we_o know_v let_v we_o therefore_o be_v industrous_a to_o get_v a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v furnish_v for_o every_o good_a work_n the_o lord_n expect_v more_o in_o these_o day_n and_o place_n of_o gospel-light_n than_o where_o it_o be_v want_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n be_v many_o and_o their_o call_n to_o duty_n be_v diverse_o circumstance_v now_o god_n afford_v you_o many_o both_o public_a and_o private_a help_n be_v not_o you_o negligent_a in_o use_v of_o they_o david_n by_o frequent_a meditation_n attain_v to_o a_o large_a knowledge_n of_o god_n precept_n psal_n 119._o 99_o and_o if_o we_o can_v ponder_v upon_o these_o thing_n as_o much_o and_o with_o as_o much_o intenseness_n of_o mind_n as_o we_o be_v wont_v to_o do_v upon_o our_o worldly_a concern_v we_o shall_v in_o time_n grow_v good_a proficient_o in_o they_o 3._o get_v a_o love_n to_o and_o delight_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o such_o help_n to_o a_o cheerful_a and_o constant_a keep_n of_o covenant_n as_o a_o heart_n take_v with_o and_o delight_v in_o the_o command_n fear_v of_o wrath_n may_v do_v something_o to_o restrain_v the_o outward_a man_n from_o many_o gross_a enormity_n which_o otherways_o sinful_a man_n will_v bold_o and_o unreclaimable_o run_v into_o and_o hope_v of_o reward_n may_v put_v man_n upon_o it_o to_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o forward_o to_o engage_v in_o and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o both_o fear_n and_o hope_v act_v in_o their_o due_a place_n and_o manage_v by_o a_o high_a principle_n be_v of_o no_o little_a use_n to_o a_o child_n of_o god_n who_o his_o heavenly_a father_n be_v please_v to_o train_v up_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n by_o threaten_n and_o promise_n but_o still_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o such_o efficacy_n as_o love_n fear_v and_o hope_n invite_v we_o to_o close_v with_o the_o command_n for_o our_o own_o sake_n but_o love_n allure_v we_o to_o embrace_v it_o for_o its_o sake_n for_o the_o preciousness_n of_o it_o love_n constrain_v it_o be_v a_o forcible_a and_o irresistible_a impetus_fw-la by_o which_o it_o carry_v we_o to_o our_o dnty_n many_o water_n can_v quench_v it_o persecution_n can_v obstruct_v prosperity_n can_v inveigle_v it_o it_o make_v the_o command_n precious_a above_o all_o thing_n gold_n and_o fine_a gold_n be_v not_o comparable_a to_o it_o etc._n etc._n psal_n 19_o 9_o 10._o now_o there_o be_v very_o much_o argument_n and_o reason_n to_o make_v we_o in_o love_n with_o covenant-duty_n they_o be_v the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o
transient_a rebuke_n may_v be_v enough_o other_o thing_n may_v be_v more_o deliberate_a and_o man_n be_v lead_v into_o they_o more_o gradual_o they_o may_v also_o be_v eminent_o reproachful_a to_o religion_n and_o a_o dangerous_a snare_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o be_v so_o tempt_v our_o connivance_n in_o such_o case_n may_v not_o only_o blemish_v our_o profession_n but_o be_v a_o great_a hazard_n to_o it_o also_o at_o such_o time_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n you_o break_v your_o covenant_n if_o you_o suffer_v sin_n in_o your_o brother_n without_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n which_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v and_o in_o the_o order_n he_o have_v prescribe_v they_o till_o the_o end_n be_v obtain_v if_o private_a admonition_n follow_v with_o gentleness_n and_o patience_n will_v not_o gain_v but_o they_o still_o presi_v in_o evil_a course_n or_o be_v not_o humble_v for_o such_o fault_n you_o must_v proceed_v by_o step_n as_o far_o as_o christ_n have_v bid_v you_o and_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o one_o thing_n wherein_o the_o covenant_n be_v more_o universal_o break_v then_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o if_o the_o use_n of_o these_o ordinance_n shall_v once_o come_v to_o cease_v among_o the_o church_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o church-member_n be_v not_o regular_o suppress_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o unfaithfulness_n of_o brethren_n religion_n will_v languish_v and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n fail_v it_o be_v not_o the_o extend_v of_o the_o covenant_n to_o christian_n as_o some_o dream_n but_o it_o be_v the_o neglect_n of_o covenant-duty_n towards_o they_o that_o be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o bane_n of_o our_o profession_n if_o any_o thing_n eli_n indulge_v his_o son_n and_o one_o professor_n indulge_v another_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o if_o this_o be_v search_v to_o the_o root_n and_o bottom_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o the_o original_n of_o it_o be_v self-indulgence_n and_o that_o when_o man_n wink_v at_o scandal_n in_o their_o brethren_n it_o be_v because_o they_o expect_v the_o like_a in_o way_n of_o retaliation_n and_o if_o thing_n once_o come_v to_o this_o pass_n let_v any_o sober_a and_o prudent_a man_n conjecture_v whither_o this_o be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o cherish_v apostasy_n and_o what_o then_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o these_o thing_n 4._o take_v diligent_a care_n to_o secure_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n unto_o posterity_n there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o natural_a thy_fw-mi lie_v upon_o parent_n to_o their_o child_n but_o there_o be_v also_o a_o covenant-ty_a lie_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o take_v care_n for_o the_o propagate_a of_o the_o covenant_n to_o after_o age_n as_o god_n have_v take_v the_o child_n of_o his_o people_n into_o the_o same_o covenant_n with_o their_o parent_n so_o have_v he_o likewise_o take_v care_n and_o make_v it_o a_o duty_n that_o they_o be_v own_v acknowledge_v and_o look_v after_o as_o his._n and_o though_o i_o know_v there_o be_v various_a apprehension_n among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o be_v altogether_o silent_a in_o it_o i_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o beside_o the_o family_n care_v which_o be_v due_a from_o parent_n to_o their_o child_n there_o be_v something_o also_o which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n do_v owe_v to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v the_o lamb_n of_o his_o flock_n and_o that_o be_v 1._o that_o they_o be_v own_v and_o acknowledge_v as_o such_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o their_o infancy_n and_o minority_n by_o apply_v the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n to_o they_o but_o also_o in_o ripe_a and_o more_o grow_v year_n some_o there_o be_v that_o acknowledge_v they_o not_o at_o all_o to_o have_v any_o visible_a covenant_n relation_n and_o interest_n if_o not_o in_o word_n yet_o in_o effect_n they_o deny_v it_o though_o possible_o they_o may_v confess_v it_o to_o be_v parent_n duty_n to_o instruct_v they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v plain_o anabaptistical_n other_o that_o own_o they_o in_o minority_n yet_o look_v upon_o they_o to_o grow_v out_o of_o that_o relation_n practical_o when_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n but_o that_o such_o as_o be_v relate_v shall_v ordinary_o lose_v this_o relation_n any_o other_o way_n then_o by_o a_o course_n of_o discipline_n seem_v a_o paradox_n and_o have_v be_v elaborate_o confute_v by_o many_o viz._n that_o any_o person_n shall_v cast_v himself_o out_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o many_o contrary_n mind_v to_o we_o have_v very_o good_a intention_n and_o be_v act_v by_o a_o zeal_n of_o holiness_n but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o mistake_n and_o a_o misguide_a zeal_n in_o the_o people_n of_o god_n themselves_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v and_o whither_o they_o or_o we_o be_v in_o a_o error_n the_o day_n shall_v discover_v mean_v while_n as_o we_o believe_v so_o we_o speak_v many_o believe_a jew_n in_o paul_n time_n have_v their_o doubt_n and_o controversye_n 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faithful_a admonition_n and_o serious_a counsel_n from_o they_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o there_o be_v great_a hope_n be_v this_o practise_v god_n will_v bless_v it_o with_o good_a success_n 3._o that_o the_o way_n and_o order_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n house_n may_v be_v leave_v to_o they_o not_o deprave_v or_o pollute_v but_o pure_a and_o entire_a according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o instruction_n of_o jesus_n christ_n if_o we_o shall_v through_o neglect_n suffer_v corruption_n to_o creep_v in_o in_o our_o day_n we_o may_v expect_v that_o they_o will_v grow_v apace_o upon_o our_o posterity_n apostasy_n have_v always_o be_v observe_v to_o grow_v much_o fast_a than_o reformation_n there_o be_v some_o public_a church_n duty_n which_o if_o practical_o neglect_v when_o once_o lose_v will_v hardly_o be_v recover_v some_o evil_a practice_n which_o if_o once_o grow_v into_o a_o custom_n will_v soon_o plead_v prescription_n and_o not_o without_o great_a difficulty_n 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