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duty_n christian_n pray_v prayer_n 1,383 5 6.4846 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A41840 Great precious promises, or, Some sermons concerning the promises and the right application thereof whereunto are added some other concerning the usefulnesse of faith in advancing sanctification, as also, three more concerning the faith of assurance / by Mr. Andrew Gray ... ; all being revised since his death by some friends, the last impression carefully corrected and amended. Gray, Andrew, 1633-1656. 1669 (1669) Wing G1609; ESTC R39446 117,294 219

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3._o faith_n let_v a_o christian_a see_v the_o disadvantage_n of_o sin_n and_o what_o woeful_a effect_n do_v follow_v upon_o it_o and_o this_o do_v exceed_o hold_v forth_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o sin_n the_o second_o thing_n that_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o concern_v faith_n influence_n in_o the_o attain_n sanctification_n shall_v be_v to_o inquire_v a_o little_a unto_o these_o thing_n that_o hinder_v even_a believer_n from_o attain_v this_o bless_a effect_n of_o their_o faith_n for_o some_o christian_n there_o be_v that_o in_o some_o respect_n be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n make_v use_n of_o christ_n for_o sanctification_n and_o yet_o their_o make_a use_n of_o christ_n by_o faith_n do_v not_o weaken_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o idol_n at_o least_o to_o their_o apprehension_n neither_o yet_o raise_v they_o up_o to_o a_o conformity_n with_o god_n so_o that_o they_o be_v constrain_v sometime_o to_o cry_v out_o i_o shall_v once_o fall_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o of_o my_o iniquity_n and_o when_o they_o fight_v and_o do_v not_o overcome_v they_o be_v at_o last_o constrain_v to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o hope_n the_o first_o ground_n of_o such_o a_o dispensation_n be_v that_o a_o christian_a be_v not_o constant_a in_o his_o act_n of_o faith_n he_o will_v be_v strong_a in_o faith_n to_o day_n and_o when_o the_o morrow_n come_v he_o will_v faint_v in_o that_o exercise_n and_o this_o do_v exceed_o interrupt_v the_o noble_a victory_n of_o faith_n for_o when_o faith_n have_v get_v its_o advantage_n they_o lose_v they_o through_o security_n and_o negligence_n that_o be_v a_o command_n that_o shall_v be_v continual_o obey_v trust_v in_o the_o lord_n at_o all_o time_n and_o no_o doubt_n if_o a_o christian_a be_v more_o take_v up_o in_o the_o constant_a act_n of_o faith_n he_o shall_v sometime_o sing_v that_o song_n i_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o i_o be_v help_v second_o the_o most_o part_n of_o christian_n they_o be_v not_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a in_o act_n of_o their_o faith_n their_o faith_n be_v exceed_o weak_a and_o so_o they_o can_v bring_v forth_o these_o noble_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o faith_n if_o we_o be_v trust_v in_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n than_o that_o promse_n psal._n 37.5_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v to_o we_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v bring_v it_o to_o pass_v thrid_o there_o be_v a_o strong_a heart_n conjunction_n and_o soul_n union_n between_o we_o and_o our_o idol_n we_o be_v join_v to_o our_o idol_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v easy_o divorce_v yea_o when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o war_n against_o they_o there_o be_v a_o procuratour_n within_o that_o cry_v o_o spare_v this_o little_a one_o or_o this_o profitable_a or_o pleasant_a one_o and_o this_o be_v ordinary_o our_o practice_n to_o spare_v the_o choice_a of_o our_o lust_n so_o that_o our_o agag_n may_v cry_v forth_o the_o bitterness_n of_o death_n be_v past_a but_o i_o confess_v if_o that_o union_n be_v once_o dissolve_v we_o shall_v then_o be_v hear_v with_o great_a earnestness_n to_o cry_v forth_o o_o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n that_o teach_v my_o hand_n to_o fight_v four_o sometime_o a_o christian_a lay_v too_o much_o weight_n upon_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o do_v not_o employ_v faith_n but_o as_o a_o instrument_n to_o which_o christ_n must_v bestow_v strength_n to_o conquer_v sometime_o we_o think_v that_o faith_n have_v the_o virtue_n of_o overcome_v in_o its_o own_o hand_n but_o remember_v faith_n be_v but_o a_o empty_a thing_n without_o christ_n as_o you_o may_v see_v act_v 15.9_o where_o the_o purify_n their_o heart_n by_o faith_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o the_o activity_n of_o faith_n be_v from_o he_o and_o not_o in_o itself_o five_o a_o christian_n do_v not_o hate_v sin_n with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o warfare_n with_o his_o lust_n and_o with_o these_o strong_a idol_n that_o be_v within_o he_o but_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a heart_n inclination_n to_o that_o very_a idol_n which_o he_o do_v oppose_v so_o that_o oftenimes_o there_o be_v that_o twofold_a contradiction_n in_o a_o christian_a sometime_o his_o light_n will_v cry_v mortify_v such_o a_o idol_n and_o yet_o his_o heart_n will_v cry_v o_o spare_v such_o a_o idol_n yea_o more_o sometime_o his_o hear●_n will_v cry_v mortify_v such_o a_o idol_n and_o yet_o hi●_n heart_n will_v cry_v o_o spare_v such_o a_o idol_n that_o be_v to_o say_v there_o will_v be_v one_o part_n of_o our_o affection_n cry_v one_o thing_n and_o another_o part_n o●_n it_o will_v cry_v another_o thing_n o_o but_o there_o be_v a_o remarkable_a command_n for_o the_o perfect_a hatred_n of_o sin_n rom._n 12.9_o abhor_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a the_o word_n be_v in_o the_o original_a ha●e_a evil_n as_o you_o will_v do_v hell_n that_o be_v have_v perfect_a hatred_n to_o sin_n o_o to_o hate_n iniquity_n as_o much_o as_o hell_n a_o and_o join_v that_o word_n eph._n 5.11_o reprove_v the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v be_v render_v make_v out_o by_o unanswerable_a argument_n to_o your_o tentation_n that_o you_o can_v embrace_v the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n convince_v your_o tentation_n that_o you_o can_v do_v it_o as_o we_o suppose_v it_o be_v a_o noble_a argue_v of_o joseph_n when_o he_o be_v tempt_v how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o he_o put_v the_o tentation_n as_o it_o be_v to_o it_o o_o tentation_n give_v i_o ou●_n ground_n why_o i_o shall_v commit_v such_o a_o iniquity_n and_o certain_o if_o we_o be_v thus_o reason_v with_o our_o tentation_n they_o shall_v flee_v before_o we_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v we_o imbace_v the_o desire_n of_o our_o tentation_n upon_o implicit_a faith_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a regrate_a and_o yet_o i_o may_v utter_v it_o o_o if_o man_n will_v but_o deal_v with_o god_n as_o they_o do_v by_o satan_n we_o never_o dispute_v the_o promise_n of_o satan_n and_o never_o examine_v these_o allurement_n he_o setteh_o forth_o and_o yet_o we_o constant_o dispute_v with_o god_n upon_o every_o thing_n six_o a_o christian_n promove_v not_o in_o the_o growth_n of_o sanctification_n though_o in_o some_o measure_n exercise_v faith_n because_o he_o have_v not_o such_o a_o heart_n to_o holiness_n if_o we_o do_v discover_v more_o that_o excellent_a beauty_n that_o be_v in_o be_v clothe_v with_o that_o glorious_a robe_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o have_v the_o sweet_a draught_n of_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n engrave_v upon_o our_o heart_n we_o will_v have_v more_o victory_n over_o our_o lust_n there_o be_v a_o command_n for_o a_o perfect_a love_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o holiness_n in_o that_o same_o place_n rom._n 12.9_o and_o cleave_v say_v he_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v be_v render_v be_v marry_v and_o glue_v to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a let_v there_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a and_o undissolvable_a knot_n of_o union_n between_o you_o and_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o certain_o if_o once_o we_o believe_v that_o report_n which_o be_v give_v of_o holiness_n we_o will_v endeavour_v more_o to_o be_v clothe_v with_o it_o but_o that_o be_v the_o great_a ground_n why_o we_o advance_v not_o in_o holiness_n we_o know_v not_o the_o advantage_n nor_o diguity_n to_o be_v make_v like_o god_n o_o will_v you_o think_v on_o it_o what_o a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o you_o who_o be_v the_o dust_n of_o his_o foot_n to_o be_v make_v conform_v to_o he_o seven_o a_o christian_n be_v not_o much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o other_o duty_n that_o shall_v go_v along_o with_o faith_n suspect_v that_o faith_n for_o presumption_n that_o can_v act_v and_o be_v maintain_v without_o prayer_n certain_o prayer_n it_o keep_v in_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n prayer_n it_o be_v that_o grace_n that_o must_v act_v mutual_o with_o faith_n in_o accomplish_v that_o bless_a work_n of_o sanctification_n and_o if_o we_o pray_v more_o and_o believe_v more_o than_o we_o shall_v have_v more_o to_o speak_v concern_v the_o victory_n over_o our_o lust_n when_o be_v it_o o_o christian_n and_o expectant_a of_o heaven_n that_o you_o be_v constrain_v to_o put_v up_o a_o eben●zer_n and_o cry_v forth_o hitherto_o have_v the_o lord_n help_v i_o when_o be_v it_o o_o christian_n and_o expectant_a of_o heaven_n that_o you_o be_v put_v to_o cry_v forth_o god_n have_v arisen_a and_o my_o enemy_n be_v scatter_v before_o my_o face_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o be_v your_o practice_n you_o make_v such_o a_o covenant_n with_o your_o idol_n as_o nahash_n do_v with_o the_o man_n of_o jabesh_n gilead_n 1_o sam._n 11.2_o 3._o your_o lust_n desire_n to_o
precious_a in_o that_o the_o sai●t●_n have_v a_o high_a and_o matchless_a account_n of_o they_o hence_o that_o word_n here_o render_v precious_a may_v likewise_o be_v render_v honourable_a which_o speak_v forth_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o th●●_n have_v so_o much_o of_o the_o esteem_n of_o a_o christia●_n as_o the_o promise_n will_v you_o put_v wisdom_n o●_n riches_n or_o honour_n or_o what_o you_o will_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o the_o promise_n they_o will_v cry_v forth_o what_o shall_v i_o profit_v to_o gain_v all_o these_o if_o i_o lose_v the_o promise_n we_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o but_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v indeed_o that_o apple_n the_o eat_n of_o which_o will_v mak●_n we_o in_o some_o respect_n and_o in_o humility_n be_v i●_n speak_v as_o god_n know_v good_a and_o evil_n th●_n promise_n be_v these_o thing_n that_o do_v elevate_v the_o soul_n unto_o a_o divine_a conformity_n with_o god●_n and_o oh_o that_o this_o may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o they_o the_o promise_n be_v as_o cord_n let_v down_o to_o soul●_n sink_v in_o the_o miry_a clay_n and_o in_o the_o horrible_a ●it_n do_v but_o lie_v hold_v upon_o they_o and_o you_o shall_v undoubted_o be_v draw_v up_o and_o he_o shall_v set_v your_o foot_n upon_o the_o rock_n and_o order_v all_o your_o go_n now_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o three_o thing_n ●n_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o advantage_n and_o ●nspeakable_a gain_n that_o flow_v to_o a_o christian_a through_o the_o promise_n hold_v forth_o in_o these_o word_n that_o by_o they_o you_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o word_n ●oth_v not_o hold_v forth_o tha●_n there_o be_v any_o substantial_a change_n of_o our_o nature_n unto_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n but_o only_o it_o hold_v ●orth_o this_o ●hat_n the_o soul_n that_o be_v take_v up_o in_o believe_v of_o ●he_n promise_n they_o arise_v unto_o a_o likeness_n and_o conformity_n to_o he_o in_o holiness_n wisdom_n ●nd_v righteousness_n and_o as_o to_o these_o advantage_n that_o come_v to_o a_o christian_a through_o ●he_n promise_n 1._o we_o must_v lay_v this_o for_o a_o ●round_n that_o the_o fruit_n of_o all_o come_v to_o he_o through_o believe_v the_o promise_n and_o in_o ●aking_v application_n of_o they_o and_o the_o first_o be_v that_o they_o do_v exceed_o ●elp_v and_o promove_v that_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a work_n of_o mortification_n this_o be_v clear_a ●rom_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n as_o likewise_o ●●om_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o have_v these_o promise_n ●early_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o 〈◊〉_d filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o ●●fluence_n that_o the_o promise_n have_v upon_o san●●ification_n may_v be_v show_v unto_o you_o in_o these_o ●hree_o first_o they_o lay_v upon_o a_o christian_a 〈◊〉_d divine_a bond_n and_o obligation_n to_o study_v holiness_n that_o since_o christ_n have_v signify_v and_o testify_v his_o respect_n unto_o we_o in_o so_o ample_a and_o larg●_n a_o way_n as_o to_o give_v we_o such_o precious_a promise●_n we_o ought_v to_o endeavour_v to_o study_v holiness_n which_o be_v that_o great_a reward_n of_o love_n that_o h●_n seek_v from_o we_o for_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o hat●_n bestow_v and_o we_o receive_v and_o this_o be_v th●_n mean_v of_o that_o 2_o corinth_n 7.1_o second_o the_o strength_n and_o furniture_n of_o a_o christian_a fo●_n fulfil_v and_o accomplish_v of_o the_o work_n o●_n sanctification_n lie_v within_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o christ●●an_n as_o samson_n lo●ks_n in_o which_o their_o grea●_n strength_n doth_o and_o if_o once_o they_o cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o promise_n through_o misbe●lief_n their_o strength_n do_v decay_v and_o 〈◊〉_d become_v as_o other_o man_n where_o must_v th●_n christian_n go_v to_o for_o strength_n be_v it_o not_o to_o th●_n promise_n be_v it_o not_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n yea_o this_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o a_o christian_a unt●_n which_o he_o must_v resort_v continual_o and_o three_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n they_o hold_v fort●_n that_o unspeakable_a reward_n that_o attend_v th●●_n christian_n that_o shall_v study_v holiness_n ther●_n be_v several_a promise_n of_o the_o everlasting_a cou●●nant_n that_o cry_v forth_o to_o the_o christian_a t●_n he_o that_o overcome_v will_n this_o promise_n b●_n accomplish_v to_o he_o that_o overcome_v sha●●_n this_o truth_n be_v fulfil_v and_o this_o do_v excee_o provoke_v a_o christian_n to_o wrestle_v with_o 〈◊〉_d his_o discouragement_n he_o meet_v with_o in_o th●_n way_n he_o bury_v all_o his_o anxiety_n within_o th●_n circle_n of_o his_o immortal_a crown_n which_o h●_n hope_v for_o and_o see_v in_o the_o promise_n and_o hi●_n hope_n make_v he_o dispense_v with_o his_o want●_n his_o expectation_n make_v he_o overcome_v his_o fear_n and_o his_o look_v for_o joy_n make_v he_o to_o dispense_v with_o his_o sorrow_n the_o second_o advantage_n be_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o promise_n do_v help_v a_o christian_a to_o a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o withal_o make_v he_o delight_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o this_o be_v clear_a from_o ●_o sam._n 7.27_o where_o david_n believe_v the_o promise_n it_o be_v subjoin_v he_o find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o pray_v that_o prayer_n unto_o god_n and_o if_o any_o will_v look_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prayer_n they_o will_v see_v they_o run_v in_o a_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a strain_n speak_v he_o one_o much_o acquaint_v with_o god_n and_o under_o most_o high_a and_o majestic_a apprehension_n of_o his_o glory_n as_o be_v clear_a also_o psal._n 119.147_o i_o prevent_v the_o ●awning_n of_o the_o morning_n and_o cry_v and_o as_o if_o david_n have_v say_v will_v you_o know_v what_o make_v i_o thus_o fervent_a and_o diligent_a in_o prayer_n ●t_a be_v that_o i_o hope_v in_o his_o word_n and_o hence_o ●t_a be_v that_o he_o have_v so_o many_o prayer_n in_o that_o psalm_n all_o be_v occasion_v through_o the_o ●ith_n of_o the_o promise_n as_o for_o instance_n when_o ●e_n cry_v forth_o quicken_v i_o according_a to_o thy_o ●ord_n be_v merciful_a unto_o i_o according_a to_o thy_o ●ord_n and_o we_o conceive_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o promise_n help_v a_o christian_a in_o his_o prayer_n to_o ●hese_fw-mi four_o divine_a ingredient_n of_o that_o duty_n ●_o it_o make_v he_o pray_v with_o faith_n when_o ●nce_o he_o build_v his_o prayer_n upon_o the_o promise_n than_o he_o vent_v his_o prayer_n with_o much_o confidence_n of_o hope_n according_a to_o that_o word_n ●sal_n 65.3_o where_o you_o may_v see_v a_o man_n believe_v and_o pray_v when_o he_o be_v believe_v and_o express_v his_o confidence_n mo●●_n strange_o in_o th●se_a word_n as_o for_o our_o trans●gressions_n thou_o shall_v purge_v they_o away_o it_o i●_n not_o say_v thou_o will_v purge_v they_o away_o or_o we_o desire_v that_o thou_o shall_v purge_v they_o away_o bu●_n thou_o shall_v which_o speak_v forth_o both_o the_o confidence_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o boldness_n o●_n faith_n a_o christian_a that_o believe_v the_o promise_n he_o can_v take_v the_o promise_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o present_v it_o unto_o god_n and_o say_v fulfil_v this_o promise_n since_o thou_o will_v not_o de●y_v thy_o name_n but_o art_n faithful_a 2._o it_o make_v a_o christian_a pray_v with_o much_o humility_n for_o when_o he_o do_v understand_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o he_o have_v but_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o ●_o promise_v he_o do_v not_o boast_v as_o those_o tha●_n have_v receive_v but_o walk_v humble_o unde●_n his_o enjoyment_n this_o be_v clear_a gen._n 32_o 10_o where_o we_o may_v see_v jacob_n speak_v to_o go●_n with_o much_o humility_n and_o in_o the_o nine_o verse_n he_o be_v speak_v to_o god_n with_o much_o faith_n and_o 3._o it_o make_v a_o christian_a pray_v wi●●_n much_o love_n will_v you_o know_v the_o grea●_n ground_n that_o we_o be_v so_o remiss_a in_o the_o exercis●_n of_o love_n in_o prayer_n it_o be_v because_o we_o build_v no●_n our_o prayer_n upon_o the_o promise_n and_o 4._o i●_n help_v a_o christian_n to_o pray_v with_o much_o fer●vency_n when_o be_v it_o that_o david_n cry_v to_o god_n be_v it_o not_o when_o he_o be_v believe_v the_o promise_n that_o past_a to_o he_o of_o old_a we_o will_v not_o plead_v with_o god_n with_o such_o remissness_n i●_n we_o do_v believe_v the_o promise_n that_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n the_o three_o advantage_n be_v that_o the_o faith_n o●_n the_o promise_n do_v sometime_o uphold_v a_o christian_a under_o his_o spiritual_a disertion_n and_o tentation_n be_v it_o not_o certain_a that_o sometime_o he_o have_v be_v
stupidity_n and_o therefore_o guard_v against_o mistake_n about_o your_o interest_n in_o christ_n i_o entreat_v you_o five_o consider_v that_o mistake_v about_o one_o interest_n be_v a_o most_o abide_a and_o constant_a mistake_n believe_v it_o if_o once_o we_o mistake_v in_o this_o it_o be_v one_o to_o a_o hundred_o if_o ever_o we_o come_v right_a again_o this_o be_v clear_a jer._n 8.5_o they_o hold_v fast_o deceit_n they_o keep_v it_o with_o both_o their_o hand_n and_o isa._n 44.20_o their_o be_v a_o lie_n in_o their_o right_a hand_n that_o be_v they_o hold_v the_o lie_n and_o they_o keep_v it_o with_o all_o their_o power_n i_o say_v if_o once_o one_o be_v mistake_v concern_v their_o interest_n in_o christ_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o put_v they_o from_o it_o yea_o delusion_n it_o be_v such_o a_o abide_a thing_n that_o we_o find_v christ_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o if_o it_o will_v wait_v upon_o one_o before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o if_o some_o will_v never_o quit_v their_o hope_n of_o heaven_n till_o christ_n pronounce_v that_o word_n depart_v from_o i_o i_o know_v you_o not_o delusion_n may_v carry_v we_o over_o the_o border_n of_o time_n and_o lead_v we_o in_o to_o eternity_n six_o there_o be_v much_o counterfeit_a religion_n that_o be_v in_o those_o day_n their_o be_v a_o paint_a faith_n there_o be_v a_o paint_a love_n there_o be_v a_o paint_a mortification_n and_o there_o be_v a_o paint_a tenderness_n some_o they_o love_v shadow_n and_o picture_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o love_v the_o very_a shadow_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v there_o not_o many_o who_o think_v they_o be_v embrace_v christ_n and_o yet_o be_v embrace_v a_o delusion_n and_o a_o fancy_n that_o which_o three_o we_o will_v speak_v to_o from_o this_o poi●_n be_v to_o give_v you_o some_o evidence_n by_o which_o you_o may_v know_v if_o the_o assurance_n you_o have_v of_o your_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v right_a or_o no_o believe_v it_o there_o be_v many_o that_o draw_v that_o conclusion_n i_o be_o in_o christ_n which_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o own_o deceitful_a heart_n have_v draw_v and_o christ_n never_o give_v consent_n to_o it_o and_o i_o shall_v propose_v these_o seven_o or_o eight_o evidence_n of_o real_a assurance_n by_o which_o you_o may_v discern_v first_o a_o real_a assurance_n be_v a_o purify_n and_o sanctify_a assurance_n this_o be_v clear_a 1_o joh._n 3.3_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o that_o be_v persuade_v of_o this_o that_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o heaven_n he_o will_v purify_v himself_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a and_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n o_o when_o a_o christian_a get_v christ_n in_o his_o arm_n he_o can_v but_o cry_v forth_o what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v any_o more_o with_o idol_n when_o he_o have_v once_o get_v christ_n in_o his_o arm_n he_o will_v answer_v every_o tentation_n that_o he_o meet_v with_o this_o i_o be_o not_o my_o own_o i_o be_o buy_v with_o a_o price_n i_o can_v now_o dispose_v of_o my_o self_n and_o if_o your_o assurance_n of_o go_v to_o heaven_n be_v not_o a_o purify_n assurance_n be_v persuade_v of_o it_o it_o be_v but_o the_o devil_n pillow_n sow_v under_o your_o arm_n hole_n be_v it_o possible_a a_o person_n can_v be_v assure_v of_o heaven_n and_o not_o study_v holiness_n can_v such_o a_o delusion_n at_o this_o overtake_v you_o second_o a_o real_a assurance_n put_v the_o christian_a to_o a_o press_v and_o earnest_a pursuit_n after_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n be_v it_o possible_a for_o one_o to_o be_v assure_v and_o not_o to_o ●e_v say_v he_o be_v sick_a of_o love_n this_o be_v clear_a song_n 2.16_o 17._o my_o belove_a be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o he_o and_o immediate_o follow_v turn_v thou_o o_o my_o belove_a and_o be_v like_o a_o roe_n or_o a_o young_a har●_n upon_o the_o mountain_n of_o bether_o and_o it_o be_v clear_a song_n 7.10_o 11._o i_o be_o my_o belove_n and_o his_o desire_n be_v towards_o i_o and_o what_o follow_v upon_o that_o she_o come_v and_o invit_v christ_n o_o come_v down_o with_o i_o to_o the_o field_n let_v we_o lodge_v in_o the_o village_n o_o when_o give_v you_o christ_n such_o a_o invitation_n as_o this_o o_o precious_a christ_n let_v we_o lodge_v in_o the_o village_n and_o go_v down_o to_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o field_n and_o psal._n 63.1_o my_o god_n there_o be_v his_o assurance_n and_o immediate_o follow_v upon_o that_o early_o will_v i_o seek_v thou_o my_o soul_n thirst_v after_o thou_o as_o in_o a_o dry_a parch_a land_n where_o no_o water_n be_v there_o be_v a_o press_a desire_n after_o communion_n but_o i_o will_v ask_v you_o be_v there_o not_o many_o here_o who_o have_v the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n to_o their_o apprehension_n and_o yet_o the_o desire_n of_o communion_n with_o christ_n be_v never_o with_o they_o i_o desire_v to_o say_v to_o thou_o be_v who_o thou_o will_v be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v that_o which_o thou_o sowe_v thou_o shall_v also_o reap_v i_o think_v there_o be_v some_o of_o we_o we_o will_v let_v christ_n live_v in_o heaven_n many_o day_n without_o give_v he_o one_o visit_v if_o he_o will_v let_v we_o alone_o but_o o_o if_o we_o be_v within_o sight_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o christ_n how_o often_o will_v this_o be_v our_o complaint_n when_o he_o be_v absent_a they_o have_v take_v away_o my_o lord_n and_o i_o know_v not_o where_o they_o have_v lay_v he_o or_o my_o idol_n have_v carry_v i_o away_o from_o he_o and_o i_o know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v he_o three_o assurance_n of_o our_o be_v in_o christ_n will_v put_v we_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o praise_n believe_v it_o i_o think_v this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o search_a evidence_n of_o assurance_n there_o be_v some_o christian_n they_o will_v be_v convince_v for_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n but_o for_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o praise_n they_o never_o have_v one_o conviction_n and_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o prayer_n be_v a_o selfish_a grace_n so_o to_o speak_v but_o praise_v it_o be_v a_o deny_v grace_n prayer_n seek_v but_o praise_n give_v exod._n 15.2_o he_o be_v my_o god_n i_o will_v prepare_v he_o a_o habitation_n and_o he_o be_v my_o father_n god_n i_o will_v exalt_v he_o psal._n 118.28_o he_o be_v my_o god_n i_o will_v praise_v he_o he_o be_v my_o god_n i_o will_v exalt_v he_o what_o need_v david_n these_o repetition_n may_v not_o one_o serve_v no_o say_v he_o i_o will_v even_o spend_v my_o day_n in_o this_o my_o god_n my_o god_n there_o be_v much_o of_o heaven_n in_o that_o word_n my_o god_n and_o love_n commit_v many_o sweet_a batoligy_n now_o i_o say_v to_o thou_o be_v thou_o ever_o put_v to_o the_o heart_n exercise_n of_o praise_n by_o this_o assurance_n that_o thou_o have_v this_o be_v a_o evidence_n indeed_o but_o alas_o many_o of_o we_o can_v say_v it_o four_o a_o person_n that_o live_v within_o sight_n of_o his_o interest_n christ_n be_v matchless_a unto_o he_o as_o be_v clear_a song_n 2.3_o i_o sit_v down_o under_o his_o shadow_n there_o be_v faith_n and_o assurance_n of_o it_o and_o what_o deny_v that_o as_o the_o apple_n tree_n among_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o wood_n so_o be_v my_o belove_a among_o the_o son_n christ_n have_v not_o a_o match_n say_v the_o spouse_n in_o his_o sweetness_n his_o power_n his_o beauty_n and_o his_o usefulness_n be_v above_o all_o five_o real_a assurance_n be_v a_o humble_v thing_n the_o assurance_n of_o a_o christian_a make_v he_o to_o sit_v low_a in_o the_o dust_n be_v not_o jacob_n low_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n when_o he_o cry_v out_o i_o be_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o all_o thy_o mercy_n what_o be_v not_o david_n low_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n when_o he_o speak_v that_o word_n what_o be_o i_o and_o what_o be_v my_o father_n house_n that_o thou_o have_v bring_v i_o hitherto_o and_o be_v not_o paul_n a_o low_a man_n in_o his_o own_o eye_n ephes._n 3.8.16_o i_o be_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o all_o thy_o saint_n and_o when_o he_o cry_v out_o i_o be_o the_o chief_n of_o sinner_n the_o assurance_n that_o be_v real_a it_o will_v make_v a_o christian_n to_o sit_v down_o in_o the_o dust_n and_o cry_v out_o woe_n be_v i_o i_o be_o a_o man_n of_o pollute_a lip_n six_o real_a assurance_n will_v put_v he_o to_o take_v much_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o go_n about_o of_o duty_n that_o word_n psal._n 40.8_o my_o god_n say_v he_o that_o be_v his_o assurance_n
all_o time_n you_o people_n and_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o precious_a cloud_n of_o witness_n record_v of_o in_o heb._n 11._o that_o spend_v their_o day_n in_o embrace_v of_o the_o promise_n but_o 7._o we_o will_v have_v you_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v more_o easy_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o believe_v spiritual_a promise_n then_o to_o believe_v temporal_a promise_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o trust_v christ_n for_o eternal_a salvation_n then_o to_o trust_v he_o for_o our_o daily_a food_n when_o we_o be_v redact_v unto_o strait_n and_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o we_o assert_v this_o may_v be_v these_o 1._o because_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o a_o christian_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n death_n reach_v for_o the_o purchase_n of_o temporal_a promise_n which_o more_o easy_o he_o take_v up_o in_o spiritual_a promise_n for_o a_o christian_a can_v hardly_o believe_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v in_o christ_n intention_n as_o to_o die_v for_o his_o daily_a food_n which_o yet_o be_v most_o certain_a if_o we_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o special_a mercy_n 2._o in_o a_o christian_n believe_v of_o spiritual_a promise_n there_o be_v often_o some_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o help_v he_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n at_o least_o they_o press_v not_o the_o contrary_a but_o to_o believe_v a_o temporal_a promise_n when_o a_o christian_a be_v redact_v unto_o a_o strait_a and_o that_o he_o can_v see_v no_o outgate_n present_v sense_n and_o reason_n stand_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o press_v he_o to_o despair_v as_o for_o instance_n when_o a_o christian_a be_v live_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o a_o mountain_n and_o know_v not_o where_o to_o sup_v at_o night_n to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n upon_o which_o he_o may_v rest_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o want_v his_o food_n but_o if_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v service_n for_o he_o he_o will_v provide_v here_o he_o have_v not_o only_a reason_n to_o dispute_v against_o but_o the_o strong_a pinch_a sense_n of_o hunger_n both_o cry_v out_o how_o can_v bread_n be_v give_v in_o the_o wilderness_n 3._o the_o tentation_n that_o assault_v a_o christian_n to_o misbelieve_v upon_o temporal_a promise_n they_o be_v more_o subtle_a and_o more_o con-natural_a to_o a_o christian_a than_o his_o temptation_n that_o assault_v he_o in_o rest_v upon_o spiritual_a promise_n when_o a_o christian_a be_v in_o strait_n in_o the_o world_n the_o temptation_n that_o hinder_v his_o exercise_n of_o faith_n they_o be_v more_o consonant_n to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o yield_v to_o misbelief_n then_o because_o we_o think_v it_o be_v rational_a and_o speak_v the_o truth_n 4._o a_o christian_a be_v often_o so_o affright_v by_o his_o daily_a fail_n or_o some_o particular_a more_o gross_a out-breaking_n in_o his_o life_n that_o howbeit_o he_o may_v through_o grace_n be_v help_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n shall_v make_v out_o these_o promise_n which_o concern_v his_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o so_o do_v he_o good_a in_o the_o latter_a end_n yet_o may_v he_o be_v sad_o perplex_v and_o distrustful_a in_o make_v use_n of_o any_o particular_a temporary_a promise_n for_o draw_v forth_o any_o comfort_n or_o encouragement_n therefrom_o as_o to_o his_o present_a exigent_n because_o he_o know_v that_o although_o the_o lord_n do_v forgive_v his_o people_n iniquity_n yet_o may_v he_o take_v vengeance_n on_o their_o invention_n psal._n 99.8_o and_o therefore_o may_v punish_v his_o present_a fail_v with_o the_o like_a calamity_n as_o he_o have_v do_v other_o 5._o there_o be_v also_o much_o of_o a_o natural_a and_o carnal_a self_n love_n to_o a_o present_a life_n remain_v in_o the_o best_a that_o we_o be_v many_o time_n worse_o to_o satisfy_v in_o our_o security_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n then_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o can_v more_o easy_o trust_v the_o lord_n for_o our_o soul_n then_o for_o our_o body_n so_o that_o though_o his_o naked_a word_n will_v sometime_o satisfy_v we_o for_o the_o one_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o for_o the_o other_o and_o the_o last_o ground_n of_o it_o may_v be_v a_o christian_n unacquaintednesse_n with_o that_o lot_n of_o exercise_v faith_n upon_o temporal_a promise_n there_o be_v many_o who_o think_v not_o that_o there_o be_v use_v for_o faith_n except_o for_o salvation_n and_o the_o thing_n above_o which_o make_v his_o faith_n upon_o these_o more_o difficult_a then_o upon_o promise_n that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o this_o may_v appear_v most_o clear_o in_o that_o we_o find_v man_n more_o easy_o bear_v their_o spiritual_a want_n even_o a_o christian_n that_o be_v most_o exercise_v than_o they_o bear_v their_o temporal_a want_n and_o more_o corruption_n and_o impatience_n do_v arise_v from_o temporal_a want_n then_o from_o spiritual_a want_n 2._o consider_v that_o all_o a_o christian_n duty_n be_v turn_v over_o into_o promise_n there_o be_v not_o a_o duty_n that_o be_v require_v of_o a_o christian_a but_o it_o be_v convert_v into_o a_o promise_n be_v not_o faith_n a_o duty_n 1_o joh._n 3.23_o this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o you_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v not_o that_o turn_v over_o in_o a_o promise_n jer._n 3_o 19_o thou_o shall_v call_v i_o thy_o father_n the_o word_n import_v not_o only_o a_o act_n of_o necessity_n but_o of_o violence_n thou_o shall_v do_v it_o and_o in_o the_o thirteen_o of_o zechary_n at_o the_o close_a thou_o shall_v call_v i_o thy_o father_n and_o so_o in_o ezek._n 11.19_o be_v not_o mortification_n a_o christian_n duty_n colos._n 3.5_o mortify_v therefore_o your_o member_n and_o it_o be_v turn_v over_o in_o a_o promise_n jer._n 32.28_o and_o ezek._n 36.25_o 29._o where_o he_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v purge_v away_o all_o their_o uncleanness_n and_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o micah_n 7.19_o i_o will_v subdue_v say_v he_o all_o thy_o iniquity_n it_o be_v not_o say_v thou_o must_v subdue_v they_o but_z i_o will_v do_v it_o be_v not_o also_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n a_o command_v duty_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v turn_v over_o in_o a_o promise_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n they_o shall_v know_v i_o from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a neither_o shall_v there_o be_v need_v any_o more_o that_o one_o shall_v say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o i_o be_v not_o the_o commandment_n of_o fear_n your_o duty_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o eccles._n 12.13_o and_o yet_o that_o be_v likewise_o turn_v over_o in_o a_o promise_n i_o will_v put_v my_o fear_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n they_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v away_o from_o i_o so_o tenderness_n be_v a_o christian_n duty_n and_o yet_o that_o be_v turn_v over_o in_o a_o promise_n i_o will_v take_v away_o their_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o give_v they_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n and_o that_o i_o may_v say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o look_v but_o to_o these_o four_o place_n and_o there_o you_o will_v see_v almost_o all_o duty_n turn_v over_o in_o promise_n there_o be_v jer._n 31._o jer_n 32._o ezek_n 11._o and_o ezek._n 36._o you_o will_v see_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n convert_v into_o promise_n but_o may_v not_o some_o say_v what_o advantage_n be_v there_o of_o this_o much_o certain_o every_o way_n that_o the_o duty_n be_v turn_v over_o into_o promise_n it_o may_v give_v a_o christian_a hope_n that_o he_o shall_v once_o perform_v these_o duty_n will_v you_o not_o once_o be_v tender_a yes_o certain_o because_o your_o tenderness_n lie_v within_o a_o promise_n will_v you_o not_o once_o be_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o fear_n no_o doubt_v you_o will_v and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v this_o because_o your_o fear_n lie_v within_o a_o promise_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n and_o 2._o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n of_o it_o that_o all_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o a_o christian_a be_v turn_v over_o in_o promise_n because_o by_o this_o mean_n a_o christian_a may_v go_v to_o god_n when_o he_o can_v perform_v such_o a_o duty_n and_o desire_v he_o to_o fulfil_v his_o word_n and_o accomplish_v his_o promise_n and_o so_o may_v make_v use_v not_o only_o of_o the_o omnipotency_n of_o god_n but_o of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n also_o there_o be_v this_o three_o consideration_n that_o we_o will_v propose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n of_o a_o christian_a within_o a_o promise_n that_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v to_o be_v within_o it_o especial_o these_o three_o first_o the_o challenge_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v within_o a_o promise_n when_o you_o be_v convince_v that_o be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o a_o promise_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o isai._n 30_o 21._o where_o conviction_n and_o challenge_n be_v turn_v over_o in_o a_o promise_n when_o
accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n may_v appear_v and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n when_o the_o promise_n be_v long_o beneath_o ground_n than_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n do_v more_o appear_v in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o promise_n and_o from_o this_o i_o will_v only_o say_v to_o christian_n that_o be_v under_o that_o exercise_n complain_v of_o the_o want_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o promise_n these_o few_o thing_n 1._o believe_v that_o the_o promise_n shall_v once_o be_v accomplish_v that_o though_o the_o vision_n tarry_v yet_o at_o last_o it_o shall_v speak_v 2._o believe_v that_o every_o hour_n delay_v of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n have_v a_o sweet_a design_n of_o love_n there_o be_v not_o one_o moment_n of_o delay_n but_o it_o be_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o christian_a as_o be_v clear_a from_o that_o word_n rom._n 8.28_o and_o 3._o that_o promise_n that_o come_v after_o long_a delay_n it_o have_v these_o three_o sweet_a and_o soul-refreshing_a attendant_n 1._o it_o be_v perform_v most_o seasonble_o a_o christian_n if_o he_o will_v observe_v he_o will_v see_v infinite_a wisdom_n shine_v in_o time_a the_o accompaniment_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o such_o a_o particular_a day_n a_o christian_a will_v be_v constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o if_o the_o promise_n have_v be_v fulfil_v before_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o art_n of_o wisdom_n appear_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o 2._o that_o the_o promise_n when_o it_o be_v accomplish_v will_v engage_v a_o christian_a more_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o ●ove_n than_o four_o promise_n accomplish_v at_o a_o ●hort_a and_o small_a time_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o will_v so_o inflame_v the_o soul_n with_o love_n as_o to_o have_v a_o promise_v accomplish_v after_o delay_n and_o 3._o the_o promise_n accomplish_v after_o de●ayes_n have_v much_o sense_n wait_v upon_o the_o performance_n thereof_o i_o think_v hardly_o a_o christian_a ever_o meet_v with_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o ●_o promise_v after_o long_a delay_n but_o his_o soul_n be_v make_v as_o a_o water_a garden_n and_o as_o spring_n of_o water_n who_o water_n fail_v not_o this_o promise_n ●aileth_v and_o come_v to_o a_o christian_a perfume_v with_o love_n now_o we_o shall_v shut_v up_o our_o discourse_n at_o this_o ●ime_n and_o shall_v only_o speak_v to_o these_o six_o defect_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n in_o believe_v the_o promise_n 1._o that_o our_o faith_n be_v impatient_a we_o cannot_v stay_v upon_o the_o promise_n if_o it_o be_v delay_v hence_o you_o will_v see_v that_o in_o scripture_n of●en_o patience_n be_v annex_v to_o faith_n which_o speak_v this_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o believe_v as_o he_o ought_v that_o want_v the_o exercise_n of_o patience_n see_v heb._n 6.12_o be_v you_o follower_n of_o they_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n and_o that_o word_n ●n_v the_o revelation_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n and_o pa●ience_n of_o the_o saint_n 2._o our_o faith_n in_o close_v with_o the_o promise_n it_o be_v most_o unconstant_a a_o christian_a when_o first_o a_o promise_n be_v bear_v in_o upon_o his_o spirit_n he_o will_v then_o believe_v the_o promise_n and_o join_v with_o it_o but_o after_o six_o or_o seven_o day_n go_v about_o he_o will_v change_v his_o faith_n this_o be_v remarkable_o clear_a from_o exod._n 4.31_o compare_v with_o exod._n 6.9_o when_o first_o the_o promise_n come_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o shall_v go_v out_o of_o egypt_n it_o be_v say_v of_o they_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n at_o the_o close_a they_o believe_v the_o promise_n and_o worship_v but_o look_v to_o they_o in_o exod._n 6.9_o and_o there_o you_o will_v see_v they_o not_o believe_v because_o of_o bitterness_n and_o anxiety_n of_o heart_n and_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o the_o ground_n why_o our_o faith_n be_v unconstant_a 1._o sometime_o the_o read_n of_o a_o promise_n to_o a_o christian_a will_v be_v as_o his_o savoury_a meat_n sometime_o when_o a_o christian_a will_v read_v one_o time_n in_o the_o covenant_n it_o will_v be_v perfume_v with_o love_n and_o his_o soul_n will_v be_v transport_v with_o joy_n after_o it_o and_o at_o another_o time_n when_o he_o shall_v read_v that_o promise_n again_o it_o will_v be_v tastelesse_a as_o the_o white_a of_o a_o egg_n and_o as_o his_o sorrowful_a meat_n 2._o that_o we_o be_v not_o much_o in_o study_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v promise_v which_o certain_o will_v cu●_n short_a many_o of_o our_o debate_n there_o be_v this_o three_o defect_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o we_o be_v not_o diligent_a a_o diligent_a faith_n we_o call_v this_o that_o after_o a_o christian_a have_v believe_v he_o will_v be_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n he_o will_v be_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n to_o make_v that_o promise_n sweet_a and_o lively_a to_o he_o and_o a_o four_o defect_n be_v this_o we_o build_v our_o faith_n more_o upon_o dispensation_n then_o upon_o the_o word_n when_o dispensation_n say_v that_o which_o ●he_v promise_n say_v then_o we_o will_v believe_v but_o when_o dispensation_n speak_v the_o contrary_a language_n unto_o the_o promise_n than_o we_o will_v re●ect_v our_o confidence_n and_o hope_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o two_o great_a mystery_n of_o believe_v it_o be_v hard_o for_o a_o christian_n to_o believe_v when_o the_o commentary_n seem_v to_o destroy_v the_o text_n that_o be_v when_o the_o commentary_n seem_v to_o declare_v that_o the_o promise_n shall_v never_o be_v accomplish_v in_o 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v this_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o believe_v when_o dispensation_n will_v say_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v faill_n and_o when_o promise_n bid_v you_o believe_v 2._o it_o be_v hard_a for_o a_o chri●tian_n to_o take_v impossibility_n in_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n in_o the_o other_o and_o ●ay_n o_o precious_a christ_n reconcile_v these_o two_o together_o that_o impossibility_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o promise_n but_o that_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v accomplish_v notwithstanding_o of_o this_o ●_o we_o have_v this_o defect_n of_o faith_n among_o we_o that_o we_o build_v our_o faith_n more_o upon_o sense_n ●hen_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n when_o a_o christian_a be_v in_o a_o good_a frame_n he_o will_v believe_v but_o when_o christ_n hide_v his_o face_n he_o will_v then_o give_v over_o his_o hope_n and_o last_o there_o be_v this_o that_o our_o faith_n upon_o the_o promise_n be_v general_a we_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o we_o study_v not_o to_o make_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v not_o stand_v long_o to_o make_v any_o use_n of_o what_o we_o have_v speak_v only_o i_o will_v have_v the_o christian_n of_o this_o age_n and_o those_o that_o be_v here_o to_o go_v home_o with_o this_o conviction_n the_o damnable_a neglect_n of_o believe_v of_o the_o promise_n a_o christian_a neglect_v these_o three_o duty_n of_o religion_n most_o he_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o self_n examine_v the_o duty_n of_o believe_v the_o promise_n and_o that_o noble_a soul_n exalt_v duty_n of_o meditation_n these_o three_o duty_n ●_o christian_n do_v so_o constant_o neglect_v that_o almost_o he_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o conviction_n that_o he_o do_v neglect_v they_o but_o i_o will_v say_v a_o word_n unto_o these_o tha●_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o be_v stranger_n unto_o these_o bless_a thing_n that_o be_v record_v within_o the_o covenant_n and_o i●_n be_v only_o this_o doubtless_o you_o must_v believe_v your_o sense_n if_o you_o will_v not_o believe_v his_o word_n it_o be_v a_o question_n indeed_o which_o of_o all_o the_o sense_n shall_v be_v most_o satisfy_v in_o heaven_n whether_o that_o of_o see_v when_o we_o shall_v behold_v the_o king_n in_o his_o beauty_n and_o see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v o●_n that_o of_o hear_v when_o we_o shall_v hear_v these_o melodious_a halelujah_n of_o that_o innumerable_a company_n which_o be_v about_o the_o throne_n without_o any_o jar_a among_o they_o all_o o●_n that_o of_o smell_v when_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o sweet_a perfume_n of_o his_o garment_n which_o be_v perfume_v with_o all_o the_o powder_n of_o the_o merchant_n or_o that_o of_o touch_v when_o we_o find_v mary_n inhibiti●on_n take_v off_o touch_v i_o not_o and_o be_v admit_v to_o embrace_v he_o who_o be_v now_o ascend_v to_o his_o father_n or_o that_o of_o taste_v when_o we_o shall_v drink_v of_o these_o river_n of_o consolation_n that_o shall_v never_o run_v dry_a this_o i_o say_v be_v indeed_o a_o
thing_n concern_v the_o promise_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o verse_n be_v the_o property_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o they_o be_v these_o four_o 1._o that_o the_o promise_n be_v free_a hold_v forth_o in_o that_o word_n whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n be_v gift_n and_o not_o debt_n there_o be_v that_o second_o property_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o they_o be_v unchangeable_a hold_v forth_o in_o that_o word_n give_v the_o gift_n and_o call_n of_o god_n be_v without_o repentance_n and_o the_o three_o property_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v that_o they_o be_v exceed_o great_a and_o the_o four_o that_o they_o be_v exceed_o precious_a the_o three_o thing_n concern_v the_o promise_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o word_n be_v the_o advantage●_n that_o flow_v to_o a_o christian_a by_o the_o promise●_n that_o by_o they_o they_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n o●_n the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o last_o thing_n concern_v they_o be_v that_o time_n when_o the_o promise_n be_v especial_o accomplish_v it_o be_v then_o when_o we_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n now_o as_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o wit_n the_o fountain_n original_a and_o rise_v of_o the_o promise●_n which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o in_o speak_v unto_o this_o we_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a unto_o these_o two_o 1._o in_o what_o respect_v christ_n may_v b●_n say_v to_o be_v the_o fountain_n and_o original_n of_o th●_n promise_n and_o we_o conceive_v he_o may_v be_v sai●_n to_o be_v so_o first_o because_o he_o purchase_v th●_n promise_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o own_o precio●_n blood_n there_o be_v not_o a_o promise_n in_o all_o th●_n everlasting_a covenant_n but_o it_o be_v the_o price_n 〈◊〉_d the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o be_v clear_a 〈◊〉_d ephes_n 2.12_o 13._o where_n speak_v of_o the_o ge●●tiles_n that_o they_o be_v stranger_n unto_o the_o co●venant_n of_o promise_n he_o set_v down_o in_o th●_n 13._o verse_n the_o way_n by_o which_o they_o wer●_n bring_v near_o unto_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v ●ight_a unto_o it_o it_o be_v through_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o ●rosse_n and_o it_o be_v clear_a in_o ephes._n 3.9_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o in_o he_o that_o be_v through_o the_o purchase_n of_o he_o ●nd_v his_o merit_n and_o 1_o pet._n 1.19_o where_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v buy_v by_o his_o blood_n for_o the_o promise_n of_o redemption_n be_v the_o price_n of_o ●loud_n second_o christ_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v ●he_v fountain_n of_o the_o promise_n in_o this_o respect_n ●hat_n he_o be_v the_o person_n unto_o who_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v first_o make_v and_o through_o he_o be_v make_v over_o unto_o we_o this_o be_v clear_a in_o gal._n 3_o 16._o the_o promise_n be_v give_v unto_o abraham_n not_o unto_o many_o seed_n but_o as_o ●nto_o one_o that_o be_v christ_n and_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o 2_o tim._n 1.9_o where_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n ●nd_v salvation_n be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o in_o ●im_n before_o the_o world_n be_v make_v it_o be_v true_a ●hat_n the_o promise_n be_v not_o give_v to_o christ_n consider_v only_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o so_o he_o have_v no_o other_o relation_n to_o we_o then_o the_o father_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v first_o make_v to_o he_o as_o the_o mediator_n and_o head_n ●f_o his_o church_n and_o as_o that_o bless_a day_n man_n ●nd_v king_n of_o saint_n and_o the_o great_a lord_n ●eeper_n of_o all_o the_o right_n of_o the_o young_a heir_n of_o glory_n and_o we_o all_o receive_v of_o his_o fullness_n and_o grace_n for_o grace_n three_o there_o be_v this_o ●espect_n in_o which_o christ_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v ●he_v fountain_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o he_o it_o be_v ●y_a who_o we_o have_v a_o right_a unto_o all_o the_o promise_n this_o be_v clear_a ●_o cor._n 3.12_o 13._o where_fw-mi ●hese_fw-mi two_o be_v conjoin_v you_o be_v christ_n and_o ●hen_o all_o thing_n be_v your●_n if_o once_o a_o soul_n close_o with_o christ_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n there_o be_v not_o one_o promise_n in_o scripture_n but_o he_o may_v write_v this_o superscription_n abou●_o it_o this_o be_v i_o this_o be_v i_o four_o christ_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o th●_n promise_n in_o regard_n that_o he_o be_v the_o person_n tha●_n apply_v the_o promise_n and_o make_v we_o t●_n rest_n upon_o they_o and_o to_o believe_v they_o thi●_n david_n do_v acknowledge_v psal._n 119.49_o re-member_v thy_o word_n unto_o thy_o servant_n upon_o whic●_n thou_o have_v cause_v i_o to_o hope_v as_o if_o david_n say_v i_o have_v never_o believe_v a_o promise_n except_o tho●●_n have_v cause_v i_o and_o it_o be_v clear_a ephes._n 2.8_o where_o faith_n be_v call_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n eve●_n faith_n to_o believe_v the_o promise_n it_o be_v the_o roy●●_n donation_n and_o gift_n of_o christ._n five_o h●_n 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a_o promise_n have_v you_o conviction_n of_o such_o 〈◊〉_d necessity_n then_o from_o that_o you_o may_v infer_v i_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o be_v not_o these_o glad_a tiding_n i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v under_o such_o conviction_n of_o their_o sin_n tha●_n they_o think_v it_o boldness_n to_o apply_v the_o promise_n but_o i_o will_v say_v this_o unto_o you_o that_o if_o y●●_n be_v under_o sensible_a conviction_n of_o your_o lostnesse_n you_o will_v give_v a_o world_n for_o a_o hair_n o●_n a_o promise_n whereby_o to_o hang_v believe_v it_o the_o exercise_n of_o misbelief_n be_v never_o at_o its_o height_n till_o we_o will_v be_v content_a to_o dig_v through_o the_o
may_v be_v a_o curse_n to_o a_o christian._n that_o word_n ●s_v most_o terrible_a mal._n 2.2_o i_o will_v curse_v your_o blessing_n and_o the_o last_o word_n that_o i_o will_v ●ay_n to_o this_o be_v that_o a_o christian_n who_o believe_v ●he_n promise_n notwithstanding_o that_o dispensation_n seem_v to_o contradict_v it_o that_o promise_n ●hall_v be_v make_v most_o refreshfull_a unto_o his_o spirit_n when_o it_o be_v accomplish_v o_o but_o a_o christian_a that_o never_o have_v much_o jealousy_n nor_o much_o stagger_n about_o the_o accomplishment_n ●f_n the_o promise_n when_o it_o come_v it_o will_v be_v most_o refreshfull_a unto_o he_o and_o believe_v it_o ●here_o be_v not_o one_o hour_n entertainment_n of_o jealousy_n about_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o it_o will_v impair_v the_o sweetness_n of_o ●he_n promise_v when_o it_o be_v accomplish_v except_o so_o far_o that_o the_o transcendent_a and_o free_a ●ove_n of_o christ_n be_v see_v in_o the_o accomplishment_n 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in_o scripture_n which_o may_v help_v you_o exceed_o and_o strengthen_v you_o to_o believe_v the_o promise_n upon_o this_o acount_n there_o be_v that_o ●ord_n in_o exod._n 12.41_o and_o 51._o it_o be_v a_o most_o remarkable_a say_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o four_o hundred_o ●nd_a thirty-year_n on_o that_o same_o very_a day_n there_o ●as_v not_o one_o day_n miss_v after_o the_o time_n that_o ●as_v set_v be_v accomplish_v in_o that_o same_o very_a ●ay_n they_o come_v out_o and_o this_o be_v mark_v in_o ver_fw-la 51._o ●gain_o and_o there_o be_v that_o word_n 1_o king_n 8.56_o ●here_o solomon_n when_o he_o be_v sing_v most_o sweet_o to_o god_n he_o take_v a_o observation_n of_o ●is_n loe_o say_v he_o there_o have_v not_o fail_v one_o ●ord_n that_o god_n have_v speak_v to_o you_o by_o his_o servant_n moses_n second_o you_o will_v be_v much_o in_o the_o con●●deration_n of_o your_o own_o experience_n that_o ●ou_fw-mi have_v in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o promise_n ●●rmerly_o this_o be_v david_n way_n that_o he_o ●●ok_v to_o strengthen_v himself_o to_o believe_v the_o promise_n he_o that_o have_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o ●ge_n of_o the_o lion_n and_o the_o paw_n of_o the_o bear_n he_o ●ill_v deliver_v i_o from_o this_o uncircumcised_a phi●●stine_n 1_o sam._n 17.35_o and_o 37.46_o and_o this_o ●as_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 2_o tim._n ●_o 17_o 18._o god_n have_v deliver_v i_o from_o that_o 〈◊〉_d lion_n and_o from_o thence_o he_o subjoin_v ●nd_v the_o lord_n will_v deliver_v i_o from_o every_o evil_a ●ork_n and_o this_o be_v his_o practice_n 2_o cor._n 1._o ●●_o where_o these_o three_o be_v swet_o knit_v toother_o god_n have_v deliver_v i_o he_o do_v deli●●●_n i_o and_o he_o shall_v deliver_v i_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d one_o experience_n of_o this_o kind_n but_o it_o reach_v that_o 〈◊〉_d your●_n o_o believe_v the_o promise_n and_o do_v not_o ●all_n in_o question_n his_o faith●●●nesse_n three_o there_o be_v that_o help_n that_o ye●_n study_v much_o the_o 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the_o practice_n of_o abraham_n rom._n 4.21_o the_o 〈◊〉_d how_o he_o come_v to_o believe_v the_o promise_n he_o 〈◊〉_d he_o able_a that_o have_v make_v it_o that_o he_o 〈◊〉_d perform_v it_o five_o for_o your_o help_n in_o apply_v 〈◊〉_d the_o promise_n study_v much_o the_o unchang●●ablenesse_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o faithfulness_n kno●_n that_o he_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o 〈◊〉_d and_o for_o ever_o this_o be_v the_o way_n that_o 〈◊〉_d come_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o promise_n heb._n 11._o ●_o she_o believe_v 〈◊〉_d the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o it_o 〈◊〉_d that_o she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a that_o have_v pr●●mised_v there_o 〈…〉_z of_o misbelief_n that_o a_o christian_n fall_v into_o but_o it_o sai●●_n that_o god_n be_v not_o faithful_a and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o true_a now_o the_o last_o duty_n that_o we_o will_v press_v ●rom_o this_o point_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o high_a esteem_n of_o the_o promiser_n 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the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v the_o omnipotency_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o he_o ●ath_v promise_v but_o he_o be_v able_a to_o effectuate_v ●nd_v to_o bring_v to_o pass_v therefore_o 2_o cor._n 6.8_o when_o god_n have_v be_v pass_v many_o excellent_a promise_n he_o strengthen_v their_o faith_n with_o this_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n almighty_a ●nd_v no_o doubt_n where_o the_o word_n of_o this_o king_n 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v power_n and_o who_o can_v say_v unto_o he_o ●hat_n do_v thou_o o_o misbeliever_n of_o the_o pre●ious_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v ashamed_a ●o_o cast_v up_o your_o eye_n to_o heaven_n above_o or_o to_o ●he_n earth_n beneath_o we_o think_v the_o star_n the_o ●un_v the_o moon_n and_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n they_o ●ay_v speak_v out_o that_o to_o you_o do_v not_o misbelieve_v god_n but_o trust_v in_o he_o that_o be_v wonderful_a in_o counsel_n and_o excellent_a in_o work_v the_o se●ond_n be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o infinite_a counsel_n of_o god_n he_o have_v not_o only_o complete_a ability_n to_o accomplish_v the_o promise_n that_o he_o have_v give_v but_o he_o have_v the_o depth_n and_o treasure_n o●_n knowledge_n by_o which_o he_o have_v contrive_v th●_n way_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o such_o a_o promise_n hence_o be_v that_o word_n 2_o sam._n 23.5_o that_o the_o covenant_n be_v well_o order_v which_o speak_v out_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the●_n that_o word_n be_v subjoin_v the_o covenant_n be_v sure●_n yea_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v such_o a_o thing_n that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o the_o art_n of_o heaven_n so_o much_o of_o infinite_a wisdom_n shine_v in_o it_o tha●_n it_o be_v call_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n heb._n 6.17_o tha●_n you_o may_v know_v the_o immutability_n of_o his_o counsel_n the_o three_o golden_a pillar_n be_v the_o infinite_a love_n 〈◊〉_d god_n that_o though_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o we_o tha●_n can_v put_v he_o to_o accomplish_v the_o promise_n ye●_n he_o will_v take_v a_o argument_n from_o his_o own_o love_n to_o make_v out_o such_o a_o promise_n to_o we_o there_o i●_n sometime_o if_o not_o always_o nothing_o in_o we_o but_o that_o which_o may_v speak_v forth_o delay_n o●_n the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o when_o god_n can_v bring_v no_o argument_n from_o we_o he_o can_v bring_v a_o argument_n from_o his_o own_o love_n 〈◊〉_d deut._n 7.7_o 8._o where_n give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o many_o promise_n and_o o●_n his_o love_n to_o they_o i_o love_v you_o say_v he_o because_o i_o love_v you_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o ca●_n be_v give_v for_o love_n but_o love_n the_o four_o be_v the_o unchangeableness_n of_o the_o promiser_n that_o he_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o and_o without_o all_o alteration_n and_o shadow_n of_o change_n hence_o you_o may_v see_v exod._n 3.14_o when_o god_n be_v repeat_v many_o precious_a promise_n unto_o moses_n he_o as_o it_o be_v strengthen_v moses_n faith_n with_o this_o i_o be_o ●aith_o he_o that_o i_o be_o which_o we_o conceive_v to_o point_v forth_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n ●hat_n what_o he_o have_v say_v he_o will_v certain_o accomplish_v in_o its_o own_o time_n and_o though_o the_o ●ision_n do_v tarry_v yet_o at_o last_o it_o shall_v speak_v the_o 〈◊〉_d i●_n the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o 〈◊〉_d one_o that_o can_v lie_v but_o certain_o will_v ●ake_v out_o what_o he_o have_v speak_v love_n it_o take_v the_o promise_n the_o faithfulness_n and_o ●ower_n of_o god_n accomplish_v the_o promise_n ●nd_v the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n choose_v the_o ●ost_o fit_a time_n f●r_v the_o perform_n of_o they_o ●ence_o it_o be_v say_v psal._n 119_o 89_o 90._o thy_o word_n 〈◊〉_d lord_n be_v for_o ever_o settle_v in_o heaven_n and_o the_o ●round_n of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n for_o ●●y_a faithfulness_n be_v unto_o all_o generation_n hence_o ●ou_fw-mi may_v see_v that_o oftentimes_o when_o god_n be_v ●aking_v promise_n to_o his_o own_o he_o put_v to_o ●●at_a word_n i_o that_o speak_v in_o righteousness_n isa._n 5_o 19_o and_o isa._n 63.1_o o_o must_v not_o the_o promise_n be_v unchangeable_a that_o be_v make_v by_o 〈◊〉_d father_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n must_v 〈◊〉_d the_o promise_n be_v unchangeable_a that_o be_v ●●ceived_v and_o merit_v by_o the_o son_n that_o be_v ●ruth_n itself_o and_o the_o faithful_a witness_n and_o ●men_n must_v not_o the_o promise_n be_v unchangeable_a that_o be_v apply_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o must_v not_o the_o promise_n be_v unchangeable_a that_o be_v make_v ●●own_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v the_o ●ord_n of_o truth_n be_v there_o ever_o any_o who_o 〈◊〉_d leave_v that_o upon_o record_n of_o god_n that_o he_o ●as_v unfaithful_a in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o promise_n o_o what_o a_o clear_a sight_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n shall_v a_o christian_a get_v whe●_n he_o shall_v be_v stand_v upon_o the_o outmost_a li●●_n between_o time_n and_o eternity_n than_o he_o will_v 〈◊〉_d god_n faithful_a in_o accomplish_v all_o his_o pr●●mises_n unto_o he_o from_o first_o to_o last_o the_o 〈◊〉_d golden_a pillar_n be_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d justice_n it_o now_o put_v he_o to_o accompli●●_n his_o promise_n mercy_n and_o righteousness_n ha●_n now_o kiss_v each_o other_o hence_o be_v that_o wor●_n 1_o joh._n 1.9_o he_o be_v just_a and_o faithful_a to_o forgive_v so_o that_o now_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o t●●_n promise_n it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o act_n of_o love_n but_o 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n also_o we_o confess_v indeed_o love_n and_o mercy_n make_v the_o promise_n 〈◊〉_d justice_n and_o truth_n also_o put_v god_n to_o the_o ac●complishment_n of_o they_o hence_o be_v that_o word_n micah_n 7.20_o to_o perform_v the_o truth_n to_o jaco●_n and_o the_o mercy_n to_o abraham_n why_o be_v it_o mercy_n to_o abraham_n and_o it_o be_v truth_n to_o jacob_n it_o i●_n in_o short_a this_o because_o mercy_n make_v the_o promise_n to_o abraham_n but_o truth_n do_v accomplish_v the_o promise_n to_o jacob_n the_o three_o thing_n that_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o fro●●his_n that_o the_o promise_n be_v unchangeable_a shall_v be_v to_o press_v these_o six_o duty_n upon_o yo●_n from_o this_o point_n o_o christian_n and_o expectant_n of_o heaven_n who_o have_v christ_n in_o you_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a that_o the_o promise_n be_v unchangeable_a 1._o this_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o be_v press_v from_o that_o ground_n heb._n 6.18_o that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n we_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n there_o be_v exceed_v much_o joy_n that_o may_v come_v to_o a_o christian_a from_o this_o that_o the_o promise_n shall_v be_v accomplish_v i●_n their_o own_o time_n we_o conceive_v that_o the_o word_n unchangeable_a it_o be_v engrave_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o many_o a_o christian_n mercy_n be_v not_o unchangeable_a write_v above_o the_o head_n of_o our_o promise_n be_v not_o unchangeable_a write_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o our_o blessedness_n be_v not_o unchangeable_a write_v above_o the_o head_n of_o our_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n that_o day_n be_v come_v when_o we_o shall_v have_v unchangeable_a love_n unchangeable_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o all_o thing_n unchangeable_a a●d_v we_o conceive_v that_o if_o these_o two_o be_v believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o the_o promise_n a_o christian_n may_v walk_v through_o this_o valley_n of_o tear_n with_o joy_n and_o comfort_v himself_o in_o hope_n the_o second_o duty_n we_o will_v press_v be_v this_o that_o you_o will_v sursease_v and_o give_v over_o your_o dispute_n and_o carnal_a reason_n about_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n since_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v unchangeable_a ought_v not_o we_o with_o this_o to_o silence_v misbelief_n and_o all_o that_o blind_a humane_a reason_n can_v say_v this_o be_v press_v heb._n 6.16_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n it_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n god_n confirm_v of_o his_o covenant_n by_o a_o oath_n it_o ought_v to_o cut_v short_a the_o dispute_n of_o misbelief_n and_o here_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o point_v out_o a_o little_a these_o ground_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v that_o christian_n do_v so_o much_o dispute_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o promise_n and_o to_o let_v you_o see_v how_o all_o these_o ground_n may_v be_v answer_v from_o these_o six_o pillar_n that_o be_v give_v of_o their_o unchangeableness_n the_o first_o be_v when_o dispensation_n seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o promise_n it_o speak_v one_o thing_n and_o
to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o bless_a image_n of_o christ_n you_o know_v not_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n 3._o faith_n lay_v hold_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n ●nd_n draw_v strength_n and_o virtue_n from_o he_o for_o the_o conquer_a of_o lust_n and_o in_o raise_v 〈◊〉_d up_o into_o a_o bless_a conformity_n unto_o himself_o when_o the_o christian_a be_v weak_a faith_n be_v that_o noble_a correspondent_a between_o that_o emptiness_n ●hat_n be_v in_o we_o and_o the_o fullness_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n ●aith_n be_v that_o noble_a correspondent_a between_o ●hat_n weakness_n that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o that_o everlasting_a strength_n that_o be_v in_o he_o therefore_o ●here_o be_v two_o noble_a and_o excellent_a counsel_n ●f_a faith_n first_o it_o counsel_v we_o not_o to_o lean_a 〈◊〉_d our_o own_o strength_n and_o second_o to_o ●ave_n our_o recourse_n unto_o he_o who_o name_n be_v jehovah_n that_o everlasting_a strength_n and_o no_o doubt_n if_o we_o be_v more_o take_v up_o in_o employ_v christ_n by_o faith_n that_o pprophecy_n shall_v be_v accomplish_v i_o will_v make_v the_o feeble_a one_o as_o david_n and_o david_n as_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n and_o when_o a_o christian_a be_v most_o diffident_a in_o himself_o than_o god_n shall_v prove_v himself_o to_o be_v almighty_a and_o all-sufficient_a and_o 4._o faith_n influence_n may_v be_v clear_v in_o this_o that_o it_o lay_v hold_v upon_o the_o promise_n and_o do_v believe_v they_o and_o believe_v of_o the_o promise_n bring_v forth_o that_o noble_a birth_n conformity_n to_o god_n according_a to_o tha●_n word_n upon_o which_o we_o be_v speak_v 2_o pet_n 1_o 4._o by_o believe_v the_o promise_n that_o be_v the_o advantage_n of_o it_o we_o be_v by_o they_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 5._o i'faith_o also_o believe_v the_o threatning●_n that_o be_v pass_v in_o scripture_n against_o sin_n and_o the_o believe_v they_o have_v a_o undoubted_a and_o strong_a influence_n upon_o the_o attain_n and_o growth_n o●_n sanctification_n faith_n strengthen_v a_o christian_a against_o the_o commit_n of_o iniquity_n with_o these_o two_o word_n that_o word_n rom._n 6.20_o o_o soul_n say_v faith_n commit_v not_o iniquity_n fo●_n the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n and_o that_o word_n rev_n 21._o last_o there_o shall_v in_o no_o way_n enter_v into_o th●_n city_n any_o thing_n that_o be_v unclean_a or_o that_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o threaten_n and_o of_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v in_o scripture_n will_v be_v as_o 〈◊〉_d threefold_a cord_n not_o easy_o break_v to_o restain_v you_o from_o the_o act_n of_o iniquity_n and_o shall_v tell_v you_o brief_o the_o ground_n why_o these_o curse●_n heart_n of_o we_o do_v commit_v iniquity_n wit●_n so_o little_a fear_n and_o with_o so_o much_o delight_n it_o be_v even_o this_o because_o we_o believe_v not_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v in_o their_o own_o season_n for_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o if_o you_o believe_v that_o word_n rev_n 21._o last_o that_o nothing_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n that_o defile_v or_o work_v abomination_n or_o that_o make_v a_o lie_n that_o you_o dare_v not_o for_o a_o world_n adventure_v upon_o the_o commit_n of_o iniquity_n as_o you_o do_v and_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v to_o such_o that_o do_v undervalue_v the_o threaten_n of_o god_n the_o day_n be_v come_v when_o they_o shall_v be_v constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o he_o have_v speak_v it_o and_o he_o have_v do_v it_o &_o faithful_a be_v he_o there_o be_v not_o one_o jot_n nor_o title_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o shall_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o believe_v it_o god_n will_v be_v faithful_a in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o threaten_n as_o he_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o promise_n 6._o faith_n discover_v unto_o a_o christian_a the_o noble_a excellency_n and_o those_o spiritual_a dignity_n that_o be_v in_o that_o everlasting_a estate_n that_o be_v provide_v for_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n faith_n as_o it_o be_v carry_v up_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o top_n of_o pisgah_n off_o which_o it_o be_v admit_v to_o behold_v the_o promise_a land_n and_o true_o the_o see_v of_o these_o noble_a thing_n that_o be_v provide_v for_o the_o saint_n can_v but_o make_v they_o study_v holiness_n since_o they_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n for_o one_o to_o attain_v to_o that_o estate_n with_o ou●_n holiness_n because_o he_o have_v say_v it_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n o_o then_o if_o once_o you_o see_v heaven_n you_o will_v be_v constrain_v to_o walk_v in_o that_o path_n of_o sanctification_n since_o it_o be_v the_o glorious_a way_n by_o which_o you_o must_v walk_v in_o through_o the_o gate_n of_o that_o bless_a city_n bu●_n you_o know_v not_o the_o excellency_n that_o be_v there_o i●_n be_v a_o fancy_n and_o notion_n unto_o you_o and_o that_o i●_n the_o ground_n that_o you_o do_v not_o study_v to_o conform_v yourselves_o unto_o that_o bless_a image_n of_o god_n and_o i_o will_v only_o ask_v you_o this_o one_o question_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o such_o a_o delusion_n as_o this_o can_v overtake_v you_o as_o to_o think_v that_o you_o who_o never_o study_v holiness_n on_o earth_n shall_v yet_o enter_v into_o heaven_n gate_n i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o that_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n i_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o imagination_n of_o my_o own_o heart_n and_o many_o more_o that_o suppose_v that_o they_o may_v fight_v and_o overcome_v that_o they_o may_v quit_v the_o estate_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v complete_a in_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n all_o in_o one_o day_n but_o why_o will_v you_o deceive_v yourselves_o can_v a_o nation_n be_v bear_v in_o one_o day_n or_o be_v there_o but_o one_o step_n between_o hell_n and_o heaven_n o_o remember_v though_o nothing_o be_v impossible_a with_o god_n yet_o there_o be_v but_o one_o thief_n save_v upon_o the_o cross_n 7._o faith_n have_v influence_n upon_o the_o attain_n of_o holiness_n in_o this_o respect_n that_o it_o believe_v the_o exceed_a great_a advantage_n that_o be_v promise_v unto_o the_o person_n that_o study_v holiness_n faith_n believe_v that_o word_n matth._n 5.8_o bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n faith_n it_o lay_v hold_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o excellent_a say_n and_o make_v the_o christian_a endeavour_n to_o attain_v unto_o a_o likeness_n and_o conformity_n with_o he_o that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o behold_v his_o face_n for_o all_o eternity_n and_o to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o he_o 8._o faith_n discover_v unto_o christian_n the_o sinfulness_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v never_o do_v till_o once_o they_o be_v in_o the_o lively_a exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o these_o three_o ground_n why_o faith_n compleaty_n discover_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o sin_n 1._o faith_n let_v we_o see_v the_o person_n against_o who_o we_o commit_v this_o sin_n and_o that_o do_v exceed_o aggrege_n sin_n for_o when_o the_o christian_a be_v admit_v to_o behold_v god_n and_o to_o see_v that_o matchless_a excellency_n that_o be_v in_o he_o then_o say_v he_o what_o a_o beast_n be_v i_o to_o offend_v such_o a_o glorious_a majesty_n as_o he_o what_o a_o fool_n be_v i_o to_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n or_o to_o enter_v in_o the_o list_n with_o such_o a_o infinite_a god_n 2._o faith_n let_v a_o christian_a see_v these_o excellent_a obligation_n of_o love_n that_o christ_n have_v impose_v upon_o we_o faith_n let_v we_o see_v the_o ancient_a and_o everlasting_a love_n of_o christ_n faith_n be_v that_o grace_n that_o let_v we_o see_v his_o suffering_n faith_n let_v we_o see_v all_o that_o he_o have_v do_v for_o we_o and_o this_o make_v the_o christian_n to_o cry_v out_o do_v i_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n o_o foolish_a one_o and_o unwise_a and_o no_o doubt_n if_o a_o christian_a be_v more_o take_v up_o in_o the_o study_n of_o this_o duty_n he_o will_v be_v less_o in_o contract_a debt_n and_o be_v you_o but_o serious_o take_v up_o in_o the_o study_n of_o these_o two_o great_a register_n 1._o the_o register_n in_o which_o all_o the_o infinite_a act_n of_o love_n be_v record_v and_o 2._o that_o register_n in_o which_o all_o your_o act_n of_o offend_v precious_a christ_n be_v write_v you_o will_v be_v astonish_v and_o ashamed_a to_o see_v so_o much_o forgive_v you_o and_o dare_v not_o sin_v any_o more_o there_o you_o will_v see_v infinite_a mercy_n desire_v to_o rejoice_v over_o judgement_n and_o there_o you_o will_v see_v the_o spotless_a riches_n of_o that_o transcendent_a grace_n that_o be_v in_o christ._n
a_o preacher_n to_o a_o rebellious_a people_n he_o will_v have_v that_o word_n speak_v unto_o he_o i_o know_v thou_o before_o thou_o be_v bring_v forth_o the_o five_o time_n be_v when_o a_o christian_a have_v do_v some_o singular_a act_n of_o obedience_n when_o abraham_n have_v obey_v the_o lord_n and_o be_v content_a to_o offer_v up_o his_o isaac_n he_o meet_v with_o a_o sight_n of_o his_o interest_n and_o covenant_n renew_v to_o he_o with_o a_o oath_n gen._n 22.16_o by_o myself_o i_o have_v swear_v because_o thou_o have_v do_v this_o thing_n and_o have_v not_o witholden_v thy_o son_n even_o thy_o only_a son_n blessing_n i_o will_v bless_v thou_o and_o multiply_v i_o will_v multiply_v thou_o as_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n the_o six_o time_n be_v when_o a_o christian_a be_v to_o meet_v with_o hard_a trial_n difficulty_n and_o affliction_n in_o the_o world_n than_o they_o usual_o meet_v with_o assurance_n and_o so_o gen._n 28.14_o 15_o 16._o before_o jacob_n go_v to_o serve_v laban_n he_o meet_v with_o intimation_n of_o his_o peace_n with_o god_n the_o seven_o time_n be_v when_o a_o christian_a be_v under_o sad_a persecution_n and_o affliction_n then_o will_v the_o lord_n give_v a_o word_n from_o heaven_n to_o comfort_v he_o and_o assure_v he_o of_o his_o fatherly_a love_n and_o mercy_n when_o be_v it_o that_o christ_n leave_v that_o noble_a legacy_n to_o his_o disciple_n joh._n 14._o ver_fw-la 27._o my_o peace_n i_o leave_v with_o you_o my_o peace_n i_o give_v you_o be_v it_o not_o when_o he_o himself_o be_v to_o leave_v they_o to_o troublesome_a and_o sorrowful_a day_n in_o a_o persecute_v world_n the_o eight_o time_n be_v at_o some_o solemn_a ordinance_n and_o approach_n to_o god_n the_o day_n of_o a_o communion_n to_o a_o tender_a christian_a have_v be_v sweet_a day_n when_o christ_n have_v come_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o say_v behold_v i_o behold_v i_o i_o think_v the_o eleven_o apostle_n meet_v with_o much_o assurance_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n at_o the_o communion_n they_o be_v at_o with_o he_o o_o what_o sweet_a intimation_n be_v these_o this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o be_v break_v for_o you_o and_o this_o cup_n be_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o my_o blood_n shed_v for_o you_o and_o a_o little_a after_o you_o be_v they_o which_o have_v continue_v with_o i_o in_o my_o tentation_n and_o i_o appoint_v unto_o you_o a_o kingdom_n we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o point_n which_o we_o propose_v from_o the_o word_n viz._n that_o a●_n assurance_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v attain_v so_o to_o seek_v after_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n 〈◊〉_d i_o not_o be_v mistake_v as_o if_o i_o say_v the_o have_v of_o assurance_n be_v simple_o necessary_a to_o salva●tion_n no_o that_o be_v a_o doctrine_n as_o comfor●●lesse_v upon_o the_o other_o hand_n as_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o assurance_n 〈◊〉_d upon_o the_o other_o but_o the_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v that_o the_o christian_n seek_v after_o assurance_n and_o his_o real_a endeavour_v to_o attain_v unto_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a command_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v bind_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o child_n among_o other_o gospel_n duty_n and_o certain_o we_o need_v go_v no_o further_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o then_o the_o text_n itself_o what_o mean_v these_o peremptory_a injunction_n examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o not_o prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o etc._n etc._n but_o if_o you_o will_v you_o may_v add_v that_o word_n 2_o pet._n 1._o vers_fw-la 5._o and_o 10._o compare_v what_o can_v be_v more_o express_o command_v and_o more_o strong_o press_v than_o that_o christian_n shall_v bend_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n for_o attain_v unto_o this_o bless_a condition_n of_o assurance_n give_v diligence_n yea_o give_v all_o diligence_n yea_o the_o rather_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a from_o this_o we_o shall_v only_o lay_v before_o you_o these_o consideration_n 1._o if_o the_o seek_n after_o assurance_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n than_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v most_o lamentable_a first_o that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o in_o this_o generation_n who_o be_v pure_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o wash_v from_o their_o iniquity_n they_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o a_o rot_a assurance_n that_o have_v no_o other_o foundation_n but_o their_o own_o imagination_n they_o never_o know_v since_o the_o first_o day_n they_o be_v baptise_a and_o do_v begin_v to_o profess_v christ_n what_o it_o be_v to_o mortify_v one_o lust_n nor_o serious_o to_o wrestle_v against_o one_o temptation_n and_o yet_o they_o want_v not_o a_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n but_o ah_o will_v you_o stand_v in_o awe_n lest_o you_o meet_v with_o such_o a_o dreadful_a disppointment_n as_o when_o you_o think_v y●_n be_v in_o the_o very_a gate_n of_o heaven_n even_o then_o to_o fall_v backward_o to_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o hell_n and_o when_o you_o expect_v a_o kindly_a welcome_n from_o the_o lord_n of_o glory_n as_o one_o who_o think_v you_o have_v be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o this_o many_o year_n you_o meet_v with_o that_o dreadful_a summons_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v i_o know_v you_o not_o 2._o how_o sad_a may_v we_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n that_o howbeit_o assurance_n be_v a_o attainable_a thing_n and_o a_o great_a many_o dare_v not_o say_v they_o have_v attain_v it_o yet_o so_o little_a diligence_n be_v use_v in_o pursue_v after_o it_o be_v it_o not_o very_o lamentable_a that_o many_o of_o you_o to_o who_o i_o be_o speak_v since_o first_o you_o give_v up_o your_o name_n to_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d a_o visible_a way_n and_o be_v repute_v among_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o seeker_n of_o his_o face_n scare_v ever_o set_v a_o day_n or_o a_o hour_n a_o part_n to_o examine_v whether_o ever_o indeed_o you_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o not_o alas_o be_v heaven_n of_o so_o little_a moment_n be_v the_o have_v or_o want_v all_o the_o enjoyment_n which_o be_v there_o of_o so_o small_a concernment_n to_o you_o that_o y●_n will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n as_o once_o to_o inquire_v af●ter_o your_o interest_n in_o the_o matter_n what_o if_o any_o of_o you_o be_v but_o possessor_n of_o a_o thousand_o pound_n and_o your_o interest_n or_o right_n unto_o it_o un●certain_a and_o questionable_a will_v not_o your_o slee●_n depart_v from_o you_o and_o your_o rest_n be_v unquiet_a til●_n you_o have_v make_v it_o more_o secure_a what_o thin●_n you_o shall_v the_o man_n of_o this_o generation_n answer_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o neglect_v that_o on_o thing_n necessary_a when_o they_o have_v be_v so_o vex●ing_v themselves_o about_o many_o thing_n and_o hau●_n be_v so_o serious_a in_o so_o many_o consultation_n t●_n make_v sure_o a_o worm_n eat_v portion_n in_o a_o perish_a world_n that_o the_o whole_a wit_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n can_v secure_v for_o one_o moment_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o root_n of_o all_o this_o slothfulness_n be_v atheism_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o we_o believe_v 〈◊〉_d real_o there_o be_v a_o heaven_n as_o we_o believe_v there_o i●_n a_o earth_n or_o that_o the_o world_n to_o come_v be_v as_o real_a as_o that_o which_o be_v present_a or_o else_o it_o must_v be_v a_o strange_a power_n in_o these_o lust_n that_o keep_v we_o captive_a that_o we_o be_v never_o suffer_v to_o think_v upon_o eternity_n nor_o to_o ask_v where_o we_o must_v ●●dge_v when_o this_o cottage_n we_o carry_v about_o shall_v ●all_n about_o our_o ear_n o_o will_v you_o think_v upon_o it_o how_o serious_a and_o press_v that_o command_n be_v 2_o pet._n 1.10_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v your_o ●alling_n and_o election_n sure_a when_o the_o lord_n say_v ●ive_a all_o diligence_n will_v you_o give_v no_o diligence_n and_o when_o he_o say_v make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a will_v you_o live_v upon_o uncertainty_n i_o say_v to_o the_o foolish_a deal_v not_o so_o foolish_o 3._o it_o be_v most_o lamentable_a that_o since_o assurance_n be_v attainable_a yet_o man_n live_v so_o content_o under_o the_o want_n thereof_o how_o strange_a be_v it_o that_o many_o be_v so_o seldom_o on_o their_o knee_n complain_v of_o their_o uncertainty_n if_o christ_n be_v precious_a unto_o you_o will_v it_o be_v so_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v some_o of_o we_o here_o that_o have_v hade_fw-mi the_o name_n of_o christian_n i_o know_v not_o how_o long_o that_o never_o have_v one_o sad_a thought_n about_o the_o want_n of_o assurance_n when_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o desolation_n vastation_n and_o plundering_n in_o the_o world_n how_o many_o of_o we_o can_v cry_v out_o
shall_v not_o dispute_v with_o such_o about_o the_o reality_n of_o these_o enjoyment_n or_o how_o they_o come_v to_o know_v that_o these_o be_v such_o as_o proceed_v from_o a_o save_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n but_o wave_v that_o debate_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o say_v this_o much_o of_o all_o enjoyment_n and_o sensible_a manifestion_n as_o in_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n they_o may_v be_v sometime_o a_o good_a supporter_n to_o underprop_v a_o christian_n assurance_n when_o i●_n 〈◊〉_d but_o never_o a_o good_a foundation_n whereon_o he_o may_v lay_v the_o first_o stone_n of_o that_o build_n and_o therefore_o ●ee_n be_v the_o wiser-christian_a who_o first_o try_v the_o reality_n of_o his_o interest_n in_o christ_n by_o other_o bless_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n before_o he_o ●●ust_v the_o reality_n of_o sensible_a enjoyment_n how_o sweet_a or_o comfortable_a soever_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v 2._o some_o build_v their_o assurance_n upon_o the_o number_n and_o bulk_n of_o their_o duty_n without_o consider_v the_o frame_n of_o their_o spirit_n and_o the_o principle_n from_o which_o they_o flow_v they_o use_v prayer_n and_o read_v and_o conference_n they_o wait_v upon_o ordinance_n and_o be_v always_o there_o where_o the_o mean_n be_v think_v to_o be_v most_o powerful_a and_o upon_o this_o they_o take_v up_o themselves_o in_o their_o own_o arm_n bless_v themselves_o as_o that_o poor_a man_n luke_n 18._o i_o fast_o twice_o a_o week_n i_o pay_v tithe_n of_o all_o that_o i_o possess_v but_o alas_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o they_o do_v but_o build_v their_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n which_o the_o first_o blast_n of_o a_o temptation_n will_v overturn_v because_o not_o only_o all_o our_o duty_n when_o weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n may_v be_v find_v light_n but_o when_o put_v to_o the_o trial_n may_v be_v find_v empty_a dead_a and_o lifeless_a thing_n wherein_o the_o lord_n soul_n can_v have_v no_o pleasure_n 3_o some_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o assurance_n by_o judge_v themselves_o by_o the_o law_n not_o know_v or_o not_o regard_v the_o spiritual_a meaning_n thereof_o paul_n be_v a_o gallant_a man_n in_o his_o own_o apprehension_n when_o he_o be_v without_o the_o law_n that_o i●_n when_o he_o know_v not_o the_o spiritual_a meaning_n of_o the_o law_n he_o think_v himself_o the_o most_o eminent_a 〈◊〉_d in_o all_o his_o n●tion_n and_o as_o he_o show_v we_o phil_n ●_o he_o can_v compare_v with_o any_o of_o they_o but_o when_o the_o lord_n open_v his_o eye_n we_o see_v he_o put_v himself_o last_o in_o the_o roll_n of_o saint_n and_o first_o in_o the_o roll_n of_o sinner_n rom._n 7._o he_o be_v alive_a without_o the_o law_n that_o be_v think_v himself_o living_n and_o reign_v above_o his_o sin_n but_o when_o the_o commandment_n come_v that_o be_v when_o it_o come_v to_o his_o knowledge_n and_o he_o see_v the_o spirituality_n of_o it_o sin_n revive_v and_o he_o die_v than_o he_o see_v how_o that_o he_o have_v triumph_v before_o the_o victory_n he_o then_o see_v all_o his_o sin_n alive_a and_o as_o it_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o himself_o a_o dead_a man_n lose_v and_o undo_v in_o the_o estate_n he_o be_v in_o o_o how_o many_o be_v there_o among_o we_o in_o paul_n first_o condition_n alive_a without_o the_o law_n o_o how_o many_o destroy_v themselves_o with_o this_o they_o think_v there_o be_v not_o a_o sin_n forbid_v in_o all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o only_o ten_o but_o alas_o thou_o fool_n thou_o err_v in_o this_o not_o know_v the_o scripture_n shall_v thou_o not_o judge_v thyself_o by_o that_o spiritual_a extent_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o law_n and_o that_o divine_a commentary_n which_o the_o apostle_n james_n have_v set_v forth_o upon_o it_o wherein_o he_o show_v thou_o that_o if_o thou_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o one_o point_n thou_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o and_o by_o that_o infallible_a exposition_n which_o christ_n himself_o the_o bless_a law_n giver_n have_v set_v down_o mat._n 6._o whereby_o he_o discover_v adultery_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o eye_n o_o atheist_n thou_o must_v take_v up_o the_o ten_o command_n and_o subscribe_v guilty_a to_o they_o all_o and_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o this_o if_o you_o will_v subscribe_v the_o law_n to_o christ_n he_o will_v subscribe_v the_o gospel_n to_o you_o if_o thou_o will_v sincere_o say_v i_o be_o guilty_a he_o will_v as_o sincere_o say_v i_o have_v pardon_v son_n or_o daughter_n be_v of_o good_a courage_n thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o four_o some_o build_v their_o assurance_n upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o their_o hatred_n of_o some_o particular_a sin_n that_o albeit_o it_o be_v sometime_o as_o their_o right_a hand_n or_o their_o eye_n yet_o now_o they_o can_v pluck_v it_o out_o or_o cut_v it_o off_o but_o o_o will_v thou_o but_o consider_v some_o sin_n may_v be_v make_v weak_a and_o the_o soul_n though_o not_o upon_o a_o right_a principle_n bring_v to_o hate_v it_o and_o to_o cry_v unto_o it_o get_v you_o hence_o and_o yet_o the_o interest_n of_o satan_n may_v be_v strong_a in_o the_o heart_n the_o five_o mistake_n be_v of_o many_o who_o judge_v themselves_o because_o they_o go_v a_o great_a length_n than_o the_o former_a and_o be_v keep_v free_a from_o all_o gross_a outbreaking_a sin_n how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o go_v sleep_v down_o to_o hell_n with_o this_o i_o be_o no_o drunkard_n no_o adulterer_n no_o murderer_n no_o thief_n nor_o whore_n this_o long_o have_v i_o live_v in_o the_o town_n and_o they_o be_v never_o bear_v that_o can_v say_v i_o wrong_v they_o and_o so_o they_o adventure_v their_o soul_n upon_o this_o they_o never_o commit_v any_o gross_a sin_n but_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v not_o deceive_v remember_v how_o that_o wretched_a man_n do_v speed_n luke_n 18.11_o i_o be_o no_o extortioner_n nor_o adulterer_n nor_o even_o as_o this_o publican_n etc._n etc._n poor_a creature_n that_o he_o be_v christ_n 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