kingdom_n and_o church_n as_o sometime_o it_o do_v in_o scripture_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v his_o particular_a family_n in_o which_o there_o be_v abound_v incest_n murder_n and_o adultery_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o house_n of_o his_o body_n and_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o his_o body_n his_o person_n where_o there_o be_v many_o fail_n like_o wife_n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o phrase_n although_o my_o house_n be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n though_o it_o be_v not_o legal_o qualify_v and_o be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n as_o either_o god_n or_o i_o will_v have_v it_o for_o there_o emu_v be_v some_o such_o thing_n here_o yet_o he_o have_v make_v with_o i_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n so_o that_o before_o i_o can_v come_v to_o speak_v of_o his_o house_n and_o the_o fail_n consistent_a with_o the_o covenant_n and_o of_o the_o answer_v their_o fail_n in_o the_o covenant_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n i_o can_v pass_v and_o will_v handle_v it_o this_o day_n it_o be_v this_o compare_v the_o objection_n and_o the_o privilege_n together_o my_o house_n be_v sinful_a it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n yet_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v so_o ha_o have_v make_v with_o i_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n doctrine_n the_o observation_n shall_v be_v that_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o believer_n it_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v absolute_o of_o grace_n that_o lord_n make_v the_o covenant_n with_o they_o although_o their_o house_n be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n yet_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o they_o and_o this_o entire_o prove_v it_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o will_v in_o the_o work_n of_o this_o day_n compare_v the_o covenant_n with_o david_n house_n handle_v this_o to_o you_o that_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v a_o absolute_o this_o to_o you_o that_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n it_o be_v a_o remarkable_a confirmation_n of_o this_o you_o have_v ezek._n 36.32_o the_o lord_n have_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n set_v down_o many_o promise_n say_v in_o the_o covenant_n such_o as_o i_o will_v sprinkle_v clean_a water_n upon_o you_o a_o new_a heart_n will_v i_o give_v you_o and_o i_o will_v put_v a_o new_a spirit_n within_o you_o i_o will_v take_v away_o the_o stony_a heart_n i_o will_v sprinkle_v clean_a water_n upon_o you_o and_o write_v my_o law_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o verse_n 32._o not_o for_o your_o sake_n do_v i_o this_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n be_v it_o know_v unto_o you_o be_v ashamed_a and_o confound_v for_o your_o own_o way_n o_o house_n of_o israel_n many_o precious_a promise_n have_v he_o make_v in_o the_o covenant_n yet_o for_o the_o rise_n of_o they_o be_v it_o know_v to_o you_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n not_o for_o your_o sake_n do_v i_o this_o that_o i_o may_v follow_v this_o a_o little_a i_o confess_v it_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n of_o our_o soul_n it_o we_o be_v this_o day_n go_v to_o the_o grave_n that_o he_o shall_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o you_o who_o house_n be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n i_o will_v first_o prove_v this_o covenant_n make_v with_o david_n and_o his_o seed_n to_o be_v absolute_o and_o entire_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 2._o i_o will_v inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n will_v have_v this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 3._o i_o will_v clear_v a_o question_n or_o two_o about_o it_o and_o last_o shall_v apply_v it_o reas_n 1._o first_o to_o prove_v it_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o free_a favour_n that_o be_v make_v with_o they_o who_o house_n be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n it_o be_v a_o pathetic_a expression_n there_o be_v much_o more_o employ_v than_o be_v express_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o mere_a grace_n and_o free_a favour_n will_v appear_v from_o these_o three_o remarkable_a truth_n 1._o we_o have_v no_o accession_n in_o procure_v it_o 2._o the_o ground_n and_o motive_n of_o it_o be_v only_o in_o god_n 3._o it_o have_v all_o the_o property_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n into_o it_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v to_o prove_v it_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 1._o it_o prove_v it_o a_o covenant_n of_o free_a grace_n absolute_o of_o free_a favour_n in_o regard_n we_o be_v altogether_o seclude_v from_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o procure_v it_o it_o be_v observe_v in_o dispute_n with_o papist_n there_o be_v four_o wau_n by_o which_o we_o may_v be_v conceive_v to_o influence_n a_o thing_n from_o god_n and_o all_o these_o we_o be_v seclude_v from_o 1._o by_o be_v of_o merit_n 2._o by_o way_n of_o prive_v 3._o by_o way_n of_o service_n 4._o if_o there_o be_v suitableness_n in_o we_o to_o it_o several_a time_n there_o be_v beauty_n and_o comeliness_n where_o there_o be_v neither_o merit_n nor_o price_n nor_o service_n that_o will_v be_v allure_a and_o procure_v but_o all_o the_o four_o way_n we_o be_v seclude_v from_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o it_o first_o there_o be_v no_o merit_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n necessary_a to_o make_v up_o merit_n 1._o the_o thing_n we_o give_v must_v be_v our_o own_o 2._o it_o must_v be_v proportion_v to_o the_o thing_n we_o receive_v the_o schoolman_n cry_v down_o merit_n on_o these_o two_o ground_n in_o strict_a justice_n the_o thing_n we_o merit_v must_v be_v of_o something_o of_o our_o own_o we_o must_v have_v a_o proportion_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o what_o we_o receive_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o this_o in_o we_o in_o strict_a justice_n adam_n can_v not_o merit_v any_o thing_n that_o can_v have_v the_o name_n of_o merit_n it_o do_v refult_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o not_o from_o his_o obedience_n for_o it_o be_v neither_o his_o own_o nor_o proportion_v to_o what_o he_o be_v to_o receive_v there_o can_v not_o be_v a_o proper_a commutative_a justice_n betwixt_o god_n and_o adam_n even_o though_o he_o have_v keep_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n far_o less_o can_v we_o merit_v lapse_v man_n can_v not_o merit_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 2._o as_o we_o can_v give_v no_o merit_n we_o can_v give_v no_o price_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v the_o outmost_a we_o can_v do_v be_v sacrifice_n and_o offering_n all_o the_o heathen_n can_v never_o go_v beyond_o this_o when_o they_o set_v their_o wit_n a-work_o to_o please_v their_o god_n they_o take_v the_o best_a thing_n they_o have_v to_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n to_o their_o god_n but_o what_o be_v sacrifice_n and_o offering_n to_o he_o psal_n 50.10_o for_o every_o beast_n of_o the_o forest_n be_v i_o and_o the_o cattle_n upon_o a_o thousand_o hill_n psal_n 51.16_o for_o thou_o desire_v not_o sacriace_n else_o will_v i_o give_v it_o thou_o thou_o delight_v not_o in_o burnt-offering_n psal_n 16.2_o my_o goodness_n extend_v not_o unto_o thou_o micah_n 6.7_o shall_v i_o give_v my_o first_o bear_v for_o my_o transgressim_fw-la the_o fruit_n of_o my_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n what_o will_v all_o this_o signify_v as_o a_o price_n to_o he_o 3._o as_o we_o can_v merit_v nor_o give_v a_o price_n so_o there_o be_v no_o service_n we_o can_v do_v there_o be_v servant_n that_o can_v buy_v nor_o merit_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o piece_n of_o service_n by_o which_o they_o may_v bring_v a_o obligation_n upon_o their_o master_n but_o there_o be_v no_o service_n we_o can_v do_v that_o can_v bring_v a_o obligation_n upon_o he_o isaith_o 64.6_o but_o we_o be_v all_o as_o a_o unclean_a thing_n and_o all_o our_o righteousness_n be_v as_o filthy_a rag_n luke_n 17.10_o so_o likewise_o you_o when_o you_o have_v do_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v command_v you_o say_v we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n we_o have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v last_o suppose_v we_o have_v none_o of_o these_o three_o we_o may_v influence_n a_o thingfrom_n god_n by_o beauty_n and_o comeliness_n and_o suitableness_n to_o his_o inclination_n but_o neither_o can_v this_o be_v read_v the_o sixteenth_o of_o ezekiel_n and_o you_o will_v find_v what_o he_o find_v in_o israel_n when_o he_o first_o enter_v in_o covenant_n with_o she_o thou_o be_v cast_v out_o in_o the_o open_a field_n to_o the_o loathe_n of_o thy_o person_n in_o the_o day_n that_o thou_o be_v bear_v he_o compare_v israel_n to_o a_o child_n new_o bear_v as_o for_o thy_o nativity_n in_o the_o day_n that_o thou_o be_v bear_v thy_o navel_n be_v not_o cut_v neither_o waist_n thou_o wash_v in_o water_n to_o supple_a thou_o thou_o be_v not_o salt_v at_o all_o nor_o swaddle_v at_o all_o etc._n etc._n now_o when_o i_o pass_v by_o thou_o and_o look_v upon_o thou_o behold_v thy_o time_n be_v the_o time_n of_o love_n and_o i_o spread_v my_o skirt_n over_o thou_o and_o cover_v thy_o
keep_v the_o sabbath_n from_o pollute_v it_o and_o take_v hold_v of_o my_o covenant_n they_o will_v i_o bring_v to_o my_o holy_a mountain_n and_o make_v they_o joyful_a in_o my_o house_n of_o prayer_n and_o their_o burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n shall_v be_v accept_v on_o my_o altar_n and_o ps_n 50.5_o gather_v my_o saint_n together_o to_o i_o that_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o i_o by_o sacrifice_n in_o effect_v the_o close_n with_o the_o covenant_n be_v our_o effectual_a call_n 3._o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o relation_n and_o consequence_n of_o all_o the_o familiarity_n ground_v on_o these_o relation_n betwixt_o god_n and_o his_o people_n the_o ground_n why_o we_o call_v he_o my_o god_n and_o my_o hope_n my_o rock_n my_o husband_n my_o lord_n the_o ground_n of_o all_o these_o relation_n and_o familiarity_n found_v on_o they_o be_v the_o covenant_n 4._o the_o answer_n of_o all_o challenge_n nay_o of_o all_o temptation_n come_v also_o from_o the_o covenant_n ordinary_o challenge_n proceed_v from_o the_o law_n and_o the_o threaten_n and_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n the_o best_a answer_n to_o they_o be_v we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v we_o be_v under_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n last_o 〈…〉_o great_a help_v to_o perform_v duty_n be_v the_o covenant_n if_o we_o be_v command_v to_o repent_v to_o pray_v to_o believe_v to_o suffer_v we_o must_v always_o run_v to_o some_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o strength_n and_o it_o be_v remarkable_a there_o be_v no_o command_n in_o all_o the_o law_n but_o in_o the_o covenant_n there_o be_v some_o promise_n relate_v to_o that_o duty_n and_o strength_n for_o perform_v of_o it_o be_v hold_v out_o in_o the_o promise_n for_o in_o effect_n if_o we_o look_v after_o light_n or_o clear_v in_o our_o effectual_a call_n or_o if_o we_o will_v lay_v a_o sure_a foundation_n of_o either_o a_o interest_n in_o or_o familiarity_n with_o god_n or_o hold_v off_o temptation_n or_o challenge_n or_o have_v strength_n to_o perform_v duty_n it_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n that_o we_o know_v our_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n but_o this_o be_v especial_o necessary_a at_o death_n which_o before_o i_o yet_o confirm_v i_o will_v add_v one_o caution_n which_o be_v this_o that_o it_o may_v fall_v out_o that_o a_o person_n with_o who_o god_n have_v make_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n yeâ—_n they_o may_v be_v unclear_a about_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v they_o can_v say_v among_o their_o last_o word_n the_o lord_n have_v make_v with_o i_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n among_o many_o thing_n there_o may_v be_v these_o three_o that_o may_v have_v influence_n in_o the_o darken_n of_o one_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n at_o death_n and_o when_o they_o be_v about_o their_o last_o word_n 1._o when_o one_o have_v be_v give_v much_o to_o doubt_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n ready_o god_n may_v give_v they_o though_o not_o a_o hell_n for_o it_o yet_o he_o may_v give_v they_o a_o flood_n of_o it_o at_o their_o death_n he_o love_v to_o write_v their_o sin_n on_o the_o chastisement_n therefore_o often_o as_o adonibezek_n say_v when_o they_o cause_v to_o cut_v off_o his_o thumb_n and_o his_o great_a toe_n threescore_o and_o ten_o king_n have_v their_o thumb_n and_o great_a toe_n cut_v off_o gather_v their_o meat_n under_o my_o table_n as_o i_o have_v do_v say_v he_o so_o have_v the_o lord_n require_v i_o judges_z 1.7_o frequent_o the_o sin_n of_o folk_n life_n he_o love_v to_o write_v it_o on_o their_o end_n so_o he_o do_v with_o pharaoh_n when_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v honour_v by_o he_o he_o have_v this_o sin_n among_o many_o he_o will_v have_v all_o the_o male_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n drown_v and_o moses_n also_o be_v lay_v out_o to_o be_v drown_v until_o pharaoh_n daughter_n find_v he_o and_o what_o be_v his_o end_n he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o red-sea_n the_o great_a predominant_a sin_n of_o his_o life_n be_v write_v on_o his_o end_n when_o the_o life_n be_v full_a of_o doubt_n ready_o like_o pharaoh_n he_o love_v to_o write_v their_o sin_n on_o their_o chaslisement_n 2._o one_o may_v be_v darken_v about_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n at_o death_n because_o of_o some_o un-repented_n guilt_n and_o however_o that_o guilt_n shake_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n it_o may_v shake_v their_o clear_n about_o it_o often_o at_o death_n it_o come_v to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v with_o joseph_n brethren_n when_o he_o be_v give_v order_n to_o bind_v they_o and_o they_o look_v for_o nothing_o but_o death_n all_o that_o be_v come_v on_o we_o we_o say_v they_o because_o we_o hear_v not_o the_o cry_n of_o our_o brother_n it_o be_v observe_v that_o we_o never_o read_v a_o word_n since_o the_o day_n that_o he_o be_v let_v down_o into_o the_o pit_n that_o any_o of_o they_o be_v challenge_v for_o it_o and_o when_o they_o be_v in_o egypt_n they_o can_v discern_v joseph_n to_o be_v their_o brother_n nor_o can_v they_o have_v any_o hope_n from_o he_o the_o reason_n be_v they_o have_v not_o repent_v for_o let_v he_o down_o into_o the_o pit_n ready_o un-repented_n guilt_n have_v great_a influence_n on_o the_o doubt_n of_o one_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n at_o death_n however_o david_n be_v guilty_a of_o murder_n and_o adultery_n yet_o he_o pen_v the_o 51_o psalm_n and_o have_v his_o bone_n break_v for_o it_o therefore_o at_o death_n he_o can_v say_v the_o lord_n have_v make_v with_o i_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n etc._n etc._n 3._o one_o come_v to_o be_v darken_v in_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n when_o either_o by_o god_n providence_n or_o their_o apprehension_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o inconsistency_n with_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n take_v for_o instance_n josiah_n there_o be_v a_o special_a promise_n make_v to_o he_o by_o huldah_n the_o prophetess_n when_o he_o send_v to_o she_o after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n thou_o shall_v go_v to_o thy_o grave_n in_o peace_n before_o the_o captivity_n come_v on_o who_o will_v have_v think_v that_o josiah_n will_v die_v in_o battle_n and_o be_v kill_v by_o pharaoh-necho_n in_o the_o valley_n of_o megiddo_n after_o he_o have_v such_o a_o promise_n take_v again_o for_o instance_n the_o five_o command_n honour_v thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n that_o thy_o day_n may_v be_v long_o upon_o the_o land_n which_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n give_v thou_o and_o yet_o many_o be_v take_v away_o in_o the_o strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o their_o youth_n they_o can_v hardly_o reconcile_v the_o providence_n and_o the_o promise_n or_o then_o it_o be_v so_o in_o their_o apprehension_n our_o discourage_v spirit_n at_o death_n be_v like_o these_o that_o look_v through_o black_a spectacle_n we_o misconstrue_v providence_n every_o thing_n appear_v black_a through_o these_o spectacle_n while_o it_o be_v white_a now_o ready_o one_o of_o these_o three_o either_o some_o un-repented_n guilt_n or_o some_o providence_n at_o death_n that_o seem_v not_o to_o agree_v with_o the_o promise_n or_o the_o absolute_a sovereignty_n of_o god_n may_v produce_v a_o great_a cloud_n about_o one_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n when_o they_o be_v at_o their_o last_o word_n yet_o notwithstanding_o of_o both_o these_o caution_n the_o point_n hold_v firm_a that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n at_o death_n especial_o to_o be_v able_a to_o assert_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n to_o confirm_v this_o in_o general_n i_o will_v speak_v a_o word_n to_o these_o three_o 1._o i_o desire_v you_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n 2._o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o this_o covenant_n and_o 3._o i_o shall_v consider_v both_o the_o covenant_n and_o a_o interest_n in_o it_o as_o try_v with_o death_n and_o a_o believer_n last_o word_n and_o these_o three_o will_v discover_v what_o a_o privilege_n a_o interest_n in_o that_o covenant_n be_v when_o it_o be_v discern_v at_o death_n first_o take_v a_o view_n brief_o of_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n 1._o the_o covenant_n be_v a_o transaction_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n about_o man_n great_a concernment_n it_o concern_v his_o soul_n and_o that_o be_v the_o choice_a part_n of_o he_o it_o concern_v his_o eternity_n nay_o the_o covenant_n as_o you_o will_v hear_v it_o concern_v two_o world_n this_o present_a world_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v for_o godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o covenant_n concern_v the_o soul_n and_o the_o great_a interest_n
of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v only_o these_o covenant_v that_o can_v reach_v the_o soul_n interest_n he_o be_v indeed_o a_o fool_n that_o think_v he_o can_v tell_v his_o soul_n good_a news_n on_o the_o account_n he_o have_v his_o barn_n full_a soul_n take_v thou_o rest_n for_o thou_o have_v enough_o lay_v up_o for_o many_o year_n it_o be_v good_a news_n to_o his_o ox_n or_o his_o ass_n but_o to_o tell_v it_o to_o his_o soul_n he_o be_v a_o fool_n and_o the_o scripture_n term_v he_o so_o for_o it_o be_v only_o these_o covenant_v thing_n that_o concern_v the_o soul_n 2._o take_v notice_n that_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v contrive_v the_o covenant_n to_o be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o convoyance_n of_o interest_n the_o great_a interest_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o justification_n of_o it_o the_o adoption_n of_o it_o the_o sanctification_n of_o it_o the_o fellowship_n of_o it_o with_o jesus_n the_o glorify_v of_o it_o eternal_o they_o come_v in_o to_o the_o soul_n no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o the_o covenant_n they_o that_o talk_v of_o merit_v for_o it_o or_o work_v for_o it_o or_o buy_v of_o it_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o they_o say_v the_o covenant_n hold_v out_o the_o great_a interest_n and_o the_o only_a way_n of_o attain_v they_o and_o come_v by_o they_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n way_n 3._o not_o only_o do_v this_o covenant_n hold_v out_o the_o great_a interest_n god_n can_v make_v great_a promise_n than_o he_o have_v make_v to_o the_o soul_n he_o can_v promise_v great_a thing_n than_o himself_o and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n for_o attain_v they_o than_o by_o the_o covenant_n so_o in_o the_o three_o place_n the_o covenant_n give_v sufficient_a security_n for_o they_o to_o speak_v with_o reverence_n god_n become_v a_o debtor_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o covenant_n i_o confess_v there_o be_v many_o divine_n that_o say_v they_o like_v not_o the_o word_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v debtor_n to_o man_n they_o think_v it_o below_o his_o glory_n and_o majesty_n yet_o they_o can_v deny_v but_o he_o be_v a_o debtor_n in_o a_o twofold_a sense_n 1._o he_o be_v debtor_n to_o his_o own_o faithfulness_n if_o we_o believe_v not_o yet_o he_o abide_v faithful_a he_o can_v deny_v himself_o it_o be_v not_o say_v if_o we_o believe_v not_o he_o can_v deny_v we_o but_o if_o we_o believe_v not_o he_o can_v deny_v himself_o he_o be_v debtor_n to_o himself_o 2._o it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o he_o be_v debtor_n to_o christ_n for_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v first_o make_v to_o christ_n and_o through_o christ_n they_o come_v to_o be_v we_o as_o you_o see_v a_o man_n that_o make_v over_o his_o inheritance_n to_o his_o son_n and_o the_o son_n marry_v a_o woman_n it_o come_v to_o be_v the_o woman_n through_o the_o son_n she_o have_v right_a to_o it_o because_o of_o marry_v the_o man_n the_o father_n be_v principal_o if_o not_o proper_o debtor_n to_o christ_n for_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o he_o become_v debtor_n to_o we_o and_o our_o right_n to_o they_o be_v like_o the_o woman_n right_n though_o the_o father_n do_v not_o make_v over_o the_o right_a first_o and_o principal_o to_o she_o but_o to_o the_o son_n yet_o she_o have_v a_o right_a to_o they_o because_o of_o marry_v the_o son_n some_o may_v scruple_n at_o that_o he_o be_v a_o debtor_n to_o we_o but_o he_o be_v both_o a_o debtor_n to_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o to_o his_o son_n so_o that_o our_o right_n to_o the_o promise_n come_v to_o be_v unquestionable_a and_o as_o full_o secure_a as_o if_o god_n be_v a_o debtor_n to_o we_o and_o if_o he_o after_o the_o promise_n he_o must_v both_o deny_v himself_o and_o his_o son_n and_o o_o what_o a_o mercy_n be_v it_o in_o such_o a_o strait_a as_o death_n be_v to_o have_v the_o promise_n in_o so_o great_a assurance_n now_o take_v up_o the_o covenant_n in_o these_o three_o respect_n o_o what_o special_a encouragement_n must_v it_o be_v at_o death_n when_o all_o thing_n be_v bid_v we_o adieu_o to_o have_v our_o great_a interest_n by_o such_o a_o way_n of_o conveyance_n so_o secure_v as_o the_o father_n must_v both_o deny_v himself_o and_o his_o son_n before_o our_o right_n to_o they_o be_v contradict_v second_o our_o privilege_n to_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n at_o death_n will_v appear_v if_o you_o take_v notice_n what_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v i_o deny_v not_o but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n god_n may_v have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o we_o and_o we_o know_v not_o of_o it_o yet_o consider_v what_o a_o privilege_n the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v and_o i_o will_v open_v this_o in_o three_o thing_n 1._o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n in_o that_o which_o render_v it_o useful_a for_o we_o in_o all_o the_o command_v duty_n of_o the_o law_n take_v for_o instance_n if_o you_o be_v call_v to_o believe_v or_o love_n god_n which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o law_n the_o ready_a way_n a_o believer_n have_v to_o perform_v this_o duty_n be_v to_o search_v out_o some_o promise_n and_o to_o lay_v it_o before_o god_n but_o unless_o they_o know_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n with_o what_o cheerfulness_n and_o confidence_n can_v they_o go_v to_o the_o promise_n i_o will_v not_o say_v as_o i_o find_v a_o certain_a divine_a say_v i_o think_v it_o a_o hard_a word_n that_o a_o person_n to_o love_n christ_n that_o be_v not_o in_o covenant_n with_o he_o be_v like_o a_o woman_n lie_v with_o another_o woman_n husband_n it_o be_v a_o kind_a of_o adultery_n to_o love_v the_o person_n you_o be_v not_o in_o covenant_n with_o but_o yet_o the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o improve_v the_o promise_n in_o order_n to_o perform_v duty_n be_v to_o know_v the_o covenant_n to_o be_v we_o otherwise_o with_o what_o confidence_n and_o hope_n can_v we_o plead_v the_o promise_n of_o help_n in_o prayer_n 2._o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v exceed_o useful_a to_o bear_v off_o all_o temptation_n the_o great_a answer_n to_o challenge_n and_o fear_n be_v we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n the_o truth_n be_v as_o a_o divine_a observe_n the_o most_o part_n of_o our_o temptation_n and_o challenge_n they_o come_v from_o the_o law_n the_o threaten_n the_o curse_n the_o command_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o tempter_n bring_v not_o our_o bond_n against_o we_o he_o chargeâ—_n a_o believer_n with_o a_o bond_n that_o he_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o and_o the_o great_a answer_n we_o have_v to_o they_o all_o be_v we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o bear_v off_o challenge_n when_o he_o press_v with_o such_o a_o debt_n thou_o have_v break_v all_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n and_o thou_o be_v liable_a to_o all_o the_o curseâ—_n thereof_o we_o may_v answer_v thou_o have_v take_v the_o wrong_a bond_n for_o we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n 3._o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n let_v we_o see_v ouâ—_n duty_n there_o be_v a_o number_n of_o duty_n that_o we_o be_v call_v to_o do_v that_o ordinary_o we_o lie_v quite_o by_o because_o of_o the_o want_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n such_o as_o rejoice_v in_o god_n delight_v in_o god_n and_o they_o be_v the_o duty_n that_o be_v like_a glory_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o the_o command_v give_v about_o they_o because_o of_o the_o want_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n we_o neither_o can_v rejoice_v nor_o delight_n in_o he_o three_o that_o at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o case_n the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v most_o necessary_a at_o death_n when_o like_o david_n we_o come_v to_o speak_v our_o last_o word_n it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v necessary_a through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n but_o never_o more_o necessary_a than_o at_o death_n especial_o if_o you_o take_v death_n up_o under_o a_o twofold_a formality_n 1_o death_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o part_v we_o and_o all_o other_o thing_n a_o man_n then_o quite_v his_o inheritance_n by_o death_n he_o lose_v his_o legal_a right_n to_o it_o so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n he_o can_v come_v back_o again_o he_o will_v find_v that_o death_n have_v take_v away_o his_o propriety_n to_o it_o death_n have_v take_v away_o the_o propriety_n from_o land_n it_o lose_v the_o relation_n to_o the_o husband_n to_o the_o wife_n to_o the_o child_n it_o part_v all_o a_o
man_n then_o must_v give_v up_o all_o his_o writ_n and_o land_n to_o another_o and_o his_o right_n to_o they_o will_v be_v as_o legal_a as_o if_o they_o be_v make_v over_o by_o disposition_n o_o how_o refresh_a will_n this_o be_v then_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v they_o and_o glory_v they_o 2_o death_n as_o it_o dissolve_v all_o union_n and_o relation_n make_v for_o life-time_n it_o take_v away_o a_o man_n right_a to_o his_o inheritance_n the_o woman_n be_v no_o more_o bind_v by_o the_o marriage_n covenant_n to_o her_o husband_n death_n have_v loose_v the_o contract_n so_o death_n come_v as_o a_o curse_n it_o be_v inflict_v in_o the_o begin_n as_o a_o curse_n when_o god_n curse_v the_o man_n and_o the_o serpent_n now_o a_o title_n to_o this_o covenant_n make_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o curse_n a_o blessing_n it_o be_v now_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n 3_o consider_v death_n as_o it_o be_v the_o march-stone_n betwixt_o time_n and_o eternity_n we_o stand_v as_o it_o be_v on_o the_o march-stone_n when_o we_o be_v go_v to_o die_v we_o be_v go_v from_o the_o one_o in_o to_o the_o other_o now_o a_o title_n to_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n when_o we_o stand_v on_o the_o top_n of_o the_o stone_n and_o bid_v adieu_n to_o sun_n and_o moon_n husband_n and_o wife_n to_o child_n to_o land_n and_o possession_n to_o bid_v they_o all_o adieu_o and_o claim_v to_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o all_o the_o privilege_n if_o it_o what_o a_o special_a encouragement_n be_v this_o when_o a_o man_n be_v make_v his_o testament_n he_o put_v in_o nothing_o to_o himself_o his_o land_n and_o possession_n must_v go_v to_o other_o or_o to_o his_o friend_n and_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o himself_o it_o be_v remarkable_a jacob_n when_o he_o be_v a_o die_a he_o call_v all_o his_o child_n and_o give_v they_o all_o legacy_n when_o he_o be_v make_v his_o testament_n but_o he_o put_v in_o something_o for_o himself_o in_o one_o little_a verse_n in_o gen._n 49._o lord_n i_o have_v wait_v for_o thy_o salvation_n so_o that_o if_o you_o will_v take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o it_o contain_v the_o great_a concernment_n of_o time_n and_o eternity_n and_o what_o a_o privilege_n it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o it_o he_o that_o make_v we_o out_o of_o nothing_o may_v have_v command_v we_o all_o duty_n that_o he_o have_v command_v and_o annex_v no_o more_o but_o if_o you_o do_v not_o these_o duty_n i_o will_v eternal_o damn_v you_o and_o cast_v you_o in_o hell_n and_o you_o shall_v drink_v of_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n so_o long_o as_o i_o be_o god_n but_o so_o condescend_v have_v grace_n be_v that_o god_n have_v be_v content_a to_o transact_v thus_o covenant-way_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n you_o have_v this_o if_o any_o keep_v my_o commandment_n he_o shall_v have_v my_o peace_n my_o pardon_n nay_o more_o he_o shall_v have_v myself_o nay_o more_o he_o shall_v have_v my_o son_n and_o myself_o for_o all_o eternity_n now_o to_o have_v a_o title_n to_o this_o everlasting_a covenant_n when_o we_o be_v give_v up_o with_o all_o our_o land_n and_o possession_n and_o death_n be_v lose_v all_o relation_n and_o when_o we_o be_v meet_v with_o that_o which_o be_v a_o curse_n in_o itself_o then_o to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v yet_o he_o have_v make_v with_o i_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n ii_o 2_o samuel_n 23.5_o although_o my_o house_n he_o not_o so_o with_o god_n yet_o he_o have_v make_v with_o i_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n order_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o sure_a for_o this_o be_v all_o my_o salvation_n and_o all_o my_o desire_n although_o he_o make_v it_o not_o to_o grow_v these_o be_v the_o last_o word_n of_o david_n the_o son_n of_o jesse_n the_o sweet_a singer_n of_o israel_n many_o excellent_a psalm_n have_v he_o pen_v and_o many_o sweet_a song_n have_v he_o sing_v but_o like_o the_o nightingale_n that_o they_o say_v sing_v sweet_a before_o his_o death_n he_o reserve_v this_o song_n to_o be_v sing_v among_o his_o last_o word_n although_o my_o house_n be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n yet_o he_o have_v make_v with_o i_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n etc._n etc._n i_o propose_v this_o general_a observation_n from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o word_n that_o the_o great_a encouragement_n at_o death_n and_o when_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v our_o last_o word_n be_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n i_o confirm_v this_o from_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o advantage_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o it_o and_o from_o the_o try_a of_o these_o two_o together_o with_o the_o time_n of_o death_n i_o will_v only_o clear_v one_o question_n and_o so_o apply_v this_o point_n quest_n it_o may_v be_v question_v be_v not_o christ_n the_o great_a encouragement_n of_o the_o soul_n when_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v our_o last_o word_n and_o why_o do_v we_o ascribe_v this_o to_o the_o covenant_n i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o clear_v this_o in_o the_o entry_n of_o this_o noble_a theme_n which_o i_o will_v do_v with_o these_o two_o consideration_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a injury_n to_o take_v from_o christ_n and_o give_v to_o the_o covenant_n what_o be_v his_o due_n all_o the_o lustre_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v like_o the_o moon_n that_o borrow_v its_o light_n from_o the_o sun_n the_o moon_n will_v be_v but_o a_o dark_a planet_n except_o it_o have_v light_o derive_v from_o the_o sun_n so_o all_o the_o lustre_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o covenant_n flow_v from_o christ_n and_o i_o will_v open_v here_o a_o fourfold_a reference_n that_o christ_n have_v to_o the_o covenant_n 1._o he_o be_v the_o purchaser_n of_o it_o for_o as_o much_o grace_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n there_o be_v not_o a_o promise_n in_o it_o but_o it_o be_v buy_v and_o buy_v at_o the_o full_a value_n how_o free_a soever_o it_o be_v to_o we_o they_o be_v not_o so_o to_o our_o cautioner_n but_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o peace_n of_o pardon_n of_o sanctification_n they_o stand_v he_o the_o price_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o so_o he_o be_v the_o purchaser_n of_o the_o covenant_n 2._o he_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o covenant_n he_o treat_v it_o and_o in_o effect_n draw_v the_o article_n of_o it_o the_o father_n when_o the_o covenant_n be_v in_o treat_v he_o know_v he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o fool_n that_o can_v not_o nor_o have_v no_o skill_n of_o their_o own_o writ_n draw_v the_o son_n be_v the_o fit_a person_n concern_v in_o both_o party_n therefore_o he_o have_v a_o liberty_n from_o the_o father_n to_o draw_v the_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o he_o please_v which_o he_o do_v in_o one_o of_o the_o strange_a way_n he_o satisfy_v the_o father_n and_o abundant_o satisfy_v we_o and_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o satisfy_v both_o party_n but_o he_o take_v the_o difficulty_n on_o he_o therefore_o he_o be_v call_v heb_fw-mi 12._o among_o the_o many_o honourable_a name_n he_o get_v in_o the_o bible_n he_o get_v this_o jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n 3._o he_o be_v the_o surety_n of_o the_o covenant_n heb._n 7._o in_o so_o much_o as_o he_o be_v the_o surety_n of_o a_o better_a tastement_n he_o be_v the_o surety_n the_o cautioner_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n therefore_o i_o will_v offer_v two_o thing_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o 1._o he_o be_v the_o cautioner_n for_o our_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n 2._o for_o the_o father_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v well_o observe_v by_o one_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o a_o party_n that_o have_v three_o desect_v when_o he_o make_v the_o covenant_n first_o that_o be_v dyvor_n and_o not_o responsable_a and_o therefore_o behove_v to_o have_v a_o cautioner_n second_o they_o be_v witless_a and_o have_v no_o skill_n to_o draw_v their_o own_o writ_n and_o therefore_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o son_n to_o draw_v the_o covenant_n three_o they_o be_v unbeliever_n and_o ready_o will_v not_o take_v he_o at_o his_o word_n therefore_o he_o write_v the_o covenant_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o give_v he_o to_o be_v executor_n of_o all_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n surety_n for_o he_o therefore_o you_o have_v christ_n often_o tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o need_v not_o doubt_v of_o his_o father_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o he_o have_v give_v he_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o perform_v and_o accomplish_v the_o covenant_n so_o he_o be_v surety_n for_o we_o quest_n you_o will_v ask_v
of_o dominion_n a_o man_n that_o make_v a_o promise_n he_o have_v the_o thing_n he_o promise_v under_o his_o command_n or_o else_o he_o promise_v foolish_o 2_o a_o promise_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o condescendency_n he_o that_o be_v content_a to_o make_v a_o promise_n condescend_v to_o the_o humour_n and_o desire_v of_o they_o to_o who_o he_o make_v it_o 3_o a_o promise_n be_v a_o act_n of_o liberality_n but_o the_o main_a thing_n here_o a_o promise_n be_v a_o obligation_n it_o bring_v a_o tie_n on_o the_o person_n that_o make_v it_o now_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o covenant_n be_v all_o the_o four_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o dominion_n of_o his_o condescendency_n of_o his_o liberality_n and_o it_o bring_v a_o obligation_n on_o he_o but_o these_o be_v not_o the_o special_a reason_n why_o it_o come_v to_o be_v call_v a_o promise_n the_o special_a reason_n be_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v two_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o make_v it_o proper_o to_o be_v call_v a_o promise_n first_o the_o great_a thing_n in_o it_o be_v promise_n it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n the_o great_a thing_n in_o it_o be_v command_n and_o therefore_o you_o find_v it_o often_o call_v in_o the_o bible_n a_o law_n the_o covenant_n of_o work_n will_v be_v call_v the_o law_n for_o the_o great_a design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o give_v command_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v not_o law_n and_o command_n that_o be_v not_o the_o special_a design_n in_o it_o but_o it_o be_v grace_n and_o promise_v 2_o it_o come_v to_o be_v call_v a_o promise_n in_o regard_n there_o be_v no_o command_n in_o it_o all_o but_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o strength_n to_o obey_v the_o command_n you_o see_v i_o sometime_o at_o examine_v put_v you_o to_o this_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n in_o all_o the_o covenant_n but_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n relate_v to_o that_o duty_n and_o if_o you_o remember_v the_o observation_n you_o hear_v the_o last_o day_n at_o examine_v a_o christian_n have_v never_o a_o call_n to_o a_o command_n but_o in_o that_o call_n he_o have_v a_o call_n to_o the_o promise_n when_o we_o be_v command_v to_o obey_v to_o do_v or_o to_o suffer_v christ_n never_o call_v we_o to_o a_o duty_n in_o the_o covenant_n but_o he_o call_v we_o likewise_o to_o a_o promise_n of_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v to_o â—rayer_n repentance_n believe_v love_v of_o christ_n or_o suffer_v for_o he_o so_o that_o it_o come_v to_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o be_v to_o be_v call_v a_o promise_n for_o in_o effect_n there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o all_o the_o covenant_n but_o it_o be_v promise_v suppose_v there_o be_v a_o man_n that_o shall_v bid_v another_o man_n come_v to_o his_o shop_n and_o buy_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o cloth_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n shall_v round_o in_o his_o ear_n i_o will_v give_v thou_o money_n to_o buy_v it_o even_o as_o much_o as_o the_o price_n of_o it_o will_v come_v to_o that_o be_v rather_o a_o give_v than_o a_o sell_n we_o indeed_o buy_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o it_o be_v without_o money_n and_o without_o price_n and_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o part_n with_o for_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v but_o that_o which_o will_v undo_v we_o as_o if_o you_o see_v a_o woman_n that_o have_v a_o child_n that_o have_v get_v a_o knife_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o she_o be_v fear_v it_o undo_v the_o child_n she_o will_v go_v and_o treat_v with_o the_o child_n i_o will_v give_v this_o apple_n and_o this_o preasant_a thing_n and_o that_o provide_v thou_o will_v quit_v the_o knife_n she_o be_v afraid_a the_o child_n cut_v his_o finger_n with_o the_o knife_n or_o undo_v himself_o with_o it_o and_o the_o child_n will_v not_o quit_v it_o without_o buy_v it_o the_o gospel_n drive_v such_o a_o bargain_n as_o this_o for_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n all_o that_o god_n do_v in_o the_o point_n of_o command_n be_v only_o that_o we_o quite_o the_o knife_n that_o will_v cut_v our_o fingâ—ers_n and_o he_o will_v give_v we_o all_o the_o apple_n and_o pleasant_a thing_n contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n so_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n it_o be_v call_v promise_n 3_o it_o be_v call_v a_o promise_n in_o regard_n of_o we_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o regard_n of_o we_o that_o make_v it_o be_v call_v a_o promise_n and_o the_o antinomian_n will_v have_v it_o call_v by_o no_o other_o name_n they_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o proper_a covenant_n they_o say_v it_o be_v only_o a_o promise_n but_o it_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o we_o call_v a_o promise_n on_o their_o two_o account_n 1_o because_o we_o have_v contribute_v nothing_o to_o the_o procure_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o it_o be_v allanerly_a of_o grace_n as_o if_o a_o man_n be_v send_v to_o his_o nighbours_n house_n for_o something_o he_o have_v pay_v for_o he_o may_v send_v for_o it_o and_o ready_o crave_v it_o as_o a_o debt_n but_o when_o he_o send_v for_o any_o thing_n promise_v he_o must_v not_o go_v exact_o and_o observe_v all_o the_o passage_n of_o crave_v it_o he_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o but_o by_o a_o promise_n many_o a_o time_n when_o god_n give_v not_o his_o people_n that_o fullness_n of_o peace_n of_o joy_n of_o consolation_n that_o ready_o they_o will_v have_v they_o sit_v down_o and_o quarrel_n as_o ready_o the_o thing_n they_o will_v have_v be_v pay_v for_o but_o thy_o right_n to_o it_o be_v but_o by_o promise_n and_o a_o give_a thing_n shall_v not_o be_v look_v in_o the_o mouth_n 2_o it_o come_v to_o be_v call_v a_o promise_n in_o regard_n of_o we_o in_o respect_n the_o thing_n we_o do_v in_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v no_o way_n proportion_v to_o the_o thing_n promise_v there_o be_v great_a thing_n promise_v and_o we_o have_v no_o influence_n on_o it_o what_o will_v all_o our_o service_n do_v to_o influence_n this_o promise_n i_o will_v take_v away_o the_o heart_n of_o stone_n what_o do_v we_o contribute_v when_o we_o first_o bargain_v with_o he_o do_v we_o not_o resist_v the_o promise_n do_v we_o not_o say_v i_o will_v go_v after_o my_o lover_n what_o warning_n do_v we_o sit_v out_o before_o we_o bring_v our_o neck_n under_o his_o yoke_n all_o these_o prove_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v a_o promise_n and_o from_o this_o name_n of_o the_o covenant_n i_o will_v have_v you_o notice_n three_o or_o four_o thing_n before_o i_o go_v further_o be_v the_o covenant_n call_v a_o promise_n then_o 1._o mistake_v not_o the_o covenant_n you_o will_v hear_v present_o it_o have_v another_o name_n nor_o a_o promise_n as_o if_o it_o be_v no_o way_n consistent_a with_o the_o law_n antinomian_o say_v so_o it_o be_v a_o conditional_a promise_n go_v not_o you_o to_o take_v up_o the_o covenant_n as_o if_o it_o be_v only_o a_o promise_n and_o have_v no_o condition_n at_o all_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o there_o be_v absolute_a promise_n in_o it_o i_o will_v speak_v of_o they_o afterward_o but_o 2_o here_o the_o great_a encouragement_n that_o believer_n have_v for_o their_o security_n they_o be_v under_o a_o covenant_n the_o name_n whereof_o be_v a_o promise_n suppose_v one_o of_o you_o be_v drown_v in_o desertion_n and_o a_o second_o exceed_o weak_a and_o suppose_v a_o three_o be_v reproach_v and_o despicable_a yet_o if_o you_o have_v from_o one_o that_o have_v both_o power_n and_o faithfulness_n a_o promise_n that_o be_v refresh_v if_o one_o shall_v ask_v a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o great_a debt_n how_o will_v you_o win_v out_o of_o it_o i_o have_v a_o promise_n say_v he_o you_o have_v no_o pith_n nor_o power_n to_o pay_v your_o debt_n i_o have_v a_o promise_n from_o one_o that_o be_v rich_a that_o can_v pay_v it_o here_o be_v the_o great_a encouragement_n that_o believer_n have_v and_o they_o have_v no_o other_o thing_n to_o keep_v up_o their_o heart_n but_o only_o this_o i_o have_v a_o promise_n 3_o i_o mark_v it_o for_o this_o end_n that_o i_o may_v put_v thou_o to_o the_o thing_n i_o be_v press_v the_o last_o day_n to_o take_v it_o up_o as_o a_o covenant_n of_o promise_n what_o be_o i_o say_v one_o my_o house_n be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n what_o an_o i_o say_v another_o i_o have_v a_o cross_a life_n in_o this_o world_n but_o will_v any_o of_o these_o hinder_v he_o from_o make_v a_o promise_n thy_o charter_n be_v not_o merit_n thy_o charter_n and_o i_o be_v not_o purchase_n but_o allanerly_a promise_n and_o the_o only_a expectation_n we_o can_v have_v of_o wear_v the_o crown_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o
neglect_n of_o it_o must_v be_v a_o sin_n many_o have_v never_o lay_v the_o guilt_n of_o not_o enter_v in_o a_o personal_a particular_a express_a covenant_n with_o god_n to_o heart_n ready_o there_o be_v some_o who_o have_v come_v under_o some_o general_a confuse_a resolution_n and_o possible_o under_o some_o vow_n to_o god_n but_o to_o go_v and_o firm_o state_n a_o covenant_n wherein_o they_o indenture_n to_o accept_v of_o the_o offer_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o bind_v to_o the_o term_n on_o which_o the_o offer_n be_v make_v without_o alter_v of_o any_o of_o the_o term_n how_o few_o take_v up_o this_o for_o a_o guilt_n yet_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o guilt_n in_o it_o if_o you_o shall_v take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o five_o or_o six_o ground_n that_o i_o bring_v this_o day_n fortnight_n to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o personal_a covenant_v with_o god_n therefore_o without_o resume_v any_o of_o they_o i_o do_v exhort_v all_o the_o multitude_n that_o be_v hear_v this_o sermon_n that_o they_o will_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o be_v a_o very_a provock_a guiltiness_n against_o god_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o mother_n sin_n and_o it_o be_v a_o nurse_n to_o other_o sin_n if_o thou_o know_v what_o it_o be_v personal_o to_o covenant_n with_o god_n ready_o there_o will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o neglect_n of_o morning_n prayer_n and_o family_n worship_n and_o there_o will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o liberty_n take_v in_o your_o walk_n the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n will_v restrain_v thou_o nay_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o mother_n sin_n and_o a_o nurse_n to_o other_o sin_n but_o it_o be_v the_o high_a affront_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o god_n who_o offer_v his_o son_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o thou_o have_v never_o give_v a_o particular_a and_o personal_a acceptance_n of_o he_o sermon_n xvi_o 2_o samuel_n 23._o verse_n 5._o although_o my_o house_n be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n yet_o he_o have_v make_v with_o i_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n order_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o sure_a for_o this_o be_v all_o my_o salvation_n and_o all_o my_o desire_n although_o he_o make_v it_o not_o to_o grow_v a_o historical_a faith_n such_o as_o the_o devil_n have_v who_o believe_v and_o tremble_v will_v assent_v to_o this_o truth_n that_o god_n have_v make_v a_o covenant_n but_o it_o require_v a_o save_n and_o justify_v faith_n to_o put_v to_o these_o two_o word_n with_o it_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v with_o i_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n i_o have_v handle_v the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n of_o personal_a covenant_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o practical_a part_n i_o begin_v in_o the_o forenoon_n with_o a_o use_n of_o information_n of_o five_o or_o six_o branch_n 1._o be_v it_o a_o duty_n personal_o to_o covenant_n with_o god_n then_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o must_v be_v a_o sin_n every_o contrariety_n to_o a_o duty_n be_v a_o sin_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o sin_n of_o the_o high_a degree_n however_o many_o that_o be_v challenge_v by_o a_o natural_a conscience_n for_o other_o sin_n do_v not_o ponder_v it_o it_o be_v a_o mother_n sin_n and_o a_o affront_a of_o the_o father_n in_o his_o son_n but_o 2._o if_o this_o personal_a covenant_n be_v a_o duty_n then_o it_o be_v no_o presumption_n personal_o to_o covenant_n with_o god_n it_o be_v well_o observe_v by_o some_o practical_a divine_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v presumption_n in_o we_o to_o require_v they_o of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v no_o presumption_n to_o do_v they_o when_o they_o be_v command_v of_o god_n indeed_o for_o we_o to_o have_v dream_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o that_o the_o son_n shall_v marry_v we_o that_o the_o spirit_n shall_v dwell_v in_o we_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v such_o a_o covenant_n of_o promise_n it_o have_v be_v presumption_n in_o we_o to_o require_v they_o but_o be_v make_v duty_n it_o can_v be_v make_v presumption_n in_o we_o to_o obey_v they_o there_o be_v many_o stand_n at_o a_o personal_a covenant_v with_o god_n what_o so_o great_a a_o god_n so_o great_a offer_n as_o himself_o and_o his_o son_n and_o to_o be_v make_v ruler_n over_o all_o that_o he_o have_v but_o since_o his_o liberal_a heart_n have_v not_o only_o offer_v they_o but_o have_v command_v we_o under_o the_o pain_n of_o his_o displeasure_n it_o can_v be_v no_o presumption_n to_o obey_v though_o i_o confess_v it_o have_v be_v presumptive_a to_o require_v they_o 3._o be_v it_o a_o duty_n personal_o and_o particular_o to_o covenant_n with_o he_o than_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o our_o duty_n be_v our_o honour_n a_o very_a great_a privilege_n what_o god_n to_o be_v our_o god_n and_o to_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o to_o be_v able_a to_o take_v up_o the_o bible_n and_o read_v that_o part_n of_o the_o verse_n which_o be_v agree_v to_o our_o case_n my_o beloved_n be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o he_o what_o great_a privilege_n than_o this_o saul_n make_v a_o offer_n of_o his_o daughter_n in_o marriage_n to_o david_n he_o be_v late_o follow_v his_o father_n sheep_n seem_v it_o a_o small_a thing_n to_o you_o say_v he_o to_o be_v son_n in_o law_n to_o a_o king_n but_o the_o offer_n make_v it_o david_n duty_n to_o embrace_v the_o offer_n and_o the_o king_n command_n and_o his_o duty_n become_v his_o privilege_n and_o here_o you_o will_v notice_n two_o thing_n by_o the_o way_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o mere_a service_n but_o a_o christian_n great_a honour_n believe_v delight_v in_o god_n walk_v with_o he_o rejoice_v in_o he_o be_v not_o mere_a service_n but_o a_o privilege_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v by_o some_o who_o think_v if_o they_o win_v at_o their_o duty_n they_o be_v advance_v to_o great_a honour_n and_o they_o take_v up_o the_o want_n of_o they_o as_o their_o affliction_n these_o be_v thy_o duty_n and_o the_o want_n of_o they_o be_v thy_o sin_n but_o there_o be_v other_o that_o take_v up_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o their_o duty_n but_o they_o go_v about_o they_o toil_v and_o wrestle_a but_o they_o take_v they_o not_o up_o as_o their_o privilege_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v both_o weave_v through_o other_o and_o our_o duty_n be_v our_o great_a privilege_n 4._o if_o this_o personal_a covenant_v with_o god_n be_v a_o duty_n than_o we_o be_v not_o to_o disput_fw-la whether_o we_o shall_v enter_v in_o this_o covenant_n or_o not_o command_v duty_n shall_v not_o be_v disput_n he_o be_v not_o a_o servant_n that_o think_v he_o understand_v himself_o so_o well_o that_o if_o his_o master_n command_v he_o to_o go_v or_o to_o come_v that_o will_v stand_v and_o debate_n with_o himself_o whether_o it_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o i_o to_o go_v or_o to_o come_v the_o master_n will_n be_v to_o determine_v he_o in_o this_o it_o be_v ordinary_a for_o we_o we_o be_v more_o in_o dispute_v our_o duty_n than_o in_o do_v our_o duty_n we_o be_v constant_o debate_v this_o question_n and_o that_o question_v and_o our_o converse_n together_o be_v more_o in_o dispute_v than_o in_o help_v one_o another_o to_o do_v but_o that_o which_o be_v duty_n shall_v not_o be_v disput_fw-la ready_o the_o adversary_n if_o one_o be_v about_o this_o duty_n of_o personal_a covenant_v with_o god_n will_v bring_v in_o this_o and_o that_o and_o a_o three_o thing_n but_o not_o to_o lay_v by_o the_o duty_n yet_o to_o delay_v it_o but_o this_o be_v duty_n and_o it_o be_v a_o notable_a evidence_n of_o a_o faithful_a servant_n to_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n that_o will_v not_o disput_n his_o duty_n but_o will_v make_v all_o the_o inquiry_n how_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o 5._o if_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n thus_o personal_o to_o covenant_n with_o god_n than_o we_o be_v not_o to_o stand_v on_o event_n about_o our_o duty_n for_o where_o ever_o there_o be_v duty_n we_o be_v not_o to_o consider_v event_n the_o great_a reason_n that_o scholar_n give_v of_o this_o say_v they_o when_o god_n command_v the_o duty_n he_o foresee_v the_o event_n and_o it_o be_v a_o reflection_n upon_o his_o wisdom_n to_o think_v he_o will_v engage_v his_o people_n in_o duty_n and_o not_o care_n for_o they_o in_o the_o even_o some_o need_v not_o be_v careful_a about_o the_o event_n why_o we_o be_v clear_a about_o our_o duty_n now_o if_o this_o personal_a covenant_n be_v as_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n for_o we_o to_o sit_v down_o and_o calculat_v as_o with_o counter_n this_o will_v cost_v i_o so_o much_o do_v and_o that_o will_v cost_v i_o so_o much_o suffer_v no_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o duty_n
we_o be_v not_o to_o debate_v the_o event_n he_o that_o command_v the_o duty_n foresee_v the_o event_n before_o he_o command_v it_o and_o we_o be_v to_o leave_v the_o order_n of_o the_o event_n to_o he_o o_o say_n one_o if_o i_o covenant_n with_o he_o i_o will_v look_v for_o a_o harsh_a life_n of_o it_o say_v another_o i_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o wade_v through_o the_o thing_n i_o see_v if_o i_o engage_v in_o a_o personal_a covenant_n with_o he_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v refer_v to_o he_o who_o command_v the_o duty_n last_o if_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n personal_o to_o covenant_n it_o inform_v we_o that_o certain_o these_o who_o indenture_n with_o he_o will_v get_v strongth_v to_o perform_v for_o they_o be_v about_o a_o duty_n however_o it_o may_v be_v the_o fail_n that_o adhere_v to_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n may_v accompany_v we_o in_o the_o duty_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v not_o wilful_a fail_n but_o that_o they_o be_v in_o sincerity_n mind_v their_o duty_n the_o case_n will_v be_v as_o if_o a_o father_n call_v to_o a_o child_n to_o give_v he_o a_o glass_n of_o wine_n and_o the_o child_n take_v the_o glass_n and_o throw_v it_o in_o a_o passion_n on_o the_o ground_n and_o break_v it_o no_o question_n the_o father_n will_v be_v angry_a at_o he_o and_o scourge_v he_o but_o if_o the_o child_n take_v the_o glass_n and_o fill_v the_o wine_n but_o his_o shake_a arm_n let_v the_o glass_n fall_v ready_o the_o father_n will_v pity_v he_o because_o it_o be_v a_o infirmity_n accompany_v his_o arm_n there_o be_v in_o our_o perform_a duty_n many_o infirmity_n accompany_v our_o arm_n we_o will_v not_o get_v it_o perfect_o do_v but_o the_o arm_n will_v shake_v and_o let_v the_o glass_n fall_v yet_o if_o we_o set_v sincere_o about_o the_o duty_n we_o will_v get_v strength_n to_o perform_v they_o that_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n shall_v renew_v their_o strength_n all_o these_o use_v of_o information_n follow_v from_o this_o native_o that_o this_o personal_a covenant_v with_o god_n be_v a_o duty_n it_o be_v no_o phanaticism_n it_o be_v a_o command_a duty_n it_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v on_o the_o matter_n all_o one_o with_o believe_v it_o be_v no_o presumption_n to_o covenant_n with_o he_o but_o i_o insist_v not_o on_o this_o there_o be_v some_o more_o special_a and_o practical_a improvement_n of_o it_o than_o this_o general_a therefore_o i_o proceed_v use_v 2._o to_o a_o second_o use_v of_o information_n be_v this_o personal_a covenant_v with_o god_n a_o duty_n and_o so_o great_a a_o duty_n as_o be_v prove_v then_o be_v exhort_v to_o covenant_n with_o he_o i_o have_v press_v you_o before_o to_o go_v home_o and_o do_v it_o and_o not_o delay_v it_o and_o to_o make_v it_o as_o express_v and_o distinct_a as_o to_o the_o term_n as_o you_o can_v and_o either_o with_o writing_n or_o say_v it_o over_o to_o god_n as_o that_o place_n you_o hear_v cite_v isaiah_n 44._o one_o shall_v say_v and_o another_o subscribe_v with_o his_o hand_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n but_o this_o use_n of_o exhortation_n that_o i_o may_v the_o more_o distinct_o handle_v it_o i_o shall_v follow_v it_o with_o reference_n to_o two_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o in_o this_o place_n who_o have_v need_v of_o exhortation_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o carnal_a careless_a professor_n that_o ready_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o wait_v on_o ordinance_n and_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v punctual_o observe_v but_o for_o personal_a covenant_v with_o god_n for_o ever_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n they_o be_v great_a stranger_n to_o it_o that_o i_o may_v at_o least_o leave_v a_o conviction_n on_o these_o i_o will_v speak_v a_o word_n to_o two_o thing_n 1._o what_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o hinder_v the_o generality_n from_o this_o of_o personal_a covenant_v with_o god_n 2._o what_o be_v their_o misery_n quest_n first_o what_o be_v it_o that_o hinder_v the_o generality_n from_o this_o personal_a covenant_v with_o god_n answer_v among_o many_o thing_n i_o will_v name_v these_o four_n first_o a_o great_a many_o understand_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o be_v in_o the_o estate_n of_o nature_n they_o be_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n it_o be_v a_o truth_n beyond_o all_o controversy_n all_o natural_a man_n however_o they_o may_v be_v visible_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n they_o be_v real_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n they_o be_v in_o the_o first_o adam_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v under_o his_o covenant_n until_o they_o be_v real_o unite_v and_o marry_v to_o christ_n the_o covenant_n be_v the_o contract_n and_o until_o we_o marry_v the_o man_n we_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o contract_n now_o the_o generality_n understand_v not_o the_o misery_n and_o danger_n of_o this_o covenant_n they_o consider_v not_o that_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n that_o require_v perfect_a and_o personal_a obedience_n they_o be_v under_o a_o covenant_n if_o they_o fail_v in_o the_o least_o they_o must_v be_v damn_v for_o it_o however_o they_o cry_v to_o christ_n and_o die_v hope_v in_o christ_n yet_o their_o covenant_n admit_v not_o of_o a_o christ_n nor_o of_o a_o cautioner_n nay_o the_o covenant_n they_o be_v under_o admit_v not_o of_o repentance_n it_o be_v remarkable_a the_o covenant_n make_v with_o adam_n be_v on_o these_o term_n in_o the_o day_n thou_o eat_v thou_o shall_v die_v it_o be_v not_o say_v in_o the_o day_n thou_o eat_v if_o thou_o repent_v thou_o may_v be_v spare_v no_o it_o admit_v of_o no_o rpentance_n if_o esau_n shall_v seek_v the_o blessing_n with_o tear_n he_o can_v have_v it_o he_o rew_v that_o he_o have_v sell_v his_o birthright_n but_o he_o can_v not_o obtain_v the_o blessing_n though_o he_o seek_v it_o with_o tear_n even_o adam_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n can_v not_o keep_v this_o covenant_n the_o generality_n consider_v not_o the_o misery_n of_o it_o but_o be_v it_o ponder_v as_o become_v man_n that_o in_o a_o little_a will_v meet_v in_o the_o valley_n of_o decision_n and_o reckon_v before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n for_o you_o be_v under_o a_o covenant_n that_o admit_v not_o of_o a_o christ_n nor_o cautioner_n nor_o of_o repentance_n but_o it_o require_v personal_a and_o perfect_a obedience_n if_o it_o be_v serious_o ponder_v o_o what_o pain_n there_o will_v be_v to_o get_v a_o covenant_n make_v with_o god_n through_o the_o son_n 2._o the_o generality_n do_v neglect_v this_o personal_a covenant_v with_o god_n because_o other_o thing_n take_v up_o their_o time_n it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a isaiah_n 55.2_o 3_o and_o 4._o incline_v your_o ear_n and_o come_v unto_o i_o hear_v and_o your_o soul_n shall_v live_v and_o i_o will_v make_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n with_o you_o even_o the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n but_o what_o go_v before_o why_o spend_v you_o your_o money_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o bread_n and_o your_o labour_n for_o that_o which_o satisfi_v not_o there_o be_v the_o impediment_n that_o hinder_v many_o from_o enter_v into_o this_o personal_a covenant_n they_o be_v so_o take_v up_o spend_v their_o money_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o bread_n and_o their_o labour_n for_o that_o which_o satisfy_v not_o that_o their_o ear_n be_v not_o incline_v to_o hearken_v unto_o this_o everlasting_a covenant_n with_o christ_n ready_o the_o thing_n hinder_v you_o from_o personal_a covenant_v that_o hinder_v martha_n from_o hear_v christ_n she_o be_v busy_a take_v up_o in_o the_o house_n martha_n say_v christ_n thou_o be_v trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n and_o very_o lawful_a thing_n may_v be_v sinful_a hindrance_n in_o the_o way_n of_o this_o covenant_n it_o be_v remarkable_a the_o person_n that_o send_v the_o answer_n to_o the_o master_n of_o the_o wedding_n when_o he_o send_v out_o his_o servant_n to_o invite_v they_o the_o one_o of_o they_o say_v not_o i_o have_v a_o whore_n i_o can_v come_v another_o say_v not_o i_o have_v a_o drunken_a law_v to_o count_v i_o can_v come_v but_o one_o of_o they_o say_v i_o have_v a_o farm_n another_o i_o have_v a_o yoke_n of_o ox_n another_o i_o have_v a_o marriage_n i_o can_v come_v all_o the_o three_o be_v lawful_a thing_n but_o they_o become_v sinful_a hindrance_n in_o the_o way_n of_o come_v to_o the_o wedding_n no_o the_o truth_n be_v earthly-mindedness_a lie_n in_o the_o way_n of_o many_o in_o this_o place_n of_o personal_a covenant_v with_o christ_n they_o spend_v their_o money_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o bread_n and_o their_o labour_n for_o that_o which_o satisfi_v not_o 3._o a_o three_o impediment_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o generality_n in_o make_v this_o personal_a
covenant_v with_o god_n it_o be_v this_o they_o be_v like_o a_o woman_n that_o be_v already_o marry_v marry_v another_o husband_n they_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o death_n and_o with_o hell_n be_v they_o at_o a_o agreemet_v as_o you_o hear_v cite_v from_o isaiah_n 28._o it_o be_v true_a that_o be_v make_v lie_v their_o refuge_n as_o it_o be_v call_v in_o that_o same_o place_n yet_o they_o can_v break_v that_o covenant_n they_o can_v break_v the_o covenant_n they_o have_v make_v with_o their_o lust_n sometime_o they_o be_v incline_v to_o break_v it_o they_o be_v oftentimes_o like_o a_o sleepy_a servant_n in_o a_o house_n the_o master_n call_v he_o he_o will_v cry_v come_v and_o immediate_o fall_v a_o sleep_n again_o several_a time_n they_o will_v break_v that_o covenant_n with_o their_o lust_n but_o that_o be_v but_o like_o the_o morning_n dew_n or_o a_o early_a cloud_n like_o ephraim_n goodness_n it_o soon_o go_v away_o they_o cry_v coming_z and_o then_o fall_v a_o sleep_n now_o the_o great_a impediment_n of_o the_o generality_n that_o hinder_v they_o from_o personal_a covenant_v there_o be_v a_o covenant_n drive_v and_z roved_z and_o subscribe_v and_o seal_v with_o death_n and_o hell_n and_o lust_n and_o they_o can_v break_v this_o covenant_n they_o can_v shake_v it_o off_o last_o it_o imp_v the_o great_a part_n the_o generality_n their_o enter_v in_o this_o personal_a covenant_n with_o christ_n fear_v of_o difficulty_n if_o they_o shall_v indenture_n with_o he_o they_o must_v resolve_v with_o the_o cross_n they_o know_v indeed_o there_o be_v much_o good_a get_v with_o he_o but_o there_o be_v evil_a also_o there_o be_v reproach_n and_o cross_n as_o some_o of_o the_o heathen_n profess_v to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n that_o they_o can_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n but_o they_o can_v not_o burn_v for_o it_o but_o as_o we_o have_v say_v where_o there_o be_v a_o question_n about_o the_o duty_n we_o be_v to_o leave_v the_o event_n to_o he_o that_o have_v command_v the_o duty_n for_o he_o have_v command_v no_o duty_n but_o he_o foresee_v the_o event_n and_o will_v regulat_fw-la they_o and_o yet_o ordinary_o we_o can_v trust_v he_o with_o event_n these_o thing_n make_v among_o many_o that_o may_v be_v bring_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o natural_a man_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o that_o be_v live_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n they_o rest_v on_o the_o covenant_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o to_o take_v they_o to_o consider_v their_o misery_n they_o be_v under_o by_o continue_v in_o their_o natural_a estate_n and_o what_o entanglement_n from_o the_o world_n lie_v in_o their_o way_n and_o what_o a_o difficulty_n it_o be_v to_o break_v the_o covenant_n with_o death_n and_o hell_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v leave_v event_n to_o the_o lord_n they_o can_v look_v through_o they_o therefore_o they_o go_v on_o in_o the_o house_n of_o their_o pilgrimage_n from_o twenty_o year_n old_a to_o thirty_o and_o from_o thirty_o to_o sixty_o and_o like_o sheep_n they_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_a and_o death_n have_v dominion_n over_o they_o these_o be_v the_o impediment_n that_o the_o generality_n have_v lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o personal_a covenant_v with_o god_n in_o the_o second_o place_n there_o be_v some_o that_o go_v a_o high_a length_n beyond_o these_o that_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o it_o may_v be_v they_o come_v under_o some_o implicit_a covenant_n with_o god_n that_o dare_v never_o venture_v on_o a_o express_a formal_a state_v covenant_n with_o he_o either_o to_o subscribe_v with_o his_o hand_n or_o to_o lift_v it_o up_o as_o some_o that_o make_v personal_a covenant_n will_v do_v or_o to_o open_v the_o mouth_n by_o some_o solemn_a engagement_n to_o he_o they_o dare_v not_o come_v this_o length_n and_o there_o be_v three_o or_o four_o thing_n use_v to_o lie_v in_o their_o way_n and_o i_o will_v glad_o cast_v up_o the_o gaâ—es_n and_o remove_v the_o stumble_a block_n that_o lie_v in_o their_o way_n 1._o sometime_o before_o we_o can_v trust_v god_n we_o will_v have_v sure_a pledge_n from_o he_o than_o his_o word_n it_o be_v a_o difficult_a thing_n to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o very_o often_o his_o people_n will_v have_v some_o sense_n and_o experience_n before_o they_o can_v personal_o covenant_n with_o god_n like_o thomas_n he_o will_v not_o believe_v until_o he_o see_v the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o yet_o he_o come_v at_o length_n to_o do_v it_o thou_o be_v my_o god_n and_o my_o lord_n say_v he_o this_o be_v a_o great_a injury_n do_v to_o he_o but_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o one_o that_o can_v soon_o forgive_v injury_n it_o be_v a_o great_a wrong_n not_o to_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n he_o have_v be_v often_o tell_v of_o it_o before_o and_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o believe_v until_o i_o see_v the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o put_v my_o hand_n in_o the_o hole_n of_o his_o side_n and_o ready_o many_o of_o his_o people_n before_o they_o indenture_n and_o covenant_n with_o he_o they_o will_v have_v some_o sensible_a proof_n and_o experience_n of_o his_o covenant_n i_o will_v not_o believe_v while_o i_o see_v the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n before_o i_o can_v say_v my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n this_o be_v a_o great_a injury_n but_o he_o have_v magnify_v his_o word_n above_o all_o his_o name_n and_o yet_o oftentimes_o when_o we_o think_v of_o personal_a covenant_n we_o can_v credit_v the_o word_n of_o he_o who_o can_v lie_v this_o several_a time_n keep_v back_o his_o people_n from_o personal_a covenant_v they_o can_v tell_v o_o such_o a_o covenant_n such_o a_o sure_a one_o and_o such_o promise_n as_o be_v in_o it_o and_o make_v by_o a_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v o_o say_v they_o i_o see_v not_o the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n the_o hole_n in_o the_o side_n and_o therefore_o they_o refuse_v personal_o to_o covenant_n until_o they_o get_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o sense_n it_o be_v just_a that_o they_o go_v mourning_n over_o the_o want_n of_o it_o 2._o sometime_o his_o people_n refuse_v thus_o to_o covenant_n personal_o with_o he_o because_o they_o mistake_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o spirit_n accompany_v the_o law_n frequent_o if_o the_o law_n like_o a_o sword_n put_v in_o the_o spirit_n hand_n begin_v to_o wound_v they_o present_o think_v there_o be_v no_o more_o for_o they_o but_o to_o dwell_v on_o sorrow_n or_o like_o jacob_n if_o they_o shall_v live_v to_o gray_a hair_n they_o shall_v go_v down_o to_o the_o grave_a with_o sorrow_n for_o ordinary_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o law_n wound_v together_o and_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v the_o thing_n that_o christ_n intend_v to_o drive_v to_o personal_a covenant_v with_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o thing_n that_o shall_v hinder_v we_o from_o it_o the_o great_a end_n why_o the_o spirit_n take_v the_o law_n and_o convince_v and_o challenge_v it_o be_v not_o to_o drive_v we_o from_o the_o covenant_n the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o law_n be_v to_o be_v a_o schoolmaster_n to_o lead_v we_o to_o christ_n it_o be_v evil_a logic_n in_o peter_n to_o say_v depart_v from_o i_o for_o i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man_n it_o be_v far_o more_o suitable_a to_o have_v say_v come_v to_o i_o for_o i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man_n this_o ready_o hinder_v many_o from_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o personal_o to_o covenant_n with_o he_o they_o think_v it_o suit_n best_o with_o they_o to_o cherish_v the_o challenge_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o law_n and_o to_o dwell_v on_o they_o if_o it_o be_v to_o go_v to_o the_o grave_a with_o no_o other_o religion_n than_o what_o that_o have_v produce_v altogether_o mistake_v the_o design_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v in_o all_o these_o conviction_n and_o work_v of_o the_o law_n to_o drive_v we_o to_o a_o personal_a covenant_n with_o he_o but_o 3._o a_o three_o impediment_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o this_o personal_a covenant_v it_o be_v this_o many_o a_o time_n these_o who_o will_v go_v about_o it_o they_o account_v the_o thing_n in_o the_o covenant_n so_o far_o above_o they_o that_o they_o can_v offer_v to_o claim_v at_o they_o what_o say_v they_o god_n to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o glory_n to_o be_v they_o himself_o to_o be_v they_o and_o to_o be_v make_v ruler_n over_o all_o that_o he_o have_v oftentimes_o this_o keep_v many_o of_o his_o people_n from_o personal_a covenant_v with_o he_o they_o be_v like_o some_o weak_a eye_n that_o be_v dazzle_v with_o look_v upon_o the_o sun_n the_o sun_n be_v so_o bright_a the_o thing_n offer_v in_o the_o covenant_n be_v so_o great_a that_o in_o a_o manner_n they_o
believe_a and_o close_v with_o christ_n in_o the_o covenant_n we_o be_v not_o to_o proceed_v on_o this_o ground_n i_o be_o a_o elect_n and_o i_o will_v close_v with_o christ_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o make_v a_o personal_a covenant_n with_o he_o but_o rather_o our_o close_n with_o he_o be_v a_o medium_fw-la or_o argument_n to_o prove_v our_o election_n we_o be_v not_o to_o proceed_v on_o this_o method_n i_o will_v first_o be_v clear_a of_o my_o charter_n election_n and_o of_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n before_o i_o build_v on_o this_o ground_n no_o we_o be_v first_o to_o build_v on_o this_o foundation_n and_o then_o to_o be_v clear_a of_o election_n for_o though_o election_n be_v first_o in_o the_o order_n of_o christ_n work_n call_v be_v first_o in_o the_o order_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o we_o must_v first_o know_v that_o we_o be_v call_v before_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v elect_v 2._o consider_v this_o where_o will_v you_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o ever_o god_n seclude_v man_n from_o any_o promise_n in_o the_o covenant_n mere_o because_o the_o be_v not_o elect_a he_o have_v indeed_o seclude_v many_o because_o they_o be_v not_o believer_n and_o because_o they_o be_v scandalous_a and_o hypocrite_n but_o in_o all_o the_o bible_n you_o will_v never_o find_v he_o seclude_v any_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v reprobat_n why_o shall_v we_o go_v to_o put_v in_o a_o exception_n where_o he_o make_v none_o it_o be_v not_o our_o election_n or_o reprobation_n that_o be_v make_v a_o impediment_n in_o all_o the_o bible_n against_o our_o be_v better_v by_o christ_n our_o unbelief_n may_v be_v one_o but_o our_o election_n be_v none_o 3._o you_o will_v notice_n this_o that_o the_o debate_n about_o our_o election_n and_o reprobation_n be_v very_o impertinent_a before_o our_o effectual_a call_v and_o close_v with_o christ_n in_o a_o personal_a covenant_n it_o be_v observe_v by_o schoolman_n that_o there_o be_v only_o three_o way_n possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o know_v his_o election_n there_o be_v the_o read_n of_o the_o book_n of_o god_n decree_n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o three_o the_o fruit_n of_o election_n appear_v in_o the_o progress_n of_o sanctification_n now_o the_o first_o two_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o we_o can_v read_v the_o book_n of_o god_n decree_n we_o can_v tell_v who_o be_v elect_a or_o who_o be_v reprobate_a out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o his_o decree_n we_o can_v tell_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n because_o our_o effectual_a call_v it_o may_v convince_v and_o challenge_v but_o it_o can_v reveal_v therefore_o it_o remain_v that_o it_o must_v be_v the_o three_o which_o can_v be_v until_o we_o personal_o covenant_n with_o christ_n so_o to_o dispute_v our_o election_n before_o we_o indenture_n with_o he_o and_o to_o say_v i_o will_v not_o covenant_n with_o he_o for_o i_o be_o not_o a_o elect_n thou_o must_v have_v understanding_n to_o read_v the_o book_n of_o god_n decree_n and_o to_o have_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n 4._o consider_v that_o our_o election_n be_v not_o our_o duty_n it_o be_v our_o privilege_n but_o not_o our_o duty_n we_o can_v elect_v ourselves_o a_o servant_n in_o a_o house_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o be_v most_o take_v up_o about_o his_o master_n secret_a thought_n the_o thing_n he_o be_v most_o to_o be_v take_v up_o about_o be_v his_o master_n command_n and_o that_o what_o he_o have_v bid_v he_o do_v we_o can_v elect_v ourselves_o god_n have_v not_o command_v it_o now_o when_o we_o be_v personal_o covenant_v with_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o our_o duty_n to_o inquire_v about_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o our_o duty_n god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o accept_v of_o his_o son_n on_o the_o term_n offer_v and_o for_o we_o to_o refuse_v for_o a_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v never_o command_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n we_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o election_n until_o we_o personal_o and_o particular_o covenant_n with_o he_o we_o may_v like_v a_o husbandman_n know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o spring_n time_n by_o the_o spring_a of_o the_o grass_n he_o know_v it_o not_o by_o the_o position_n of_o the_o heaven_n but_o by_o the_o spring_a of_o the_o grass_n and_o herb_n so_o we_o will_v be_v clear_a of_o election_n and_o i_o will_v warn_v christian_n of_o this_o when_o satan_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o bring_v a_o person_n under_o the_o neglect_n of_o some_o duty_n he_o will_v ready_o puzzle_v they_o with_o question_n of_o election_n or_o reprobation_n as_o a_o robber_n that_o will_v ride_v with_o a_o man_n in_o a_o fair_a high_a way_n and_o not_o wrong_v he_o but_o will_v wait_v until_o he_o get_v he_o in_o some_o wood_n or_o some_o den_n and_o then_o he_o will_v assault_v he_o now_o the_o question_n of_o election_n and_o reprobation_n be_v like_o a_o wood_n or_o a_o den_n and_o the_o tempter_n have_v a_o great_a advantage_n when_o he_o assault_v about_o these_o therefore_o since_o election_n be_v not_o our_o duty_n but_o our_o privilege_n and_o since_o we_o can_v know_v it_o before_o we_o personal_o covenant_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o exception_n to_o thou_o suppose_v thou_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a about_o thy_o election_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o tell_v thy_o own_o heart_n and_o thy_o neighbour_n i_o know_v not_o if_o i_o be_v a_o elect_n and_o if_o i_o personal_o covenant_n with_o he_o i_o be_o but_o like_o a_o man_n that_o be_v go_v to_o build_v upon_o another_o man_n ground_n that_o have_v neither_o bond_n nor_o charter_n but_o thou_o follow_v not_o the_o gospel-method_n which_o be_v first_o to_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o then_o to_o be_v clear_a about_o thy_o election_n a_o second_o objection_n that_o i_o suppose_v will_v lie_v in_o the_o way_n in_o harken_v to_o the_o sermon_n that_o you_o have_v hear_v i_o be_o exceed_o guilty_a and_o shall_v i_o own_o god_n to_o be_v my_o god_n do_v not_o the_o 50_o psalm_n say_v what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v to_o take_v my_o covenant_n in_o thy_o mouth_n see_v thou_o hate_v to_o he_o reform_v shall_v i_o take_v this_o covenant_n in_o my_o mouth_n when_o i_o have_v such_o a_o heart_n and_o such_o a_o way_n ready_o all_o the_o aggravation_n of_o guilt_n and_o all_o the_o threaten_n against_o it_o they_o come_v never_o to_o be_v more_o multiply_v than_o when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o some_o special_a duty_n the_o challenge_n about_o guilt_n will_v let_v we_o alone_o at_o one_o time_n that_o will_v follow_v we_o at_o a_o sacrament_n or_o some_o solemn_a ordinance_n and_o when_o we_o shall_v personal_o covenant_v with_o he_o for_o remove_v of_o this_o impediment_n i_o will_v have_v thou_o first_o in_o the_o general_n notice_n that_o to_o stand_v at_o personal_a covenant_v with_o god_n because_o thou_o be_v guilty_a be_v very_o like_o peter_n argument_n depart_v from_o i_o for_o i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man_n and_o peter_n argument_n be_v like_v as_o a_o patient_n shall_v say_v to_o a_o physician_n depart_v from_o i_o for_o i_o be_o sick_a why_o say_v he_o to_o he_o who_o be_v call_v jesus_n because_o he_o shall_v save_v his_o people_n from_o their_o sin_n depart_v from_o i_o for_o i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man_n but_o more_o particular_o to_o this_o thy_o guilt_n can_v be_v no_o rational_a impediment_n in_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o enter_v in_o this_o personal_a covenant_n on_o these_o consideration_n 1._o know_v that_o never_o any_o enter_v in_o this_o covenant_n but_o guilty_a person_n adam_n that_o be_v a_o innocent_a man_n come_v not_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n until_o he_o become_v guilty_a and_o it_o have_v be_v unsuitable_a for_o adam_n so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v innocent_a never_o any_o come_v under_o this_o covenant_n but_o guilty_a person_n and_o sometime_o they_o that_o come_v under_o it_o be_v among_o the_o most_o guilty_a the_o like_a of_o david_n of_o paul_n of_o manasseh_n of_o mary_n magdalen_n so_o that_o thou_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o covenant_n that_o will_v stand_v at_o indenture_v and_o subscribe_v to_o the_o lord_n because_o thou_o be_v guilty_a for_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n make_v for_o the_o guilty_a and_o it_o will_v not_o have_v agree_v to_o adam_n when_o innocent_a 2ly_n thou_o will_v notice_n that_o the_o covenant_n express_o mention_n the_o pardon_n of_o all_o guilt_n except_o one_o it_o be_v a_o large_a word_n it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a word_n but_o it_o be_v exceed_o comfortable_a all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n shall_v be_v forgive_v except_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n there_o be_v neither_o adultery_n murder_n swear_v lie_v nor_o drunkenness_n except_v but_o only_o this_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n why_o shall_v thou_o put_v in_o exception_n
the_o dead_a will_v rise_v now_o he_o that_o be_v particular_o apply_v the_o covenant_n have_v no_o less_o make_v over_o to_o he_o than_o i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n 2_o a_o second_o advantage_n be_v that_o a_o believer_n may_v go_v and_o plead_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n indeed_o be_v a_o sweet_a argument_n but_o the_o promise_n be_v a_o debt_n to_o he_o we_o may_v go_v and_o as_o it_o be_v lay_v his_o hand-writ_a before_o he_o as_o some_o ancient_n that_o go_v to_o pray_v in_o a_o particular_a place_n they_o will_v lay_v the_o bible_n before_o they_o and_o point_n out_o such_o a_o promise_n and_o tell_v he_o what_o he_o have_v bind_v himself_o to_o in_o how_o many_o case_n be_v it_o advantageous_a to_o have_v the_o promise_n to_o plead_v when_o they_o have_v covenant_v with_o he_o 〈◊〉_d suppose_v thou_o go_v to_o god_n and_o plead_v for_o bread_n thou_o have_v a_o family_n and_o thou_o have_v child_n and_o all_o the_o toil_n and_o shift_v thou_o can_v make_v can_v serve_v to_o get_v they_o bread_n the_o promise_n be_v he_o remember_v his_o covenant_n and_o give_v they_o bread_n suppose_v in_o another_o case_n thou_o go_v to_o he_o for_o pardon_n thou_o be_v exceed_o guilty_a it_o be_v a_o strange_a way_n that_o they_o that_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o he_o will_v take_v in_o plead_v for_o pardon_n psal_n 25._o pardon_v my_o iniquity_n for_o it_o be_v very_o great_a the_o covenant_n will_v admit_v of_o the_o pardon_n of_o iniquity_n they_o that_o have_v accept_v the_o covenant_n and_o indenture_v with_o he_o sincere_o on_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n may_v go_v and_o seek_v pardon_n for_o their_o iniquity_n be_v very_o great_a for_o it_o be_v like_o the_o covenant_n 3_o a_o three_o advantage_n in_o time_n of_o desertion_n suppose_v he_o be_v hide_v himself_o and_o thou_o can_v tell_v where_o he_o be_v nor_o whether_o he_o be_v go_v the_o covenant_n will_v influence_n his_o return_n she_o that_o be_v term_v forsake_v shall_v be_v so_o no_o more_o i_o have_v forsake_v thou_o for_o a_o little_a moment_n but_o with_o everlasting_a mercy_n will_v i_o gather_v thou_o be_v not_o zion_n marry_v to_o he_o be_v not_o his_o wall_n continual_o before_o he_o and_o the_o mother_n may_v forget_v her_o suck_a child_n but_o he_o can_v forget_v he_o what_o case_n be_v there_o that_o we_o can_v go_v to_o he_o in_o prayer_n but_o constant_o the_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o covenant_n and_o thou_o that_o have_v sincere_o indenture_v with_o he_o thou_o may_v go_v as_o warrantable_o and_o plead_v the_o promise_n as_o he_o can_v command_v thou_o to_o thy_o duty_n though_o he_o be_v a_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o thou_o a_o bit_n of_o clay_n yet_o since_o the_o covenant_n have_v make_v thou_o a_o debtor_n to_o thy_o duty_n the_o same_o covenant_n have_v make_v he_o a_o debtor_n to_o his_o promise_n for_o as_o thou_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o one_o he_o be_v gracious_o bind_v to_o the_o other_o no_o that_o thou_o be_v to_o suspend_v thy_o duty_n until_o he_o perform_v the_o promise_n but_o thou_o may_v press_v the_o promise_n as_o much_o on_o he_o as_o he_o may_v press_v thy_o duty_n 3_o thou_o may_v lay_v the_o covenant_n for_o a_o excellent_a ground_n to_o cast_v in_o the_o anchor_n of_o hope_n without_o the_o covenant_n we_o may_v renounce_v our_o hope_n i_o know_v not_o what_o ground_n of_o hope_n we_o have_v abstract_v from_o the_o covenant_n we_o need_v not_o nor_o hope_v never_o get_v a_o sure_a anchor_n than_o the_o covenant_n and_o what_o a_o excellent_a too-look_a have_v hope_n when_o one_o have_v accept_v the_o covenant_n to_o have_v all_o that_o god_n have_v to_o give_v and_o all_o the_o purchase_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n may_v not_o thou_o take_v up_o thy_o hope_n to_o the_o top_n of_o mount_n 〈◊〉_d and_o let_v it_o see_v the_o promise_a land_n that_o flow_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n and_o let_v it_o see_v the_o city_n with_o the_o twelve_o port_n and_o twelve_o foundation_n and_o say_v all_o these_o be_v i_o what_o a_o excellent_a help_n be_v it_o in_o all_o strait_n of_o the_o time_n when_o the_o time_n be_v that_o many_o will_v think_v that_o popery_n will_v rise_v and_o thou_o may_v be_v put_v to_o deny_v christ_n or_o then_o to_o suffer_v for_o he_o to_o be_v brief_a this_o personal_a covenant_v with_o god_n have_v so_o many_o advantage_n in_o it_o that_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o tell_v they_o all_o but_o take_v these_o three_o god_n make_v over_o himself_o and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v his_o son_n and_o all_o thou_o have_v the_o covenant_n to_o plead_v with_o he_o as_o he_o have_v the_o law_n to_o plead_v with_o thou_o if_o he_o charge_v thou_o with_o the_o law_n and_o command_v what_o thou_o in_o the_o covenant_n have_v indenture_v to_o obey_v then_o turn_v back_o the_o promise_n on_o he_o where_o he_o have_v engage_v to_o fulfil_v what_o thou_o have_v covenant_v and_o if_o thou_o have_v sincere_o indenture_v with_o he_o in_o the_o covenant_n thou_o may_v take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o twelve_o port_n and_o the_o city_n with_o the_o twelve_o foundation_n and_o say_v my_o father_n and_o my_o father_n house_n and_o all_o be_v i_o if_o any_o ask_v what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o you_o have_v take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o embrace_v christ_n he_o have_v make_v over_o himself_o in_o his_o fullness_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o son_n to_o thou_o if_o thou_o will_v take_v hold_n of_o his_o covenant_n therefore_o go_v home_o if_o thou_o have_v the_o work_n of_o sincere_a covenant_v with_o he_o thou_o may_v go_v home_o and_o take_v up_o for_o time_n and_o eternity_n all_o thing_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o at_o length_n may_v sing_v all_o be_v i_o and_o if_o any_o ask_v what_o be_v thy_o charter_n and_o right_a there_o it_o be_v i_o have_v accept_v he_o and_o enter_v in_o a_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o who_o can_v question_v my_o right_n to_o these_o sermon_n xix_o 2_o samuel_n 23._o verse_n 5._o although_o my_o house_n be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n yet_o he_o have_v make_v with_o i_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n order_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o sure_a for_o this_o be_v all_o my_o salvation_n and_o all_o my_o desire_n although_o he_o make_v it_o not_o to_o grow_v after_o i_o have_v remove_v many_o objection_n against_o this_o personal_a covenant_v i_o come_v to_o press_v it_o with_o the_o advantage_n that_o will_v follow_v on_o enter_v in_o a_o personal_a covenant_n with_o god_n i_o will_v not_o follow_v this_o a_o little_a for_o it_o be_v very_o conducible_a and_o useful_a in_o the_o press_n of_o it_o the_o gain_n will_v be_v great_a all_o you_o that_o love_v gain_v follow_v this_o way_n of_o personal_a covenant_v with_o god_n all_o you_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a and_o great_a and_o secure_a in_o both_o enter_v in_o this_o personal_a covenant_n with_o god_n that_o i_o may_v the_o better_o press_v this_o i_o will_v open_v to_o you_o some_o few_o advantage_n that_o the_o soul_n have_v that_o have_v make_v a_o personal_a covenant_n with_o god_n first_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o two_o general_n than_o four_o or_o five_o special_a and_o particular_a advantage_n that_o you_o will_v have_v by_o it_o first_o the_o two_o general_n shall_v be_v these_o 1._o by_o be_v in_o covenant_n personal_o and_o particular_o with_o god_n all_o that_o be_v in_o god_n will_v be_v you_o micah_n say_v of_o his_o idol_n you_o have_v take_v away_o my_o god_n and_o what_o have_v i_o more_o if_o you_o have_v god_n what_o will_v you_o have_v more_o it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n gen._n 17._o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o whole_a covenant_n so_o 1_o cor._n 6_o 16._o i_o will_v dwell_v among_o they_o and_o walk_v among_o they_o and_o i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o these_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o have_v they_o have_v god_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o god_n to_o be_v they_o but_o because_o this_o general_n will_v not_o sufficient_o open_v this_o privilege_n i_o will_v have_v you_o to_o notice_n these_o three_o or_o four_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o god_n that_o if_o you_o be_v particular_o in_o covenant_n with_o he_o will_v be_v you_o first_o all_z his_o attribute_n will_v be_v you_o his_o power_n his_o mercy_n nay_o his_o holiness_n and_o justice_n will_v be_v you_o he_o will_v be_v just_a to_o forgive_v as_o john_n call_v he_o his_o omnipotency_n his_o goodness_n his_o truth_n and_o all_o his_o attribute_n will_v be_v you_o and_o they_o will_v be_v you_o in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o they_o be_v christ_n
get_v peace_n and_o pardon_v or_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o yet_o have_v never_o be_v effectual_o call_v never_o know_v what_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v or_o the_o take_n away_o a_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o give_v a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n be_v what_o ever_o promise_v he_o talk_v of_o he_o have_v overturn_v the_o order_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o first_o and_o absolute_a promise_n must_v be_v fulfil_v before_o the_o conditional_a so_o who_o ever_o say_v give_v i_o peace_n pardon_n and_o communion_n the_o day_n in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o have_v never_o have_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o absolute_a promise_n he_o tempt_v god_n to_o overturn_v the_o order_n of_o the_o covenant_n 4_o they_o overturn_v the_o order_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o will_v plead_v some_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o neglect_v other_o the_o order_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o who_o one_o promise_n be_v fulfil_v all_o promise_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n be_v also_o to_o be_v fulfil_v there_o be_v several_a will_v plead_v lord_n forgive_v i_o my_o sin_n give_v i_o pardon_v but_o the_o promise_n of_o sanctification_n the_o promise_n of_o influence_n for_o holiness_n in_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o promise_n of_o cleanse_v they_o plead_v not_o these_o they_o that_o go_v ordinary_o to_o christ_n for_o justification_n and_o forget_v he_o for_o wisdom_n and_o sanctification_n they_o indeed_o seek_v the_o promise_n but_o they_o will_v have_v he_o overturn_v the_o order_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o lord_n be_v peremptory_a in_o keep_v the_o order_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o he_o will_v not_o break_v it_o for_o if_o he_o break_v it_o he_o will_v overturn_v the_o whole_a contrivance_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o do_v when_o we_o plead_v the_o promise_n and_o forget_v the_o command_n 5_o they_o overturn_v the_o order_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o though_o they_o mind_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o they_o mind_v not_o all_o the_o command_v duty_n in_o the_o covenant_n there_o be_v some_o idol_n they_o will_v spare_v that_o ready_o the_o covenant_n bind_v he_o most_o against_o it_o be_v true_a when_o we_o enter_v in_o a_o personal_a covenant_n with_o god_n we_o bound_v against_o every_o corruption_n but_o especial_o our_o idol_n yet_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o incline_v especial_o to_o spare_v be_v that_o which_o we_o be_v most_o bind_v to_o wrestle_v against_o if_o it_o be_v pride_n carnality_n earthly-mindedness_a sensuality_n lasciviousness_n that_o which_o in_o a_o personal_a covenant_n we_o be_v most_o bind_v to_o wrestle_v against_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o be_v most_o prone_a to_o spare_v and_o he_o that_o do_v so_o overturn_v the_o order_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o thing_n that_o thou_o do_v when_o thou_o be_v enter_v in_o a_o personal_a covenant_n with_o god_n if_o thou_o spare_v thy_o idol_n if_o god_n spare_v thou_o he_o will_v overturn_v the_o order_n of_o the_o covenant_n 6_o and_o last_o they_o overturn_v the_o order_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o will_v have_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o when_o they_o lie_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o work_n the_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v promise_v they_o at_o the_o put_n on_o of_o the_o capestone_n i_o have_v know_v several_a precious_a to_o god_n that_o have_v conclude_v a_o work_n of_o effectual_a call_v not_o to_o be_v real_a why_o say_v they_o i_o have_v not_o that_o peace_n and_o that_o joy_n in_o believe_v that_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v but_o thou_o may_v believe_v twenty_o year_n before_o thou_o have_v joy_n in_o believe_v there_o be_v peace_n in_o believe_v but_o not_o in_o the_o first_o lay_v of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o work_n nor_o be_v there_o joy_n in_o believe_v ay_o when_o we_o will_v be_v at_o it_o no_o we_o overturn_v the_o order_n of_o the_o covenant_n if_o we_o do_v this_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v as_o you_o shall_v hear_v the_o great_a reason_n why_o we_o have_v so_o little_a sweetness_n from_o the_o covenant_n we_o observe_v not_o the_o order_n and_o method_n of_o the_o covenant_n we_o may_v have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o sweetness_n from_o the_o promise_n that_o we_o want_v and_o we_o may_v draw_v out_o of_o these_o breast_n of_o consolation_n refresh_v milk_n if_o we_o know_v the_o order_n of_o the_o covenant_n use_v 2._o i_o will_v close_v this_o observation_n with_o say_v three_o thing_n about_o it_o 1._o i_o exhort_v thou_o to_o get_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o then_o to_o plead_v it_o marry_o the_o man_n and_o then_o plead_v the_o contract_n i_o prophesy_v to_o you_o all_o that_o be_v not_o effectual_o call_v and_o all_o that_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n in_o the_o covenant_n all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v or_o that_o i_o be_o to_o say_v from_o the_o covenant_n or_o all_o that_o you_o can_v plead_v from_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v to_o your_o advantage_n there_o be_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n in_o the_o covenant_n i_o will_v blot_v out_o your_o iniquity_n and_o remember_v they_o no_o more_o i_o will_v cast_v they_o behind_o my_o back_n and_o cast_v they_o in_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n none_o of_o they_o all_o be_v to_o you_o if_o you_o nave_n not_o marry_v the_o man._n 2._o consider_v if_o you_o will_v follow_v the_o covenant_n orderly_o consider_v serious_o what_o a_o ridiculous_a thing_n it_o be_v if_o a_o sinner_n shall_v go_v to_o that_o promise_n though_o your_o iniquity_n be_v red_a like_o crimson_a i_o will_v make_v they_o like_o wool_n though_o they_o be_v as_o scarlet_a i_o will_v make_v they_o white_a as_o snow_n if_o you_o shall_v not_o observe_v the_o order_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o not_o observe_v what_o be_v require_v before_o you_o get_v that_o fin_n pardon_v may_v not_o all_o whoremonger_n and_o adulterer_n and_o murderer_n and_o blasphemer_n and_o sabbath-breaker_n come_v and_o say_v o_o here_o be_v a_o promise_n i_o will_v blot_v out_o your_o iniquity_n and_o will_v remember_v they_o no_o more_o and_o sprinkle_v clean_a water_n upon_o you_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o observe_v the_o order_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o by_o the_o way_n take_v good_a heed_n how_o you_o bring_v in_o a_o promise_n if_o you_o keep_v not_o the_o order_n of_o the_o promise_n you_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o promise_n antinomian_o tell_v we_o we_o may_v preach_v to_o sinner_n reek_v in_o sin_n and_o bid_v they_o believe_v immediate_o after_o the_o act_n of_o commit_v the_o sin_n and_o tell_v they_o though_o your_o iniquity_n be_v as_o scarlet_a they_o shall_v be_v white_a as_o snow_n they_o observe_v not_o the_o order_n of_o the_o covenant_n 3._o i_o will_v have_v you_o in_o order_n to_o this_o that_o you_o may_v observe_v the_o order_n of_o the_o covenant_n know_v how_o the_o covenant_n be_v order_v what_o be_v the_o order_n and_o method_n in_o which_o god_n have_v casten_z the_o covenant_n since_o we_o can_v never_o get_v benefit_n from_o the_o covenant_n except_o we_o observe_v the_o order_n of_o it_o if_o we_o plead_v one_o promise_n and_o forget_v as_o necessary_a a_o one_o if_o we_o plead_v pardon_n and_o have_v not_o repent_v if_o we_o plead_v peace_n and_o be_v not_o effectual_o call_v it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v promise_n of_o peace_n and_o pardon_n but_o they_o be_v not_o plead_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o second_o observation_n doct._n that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o salvation_n of_o believer_n god_n have_v appoint_v a_o order_n in_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v observe_v and_o we_o must_v observe_v it_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o order_n and_o a_o excellent_a method_n in_o it_o for_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o it_o be_v treat_v by_o the_o mediator_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o right_a order_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v one_o of_o the_o sweet_a encouragement_n that_o believer_n have_v and_o i_o will_v let_v you_o see_v that_o of_o all_o the_o ingredient_n in_o the_o covenant_n afford_v consolation_n the_o order_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v one_o of_o the_o sweet_a to_o break_v then_o in_o upon_o it_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n i_o must_v premise_v and_o shall_v only_o name_v to_o make_v way_n to_o the_o rest_n 1._o take_v notice_n that_o a_o covenant_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v order_v two_o way_n 1._o when_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o be_v right_o dispose_v and_o order_v 2._o when_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o be_v right_o order_v and_o dispose_v with_o a_o reference_n to_o the_o end_n the_o first_o be_v call_v a_o abstract_a order_n the_o second_o a_o relative_n order_n in_o handle_v this_o order_n of_o the_o covenant_n
down_o and_o then_o dress_v it_o this_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o be_v distinguish_v for_o often_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o a_o promise_n we_o be_v at_o i_o be_o undo_v and_o at_o the_o end_n we_o be_v at_o i_o have_v be_v undo_v if_o i_o have_v want_v it_o what_o ever_o contrariety_n appearin_fw-mi he_o providence_n in_o dispense_n promise_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o the_o half_a of_o his_o work_n stay_v until_o the_o end_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o begin_v harsh_o with_o abraham_n and_o with_o david_n and_o with_o better_a than_o david_n with_o christ_n himself_o but_o it_o end_v in_o this_o he_o set_v he_o down_o at_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n and_o bid_v all_o the_o angel_n worship_v he_o any_o of_o you_o that_o he_o be_v accomplish_v a_o promise_n unto_o he_o be_v kill_v that_o he_o may_v make_v alive_a he_o be_v tear_v and_o wound_v that_o he_o may_v heal_v he_o be_v smite_v that_o he_o may_v bind_v up_o however_o you_o may_v go_v sometime_o weep_v bear_v your_o precious_a seed_n yet_o it_o will_v end_v in_o rejoice_v bear_v your_o precious_a sheaf_n 2._o i_o will_v have_v you_o distinguish_v betwixt_o his_o dispense_n of_o a_o promise_n and_o your_o sense_n of_o it_o ready_o your_o sense_n may_v be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n o_o the_o thing_n o_o but_o sense_n be_v a_o ill_a judge_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o sense_n will_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v faith_n but_o when_o it_o be_v strengthen_v in_o opposition_n to_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o great_a impediment_n to_o faith_n i_o will_v not_o believe_v except_o i_o see_v say_v thomas_n it_o be_v his_o sense_n that_o be_v a_o great_a impediment_n to_o his_o faith_n so_o we_o be_v to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o work_n of_o his_o dispense_n and_o our_o sense_n of_o the_o work_n like_o the_o vulgar_a people_n we_o will_v be_v of_o one_o judgement_n one_o day_n and_o another_o judgement_n another_o day_n one_o day_n we_o will_v cry_v crucify_v crucify_v he_o and_o another_o day_n cry_n hosanna_n hosanna_n one_o day_n we_o think_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o real_a and_o another_o day_n we_o think_v there_o be_v nothing_o but_o delusion_n and_o shall_v we_o lay_v weight_n on_o this_o but_o learn_v to_o distinguishâ—_n betwixt_o his_o dispense_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o your_o sense_n of_o it_o but_o 2._o you_o will_v notice_n this_o if_o you_o will_v see_v the_o excellent_a order_n both_o of_o make_v and_o contrive_v of_o the_o covenant_n that_o it_o be_v a_o christian_n duty_n ay_o to_o bring_v the_o providence_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o not_o the_o promise_n to_o the_o providence_n we_o be_v not_o to_o say_v o_o in_o this_o dispensation_n he_o be_v not_o true_a to_o his_o promise_n but_o we_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o providence_n and_o the_o lot_n we_o be_v under_o to_o the_o promise_n so_o abraham_n stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n but_o judge_v he_o faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v there_o be_v one_o thing_n that_o put_v the_o capestone_n on_o the_o order_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o a_o lustre_n on_o the_o cove_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v so_o full_a of_o so_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a god_n have_v conceal_v the_o time_n and_o the_o way_n how_o he_o will_v accomplish_v these_o promise_n but_o believe_v it_o and_o go_v home_o and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o it_o that_o all_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n popery_n judaisme_n and_o quakerism_n will_v all_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o holiness_n shall_v be_v write_v on_o horse_n bell_n when_o war_n and_o rumour_n of_o war_n shall_v cease_v and_o man_n shall_v beat_v their_o sword_n into_o ploughshare_n and_o the_o lamb_n shall_v lie_v down_o with_o the_o wolf_n and_o not_o be_v afraid_a and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o war_n see_v in_o all_o the_o nount_n of_o god_n you_o may_v say_v there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o this_o but_o the_o mediator_n have_v order_v the_o covenant_n and_o have_v put_v in_o it_o not_o only_o the_o blessing_n of_o peace_n and_o pardon_n and_o repentance_n relate_v to_o the_o like_a of_o thou_o and_o i_o but_o he_o have_v put_v in_o it_o the_o order_n of_o the_o promise_n relate_v to_o his_o kingdom_n though_o there_o be_v no_o appearance_n of_o it_o but_o all_o thing_n against_o it_o yet_o all_o that_o be_v against_o be_v but_o bark_v against_o a_o wall_n for_o shall_v he_o cry_v and_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v hear_v shall_v he_o speak_v and_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v do_v no_o all_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n therefore_o you_o that_o have_v your_o heart_n break_v with_o something_o of_o the_o desolation_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n you_o may_v see_v those_o day_n afar_o off_o with_o abraham_n and_o rejoice_v and_o who_o can_v tell_v but_o the_o confusion_n of_o europe_n this_o day_n be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o these_o promise_n the_o time_n be_v come_v and_o be_v hasten_v and_o will_v be_v accomplish_v in_o due_a time_n and_o all_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o the_o sea_n be_v full_a of_o water_n and_o when_o you_o go_v to_o he_o for_o your_o pardon_n go_v to_o he_o and_o protest_v that_o you_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v except_o he_o will_v fulfil_v all_o his_o promise_n to_o his_o church_n sermon_n xxvii_o 2_o samuel_n 23.5_o although_o my_o house_n be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n yet_o he_o have_v make_v with_o i_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n order_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o sure_a for_o this_o be_v all_o my_o salvation_n and_o all_o my_o desire_n although_o he_o make_v it_o not_o to_o grow_v the_o second_o property_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o it_o be_v right_o order_v i_o enter_v on_o god_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n have_v appoint_v a_o excellent_a order_n in_o his_o covenant_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o believer_n consolation_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o in_o handle_v of_o it_o i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o three_o thing_n the_o order_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o order_n of_o the_o command_n the_o order_n of_o both_o the_o promise_n and_o command_n with_o reference_n to_o a_o end_n i_o have_v speak_v to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o promise_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o speak_v to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o command_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o you_o will_v find_v it_o of_o great_a necessity_n for_o one_o who_o will_v profit_v by_o the_o covenant_n first_o observe_v the_o order_n of_o it_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o excellent_a order_n among_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n i_o can_v run_v through_o they_o all_o that_o practic_a divine_n have_v write_v about_o i_o will_v reduce_v what_o i_o will_v say_v of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o command_n to_o four_o head_n 1._o the_o covenant_n have_v order_v grace_n and_o duty_n to_o be_v knit_v together_o to_o make_v up_o obedience_n to_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v not_o grace_n only_o that_o fulfil_v our_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n nor_o be_v it_o duty_n only_o but_o be_v be_v grace_n and_o duty_n knit_v together_o we_o be_v command_v in_o the_o covenant_n to_o pray_v but_o to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n we_o be_v command_v to_o mourn_v for_o sin_n but_o we_o be_v command_v also_o to_o believe_v and_o repent_v we_o be_v command_v to_o suffer_v when_o call_v to_o it_o but_o if_o we_o give_v our_o body_n to_o the_o fire_n and_o want_v charity_n it_o profit_v nothing_o the_o command_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n take_v in_o both_o grace_n and_o duty_n if_o a_o man_n perform_v never_o so_o many_o duty_n and_o want_v grace_n he_o fulfil_v not_o his_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n obedience_n and_o duty_n without_o grace_n be_v like_o a_o carcase_n without_o a_o soul_n or_o a_o shell_n without_o a_o kernel_n and_o in_o effect_n they_o signify_v nothing_o as_o to_o our_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n there_o be_v some_o they_o think_v they_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v negligent_a in_o duty_n there_o be_v other_o they_o multiply_v duty_n but_o they_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o the_o grace_n that_o shojld_v accompany_v the_o duty_n thou_o have_v no_o kind_n of_o order_n in_o the_o covenant_n the_o lord_n have_v knit_v the_o two_o gogether_o otherways_o there_o be_v no_o suitable_a frame_n to_o the_o covenant_n at_o all_o 2._o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o preceptive_a and_o command_a part_n of_o it_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a grace_n
call_v for_o be_v faith_n faith_n be_v the_o special_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n require_v on_o our_o part_n this_o be_v his_o command_n that_o be_v the_o great_a command_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o it_o be_v not_o command_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n that_o you_o believe_v in_o his_o son_n who_o he_o have_v send_v god_n have_v require_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o the_o great_a thing_n he_o have_v lay_v on_o and_o command_v be_v believe_v there_o be_v three_o or_o four_o thing_n will_v evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o to_o you_o 1._o you_o shall_v find_v the_o great_a inquiry_n he_o make_v when_o he_o inquire_v about_o a_o person_n estate_n be_v after_o their_o faith_n if_o you_o will_v but_o take_v a_o view_n both_o of_o his_o word_n and_o of_o his_o work_n you_o will_v find_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o man_n desire_v to_o know_v a_o thing_n by_o his_o inquire_v after_o it_o joseph_n when_o his_o brethren_n come_v down_o into_o egypt_n he_o inquire_v be_v the_o old_a man_n of_o who_o you_o speak_v alive_a so_o joab_n when_o he_o return_v from_o the_o battle_n david_n be_v very_o inquisitive_a be_v the_o young_a man_n absalon_n safe_a jacob_n be_v much_o on_o joseph_n spirit_n and_o absalon_n be_v much_o on_o david_n so_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n ordinary_o you_o will_v find_v when_o he_o have_v ado_n with_o any_o person_n he_o ask_v can_v thou_o believe_v do_v thou_o believe_v when_o he_o lay_v on_o the_o cross_n it_o be_v to_o try_v their_o faith_n 1_o pet._n 1.7_o that_o the_o trial_n of_o your_o faith_n be_v much_o more_o precious_a than_o gold_n that_o perish_v though_o it_o be_v try_v with_o fire_n may_v be_v find_v unto_o praise_n and_o honour_n and_o glory_n at_o the_o appear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n if_o he_o delay_v a_o answer_n to_o prayer_n it_o be_v to_o try_v faith_n as_o he_o do_v with_o the_o woman_n he_o call_v she_o a_o dog_n as_o if_o she_o be_v not_o in_o his_o commission_n but_o in_o the_o end_n he_o faith_n o_o woman_n great_a be_v thy_o faith_n 2._o it_o will_v be_v evident_a that_o this_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n in_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o order_n of_o it_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a commendation_n give_v to_o it_o in_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v remarkable_a heb._n 11._o when_o the_o whole_a cloud_n of_o witness_n that_o covenant_v uviht_n god_n be_v bring_v in_o beginning_n at_o abel_n and_o come_v down_o to_o abraham_n and_o david_n the_o thing_n especial_o commend_v in_o they_o be_v their_o faith_n no_o question_n they_o have_v patience_n and_o love_n but_o that_o which_o the_o scripture_n cry_v they_o most_o up_o for_o be_v especial_o their_o faith_n this_o evidence_n that_o faith_n the_o great_a thing_n in_o the_o covenant_n on_o our_o part_n not_o only_o be_v it_o the_o thing_n that_o christ_n make_v a_o special_a inquiry_n after_o but_o it_o be_v the_o thing_n of_o all_o the_o qualification_n thou_o have_v that_o christ_n especial_o commend_v 3._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o honour_n put_v upon_o it_o in_o the_o work_n of_o justification_n we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n alone_o without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n this_o be_v a_o special_a honour_n put_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v a_o question_n among_o scholar_n why_o faith_n only_o and_o not_o love_n be_v employ_v in_o the_o work_n of_o justification_n they_o give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o faith_n be_v the_o meet_a for_o it_o if_o you_o inquire_v why_o the_o eye_n see_v and_o not_o the_o hand_n why_o the_o hand_n work_v and_o not_o the_o eye_n the_o reason_n be_v they_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v instrument_n in_o see_v and_o work_v so_o faith_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o justification_n for_o it_o be_v a_o receive_a grace_n it_o be_v call_v a_o receive_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n john_n 1.12_o but_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v they_o to_o they_o give_v he_o power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n now_o there_o be_v no_o grace_n so_o fit_a to_o be_v honour_v in_o justication_n where_o god_n give_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n as_o a_o receive_a grace_n a_o second_o reason_n why_o faith_n be_v employ_v in_o the_o work_n of_o justitication_n and_o not_o love_n because_o faith_n will_v not_o wrong_v christ_n honour_n rom._n 3.27_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o the_o apostle_n boast_v be_v exclude_v by_o what_o law_n by_o the_o law_n of_o work_n nay_o but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n v._n 28._o therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o law_n faith_n exclude_v boast_v and_o give_v all_o the_o honour_n to_o christ_n if_o love_n or_o patience_n be_v employ_v in_o the_o work_n of_o justification_n they_o will_v plead_v to_o more_o meritorious_a cause_n but_o faith_n be_v the_o instrumental_a cause_n so_o no_o wonder_n faith_n be_v make_v the_o principal_a condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o regard_n it_o be_v so_o fit_a to_o receive_v from_o christ_n and_o it_o will_v not_o wrong_v christ_n in_o his_o honour_n it_o will_v plead_v for_o merit_n in_o regard_n it_o be_v only_o to_o receive_v what_o christ_n have_v bestow_v but_o 4._o and_o last_o faith_n it_o furnish_v all_o other_o grace_n work_n every_o other_o duty_n be_v influence_v by_o faith_n patience_n repentance_n prayer_n and_o love_n be_v influence_v by_o faith_n for_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n every_o other_o grace_n be_v actuate_v by_o faith_n so_o until_o we_o come_v to_o believe_v we_o can_v repent_v we_o can_v suffer_v we_o can_v pray_v all_o these_o thing_n like_o a_o body_n without_o a_o soul_n will_v be_v dead_a and_o lifeless_a thing_n without_o this_o grace_n of_o faith_n lay_v all_o these_o four_o together_o and_o you_o will_v see_v that_o in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o command_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n believe_v have_v the_o precedency_n of_o all_o other_o grace_n and_o duty_n so_o in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o command_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n whatever_o other_o duty_n god_n have_v command_v he_o have_v especial_o command_v believe_v that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o first_o in_o order_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o to_o have_v the_o precedency_n of_o all_o other_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v for_o many_o think_v that_o they_o can_v go_v about_o other_o duty_n before_o they_o believe_v and_o that_o in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o the_o covenant_n but_o they_o be_v altogether_o mistake_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o acceptable_a to_o god_n without_o faith_n three_o in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o command_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n though_o faith_n be_v first_o and_o principal_o requiry_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o only_o require_v papist_n calumniat_fw-la 〈◊〉_d when_o they_o say_v we_o preach_v and_o say_v that_o faith_n be_v only_o require_v it_o be_v the_o only_a instrument_n of_o justification_n it_o be_v by_o faith_n only_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v but_o it_o be_v no_o faith_n only_o that_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n therefore_o in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o obedience_n to_o the_o whole_a law_n come_v in_o after_o believe_v such_o as_o will_v observe_v the_o order_n of_o the_o covenant_n must_v be_v obedient_a to_o all_o the_o command_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v remarkable_a the_o obedience_n that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n require_v have_v these_o three_o property_n 1._o it_o must_v be_v new_a obedience_n that_o be_v to_o say_v obedience_n from_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o obediedce_n conform_v to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n the_o obedience_n be_v new_a when_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o be_v love_n it_o be_v of_o old_a fear_n but_o it_o have_v a_o new_a principle_n when_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v the_o exalt_v of_o christ_n it_o be_v of_o old_a the_o exalt_v of_o ourselves_o 2._o the_o obedience_n must_v be_v strict_a obedience_n i_o will_v recommend_v to_o you_o the_o excellent_a discourse_n that_o master_n allan_n have_v wirtten_v in_o his_o vinditiae_fw-la pietatis_fw-la prove_v that_o the_o holiness_n he_o say_v of_o a_o christian_a be_v strict_a ay_o no_o less_o strict_a than_o that_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n require_v every_o christian_a must_v be_v a_o precisian_n and_o must_v labour_v to_o strive_v and_o wrestle_v and_o take_v the_o kingdom_n by_o violence_n to_o watch_v against_o the_o least_o beginning_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o least_o encroachment_n of_o it_o on_o christ_n honour_n or_o else_o it_o be_v no_o obedience_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n 3_o it_o must_v be_v perpetual_a obedience_n