neither_o be_v preven_v nor_o oblige_v by_o any_o thing_n in_o or_o for_o we_o be_v a_o pillar-truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n rom._n 9_o 16._o it_o be_v not_o of_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o of_o he_o that_o run_v etc._n etc._n so_o far_o as_o we_o detract_v from_o god_n sovereignty_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o convert_v and_o save_v grace_n we_o so_o far_o make_v god_n a_o debtor_n to_o the_o creature_n before_o he_o make_v himself_o so_o by_o a_o free_a promise_n 2._o that_o all_o which_o parent_n can_v do_v for_o their_o child_n in_o attendance_n to_o the_o precept_n viz._n in_o bring_v they_o up_o for_o god_n instruct_v they_o in_o his_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n exercise_v their_o authority_n in_o keep_v they_o in_o from_o lewd_a course_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o visible_a attendance_n on_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o their_o duty_n and_o be_v in_o no_o way_n to_o be_v count_v meritorious_a luk._n 17._o 10._o hence_o for_o their_o own_o soul_n safety_n they_o must_v do_v it_o except_o they_o will_v hazard_v the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o it_o outdo_v the_o power_n of_o moral-mean_n and_o endeavour_n though_o never_o so_o sincere_o use_v to_o plant_v or_o infuse_v grace_n into_o any_o soul_n the_o work_n of_o conversion_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n only_o joh._n 1._o 13._o if_o good_a man_n can_v will_n can_v pray_v can_v labour_v faith_n into_o any_o according_a to_o their_o desire_n their_o will_v none_o of_o their_o child_n none_o of_o their_o servant_n none_o of_o their_o neighbour_n none_o in_o the_o world_n perish_v 4._o that_o divine_a faith_n be_v not_o only_o a_o confidence_n but_o a_o ground_a confidence_n the_o rule_n do_v not_o only_o command_v and_o bind_v we_o to_o believe_v but_o it_o also_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o hold_v of_o faith_n be_v the_o promise_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o any_o thing_n no_o further_o than_o that_o go_v faith_n must_v have_v a_o clear_a word_n for_o its_o trust_n else_o it_o be_v but_o vain_a all_o our_o plea_n be_v in_o the_o covenant-promise_a and_o if_o we_o can_v find_v that_o we_o look_v for_o there_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o build_v upon_o but_o be_v at_o uncertainty_n 5._o that_o believer_n have_v no_o absolute_a and_o illimited_a promise_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o all_o their_o child_n or_o this_o or_o that_o child_n shall_v be_v save_v no_o nor_o limit_v neither_o to_o their_o care_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o if_o they_o do_v their_o best_a he_o will_v infallible_o add_v save_v grace_n this_o will_v appear_v by_o two_o argument_n 1._o because_o god_n be_v faithful_a to_o every_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v he_o be_v a_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v or_o repent_v i_o know_v godly_a parent_n may_v be_v remiss_a but_o they_o be_v not_o always_o so_o and_o yet_o have_v have_v their_o child_n who_o god_n have_v reject_v abraham_n his_o ishmael_n isaac_n his_o esau_n david_n his_o ahsolom_n and_o adonijah_n eli_n his_o hophni_n and_o phinehas_n now_o of_o abraham_n we_o read_v that_o he_o be_v trusty_a and_o faithful_a in_o teach_v his_o child_n gen._n 18._o 19_o and_o therefore_o he_o instruct_v and_o discipline_v ishmael_n he_o circumcise_v he_o and_o pray_v earnest_o for_o he_o 2._o because_o the_o faithful_a people_n of_o god_n have_v themselves_o thus_o interpret_v the_o promise_n they_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v upon_o supposition_n &_o to_o carry_v a_o condition_n in_o it_o eminent_a for_o this_o be_v the_o forementioned_a instance_n of_o david_n that_o he_o thus_o understand_v it_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o by_o that_o forecited_a warning_n which_o he_o give_v to_o solomon_n 1_o chron._n 28._o 9_o but_o also_o by_o that_o knowledgment_n which_o he_o make_v of_o it_o to_o god_n himself_o psal_n 132._o 11_o 12._o object_n but_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o god_n make_v a_o absolute_a promise_n to_o david_n that_o he_o will_v establish_v his_o covenant_n with_o his_o seed_n and_o not_o violate_v it_o psal_n 89._o 28_o 29._o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o in_o that_o place_n david_n represent_v or_o typifyes_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o his_o child_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v only_o those_o that_o be_v give_v to_o christ_n of_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n concern_v who_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o shall_v obtain_v salvation_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v his._n but_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o subject_n of_o the_o visible_a covenant_n who_o have_v no_o right_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n que._n but_o you_o will_v say_v then_o what_o encouragement_n be_v there_o for_o parent_n to_o pray_v for_o to_o instruct_v and_o take_v pain_n with_o their_o child_n and_o give_v they_o up_o to_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n if_o they_o can_v do_v all_o this_o in_o faith_n what_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v of_o sin_n ans_fw-fr there_o be_v other_o way_n for_o faith_n to_o act_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n beside_o this_o particular_a confident_a persuasion_n of_o this_o fruit_n and_o effect_n consider_v then_o 1._o that_o faith_n be_v to_o eye_n the_o precept_n as_o well_o as_o the_o promise_n faith_n be_v to_o influence_n our_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o our_o assurance_n faith_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v this_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o perform_v because_o god_n command_v it_o and_o be_v hereby_o animate_v to_o our_o duty_n this_o be_v obedience_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o sow_v our_o seed_n in_o the_o morning_n etc._n etc._n although_o we_o know_v not_o which_o shall_v prosper_v this_o or_o that_o because_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n 2._o that_o a_o believer_n be_v to_o be_v engage_v to_o his_o duty_n not_o only_o by_o a_o promise_n but_o also_o by_o the_o precept_n it_o be_v true_a the_o promise_n be_v our_o encouragement_n but_o the_o precept_n be_v our_o rule_n in_o submission_n to_o the_o command_n therefore_o he_o be_v to_o go_v about_o his_o work_n and_o to_o leave_v the_o success_n of_o it_o to_o divine_a dispose_n and_o so_o do_v he_o perform_v his_o duty_n in_o faith_n and_o he_o that_o be_v not_o act_v by_o this_o principle_n but_o do_v all_o mere_o as_o he_o think_v it_o may_v succeed_v be_v true_o mercenary_a 3._o there_o be_v other_o promise_n which_o may_v encourage_v a_o believer_n in_o this_o duty_n viz._n that_o if_o he_o do_v it_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n it_o shall_v be_v accept_v and_o reward_v by_o god_n god_n will_v some_o way_n or_o other_o make_v he_o to_o find_v that_o his_o labour_n have_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a the_o husbandman_n be_v in_o duty_n to_o sow_v his_o seed_n in_o faith_n but_o he_o be_v not_o sure_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o good_a crop_n the_o figtree_n may_v not_o blossom_n though_o he_o manure_n it_o with_o care_n but_o this_o be_v his_o encouragement_n that_o in_o a_o way_n of_o do_v duty_n god_n have_v say_v that_o he_o will_v bless_v he_o 4._o i'faith_o also_o teach_v we_o that_o attend_v the_o mean_n be_v near_o to_o the_o particular_a blessing_n than_o not_o attend_v but_o neglect_v they_o god_n often_o meet_v his_o people_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o ordinary_a then_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a providence_n nor_o do_v god_n always_o though_o he_o may_v sometime_o in_o sovereignty_n deny_v the_o desire_a blessing_n to_o his_o people_n yea_o and_o although_o he_o may_v sometime_o work_v there_o where_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o shameful_a neglect_n as_o in_o convert_v josiah_n the_o son_n of_o a_o wicked_a amon_n yet_o our_o neglect_n be_v inexcusable_a because_o we_o have_v despise_v the_o command_n such_o a_o parent_n as_o have_v faithful_o do_v his_o duty_n may_v die_v in_o hope_n that_o although_o he_o see_v not_o the_o desire_a fruit_n of_o his_o pain_n and_o prayer_n yet_o they_o may_v appear_v when_o his_o head_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o dust_n to_o be_v sure_o he_o may_v with_o this_o comfort_n leave_v the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o his_o place_n 3._o the_o provocation_n of_o covenant-children_n be_v most_o heinous_a and_o consequent_o most_o provoke_v to_o god_n the_o sin_n of_o none_o be_v so_o offensive_a in_o his_o sight_n as_o they_o you_o shall_v find_v therefore_o that_o the_o scripture_n set_v a_o note_n observable_a upon_o this_o consideration_n amos._n 3._o 2._o so_o deut._n 32._o 19_o the_o provoking_n of_o son_n and_o daughter_n be_v bitter_a jer._n 5._o 7._o thy_o child_n have_v
must_v go_v to_o he_o that_o he_o may_v work_v your_o work_n in_o and_o for_o you_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o life_n of_o faith_n heb._n 10._o 38._o consider_v therefore_o 1_o as_o long_a as_o you_o remain_v in_o unbelief_n you_o be_v on_o that_o very_a account_n covenant-breaker_n for_o it_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n require_v in_o the_o covenant_n viz._n that_o we_o believe_v it_o bind_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o go_v to_o christ_n and_o make_v a_o absolute_a choice_n of_o he_o and_o place_v the_o hope_n and_o trust_v of_o our_o soul_n upon_o he_o think_v of_o this_o you_o that_o live_v &_o lie_v in_o a_o state_n of_o vnregeneracy_n you_o break_v your_o bond_n as_o long_o as_o you_o thus_o live_v and_o be_v not_o therefore_o under_o the_o promise_n but_o the_o threaten_n at_o the_o present_a when_o you_o shall_v be_v put_v upon_o trial_n whether_o you_o have_v keep_v covenant_n with_o god_n the_o first_o question_n will_v be_v whither_o you_o have_v believe_v and_o if_o this_o can_v be_v make_v good_a there_o need_v no_o more_o enquiry_n to_o be_v make_v but_o the_o case_n be_v cast_v against_o you_o all_o the_o plea_n you_o can_v possible_o make_v from_o your_o moral_a obedience_n or_o legal_a work_n do_v by_o you_o will_v not_o in_o the_o least_o salve_n it_o but_o you_o will_v be_v find_v among_o and_o pronounce_v to_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n 2._o without_o this_o faith_n we_o can_v perform_v gospel-obedience_n which_o be_v also_o require_v of_o we_o as_o it_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n call_v for_o on_o our_o part_n so_o it_o be_v the_o root_n and_o principle_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n without_o which_o no_o service_n can_v be_v receive_v to_o acceptable_a obedience_n three_o thing_n be_v require_v 1._o that_o the_o person_n do_v it_o be_v accept_v in_o christ_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v perform_v by_o strength_n derive_v from_o christ_n 3._o that_o it_o come_v to_o god_n through_o his_o hand_n now_o to_o each_o of_o these_o faith_n thus_o embrace_v of_o christ_n be_v requisite_a hence_o without_o it_o no_o please_a god_n heb._n 11._o 6._o iii_o though_o we_o can_v go_v saving_o to_o christ_n before_o faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o because_o faith_n be_v the_o first_o save_v grace_n yet_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o be_v diligent_o use_v all_o those_o mean_n which_o be_v appoint_v to_o this_o end_n and_o therein_o to_o be_v wait_v upon_o he_o for_o it_o sense_n therefore_o of_o our_o own_o inability_n and_o utter_a insufficiency_n to_o do_v this_o work_n in_o and_o of_o ourselves_o be_v not_o a_o just_a ground_n of_o discouragement_n but_o may_v be_v improve_v to_o excite_v and_o direct_v we_o to_o go_v there_o where_o sufficiency_n be_v to_o be_v have_v christ_n therefore_o send_v his_o gracious_a invitation_n to_o such_o as_o these_o isa_n 55._o 1._o mat._n 11._o 28._o 4._o those_o that_o have_v believe_v be_v to_o exercise_v faith_n daily_o go_v to_o christ_n for_o renew_a grace_n and_o strength_n faith_n be_v the_o great_a help_n and_o the_o only_a help_n we_o have_v in_o we_o to_o fetch_v in_o that_o strength_n by_o which_o alone_o we_o can_v do_v that_o which_o be_v well-pleasing_a unto_o god_n it_o be_v not_o for_o a_o believer_n to_o say_v i_o be_o weak_a and_o dare_v not_o stir_v lest_o i_o fall_v no_o but_o he_o be_v to_o say_v christ_n be_v strong_a and_o he_o have_v bid_v i_o to_o wait_v on_o he_o and_o believe_v in_o he_o this_o i_o may_v assure_v you_o of_o that_o when_o a_o child_n of_o god_n in_o tender_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o inability_n to_o do_v his_o duty_n as_o he_o shall_v have_v believe_o cast_v it_o upon_o and_o commit_v it_o to_o christ_n the_o big_a &_o better_a part_n of_o his_o duty_n be_v do_v and_o he_o may_v cheerful_o and_o steadfast_o go_v through_o the_o rest_n let_v none_o hope_v or_o think_v to_o keep_v covenant_n in_o his_o own_o strength_n nor_o let_v any_o despair_n of_o it_o as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v strength_n in_o christ_n especial_o consider_v that_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o he_o he_o stand_v surety_n for_o we_o and_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n not_o only_o our_o highpriest_n to_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o we_o to_o his_o father_n but_o our_o king_n too_o to_o rule_v in_o we_o and_o lead_v we_o in_o his_o fear_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v we_o to_o depart_v from_o he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n when_o we_o find_v ourselves_o to_o be_v of_o no_o strength_n go_v to_o and_o lean_a upon_o jesus_n christ_n we_o be_v carry_v forth_o happy_o and_o shall_v serve_v god_n acceptable_o it_o be_v then_o alone_o when_o we_o be_v too_o presumptuous_a of_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o rely_v on_o that_o that_o we_o fail_v and_o dishonour_v the_o name_n of_o god_n by_o break_v his_o covenant_n 2._o labour_v to_o get_v a_o good_a understanding_n of_o and_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o nature_n tenor_n and_o extent_n of_o your_o covenant-duty_n and_o keep_v it_o upon_o your_o thought_n many_o be_v very_o forward_o and_o critical_o inquisitive_a after_o the_o nature_n of_o covenant-priviledge_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v one_o great_a study_n and_o discourse_n of_o the_o time_n but_o that_o which_o be_v for_o our_o practice_n or_o in_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v most_o of_o all_o conversant_a we_o be_v prone_a to_o be_v most_o backward_o in_o viz._n our_o duty_n whereas_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o servant_n constant_a care_n to_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n how_o else_o shall_v he_o do_v it_o god_n afford_v we_o many_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n our_o ignorance_n therefore_o if_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o will_v not_o be_v any_o part_n of_o a_o excuse_v plea_n for_o we_o ignorance_n of_o duty_n under_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n will_v not_o be_v acknowledge_v for_o ignorance_n nor_o procure_v we_o any_o few_o stripe_n what_o man_n be_v wilful_o or_o unnecessary_o ignorant_a of_o through_o their_o own_o heedlessness_n will_v be_v charge_v not_o as_o ignorance_n but_o contempt_n neither_o can_v we_o do_v acceptable_o except_o we_o know_v let_v we_o therefore_o be_v industrous_a to_o get_v a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v furnish_v for_o every_o good_a work_n the_o lord_n expect_v more_o in_o these_o day_n and_o place_n of_o gospel-light_n than_o where_o it_o be_v want_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n be_v many_o and_o their_o call_n to_o duty_n be_v diverse_o circumstance_v now_o god_n afford_v you_o many_o both_o public_a and_o private_a help_n be_v not_o you_o negligent_a in_o use_v of_o they_o david_n by_o frequent_a meditation_n attain_v to_o a_o large_a knowledge_n of_o god_n precept_n psal_n 119._o 99_o and_o if_o we_o can_v ponder_v upon_o these_o thing_n as_o much_o and_o with_o as_o much_o intenseness_n of_o mind_n as_o we_o be_v wont_v to_o do_v upon_o our_o worldly_a concern_v we_o shall_v in_o time_n grow_v good_a proficient_o in_o they_o 3._o get_v a_o love_n to_o and_o delight_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o such_o help_n to_o a_o cheerful_a and_o constant_a keep_n of_o covenant_n as_o a_o heart_n take_v with_o and_o delight_v in_o the_o command_n fear_v of_o wrath_n may_v do_v something_o to_o restrain_v the_o outward_a man_n from_o many_o gross_a enormity_n which_o otherways_o sinful_a man_n will_v bold_o and_o unreclaimable_o run_v into_o and_o hope_v of_o reward_n may_v put_v man_n upon_o it_o to_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o forward_o to_o engage_v in_o and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o both_o fear_n and_o hope_v act_v in_o their_o due_a place_n and_o manage_v by_o a_o high_a principle_n be_v of_o no_o little_a use_n to_o a_o child_n of_o god_n who_o his_o heavenly_a father_n be_v please_v to_o train_v up_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n by_o threaten_n and_o promise_n but_o still_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o such_o efficacy_n as_o love_n fear_v and_o hope_n invite_v we_o to_o close_v with_o the_o command_n for_o our_o own_o sake_n but_o love_n allure_v we_o to_o embrace_v it_o for_o its_o sake_n for_o the_o preciousness_n of_o it_o love_n constrain_v it_o be_v a_o forcible_a and_o irresistible_a impetus_fw-la by_o which_o it_o carry_v we_o to_o our_o dnty_n many_o water_n can_v quench_v it_o persecution_n can_v obstruct_v prosperity_n can_v inveigle_v it_o it_o make_v the_o command_n precious_a above_o all_o thing_n gold_n and_o fine_a gold_n be_v not_o comparable_a to_o it_o etc._n etc._n psal_n 19_o 9_o 10._o now_o there_o be_v very_o much_o argument_n and_o reason_n to_o make_v we_o in_o love_n with_o covenant-duty_n they_o be_v the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o
only_o as_o a_o consequent_a condion_fw-la or_o the_o way_n in_o which_o we_o be_v to_o attain_v unto_o felicity_n jam._n 1._o 25._o beside_o in_o the_o former_a it_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o man_n own_o strength_n or_o the_o improvement_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v give_v man_n in_o his_o creation_n in_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o help_n and_o strength_n of_o christ_n phil._n 4._o 14._o in_o the_o former_a it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v perfect_o else_o man_n be_v to_o lose_v his_o reward_n in_o this_o though_o every_o believer_n ought_v to_o press_v earnest_o after_o perfection_n and_o be_v sensible_a of_o every_o defect_n and_o bewail_v it_o before_o god_n yet_o none_o be_v to_o expect_v to_o be_v perfect_a in_o this_o life_n but_o god_n have_v respect_n to_o and_o ready_o acknowledge_v the_o sincerity_n and_o integrity_n of_o his_o people_n in_o the_o former_a god_n punish_v the_o least_o defect_n with_o death_n in_o this_o god_n be_v tender_a and_o pitiful_a to_o his_o poor_a people_n bear_v with_o their_o many_o infirmity_n and_o accept_v of_o their_o humble_a confession_n and_o repentance_n there_o god_n animedvert_v on_o the_o least_o defect_n here_o he_o cover_v many_o transgression_n there_o he_o cast_v the_o sinner_n out_o of_o his_o favour_n here_o his_o child_n be_v only_o chastise_v but_o his_o love_n be_v not_o take_v away_o nor_o covenant_n profane_v psal_n 89._o 30._o etc._n etc._n in_o the_o former_a repentance_n be_v of_o no_o worth_n nor_o account_n for_o it_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o it_o in_o this_o the_o people_n of_o god_n may_v in_o a_o way_n of_o repentance_n obtain_v pardon_n and_o there_o sin_n be_v do_v away_o psal_n 32._o 7._o 2_o sam._n 12._o 13._o these_o difference_n well_o observe_v will_v give_v we_o light_n into_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o gospel-obedience_n and_o there_o be_v these_o thing_n requisite_a in_o it_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a love_n and_o respect_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n david_n a_o evangelicall_n man_n profess_v his_o endear_a love_n to_o god_n law_n and_o declare_v that_o his_o precept_n be_v his_o delight_n yea_o that_o they_o be_v sweet_a and_o precious_a to_o he_o psal_n 19_o 7._o etc._n etc._n yea_o though_o he_o be_v not_o unacquainted_a with_o his_o own_o frailty_n yet_o by_o this_o token_n he_o be_v quiet_v and_o not_o afraid_a of_o be_v put_v to_o shame_n psal_n 119._o 6._o 2._o that_o this_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o faithful_a endeavour_n after_o conformity_n to_o the_o whole_a know_v and_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n this_o have_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o former_a for_o if_o we_o do_v love_n god_n we_o will_v keep_v his_o commandment_n joh._n 14._o 15._o i_o e._n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v we_o will_v observe_v they_o with_o a_o upright_a and_o devote_a heart_n david_n will_v exercise_v himself_o in_o the_o law_n day_n and_o night_n because_o he_o love_v it_o psal_n 119._o we_o must_v avoid_v temptation_n abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n walk_v according_a to_o rule_n do_v our_o outmost_a that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v by_o we_o and_o therefore_o endeavour_v conformity_n to_o his_o holiness_n in_o our_o whole_a conversation_n 3._o to_o bear_v about_o a_o humble_a sense_n or_o consciousness_n of_o and_o a_o spirit_n of_o mourning_n for_o our_o frailty_n and_o daily_a neglect_n we_o must_v bewail_v both_o our_o impotency_n and_o exorbitancy_n though_o we_o do_v sin_n for_o who_o live_v and_o sin_v not_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o allow_v it_o though_o we_o do_v omit_v much_o of_o our_o duty_n yet_o we_o condemn_v ourselves_o for_o it_o though_o sin_n be_v too_o subtle_a and_o potent_a for_o we_o and_o often_o we_o be_v entangle_v by_o it_o yet_o we_o do_v account_v it_o a_o sore_a oppression_n a_o distress_a captivity_n and_o cry_v out_o earnest_o to_o heaven_n for_o help_n and_o deliverance_n this_o be_v paul_n spirit_n and_o practice_n rom._n 7._o this_o show_v the_o heart_n be_v true_a to_o god_n and_o be_v therefore_o in_o his_o account_n and_o interpretation_n esteem_v evangelicall-obedience_n 4._o that_o we_o do_v constant_o repair_v to_o christ_n for_o his_o strength_n to_o help_v we_o and_o that_o sole_o rely_v upon_o his_o grace_n to_o give_v we_o favour_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o ultimate_o resolve_v all_o our_o hope_n not_o into_o our_o own_o but_o his_o righteousness_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o be_v engage_v and_o require_v to_o do_v in_o the_o new-covenant_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o this_o let_v our_o obedience_n be_v never_o so_o specious_a it_o be_v still_o repute_v but_o legal_a and_o so_o become_v worthless_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o infirmity_n disable_n we_o from_o do_v duty_n perfect_o ought_v not_o to_o discourage_v we_o from_o endeavour_v to_o do_v it_o sincere_o but_o its_o use_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o this_o lesson_n that_o since_o our_o strength_n be_v not_o in_o ourselves_o but_o in_o another_o we_o ought_v to_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o repair_v unto_o he_o all_o the_o grace_n and_o strength_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v exhibit_v and_o proffer_v in_o the_o covenant_n for_o the_o help_n of_o a_o believer_n in_o perform_v of_o his_o duty_n and_o here_o appear_v the_o work_n of_o faith_n in_o quicken_a and_o enliun_a of_o obedience_n that_o it_o enable_v we_o to_o rely_v upon_o this_o strength_n of_o christ_n for_o our_o help_n and_o have_v place_v our_o hope_n here_o in_o this_o confidence_n to_o set_v about_o our_o duty_n and_o now_o have_v cast_v ourselves_o upon_o christ_n to_o go_v on_o in_o it_o with_o courage_n not_o be_v dismay_v for_o its_o imperfection_n but_o leave_v it_o with_o he_o to_o render_v the_o service_n we_o do_v acceptable_a with_o his_o father_n look_v to_o have_v our_o prayer_n and_o performance_n offer_v not_o by_o themselves_o but_o with_o his_o sweet_a incense_n and_o hence_o when_o we_o have_v thus_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v our_o duty_n we_o be_v to_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o worth_n and_o merit_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o purchase_v aught_o of_o favour_n and_o happiness_n for_o we_o but_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o way_n of_o obedience_n only_o in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n phil._n 3._o 8_o 9_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o dependence_n between_o the_o two_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n must_v always_o be_v consider_v with_o the_o respect_n it_o have_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n go_v before_o it_o and_o make_v way_n for_o it_o for_o till_o we_o be_v redeem_a we_o can_v be_v reconcile_v and_o when_o through_o the_o grace_n and_o help_v of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o only_a surety_n we_o be_v enable_v thus_o to_o walk_v and_o do_v then_o do_v we_o in_o god_n account_n keep_v covenant_n with_o he_o we_o answer_v the_o law_n and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n enjoin_v we_o and_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o he_o to_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o his_o special_a grace_n and_o heir_n of_o everlasting_a mercy_n iu._n what_o be_v those_o everlasting_a mercy_n that_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o covenant_n ans_fw-fr these_o mercy_n comprise_v under_o they_o the_o whole_a blessing_n of_o the_o new-covenant_n whatsoever_o be_v in_o particular_a promise_v to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n come_v under_o this_o general_a denomination_n in_o our_o text._n these_o mercy_n be_v call_v everlasting_a for_o several_a reason_n 1._o from_o the_o big_a and_o better_a part_n of_o they_o which_o be_v positive_o and_o proper_o so_o not_o but_o that_o there_o be_v transitory_a and_o pass_a mercy_n include_v in_o the_o covenant-promise_a for_o godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v as_o well_o as_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v 1_o tim._n 4._o 8._o but_o these_o temporal_a mercy_n be_v though_o great_a in_o respect_n of_o our_o deserve_n who_o be_v less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o god_n mercy_n yet_o little_a and_o of_o low_a consideration_n when_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o which_o be_v in_o reversion_n in_o another_o world_n and_o be_v therefore_o swallow_v up_o and_o lose_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o these_o 2._o to_o note_v to_o we_o the_o original_a and_o continuance_n of_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o covenant-mercy_n for_o their_o original_a they_o proceed_v from_o everlasting_a love_n and_o be_v therefore_o say_v to_o be_v from_o everlasting_a the_o love_n of_o god_n decree_v they_o before_o the_o creature_n have_v a_o be_v yea_o and_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n they_o be_v provide_v &_o secure_v for_o god_n elect_n before_o man_n either_o be_v or_o actual_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o mercy_n for_o their_o continuance_n also_o although_o some_o mercy_n be_v
it_o no_o great_a matter_n to_o despise_v dominion_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n judas_n 7._o in_o particular_a how_o be_v god_n ambassador_n trample_v upon_o it_o be_v no_o new_a observation_n but_o of_o a_o considerable_a stand_n many_o there_o be_v now_o at_o rest_n in_o glory_n who_o live_v be_v open_o and_o plain_o brand_v for_o the_o troubler_n of_o our_o israel_n and_o the_o culpaple_n cause_n of_o many_o awful_a judgement_n but_o they_o shall_v trouble_v we_o no_o more_o and_o if_o still_o it_o must_v be_v so_o that_o all_o the_o apostasy_n or_o declension_n or_o corruption_n that_o grow_v upon_o we_o must_v be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o they_o must_v be_v account_v the_o porter_n that_o open_v the_o door_n to_o let_v in_o calamity_n upon_o we_o they_o must_v for_o the_o present_n bear_v it_o but_o god_n know_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o &_o though_o they_o be_v silent_a he_o will_v speak_v for_o they_o this_o also_o be_v a_o sin_n the_o time_n great_o labour_v of_o and_o a_o notorious_a breach_n of_o covenant_n it_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v labour_v against_o 5._o great_a sensuality_n it_o be_v a_o most_o prevail_a iniquity_n and_o contradict_v that_o sobriety_n which_o the_o gospel-covenant_n oblige_v we_o unto_o what_o abundance_n of_o drunkenness_n it_o be_v a_o epidemical_a and_o infectious_a disease_n excess_n in_o meat_n grow_v up_o almost_o into_o riot_n excess_n in_o ordinary_a entertainment_n excess_n in_o apparel_n etc._n etc._n i_o know_v it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o set_v bound_n and_o prescribe_v certain_a and_o determinate_a rule_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o latitude_n of_o charity_n extend_v by_o christian_n one_o to_o another_o but_o doubtless_o there_o be_v great_a excess_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o so_o abound_v in_o such_o time_n wherein_o god_n have_v be_v many_o way_n bring_v his_o people_n low_a argue_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o have_v be_v upon_o we_o be_v you_o sober_a be_v a_o precept_n often_o urge_v and_o enjoin_v in_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v other_o sin_n also_o that_o have_v get_v footing_n and_o extend_v too_o far_o which_o it_o concern_v god_n covenant-people_n to_o eye_n observe_v and_o avoid_v your_o covenant_n with_o god_n engage_v you_o to_o withstand_v all_o sin_n and_o your_o own_o prudence_n will_v teach_v you_o to_o fortify_v most_o there_o where_o the_o assault_n of_o temptation_n be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o most_o furious_a example_n especial_o of_o our_o fellow-christians_a and_o professor_n be_v of_o great_a force_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o they_o will_v not_o be_v avoid_v without_o great_a resistance_n put_v but_o a_o vessel_n into_o the_o stream_n and_o if_o you_o do_v not_o row_v against_o it_o it_o will_v ready_o enough_o run_v down_o with_o it_o the_o stream_n of_o the_o time_n will_v undoubted_o carry_v those_o man_n away_o that_o will_v not_o take_v up_o a_o resolution_n to_o stem_v it_o and_o know_v it_o it_o will_v be_v your_o glory_n to_o have_v stand_v it_o out_o and_o weathered_a evil_a time_n for_o you_o to_o stand_v true_a to_o the_o covenant_n when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o that_o prove_v false_a will_v be_v record_v to_o your_o honour_n and_o commendation_n when_o many_o disciple_n go_v away_o from_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o twelve_o that_o they_o stand_v by_o he_o and_o will_v not_o go_v i_o know_v many_o will_v account_v you_o giddy_a nice_a whimsical_a over-precise_a to_o be_v ready_a to_o fall_v foul_a upon_o you_o with_o calumny_n and_o reproach_n for_o it_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o guise_n of_o loose_a professor_n and_o by_o this_o note_n you_o may_v know_v they_o that_o they_o count_v it_o a_o strange_a thing_n that_o other_o can_v comply_v with_o they_o and_o draw_v out_o their_o conscience_n to_o such_o a_o latitude_n as_o for_o company_n sake_n to_o run_v into_o the_o same_o excess_n with_o themselves_o but_o know_v and_o be_v assure_v that_o if_o to_o keep_v other_o man_n company_n you_o go_v their_o pace_n and_o slip_v aside_o into_o their_o irregularity_n when_o god_n shall_v come_v to_o plead_v the_o controversy_n of_o his_o covenant_n you_o must_v not_o think_v it_o hard_a measure_n if_o you_o be_v make_v then_o also_o to_o keep_v company_n with_o they_o but_o if_o you_o lay_v out_o your_o life_n by_o the_o straight_a line_n of_o scripture_n truth_n and_o not_o by_o the_o crooked_a line_n of_o such_o example_n god_n will_v remember_v you_o with_o favour_n in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o it_o will_v be_v not_o only_o a_o safety_n but_o a_o glory_n and_o a_o happiness_n so_o to_o be_v remember_v if_o you_o stand_v to_o your_o covenant-oath_n against_o such_o temptation_n he_o will_v never_o fail_v of_o his_o covenant-promise_a 3._o make_v conscience_n of_o discharge_v your_o covenantdutye_n one_o to_o another_o man_n be_v make_v a_o sociable_a creature_n and_o the_o main_a end_n of_o society_n be_v design_v for_o the_o better_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o mankind_n by_o give_v they_o opportunity_n to_o be_v mutual_o helpful_a each_o to_o other_o and_o the_o particular_a end_n of_o christian_a societye_n consider_v as_o such_o be_v for_o the_o better_a promote_a of_o spiritual_a good_a this_o duty_n be_v a_o covenant-engagement_n which_o you_o stand_v under_o not_o only_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o voluntary_a promise_n plight_v explicit_o and_o engage_v in_o mutual_o but_o by_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o new_a govenant-command_a joh._n 13._o 34._o a_o new_a command_n i_o give_v you_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o it_o be_v a_o debt_n which_o you_o owe_v each_o to_o other_o for_o christ_n sake_n love_n be_v a_o very_a large_a and_o comprehensive-duty_n christian_n be_v bind_v up_o together_o in_o a_o society_n ought_v to_o express_v this_o love_n by_o a_o fedulous_a endeavour_n to_o carry_v on_o the_o glory_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o forward_o the_o salvation_n one_o of_o another_o i_o shall_v compromise_n what_o i_o have_v to_o present_a as_o particular_a advice_n in_o this_o case_n to_o two_o head_n 1._o encourage_v one_o another_o to_o holiness_n in_o life_n and_o conversation_n we_o be_v call_v to_o holiness_n and_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o happiness_n heb._n 12._o 14._o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n be_v a_o holy_a covenant_n and_o god_n be_v honour_v and_o his_o covenant_n establish_v in_o a_o way_n of_o holiness_n it_o be_v then_o the_o duty_n of_o such_o as_o fear_v god_n frequent_o and_o sedulous_o to_o quicken_v to_o it_o and_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o good_a work_n do_v this_o i._o by_o the_o light_n and_o shine_v of_o a_o godly_a conversation_n the_o example_n of_o christian_n be_v very_o prevalent_a whither_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a god_n sometime_o please_v to_o make_v a_o godly_a conversation_n convictive_a of_o gainsayer_n and_o that_o which_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o most_o spiteful_a enemy_n and_o so_o bring_v from_o man_n the_o tribute_n of_o glory_n to_o he_o matt._n 5._o 16._o much_o more_o than_o may_v it_o be_v expect_v to_o be_v quicken_a and_o exciting_a to_o the_o grace_n of_o believer_n and_o put_v they_o much_o foreward_n that_o true_o fear_v god_n the_o zeal_n of_o one_o saint_n if_o it_o blaze_v it_o may_v heat_n even_o a_o great_a many_o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v great_a need_n to_o be_v put_v upon_o this_o especial_o in_o these_o day_n wherein_o a_o lukewarm-profession_n be_v much_o in_o credit_n be_v very_o fashionable_a but_o forwardness_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n be_v almost_o out_o of_o date_n and_o when_o there_o be_v also_o so_o many_o evil_a example_n carry_v much_o of_o enticement_n in_o they_o to_o draw_v man_n away_o from_o god_n and_o turn_v they_o out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n be_v therefore_o very_o wary_a that_o you_o do_v not_o add_v to_o the_o number_n of_o such_o 2._o by_o readiness_n and_o forwardness_n to_o relieve_v one_o another_o with_o good_a and_o wholesome_a counsel_n and_o christianhelp_n at_o every_o lift_n and_o time_n of_o need_n god_n be_v wont_v for_o the_o most_o part_n so_o to_o order_v it_o that_o in_o a_o church_n there_o be_v some_o strong_a and_o other_o that_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o the_o strong_a shall_v help_v the_o weak_a ga._n 6._o 1._o be_v any_o not_o so_o well_o instruct_v in_o the_o truth_n be_v willing_a to_o take_v pain_n with_o they_o be_v any_o overpower_v with_o grief_n sorrow_n &_o c_o comfort_n and_o strengthen_v they_o open_v your_o heart_n one_o to_o another_o have_v you_o any_o thing_n lay_v up_o in_o your_o cabinet_n of_o experience_n and_o prudent_a observation_n which_o another_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o be_v not_o niggardly_a but_o ready_o and_o
vain_a show_n and_o false_a pretence_n he_o that_o trust_v it_o be_v not_o wise_a 3._o be_v sure_a right_o to_o understand_v and_o clear_o to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v that_o you_o engage_v in_o that_o christian_n be_v most_o like_a to_o stand_v firm_a to_o his_o covenant_n that_o enter_v upon_o they_o with_o the_o most_o mature_a deliberation_n the_o want_n of_o this_o may_v bring_v a_o man_n into_o a_o great_a snare_n and_o lay_v he_o open_v to_o grievous_a temptation_n prov._n 20._o 26._o it_o be_v a_o snare_n to_o a_o man_n to_o devour_v that_o which_o be_v holy_a and_o after_o vow_n to_o make_v inquiry_n without_o knowledge_n there_o can_v be_v no_o practice_n without_o consideration_n there_o can_v be_v no_o good_a resolution_n a_o man_n heart_n can_v be_v in_o that_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v not_o weigh_v in_o his_o understanding_n he_o that_o covenant_n to_o forsake_v that_o sin_n which_o he_o have_v a_o full_a purpose_n in_o his_o heart_n to_o keep_v and_o hug_v as_o his_o darling_n how_o be_v he_o like_v to_o stand_v to_o it_o remember_v then_o that_o you_o engage_v to_o be_v for_o god_n and_o for_o no_o other_o you_o give_v up_o yourselves_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o his_o spirit_n direct_v by_o his_o word_n to_o be_v at_o his_o dispose_n and_o not_o your_o own_o to_o make_v his_o will_n your_o rule_n and_o his_o glory_n your_o end_n you_o promise_v that_o you_o will_v not_o run_v in_o the_o current_n and_o stream_n of_o the_o time_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o vanity_n nor_o seek_v your_o own_o thing_n but_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o word_n you_o promise_v sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n do_v you_o know_v or_o consider_v this_o have_v you_o think_v and_o do_v you_o approve_v of_o it_o in_o your_o heart_n if_o not_o your_o heart_n be_v false_a 4._o take_v up_o a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o stand_v to_o and_o perform_v your_o promise_n it_o be_v not_o word_n but_o performance_n that_o god_n have_v a_o respect_n to_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v with_o flatter_a promise_n purpose_n do_v next_o come_v from_o the_o heart_n and_o be_v elicit_a act_n of_o the_o will_n and_o if_o these_o be_v waver_v or_o unfixt_v the_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a a_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v a_o bond_n firm_o oblige_v the_o soul_n and_o our_o engagement_n to_o he_o will_v never_o be_v perform_v without_o the_o great_a resolution_n you_o shall_v meet_v with_o great_a and_o many_o temptation_n which_o will_v assault_v and_o batter_v you_o evermore_o when_o a_o people_n have_v be_v engage_v to_o god_n in_o a_o solemn_a manner_n they_o must_v expect_v some_o shake_a tyral_n and_o if_o than_o you_o will_v be_v strong_a and_o acquit_v yourselves_o like_o man_n your_o business_n now_o be_v to_o be_v fix_v when_o temptation_n come_v and_o assail_v you_o you_o must_v say_v with_o david_n the_o vow_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o i_o and_o as_o psal_n 119._o 106._o i_o have_v swear_v and_o i_o will_v perform_v if_o ever_o you_o repent_v of_o your_o engagement_n your_o heart_n be_v never_o firm_a in_o it_o if_o you_o find_v satan_n or_o your_o own_o heart_n lay_v bait_n before_o you_o to_o entice_v you_o you_o must_v say_v as_o abraham_n i_o have_v lift_v up_o my_o hand_n to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n let_v therefore_o your_o purpose_n be_v hearty_a purpose_n free_a and_o not_o constrain_v 5._o beware_v of_o sinful_a reserve_v nothing_o more_o frequent_a nor_o more_o dangerous_a than_o equivocation_n we_o make_v fair_a covenant_n and_o plausible_a but_o we_o have_v our_o mental_a reservation_n which_o spoil_v all_o if_o your_o covenant_n be_v not_o full_a and_o free_a and_o plain_a it_o be_v of_o no_o worth_n saul_n be_v send_v to_o destroy_v amalek_n and_o say_v i_o have_v do_v it_o only_o i_o reserve_v the_o best_a for_o a_o sacrifice_n he_o have_v that_o reserve_n in_o his_o mind_n before_o naaman_n have_v he_o reserve_v in_o this_o thing_n pardon_v thy_o servant_n it_o may_v be_v you_o think_v with_o yourselves_o i_o can_v do_v all_o and_o i_o will_v do_v all_o but_o this_o or_o that_o one_o particular_a thing_n one_o have_v his_o sinful_a and_o unlawful_a call_v by_o which_o he_o get_v a_o live_n another_o his_o oppression_n &_o deceit_n another_o his_o excess_n in_o this_o or_o that_o lawful_a liberty_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o he_o intend_v to_o keep_v and_o think_v to_o say_v i_o never_o intend_v this_o know_v it_o this_o be_v a_o dreadful_a heart-deceit_n and_o god_n will_v find_v it_o out_o and_o it_o will_v render_v your_o whole_a covenant_n a_o vain_a oblation_n 6._o trust_v not_o in_o yourselves_o or_o your_o own_o strength_n in_o the_o first_o covenant_n man_n be_v to_o look_v upon_o and_o exercise_v his_o create_a grace_n though_o not_o without_o implore_v divine_a assistance_n and_o concourse_n in_o the_o new-covenant_n man_n be_v utter_o to_o disclaim_v himself_o and_o deny_v all_o his_o own_o strength_n the_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o frailty_n and_o plain_a impotency_n to_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v discouragement_n enough_o to_o our_o renewal_n of_o covenant_n if_o god_n expect_v or_o we_o promise_v performance_n in_o our_o own_o strength_n though_o every_o believer_n must_v acknowledge_v with_o paul_n that_o of_o himself_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o yet_o be_v he_o neither_o to_o sit_v still_o and_o do_v nothing_o or_o yet_o to_o renounce_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o engage_v of_o himself_o to_o his_o service_n only_o he_o must_v careful_o beware_v that_o he_o do_v not_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n by_o be_v his_o own_o undertaker_n lest_o while_o he_o pretend_v to_o renew_v he_o destroy_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n it_o may_v seem_v a_o paradox_n but_o be_v a_o evangelical_n truth_n that_o a_o christian_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o and_o yet_o resolve_v and_o bind_v himself_o to_o do_v all_o therefore_o 7._o in_o sense_n of_o your_o own_o utter_a insufficiency_n be_v sure_a to_o get_v christ_n your_o undertaker_n and_o surety_n in_o the_o covenant_n the_o heart_n be_v never_o right_a till_o it_o come_v to_o this_o and_o this_o must_v be_v do_v not_o by_o a_o presumptuous_a cast_v all_o upon_o he_o while_o we_o indulge_v our_o careless_a neglect_n and_o say_v let_v christ_n answer_v for_o it_o but_o by_o a_o believe_a and_o humble_a dependence_n upon_o he_o as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o not_o only_o as_o a_o political_a head_n stand_v responsible_a for_o the_o carriage_n of_o all_o his_o member_n but_o also_o as_o the_o head_n of_o influence_n from_o who_o by_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o derive_v grace_n and_o strength_n to_o do_v and_o perform_v that_o duty_n which_o shall_v through_o he_o be_v accept_v by_o god_n and_o reckon_v to_o we_o as_o covenant-keeping_a and_o now_o have_v he_o thus_o relate_v and_o engage_v to_o we_o we_o may_v with_o a_o holy_a confidence_n devote_v ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o his_o service_n from_o he_o we_o shall_v derive_v wisdom_n to_o instruct_v and_o guide_v we_o in_o all_o the_o covenant-duty_n we_o be_v concern_v in_o from_o he_o we_o shall_v fetch_v down_o grace_n to_o animate_v quicken_v strengthen_v our_o soul_n to_o duty_n from_o he_o we_o shall_v have_v encouragement_n and_o support_v against_o all_o faint_n of_o spirit_n and_o despondencye_n under_o our_o work_n in_o he_o we_o shall_v have_v all_o our_o weakness_n pity_v and_o pardon_v through_o he_o we_o shall_v trample_v upon_o temptation_n and_o tread_v down_o opposition_n if_o christ_n be_v with_o we_o we_o shall_v not_o fail_v though_o we_o may_v fall_v for_o he_o will_v lift_v we_o up_o and_o if_o your_o heart_n do_v true_o and_o sincere_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o wait_v upon_o he_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v you_o whole_o to_o swerve_v or_o utter_o to_o violate_v your_o holy_a covenant_n but_o when_o hypocritical_a and_o heartless_a professor_n stumble_v and_o fall_v and_o by_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n receive_v the_o due_a reward_n of_o their_o dissimulation_n and_o falsehood_n you_o shall_v be_v keep_v preserve_v establish_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o the_o appearauce_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o that_o day_n when_o the_o secret_n of_o man_n heart_n shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o perfidious_a and_o formal_a professor_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o open_a shame_n then_o shall_v your_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n be_v open_o acknowledge_v before_o angel_n and_o man_n and_o the_o glorious_a blessing_n of_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n shall_v be_v your_o portion_n for_o evermore_o finis_fw-la
real_o intend_v which_o may_v be_v reconcile_v in_o these_o proposition_n 1._o we_o be_v here_o to_o carry_v in_o mind_n the_o forementioned_a distinction_n viz._n that_o the_o condition_n propound_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o antecedent_n and_o meritorious_a or_o so_o propound_v as_o to_o be_v the_o procure_a cause_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n or_o of_o the_o reward_n propound_v in_o the_o covenant_n such_o as_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o these_o propound_v to_o christ_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n for_o whatsoever_o respect_v to_o price_n and_o purchase_v we_o must_v refer_v it_o to_o christ_n alone_o but_o they_o be_v connex_v and_o consequent_a only_o point_v out_o unto_o we_o the_o way_n in_o which_o the_o free_a blessing_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v by_o mankind_n hence_o we_o be_v utter_o to_o disclaim_v and_o oppugn_v all_o such_o popish_a doctrine_n as_o any_o way_n tend_v to_o render_v good_a work_n to_o be_v meritorious_a of_o the_o promise_v good_a this_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o different_a way_n of_o proponnd_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v great_o alter_v the_o quality_n and_o consideration_n of_o it_o if_o salvation_n shall_v be_v of_o work_n as_o the_o cause_n it_o will_v shut_v out_o grace_n but_o that_o good_a work_n may_v be_v of_o the_o thing_n that_o accompany_v salvation_n and_o that_o necessary_o as_o concomitant_n be_v very_o well_o consistent_a with_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o our_o salvation_n 2._o that_o which_o make_v a_o command_n in_o a_o covenant_n become_v a_o condition_n be_v when_o it_o be_v tie_v especial_o when_o it_o be_v both_o negative_o and_o affirmative_o tie_v to_o a_o conditional_a promise_n it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o command_n positive_o give_v in_o way_n of_o mere_a sovereignty_n be_v no_o condition_n but_o when_o there_o be_v a_o command_n give_v and_o he_o that_o give_v it_o so_o oblige_v himself_o with_o it_o to_o he_o to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v as_o to_o engage_v that_o if_o he_o true_o and_o faithful_o perform_v it_o he_o shall_v be_v thus_o and_o so_o benefit_v by_o it_o and_o also_o to_o threaten_v that_o if_o he_o fall_v short_a he_o shall_v thus_o suffer_v the_o command_n be_v now_o so_o qualify_v as_o proper_o to_o bear_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o condition_n because_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_a be_v positive_o relate_v to_o it_o and_o must_v according_o take_v place_n 3._o god_n have_v please_v to_o deal_v with_o man_n in_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o way_n of_o grace_n hence_o though_o he_o do_v command_v he_o as_o a_o sovereign_n yet_o he_o mix_v grace_n in_o all_o his_o command_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o command_n which_o be_v enjoin_v we_o in_o the_o gospel_n which_o bring_v not_o its_o benefit_n along_o with_o it_o or_o there_o be_v no_o command_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o come_v to_o we_o under_o the_o title_n of_o mere_a sovereignty_n but_o also_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o sweetness_n of_o a_o promise_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rigour_n of_o a_o threaten_a we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o condition_n be_v not_o only_o put_v upon_o faith_n as_o mark_z 16._o 16._o but_o upon_o obedience_n too_o heb._n 12._o 24._o rom._n 8._o 13._o that_o command_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o if_o a_o man_n do_v perform_v he_o have_v assurance_n of_o life_n in_o his_o performance_n but_o if_o he_o do_v not_o perform_v he_o be_v certify_v of_o death_n and_o damnation_n by_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o and_o all_o this_o according_a to_o the_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospell-covenant_n that_o must_v carry_v the_o respect_n of_o a_o condition_n but_o such_o be_v gospel-obedience_n as_o the_o scripture_n forecited_a and_o many_o more_o do_v evidence_n or_o we_o may_v take_v it_o thus_o all_o that_o which_o god_n propound_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o needful_a to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o yea_o so_o needful_a as_o eternal_a life_n and_o death_n be_v infallible_o consequent_a thereupon_o yea_o and_o be_v referrible_a thereto_o be_v of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n and_o that_o be_v faith_n and_o obedience_n separate_a obedience_n and_o you_o have_v a_o faith_n which_o be_v vain_a jam._n 2._o 14._o and_o which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o devil_n vers_fw-la 19_o 4._o whereas_o faith_n be_v sometime_o assert_v to_o be_v the_o only_a condition_n require_v of_o we_o in_o the_o new-covenant_n it_o be_v thus_o to_o be_v understand_v viz._n either_o 1._o that_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a condition_n of_o our_o justification_n but_o not_o so_o of_o our_o salvation_n it_o be_v a_o condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n too_o but_o not_o only_o the_o right_a and_o title_n to_o salvation_n be_v confer_v in_o believe_v but_o there_o be_v obedience_n also_o requisite_a in_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n tit._n 3._o 8._o 2._o that_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a condition_n by_o which_o we_o come_v to_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n suretyship_n but_o not_o of_o what_o be_v in_o this_o suretyship_n engage_v by_o christ_n for_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v do_v by_o believe_v in_o he_o christ_n come_v to_o be_v our_o acknowledge_a and_o actual_a surety_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n who_o be_v our_o design_a and_o indent_a surety_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n but_o still_o there_o be_v something_o he_o stand_v surety_n for_o we_o in_o which_o be_v formal_o to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o though_o virtual_o by_o the_o influence_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o grace_n god_n expect_v and_o christ_n promise_v that_o we_o shall_v fear_v he_o and_o obey_v he_o and_o for_o this_o he_o stand_v bind_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o every_o believer_n yet_o the_o visible_a covenant_n be_v propose_v to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o to_o he_o hence_o we_o also_o stand_v oblige_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o god_n in_o it_o tell_v we_o what_o it_o be_v that_o he_o expect_v of_o we_o if_o we_o hope_v to_o enjoy_v he_o which_o though_o it_o must_v be_v wrought_v efficient_o by_o his_o spirit_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v formal_o perform_v by_o we_o tit._n 2._o 11_o 12._o 3._o faith_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o only_a condition_n as_o it_o be_v a_o comprehensive_a grace_n both_o 1_o as_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o we_o lie_v hold_v upon_o christ_n and_o close_o with_o the_o promise_n in_o he_o and_o so_o come_v to_o be_v actual_o subject_n of_o it_o according_a to_o rhe_n tenor_n of_o it_o in_o the_o covenant_n 2._o as_o it_o be_v the_o spring_n and_o life_n of_o new-obedience_n i._n e._n such_o a_o faith_n who_o nature_n be_v to_o work_v by_o love_n and_o hence_o we_o find_v that_o the_o whole_a spiritual_a life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v call_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n heb._n 10._o 38._o gal._n 2._o 20._o it_o be_v not_o a_o idle_a or_o dead_a but_o a_o lively_a and_o work_a faith_n for_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o mix_v with_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_n that_o only_o put_v a_o worth_n upon_o it_o in_o god_n account_n the_o want_n of_o which_o ingredient_n render_v the_o most_o specious_a duty_n of_o man_n of_o no_o value_n heb._n 11._o 6._o quest_n but_o it_o may_v then_o be_v inquire_v whither_o obedience_n be_v not_o rather_o a_o promise_v make_v to_o faith_n than_o a_o condition_n require_v of_o we_o in_o the_o new-covenant_n since_o christ_n have_v promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o if_o so_o then_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n he_o that_o promise_v the_o end_n promise_v also_o the_o mean_n i._n e._n all_o that_o which_o be_v requisite_a to_o bring_v we_o to_o salvation_n and_o there_o obedience_n may_v proper_o take_v its_o place_n ans_fw-fr in_o satisfaction_n to_o this_o inquiry_n these_o thing_n be_v well_o to_o be_v weigh_v 1._o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o a_o promise_v make_v by_o god_n as_o one_o party_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o one_o make_v by_o christ_n stand_v in_o the_o place_n of_o a_o mediator_n interpose_v between_o both_o party_n to_o jesus_n christ_n manuscript_n mr._n stone_n be_v catechis_n manuscript_n stand_v as_o a_o mediate_a surety_n on_o both_o side_n he_o make_v promise_n to_o his_o father_n that_o all_o that_o he_o require_v of_o we_o shall_v be_v do_v and_o he_o make_v promise_n likewise_o unto_o we_o that_o all_o our_o work_n shall_v be_v wrought_v in_o we_o and_o for_o we_o he_o be_v a_o surety_n for_o both_o condition_n and_o consequent_n of_o the_o covenant_n now_o the_o surety_n represent_v the_o person_n for_o who_o he_o be_v such_o and_o therefore_o the_o person_n be_v in_o he_o engage_v for_o in_o that_o respect_n he_o stand_v on_o that_o party_n there_o be_v but_o two_o in_o a_o covenant_n if_o then_o
a_o surety_n promise_v for_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v do_v thus_o or_o so_o and_o that_o withal_o promise_v to_o we_o that_o he_o will_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o and_o for_o we_o if_o we_o will_v rely_v on_o he_o for_o it_o this_o do_v not_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o from_o be_v a_o debt_n on_o our_o part_n for_o though_o christ_n have_v promise_v we_o that_o he_o will_v do_v it_o in_o we_o yet_o god_n still_o look_v sthat_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v by_o we_o 2._o we_o be_v to_o distinguish_v between_o that_o which_o we_o stand_v positive_o engage_v to_o and_o that_o which_o god_n afford_v we_o to_o be_v our_o encouragement_n in_o stand_v to_o our_o engagement_n we_o stand_v engage_v actual_o to_o serve_v god_n to_o obey_v all_o his_o command_n but_o of_o ourselves_o we_o can_v do_v it_o josh_n 24._o 19_o now_o to_o relieve_v our_o impotency_n and_o animate_v our_o obedience_n christ_n engage_v to_o we_o that_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v in_o he_o we_o shall_v serve_v god_n viz._n that_o he_o will_v put_v his_o fear_n in_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o depart_v away_o from_o he_o he_o will_v give_v grace_n this_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o it_o require_v nothing_o of_o we_o but_o withal_o discover_v to_o and_o set_v before_o we_o what_o and_o where_o our_o help_n be_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o which_o grace_n be_v then_o high_o abuse_v when_o we_o think_v ourselves_o thereby_o acquit_v from_o our_o duty_n paul_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o therefore_o frame_v a_o argument_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o great_a diligence_n from_o this_o very_a consideration_n phil._n 2._o 12_o 13._o 3._o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o christ_n suretyship_n engage_v he_o to_o two_o sort_n of_o work_n there_o be_v some_o which_o he_o be_v to_o do_v personal_o and_o alone_o such_o be_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v for_o we_o in_o perform_v all_o that_o be_v require_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n he_o alone_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o divine_a justice_n and_o pay_v the_o price_n of_o our_o ransom_n fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n but_o there_o be_v other_o work_n which_o he_o become_v engage_v to_o work_v in_o we_o as_o the_o efficient_a which_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o grace_n that_o we_o be_v to_o do_v something_o if_o we_o will_v inherit_v eternal_a life_n be_v the_o language_n of_o all_o gospel-precept_n hence_o we_o stand_v engage_v in_o the_o gospell-covenant_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o but_o god_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o trust_v we_o be_v all_o liar_n and_o have_v prove_v false_a in_o one_o covenant_n already_o it_o be_v therefore_o needful_a that_o christ_n shall_v engage_v for_o we_o now_o these_o work_n he_o do_v not_o alone_o but_o as_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o influence_n into_o it_o which_o flow_v from_o he_o into_o the_o body_n these_o work_v he_o perform_v by_o his_o member_n these_o work_n be_v require_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n where_o christ_n mystical_a i._n e._n christ_n and_o his_o church_n be_v the_o party_n engage_v hence_o they_o fail_v not_o to_o be_v of_o the_o condition_n though_o require_v at_o his_o hand_n as_o the_o head_n of_o it_o 4._o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o in_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v the_o soul_n do_v not_o only_o give_v itself_o up_o to_o christ_n as_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o his_o reconciliation_n but_o also_o as_o his_o prophet_n and_o his_o king_n to_o be_v teach_v and_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o he_o as_o one_o that_o know_v he_o have_v not_o skill_n or_o power_n to_o order_n and_o direct_v his_o own_o way_n and_o this_o be_v proper_o that_o obedience_n of_o faith_n which_o jesus_n christ_n when_o he_o receive_v the_o believer_n into_o this_o relation_n undertake_v to_o maintain_v and_o carry_v on_o in_o he_o the_o soul_n by_o believe_v make_v it_o sure_a that_o christ_n shall_v be_v his_o helper_n to_o supply_v he_o with_o all_o that_o grace_n whereby_o he_o may_v do_v all_o that_o which_o the_o covenant_n require_v of_o he_o hence_o though_o we_o have_v security_n from_o christ_n to_o help_v we_o yet_o this_o engagement_n of_o his_o take_v not_o away_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o condition_n from_o our_o duty_n only_o show_v we_o whither_o we_o must_v go_v and_o where_o our_o dependence_n must_v be_v if_o ever_o we_o hope_v to_o live_v as_o god_n covenant-people_n who_o of_o ourselves_o can_v do_v nothing_o if_o any_o shall_v this_o notwithstanding_o think_v it_o more_o fit_a and_o proper_a to_o call_v this_o obedience_n rather_o a_o covenant-command_a than_o a_o condition_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v eager_a to_o dispute_v of_o term_n provide_v this_o one_o thing_n be_v grant_v which_o can_v without_o oppose_v the_o truth_n be_v deny_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o gospell-way_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n i._n e._n necessitate_v praecepti_fw-la &_o medii_fw-la beside_o or_o beyond_o which_o interpretation_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v or_o urge_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o condition_n in_o the_o gospell-covenant_n and_o now_o have_v discover_v the_o condition_n propound_v and_o require_v in_o this_o covenant_n the_o question_n under_o consideration_n viz._n what_o it_o be_v to_o keep_v covenant_n be_v easy_o hence_o answer_v to_o keep_v covenant_n be_v in_o general_a to_o perform_v that_o obligation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o it_o for_o man_n to_o keep_v covenant_n with_o god_n be_v for_o he_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o his_o covenant_n in_o particular_a let_v we_o observe_v that_o our_o present_a discourse_n refer_v to_o the_o visible_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o our_o so_o be_v relate_v to_o it_o as_o it_o stand_v propound_v on_o god_n part_n and_o at_o least_o outward_o acknowledge_v and_o submit_v to_o on_o our_o part_n the_o condition_n than_o be_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o gospel_n call_v for_o at_o our_o hand_n or_o prescribe_v to_o we_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o then_o to_o keep_v covenant_n be_v 1._o to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n for_o life_n i._n e._n for_o grace_n and_o glory_n to_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o to_o he_o for_o all_o and_o rely_v on_o or_o place_v our_o hope_n and_o trust_v in_o he_o alone_o this_o every_o member_n and_o child_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n do_v stand_v bind_v or_o engage_v unto_o and_o that_o upon_o no_o less_o or_o low_a consideration_n than_o salvation_n and_o damnation_n mark_n 16._o 16._o in_o which_o believe_v they_o choose_v god_n alone_o for_o their_o portion_n jesus_n christ_n for_o their_o only_a redeeming-mediator_n the_o spirit_n for_o their_o only_a sanctify_a leader_n they_o renounce_v all_o other_o vain_a trust_n and_o confidence_n they_o say_v ashur_n shall_v not_o save_v we_o they_o cast_v their_o idol_n to_o mole_n and_o to_o the_o bat_n they_o rest_v not_o upon_o the_o work_v of_o their_o own_o hand_n nor_o hope_v to_o receive_v any_o thing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n for_o their_o own_o sake_n they_o seek_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o give_v to_o he_o the_o honour_n and_o praise_v due_a to_o his_o name_n they_o go_v to_o he_o for_o all_o they_o want_v they_o acknowledge_v his_o mercy_n and_o grace_n in_o all_o they_o receive_v etc._n etc._n the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v a_o large_a and_o vast_a condition_n to_o believe_v and_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o undeniable_a truth_n that_o every_o one_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o covenant-breaker_n till_o he_o believe_v i._n e._n he_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o engagement_n 2_o 375._o 2_o 2_o 2_o in_o foedere_fw-la gratiae_fw-la deus_fw-la promittit_fw-la homini_fw-la se_fw-la fore_fw-la ipsi_fw-la patrem_fw-la in_o christo_fw-la si_fw-la filialem_fw-la praestiterit_fw-la obedientiam_fw-la alsted_n theol._n p._n 375._o to_o perform_v gospel-obedience_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n and_o exercise_v of_o faith_n and_o be_v therefore_o in_o scripture_n call_v the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n because_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o faith_n in_o exercise_n animate_v quicken_a and_o improve_n all_o the_o grace_n of_o sanctification_n to_o their_o proper_a action_n this_o obedience_n be_v vast_o differ_v from_o that_o which_o be_v require_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o although_o it_o be_v the_o same_o morall-law_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o obedience_n require_v or_o prescribe_v in_o both_o the_o covenant_n yet_o it_o be_v present_v under_o divers_a consideration_n in_o the_o first_o covenant_n it_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o antecedent-condition_n and_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o man_n blessedness_n and_o this_o blessedness_n be_v therein_o propound_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o reward_n of_o that_o obedience_n but_o here_o it_o be_v
such_o a_o objection_n as_o this_o we_o can_v believe_v we_o can_v obey_v they_o be_v thing_n above_o we_o and_o hereupon_o we_o take_v discouragement_n and_o begin_v to_o think_v our_o condition_n be_v as_o remote_a from_o hope_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n as_o ever_o we_o mistake_v the_o covenant_n for_o god_n know_v that_o we_o can_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o understand_v it_o aright_o the_o covenant_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n do_v not_o expect_v at_o our_o hand_n nor_o will_v he_o accept_v of_o we_o a_o faith_n of_o our_o own_o make_n or_o a_o obedience_n do_v in_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o that_o if_o thus_o we_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v covenant_n with_o he_o we_o shall_v but_o irritate_fw-la or_o make_v it_o void_a and_o therefore_o christ_n stand_v as_o a_o mediator_n in_o the_o covenant_n proffer_v himself_o to_o be_v our_o surety_n and_o undertaker_n to_o help_v we_o and_o work_v all_o our_o work_n in_o and_o for_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v perform_v the_o term_n and_o attend_v the_o requisite_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o and_o perfect_v we_o in_o holiness_n and_o so_o to_o keep_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v never_o depart_v from_o he_o and_o if_o we_o set_v about_o or_o think_v to_o do_v any_o new-covenant-duty_n without_o a_o eye_n hither_o and_o reliance_n here_o we_o run_v upon_o woeful_a undo_n mistake_v and_o utter_o lose_v ourselves_o let_v all_o these_o thought_n teach_v we_o to_o see_v and_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o excellency_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n coll._n 2._o we_o have_v here_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o a_o people_n that_o be_v in_o visible_a covenant_n with_o god_n and_o also_o it_o teach_v we_o what_o be_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a ground_n of_o a_o stable_a hope_n that_o such_o a_o people_n may_v comfortable_o rely_v upon_o we_o see_v that_o it_o all_o have_v a_o certain_a reference_n to_o our_o dependence_n upon_o this_o one_o supposition_n if_o they_o keep_v covenant_n this_o be_v the_o only_a three_o argument_n from_o whence_o may_v be_v draw_v a_o sure_a conclusion_n for_o our_o more_o full_a and_o clear_a understanding_n of_o this_o take_v these_o assertion_n 1._o that_o for_o a_o people_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o visible_a and_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o good_a be_v outward_a and_o probationary_a favour_n it_o be_v true_a the_o ordinance_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v in_o a_o sense_n be_v call_v spiritual_a relate_v to_o the_o end_n they_o direct_v we_o unto_o because_o they_o be_v mean_n guide_v and_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o spiritual_a good_a but_o yet_o in_o themselves_o as_o they_o be_v enjoy_v by_o a_o visible_a church_n visible_o they_o be_v outward_a thing_n i_o e._n they_o be_v separable_a from_o and_o may_v be_v enjoy_v without_o true_a inward_a save_v grace_n a_o people_n high_a in_o mean_n may_v be_v low_a in_o grace_n yea_o empty_a of_o it_o such_o be_v capernaum_n mat._n 11._o 23._o laodicea_n may_v be_v rich_a and_o yet_o poor_a rev._n 3._o 17._o etc._n etc._n the_o best_a manure_v and_o most_o careful_o tend_v vineyard_n may_v bring_v forth_o wild_a and_o sour_a grape_n isa_n 5._o begin_v and_o as_o they_o be_v outward_a so_o also_o they_o be_v probationary_a god_n try_v and_o prove_v a_o people_n with_o gospell-priviledge_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a security_n to_o a_o figtree_n that_o because_o it_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o vineyard_n and_o there_o careful_o manure_v it_o shall_v therefore_o bear_v fig_n but_o the_o husband_n man_n come_v year_n after_o year_n to_o see_v whither_o it_o bear_v or_o no_o and_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o he_o shall_v find_v it_o barren_a though_o in_o the_o vineyard_n so_o that_o parable_n seem_v to_o hold_v forth_o luk._n 13._o 7_o 8._o god_n indeed_o expect_v fruit_n according_a to_o his_o lay_v out_o and_o that_o just_o and_o therefore_o he_o come_v and_o look_v for_o it_o but_o it_o do_v not_o always_o prove_v according_a to_o his_o just_a expectation_n not_o that_o god_n can_v indeed_o be_v frustrate_v of_o any_o of_o his_o purpose_n but_o god_n here_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o take_v pain_n in_o their_o husbandry_n with_o a_o eye_n to_o profit_n and_o therefore_o observe_v what_o income_n they_o receive_v 2._o to_o confide_v in_o these_o outward_a enjoyment_n as_o if_o they_o be_v real_a assurance_n of_o god_n complacency_n be_v not_o faith_n but_o presumption_n they_o be_v indeed_o expression_n of_o his_o beneficence_n and_o bring_v with_o they_o a_o demonstration_n of_o his_o great_a benevolence_n but_o they_o be_v not_o assurance_n that_o he_o take_v inward_a delight_n in_o such_o a_o people_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o vain_a thing_n for_o they_o to_o repose_v their_o trust_n &_o confidence_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o yet_o what_o more_o common_a then_o for_o the_o child_n of_o man_n thus_o to_o delude_v themselves_o with_o such_o opinion_n to_o trust_v in_o church-priviledge_n as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a so_o it_o be_v the_o most_o common_a mischief_n and_o misery_n of_o a_o people_n in_o visible_a covenant_n god_n call_v it_o to_o trust_v in_o lie_v word_n jer._n 7._o 4._o and_o it_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o the_o jew_n ruin_n who_o when_o they_o abound_v and_o be_v immerse_v in_o sin_n and_o apostasy_n yet_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o say_v they_o be_v abraham_n child_n john_n baptist_n therefore_o so_o solemn_o warn_v they_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o mat._n 3._o 9_o think_v not_o to_o say_v etc._n etc._n q._n d._n it_o be_v vain_a and_o will_v not_o profit_v it_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n that_o god_n indulge_v not_o only_o with_o worldly_a favour_n and_o the_o affluence_n of_o earthly_a abundance_n but_o also_o with_o gospellenjoyment_n and_o plenty_n of_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n a_o multitude_n that_o be_v the_o generation_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o child_n of_o his_o curse_n who_o shall_v be_v press_v to_o eternal_a death_n and_o sink_v down_o to_o hell_n by_o the_o weight_n of_o ordinance_n such_o be_v those_o unto_o who_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n be_v send_v isai_n 6._o 9_o 10._o the_o mean_v they_o have_v have_v have_v help_v to_o fit_v they_o for_o their_o own_o place_n 3._o where_o god_n have_v do_v more_o for_o a_o people_n there_o he_o expect_v more_o from_o they_o clear_v for_o this_o be_v that_o of_o our_o saviour_n luk._n 12._o 48._o to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v be_v much_o require_v christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n compare_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n i_o e._n the_o visible_a church_n to_o a_o vineyard_n which_o the_o owner_n let_v out_o to_o husbandman_n and_o in_o the_o season_n send_v for_o his_o revenue_n gospell-priviledge_n as_o free_o as_o man_n think_v they_o be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o indeed_o inasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v undeserved_a they_o be_v free_a yet_o they_o shall_v find_v when_o god_n come_v to_o reckon_v with_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o a_o severe_a account_n for_o they_o god_n keep_v a_o book_n of_o account_n what_o ever_o man_n think_v of_o he_o or_o how_o careless_a soever_o they_o may_v judge_v he_o to_o be_v and_o there_o he_o charge_v down_o to_o man_n score_n all_o the_o several_a particular_a disbursement_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v out_o upon_o this_o and_o that_o man_n these_o and_o those_o church_n you_o find_v the_o several_n enumerate_v of_o what_o he_o have_v be_v out_o upon_o or_o do_v for_o his_o vineyard_n isai_n 5._o begin_v and_o so_o he_o do_v for_o every_o vineyard_n and_o every_o figtree_n every_o sermon_n that_o be_v preach_v to_o they_o every_o sacrament_n that_o be_v administer_v every_o labourer_n who_o he_o either_o fix_v among_o they_o or_o send_v occasional_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o his_o husbandry_n there_o these_o be_v in_o his_o treasure_n and_o a_o memorial_n of_o they_o register_v with_o he_o not_o a_o item_n forget_v poor_a heathen_a have_v not_o so_o much_o to_o account_v for_o as_o a_o people_n who_o be_v in_o visible_a covenant_n with_o god_n have_v god_n connive_n at_o abundance_n of_o sin_n in_o place_n of_o darkness_n which_o he_o will_v not_o where_o gospell-light_n shine_v observable_a be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n acts._n 17._o 30._o the_o time_n of_o this_o ignorance_n god_n wink_v at_o but_o now_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v and_o what_o a_o difference_n of_o time_n mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v our_o saviour_n christ_n make_v joh._n 15._o 22._o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v to_o they_o they_o have_v have_v no_o sin_n but_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o
visible_a covenant-priviledge_n and_o they_o be_v for_o the_o bring_v the_o elect_a home_n unto_o glory_n eph._n 4._o 10_o 11_o 12._o object_n but_o this_o be_v no_o covenant-priviledge_n for_o the_o heathen_a have_v this_o liberty_n we_o keep_v they_o not_o away_o from_o come_v to_o the_o ordinance_n answ_n from_o the_o word_n preach_v we_o exclude_v none_o any_o may_v come_v that_o will_n but_o still_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o other_o ordinance_n which_o we_o admit_v they_o to_o till_o they_o do_v embrace_v the_o covenant_n and_o that_o by_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o so_o they_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n we_o baptise_v they_o not_o we_o admit_v they_o not_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n exercise_v not_o church_n watch_v cover_n or_o discipline_n to_o they_o till_o then_o so_o that_o the_o covenant_n be_v unto_o they_o a_o necessary_a medium_fw-la of_o perticipation_n there_o must_v be_v a_o visible_a conversion_n wrought_v in_o they_o from_o the_o heathen_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n 2._o though_o the_o word_n may_v be_v preach_v to_o the_o heathen_a yet_o it_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n or_o covenant_n people_n of_o god_n rom._n 3._o 2._o it_o be_v a_o depositum_fw-la that_o god_n put_v into_o their_o hand_n a_o gift_n of_o god_n favour_n which_o he_o have_v give_v his_o church_n possession_n of_o quest_n but_o it_o may_v then_o be_v demand_v why_o then_o do_v you_o not_o admit_v all_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n if_o they_o be_v they_o wrong_a be_v do_v they_o by_o debar_v they_o of_o their_o right_n answ_n that_o any_o of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v adult_n do_v not_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n be_v their_o own_o fault_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o door_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n stand_v open_a unto_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o come_v in_o to_o it_o and_o be_v regular_o fit_a for_o it_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n they_o shall_v be_v prohibit_v nay_o all_o encouragement_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v set_v before_o they_o that_o they_o may_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n manner_n of_o expression_n be_v compel_v to_o come_v in_o i._n e._n by_o the_o force_n of_o argument_n and_o persuasion_n thus_o we_o see_v it_o be_v a_o great_a privilege_n to_o have_v a_o title_n to_o the_o ordinance_n for_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o eternal_a salvation_n as_o to_o mean_n be_v therein_o afford_v they_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n so_o 2_o tim._n 3._o 16_o 17._o the_o sacrament_n administer_v have_v abundance_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o and_o afford_v great_a relief_n and_o sttength_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o who_o know_v how_o to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o the_o church_n censure_n be_v medicinal_a and_o appoint_v by_o god_n for_o heal_v and_o not_o for_o destruction_n 3._o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o be_v privilege_v with_o much_o more_o of_o the_o presence_n and_o strive_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n than_o other_o ordinary_o enjoy_v the_o spirit_n speak_v direct_o to_o the_o church_n he_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n church_n officer_n be_v star_n in_o christ_n own_o right_a hand_n and_o where_o god_n have_v record_v his_o name_n he_o have_v engage_v his_o presence_n exod._n 20._o 24._o he_o speak_v more_o dark_o obscure_o weak_o to_o heathen_a by_o the_o light_n of_o their_o natural_a conscience_n than_o he_o do_v to_o those_o who_o sit_v under_o the_o word_n and_o mean_n the_o word_n be_v the_o chariot_n in_o which_o he_o choose_v to_o ride_v most_o eminent_o and_o with_o which_o he_o insinuate_v himself_o into_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n these_o to_o be_v sure_o shall_v have_v the_o first_o proffer_n of_o salvation_n make_v to_o they_o act._n 13._o 46._o and_o if_o they_o embrace_v and_o accept_v they_o to_o be_v they_o herein_o they_o great_o please_v god_n in_o a_o word_n they_o be_v advantage_v to_o have_v as_o much_o do_v with_o they_o for_o their_o good_a as_o can_v be_v as_o to_z mean_n the_o care_n the_o cost_n the_o pain_n of_o the_o husbandman_n be_v be_v not_o lay_v out_o upon_o the_o open_a forest_n or_o wild_a wilderness_n but_o upon_o his_o vineyard_n isa_n 5._o begin_v prop._n 3._o that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n stand_v in_o a_o very_a difficult_a and_o hazardous_a relation_n many_o be_v prone_a to_o be_v proud_a of_o their_o privilege_n and_o say_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v these_o they_o boast_v themselves_o and_o be_v confident_a in_o their_o church_n relation_n but_o how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o do_v solemn_o consider_v their_o danger_n as_o it_o be_v a_o precious_a so_o it_o be_v a_o very_a awful_a thing_n to_o be_v in_o visible_a covenant_n with_o god_n the_o name_n of_o covenant_n relation_n viz._n the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v a_o great_a and_o dreadful_a name_n deut._n 28._o 58._o there_o be_v none_o upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o stand_v upon_o more_o dangerous_a precipice_n than_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o assertion_n may_v be_v make_v clear_a if_o we_o consider_v these_o few_o thing_n i._o that_o visible-covenant-interest_n will_v not_o afford_v man_n sufficient_a security_n against_o eternal_a damnation_n many_o there_o be_v who_o fond_o think_v the_o covenant_n shall_v save_v they_o but_o they_o do_v but_o put_v a_o cheat_n upon_o their_o own_o soul_n keep_v of_o covenant_n will_v save_v a_o man_n according_a to_o god_n promise_n who_o will_v be_v true_a to_o his_o word_n but_o bare_o be_v outward_o in_o covenant_n will_v not_o do_v it_o the_o covenant_n indeed_o have_v save_v mercy_n in_o it_o but_o they_o be_v exhibit_v or_o propound_v to_o we_o with_o a_o if_o if_o you_o keep_v it_o there_o be_v many_o be_v admit_v to_o tread_v in_o the_o holy_a place_n who_o shall_v never_o be_v entertain_v inthe_n most_o holy_a if_o some_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o plead_v the_o covenant_n with_o christ_n at_o the_o last_o day_n he_o will_v counterplead_v they_o yea_o and_o condemn_v they_o by_o the_o same_o covenant_n by_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v save_v because_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o they_o do_v not_o keep_v it_o this_o position_n be_v so_o notorious_o true_a that_o there_o be_v manifold_a example_n of_o those_o who_o have_v not_o only_o forfeit_v the_o visible_a privilege_n of_o it_o but_o also_o have_v fall_v from_o it_o into_o the_o depth_n of_o hell_n what_o get_v ishmael_n by_o be_v a_o child_n of_o the_o church_n and_o circumcise_v when_o he_o turn_v a_o mocker_n but_o rejection_n from_o the_o church_n and_o exclusion_n out_o of_o heaven_n what_o get_v esau_n when_o he_o become_v profane_a or_o absalon_n when_o he_o prove_v a_o rebel_n if_o child_n grow_v loose_a light_n vain_a wicked_a etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o hide_v of_o themselves_o in_o the_o church_n or_o under_o the_o covenant_n from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n he_o will_v search_v jerusalem_n with_o candle_n and_o his_o wrath_n find_v out_o all_o those_o who_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n god_n see_v we_o not_o zeph._n 1._o 12._o when_o die_v david_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o instruct_v his_o son_n solomon_n about_o the_o covenant_n he_o open_v the_o nature_n and_o hazard_n of_o it_o 1_o chron._n 28._o 9_o if_o thou_o seek_v he_o he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o thou_o but_o if_o thou_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v cast_v thou_o off_o for_o ever_o a_o noble_a vine_n may_v degenerate_v and_o the_o child_n of_o godly_a parent_n may_v prove_v apostate_n and_o if_o they_o do_v what_o can_v be_v expect_v but_o destruction_n a_o man_n must_v be_v something_o more_o than_o outward_o a_o jew_n or_o church-member_n or_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n else_o this_o will_v deceive_v he_o and_o give_v he_o no_o sure_a title_n to_o heaven_n and_o glory_n 2._o that_o godly_a parent_n can_v by_o their_o faith_n nor_o all_o endeavour_n work_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o secure_v the_o regeneration_n and_o salvation_n of_o their_o child_n it_o have_v be_v a_o question_n move_v by_o some_o whither_o godly_a parent_n do_v their_o duty_n to_o their_o child_n faithful_o and_o use_v their_o outmost_a endeavour_n in_o bring_v they_o up_o for_o god_n may_v not_o rely_v on_o the_o covenant-promise_n and_o positive_o believe_v their_o child_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o that_o although_o for_o the_o present_a they_o see_v no_o change_n wrought_v in_o they_o but_o they_o walk_v in_o vain_a course_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v propound_v a_o few_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o divine_a grace_n which_o can_v
forsake_v i_o how_o shall_v i_o pardon_v thou_o for_o this_o god_n have_v take_v such_o as_o these_o very_a near_a to_o he_o he_o have_v give_v they_o such_o privilege_n and_o so_o many_o advantage_n hence_o for_o a_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o live_v like_o the_o child_n of_o heathen_a and_o those_o who_o god_n have_v not_o know_v this_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o a_o deep_a dye_n yea_o far_o deep_o than_o they_o who_o only_o abuse_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o common_a goodness_n of_o god_n if_o you_o read_v ezek._n 16._o per_fw-la totum_fw-la you_o shall_v there_o see_v what_o a_o course_n god_n take_v to_o make_v jerusalem_n sin_n to_o appear_v unparrellele_v viz._n by_o declare_v what_o covenant_n privilege_n and_o favour_n they_o have_v enjoy_v and_o profane_o abuse_v very_o god_n can_v endure_v to_o see_v that_o in_o sodom_n which_o he_o can_v bear_v to_o see_v in_o zion_n 4._o hence_o to_o perish_v from_o under_o the_o covenant_n will_v be_v a_o most_o astonish_a perdition_n if_o judah_n provoke_v god_n to_o destroy_v she_o she_o come_v down_o wonderful_o even_o to_o the_o astonishment_n of_o all_o her_o neighbour_n let_v i_o tell_v you_o there_o be_v none_o that_o leave_v the_o world_n with_o such_o amaze_a fear_n and_o terror_n that_o close_v their_o life_n with_o such_o dreadful_a agony_n and_o horror_n as_o such_o do_v who_o have_v be_v relate_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n of_o it_o and_o slight_v they_o the_o remembrance_n of_o their_o church_n state_n their_o baptism_n the_o ordinance_n they_o have_v sit_v under_o the_o threaten_n warn_n counsel_n and_o encouragement_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o they_o have_v despise_v will_v fill_v their_o conscience_n with_o most_o dreadful_a regret_v and_o reflection_n and_o if_o any_o have_v be_v so_o sear_v as_o to_o stifle_v and_o suppress_v all_o these_o remorce_n and_o to_o depart_v this_o life_n under_o a_o sullen_a and_o desperate_a hardness_n or_o a_o self-cheating_a hope_n yet_o in_o the_o great_a day_n when_o the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o their_o deed_n than_o woe_n and_o ten_o thousand_o woe_n to_o those_o child_n of_o the_o church_n that_o shall_v have_v despise_v their_o privilege_n and_o slight_v the_o grace_n proffer_v in_o the_o covenant_n that_o have_v sell_v themselves_o to_o profaneness_n or_o live_v in_o desperate_a hypocrisy_n that_o have_v forget_v their_o covenant-engagement_n to_o god_n and_o bring_v themselves_o under_o the_o curse_n of_o that_o covenant_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o relation_n of_o child_n to_o the_o covenant_n what_o be_v their_o privilege_n and_o what_o be_v their_o danger_n god_n of_o his_o mercy_n grant_v both_o to_o parent_n and_o child_n grace_n and_o wisdom_n to_o make_v a_o right_a improvement_n of_o these_o solemn_a consideration_n use_v ii_o for_o exhortation_n to_o all_o such_o as_o stand_v relate_v to_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v very_o careful_a and_o watchful_a to_o yourselves_o that_o you_o keep_v it_o you_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o boast_v of_o or_o confide_v in_o your_o covenant_n relation_n as_o to_o see_v to_o your_o own_o part_n and_o duty_n in_o which_o you_o be_v next_o concern_v take_v these_o thing_n for_o motive_n 1._o it_o be_v no_o little_a or_o light_a matter_n to_o keep_v covenant_n with_o god_n it_o be_v true_a evangelical_n duty_n be_v easy_a if_o it_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o rigid_a and_o strict_a yea_o impossible_a to_o be_v perform_v demand_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n impossible_a i_o mean_v by_o the_o child_n of_o fall_v adam_n god_n give_v acceptance_n to_o such_o weak_a duty_n and_o withal_o give_v strength_n to_o do_v they_o but_o still_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v require_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v for_o matter_n very_o large_a and_o for_o difficulty_n exceed_v all_o our_o own_o power_n in_o ourselves_o and_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o special_a grace_n from_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n comprehend_v in_o those_o two_o short_a word_n believe_v and_o obey_v perseverance_n in_o the_o faith_n maintain_v it_o against_o all_o the_o shock_n of_o temptation_n which_o assault_v it_o and_o constancy_n in_o obedience_n continue_v faithful_a unto_o death_n wait_v till_o afterward_o for_o our_o reward_n these_o be_v great_a work_n to_o do_v all_o we_o do_v for_o god_n as_o be_v his_o servant_n to_o devote_v all_o our_o time_n to_o jesus_n christ_n as_o those_o who_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n require_v care_n diligence_n vigilance_n again_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o duty_n lay_v upon_o we_o in_o the_o covenant_n the_o precept_n be_v of_o great_a latitude_n psal_n 119_o 96._o every_o command_n be_v full_a there_o be_v duty_n to_o be_v do_v sin_v to_o be_v avoid_v there_o be_v affliction_n &_o trial_n to_o be_v undergo_v god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o and_o worship_v our_o neighbour_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v and_o love_v there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o relation_n which_o a_o christian_a stand_v in_o and_o every_o one_o have_v its_o particular_a respective_a duty_n moreover_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o all_o in_o it_o stand_v engage_v in_o these_o covenant_n duty_n every_o faculty_n and_o member_n owe_v obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o have_v our_o heart_n to_o look_v after_o and_o keep_v with_o diligence_n for_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n prov._n 4._o 23._o our_o tongue_n to_o order_n and_o keep_v within_o bound_n which_o must_v be_v well_o look_v after_o psal_n 39_o 1._o and_o all_o our_o bodily_a action_n must_v be_v conform_v to_o divine_a prescript_n all_o our_o natural_a civil_a and_o religious_a action_n must_v be_v square_v by_o the_o right_a rule_n and_o direct_v to_o their_o proper_a end_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 31._o final_o that_o which_o make_v it_o so_o great_a a_o work_n to_o keep_v covenant_n be_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o strength_n of_o our_o corruption_n and_o force_v of_o the_o temptation_n we_o be_v expose_v to_o we_o have_v every_o one_o of_o we_o a_o traitor_n in_o our_o bosom_n beside_o a_o solicitous_a and_o diligent_a enemy_n wait_v all_o opportunity_n to_o tempt_v and_o draw_v we_o aside_o and_o there_o must_v be_v great_a vigilancy_n and_o resolution_n to_o resist_v a_o subtle_a devil_n hold_v correspondence_n with_o a_o treacherous_a heart_n put_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o and_o they_o will_v speak_v thus_o much_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a work_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o keep_v covenant_n with_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a whither_o you_o keep_v covenant_n or_o no._n if_o you_o will_v enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o promise_n you_o must_v have_v the_o witness_n of_o your_o own_o conscience_n unto_o this_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v in_o visible_a covenant_n and_o another_o to_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n positive_o engage_v to_o you_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o great_o with_o this_o opinion_n that_o they_o think_v if_o they_o be_v in_o covenant_n they_o have_v christ_n for_o their_o surety_n and_o undertaker_n and_o hence_o can_v maintain_v strong_a confidence_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o own_o careless_a and_o carnal_a neglect_n abuse_v and_o pervert_v many_o scripture_n and_o particular_o that_o 1_o joh._n 2._o 1._o if_o we_o sin_v we_o have_v a_o advocate_n they_o promise_v themselves_o that_o christ_n shall_v answer_v for_o all_o their_o breach_n of_o covenant_n and_o hereupon_o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n with_o they_o to_o neglect_v duty_n and_o live_v careless_o and_o irregular_o but_o we_o must_v beware_v of_o deceive_v ourselves_o for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v 1_o thes_n 4._o 7_o consider_v then_o 1._o we_o may_v be_v in_o visible_a covenant_n and_o yet_o not_o have_v christ_n for_o our_o engage_a undertaker_n it_o be_v only_a believer_n that_o have_v true_o place_v their_o soul_n trust_v in_o he_o that_o he_o stand_v engage_v to_o and_o for_o to_z other_o he_o be_v only_o propound_v all_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v not_o save_v faith_n wrought_v in_o they_o they_o have_v not_o cordial_o close_v with_o christ_n as_o their_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n though_o they_o have_v outward_o and_o verbal_o promise_v so_o to_o do_v and_o his_o mediation_n and_o redemption_n will_v not_o be_v profitable_a to_o such_o these_o have_v pardon_n peace_n and_o salvation_n promise_v to_o they_o only_o with_o this_o proviso_n if_o they_o believe_v and_o that_o with_o such_o a_o caveat_n annex_v to_o it_o too_o that_o if_o they_o believe_v not_o they_o shall_v be_v damn_v god_n indeed_o bestow_v upon_o they_o all_o visible_a mean_n and_o help_v to_o believe_v but_o if_o they_o improve_v they_o not_o unto_o the_o