Selected quad for the lemma: duty_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n faith_n law_n moral_a 1,475 5 9.2774 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
B08803 Several discourses concerning the actual Providence of God. Divided into three parts. The first, treating concerning the notion of it, establshing the doctrine of it, opening the principal acts of it, preservation and government of created beings. With the particular acts, by which it so preserveth and governeth them. The second, concerning the specialities of it, the unseachable things of it, and several observable things in its motions. The third, concerning the dysnoēta, or hard chapters of it, in which an attempt is made to solve several appearances of difficulty in the motions of Providence, and to vindicate the justice, wisdom, and holiness of God, with the reasonableness of his dealing in such motions. / By John Collinges ... Collinges, John, 1623-1690. 1678 (1678) Wing C5335; ESTC R233164 689,844 860

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life_n as_o they_o can_v i_o say_v which_o way_n soever_o man_n will_v consider_v themselves_o or_o whatsoever_o they_o will_v place_v their_o ultimate_a felicity_n in_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o vision_n of_o god_n to_o eternity_n or_o in_o live_v long_o and_o happy_a still_o it_o be_v their_o high_a wisdom_n both_o in_o their_o personal_a capacity_n and_o in_o their_o relative_a capacity_n as_o they_o stand_v relate_v to_o other_o in_o their_o political_a or_o oeconomical_a relation_n as_o prince_n subject_n husband_n wife_n parent_n child_n master_n or_o servant_n to_o govern_v they_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o by_o the_o square_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o the_o observation_n i_o say_v of_o these_o ordinary_a disposition_n of_o divine_a providence_n must_v therefore_o be_v exceed_o conducive_a to_o the_o increase_n of_o spiritual_a wisdom_n in_o our_o soul_n 2._o this_o observation_n will_v also_o teach_v we_o to_o understand_v the_o love_a kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v by_o all_o christian_n confess_o the_o end_n of_o man_n creation_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v the_o end_n of_o his_o action_n but_o herein_o appear_v the_o transcendent_a goodness_n of_o god_n that_o no_o man_n can_v act_v for_o his_o glory_n but_o he_o must_v also_o by_o the_o same_o action_n consult_v his_o own_o good_a and_o be_v wise_a for_o himself_o so_o that_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o man_n serve_v god_n for_o nothing_o but_o in_o the_o same_o action_n by_o and_o in_o which_o he_o obey_v god_n he_o also_o consult_v his_o own_o life_n health_n riches_n success_n in_o business_n and_o whatsoever_o can_v contribute_v not_o only_o to_o his_o eternal_a felicity_n but_o to_o his_o felicity_n and_o happiness_n in_o this_o life_n now_o how_o wonderful_o do_v this_o speak_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n every_o man_n reason_n will_v tell_v he_o that_o there_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o homage_n and_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a from_o man_n unto_o god_n god_n be_v our_o creator_n we_o be_v his_o creature_n in_o he_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o equal_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o our_o preservation_n and_o sustentation_n from_o his_o providence_n as_o derive_v from_o he_o as_o our_o creator_n and_o the_o first_o author_n of_o being_n to_o we_o now_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o man_n in_o the_o cause_n to_o prescribe_v the_o honour_n and_o homage_n which_o shall_v be_v grateful_a and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o so_o undoubted_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o free_a to_o he_o to_o have_v prescribe_v we_o a_o homage_n and_o service_n that_o shall_v have_v impeach_v and_o prejudice_v or_o some_o way_n disadvantage_v we_o as_o to_o our_o external_a felicity_n and_o the_o accommodation_n of_o this_o life_n which_o shall_v make_v it_o sweet_a to_o we_o but_o in_o this_o see_v the_o great_a love_a kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o no_o man_n can_v possible_o at_o more_o advantage_n serve_v himself_o and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o family_n or_o city_n or_o country_n than_o by_o serve_v god_n and_o endeavour_v to_o square_v his_o whole_a converse_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n govern_v himself_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n which_o it_o give_v nor_o do_v god_n require_v any_o thing_n of_o we_o that_o be_v ungrateful_a to_o that_o true_a reason_n which_o be_v in_o every_o man_n all_o the_o command_n of_o god_n do_v but_o pinch_v we_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o lust_n and_o passion_n the_o exercise_n of_o which_o if_o they_o have_v their_o liberty_n and_o be_v not_o by_o a_o divine_a law_n restrain_v will_v have_v no_o better_o a_o effect_n from_o their_o natural_a tendency_n than_o the_o embitter_a of_o our_o life_n by_o ache_n and_o pain_n and_o grievous_a disease_n by_o the_o rebellion_n crossness_n and_o undutifulness_n of_o our_o relation_n by_o a_o liberty_n to_o injustice_n fraud_n deceit_n and_o oppression_n this_o be_v a_o great_a demonstration_n of_o god_n love_a kindness_n that_o in_o his_o rule_n for_o the_o government_n of_o we_o he_o have_v twist_v our_o interest_n with_o his_o own_o and_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o those_o who_o most_o consult_v his_o honour_n and_o glory_n most_o to_o consult_v their_o own_o good_a and_o happiness_n and_o that_o not_o only_o as_o to_o a_o life_n to_o come_v but_o as_o to_o this_o life_n also_o use_v 2._o we_o may_v learn_v from_o hence_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o most_o of_o man_n be_v curse_v with_o the_o want_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n i_o say_v the_o most_o of_o man_n for_o what_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o from_o these_o general_a rule_n we_o must_v always_o except_v those_o particular_a cause_n where_o god_n either_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o some_o sin_n in_o his_o people_n or_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n have_v reserve_v a_o better_a portion_n for_o they_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v do_v think_v fit_a to_o exercise_v they_o with_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o sensible_a blessing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o set_v aside_o those_o case_n the_o general_a cause_n be_v their_z not_o live_v up_o to_o that_o conformity_n or_o square_a to_o the_o divine_a rule_n to_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o live_v but_o either_o fail_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o exercise_v of_o religion_n to_o which_o the_o divine_a law_n bind_v they_o or_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o probity_n and_o moral_a honesty_n justice_n temperance_n sobriety_n unity_n and_o amity_n which_o the_o same_o law_n do_v require_v of_o they_o what_o wonder_n be_v it_o to_o see_v the_o lazy_a sluggard_n poor_a have_v not_o god_n say_v to_o he_o prov._n 6.9_o how_o long_o will_v thou_o sleep_v o_o sluggard_n when_o will_v thou_o arise_v out_o of_o sleep_n v._o 11._o so_o shall_v thy_o poverty_n come_v as_o one_o that_o travel_v and_o thy_o want_n as_o a_o arm_a man_n or_o to_o see_v oppressor_n and_o griper_n of_o their_o neighbour-poor_a god_n have_v tell_v they_o prov._n 10.15_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v their_o poverty_n or_o to_o see_v the_o penurious_a man_n grow_v poor_a have_v not_o god_n tell_v we_o that_o to_o withhold_v more_o than_o be_v meet_v tend_v to_o poverty_n prov._n 11.24_o what_o wonder_n be_v it_o to_o see_v drunkard_n and_o glutton_n poor_a have_v not_o god_n say_v the_o drunkard_n and_o glutton_n shall_v come_v to_o poverty_n and_o drousiness_n shall_v clothe_v a_o man_n with_o rag_n prov._n 23.21_o what_o wonder_n be_v it_o to_o see_v those_o that_o be_v companion_n of_o lewd_a person_n drunkard_n adulterer_n gamester_n etc._n etc._n grow_v poor_a have_v not_o god_n again_o say_v prov._n 28.19_o that_o he_o who_o follow_v after_o vain_a person_n shall_v have_v poverty_n enough_o o_o israel_n say_v god_n by_o the_o prophet_n hoseah_n thou_o have_v destroy_v thyself_o but_o in_o i_o be_v thy_o help_n hos_fw-la 13.9_o it_o be_v true_a as_o to_o man_n eternal_a ruin_n but_o the_o prophet_n there_o primary_o speak_v of_o man_n destroy_n themselves_o by_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o punishment_n in_o this_o life_n to_o themselves_o man_n destroy_v their_o own_o life_n health_n body_n by_o drunkenness_n gluttony_n uncleanness_n their_o estate_n by_o sloth_n and_o luxury_n the_o comfort_n of_o their_o own_o life_n by_o give_v a_o unbridled_a liberty_n to_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n indulge_v the_o lusting_n of_o their_o flesh_n the_o righteous_a god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v accuse_v for_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n he_o have_v give_v man_n a_o righteous_a law_n which_o to_o their_o reason_n approve_v itself_o to_o be_v holy_a spiritual_a just_a and_o good_a but_o they_o be_v carnal_a sell_v unto_o sin_n slave_n to_o their_o appetite_n to_o their_o sensual_a faculty_n and_o either_o ruin_n themselves_o by_o their_o irreligious_a or_o immoral_a behaviour_n and_o do_v those_o thing_n over_o which_o if_o god_n have_v not_o by_o his_o severe_a threaten_n in_o his_o word_n hang_v a_o sword_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n yet_o in_o themselves_o and_o of_o their_o own_o nature_n they_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o destroy_v life_n health_n to_o waste_v and_o consume_v estate_n and_o to_o deprive_v they_o of_o all_o those_o good_a thing_n which_o may_v accommodate_v their_o life_n and_o make_v they_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a to_o they_o and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o affliction_n they_o must_v lay_v the_o fault_n upon_o themselves_o and_o excuse_n god_n in_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o providence_n acknowledge_v that_o it_o have_v but_o fulfil_v his_o word_n and_o bring_v to_o pass_v the_o just_a threaten_n of_o his_o word_n nay_o not_o so_o only_o but_o that_o it_o have_v only_o bring_v natural_a thing_n to_o
1._o a_o silence_n from_o passion_n mourn_v within_o ourselves_o fret_v vex_a etc._n etc._n a_o man_n break_v this_o silence_n when_o he_o be_v overbear_v with_o fear_n or_o grief_n or_o anger_n these_o three_o way_n the_o soul_n be_v disturb_v and_o make_v a_o noise_n under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n which_o break_v this_o religious_a silence_n 1._o by_o anger_n fret_v fume_a and_o vex_v himself_o at_o god_n dispensation_n this_o be_v moses_n and_o aaron_n fail_v at_o the_o water_n of_o meribah_n and_o ionas_n his_o error_n when_o the_o gourd_n fail_v he_o as_o to_o its_o shelter_n but_o of_o this_o i_o have_v speak_v full_o already_o when_o i_o handle_v the_o negative_a part_n of_o a_o christian_n duty_n under_o god_n dispensation_n of_o nature_n 2._o fear_v immoderate_a fear_n be_v another_o passion_n that_o spoil_v this_o silence_n of_o the_o soul_n fear_n make_v a_o earthquake_n within_o we_o and_o cause_v great_a unquietness_n in_o our_o spirit_n the_o soul_n that_o be_v overbear_v with_o fear_n never_o keep_v silence_n 3._o a_o three_o passion_n be_v immoderate_a grief_n this_o also_o break_v the_o soul_n silence_n and_o quiet_a psal_n 42._o why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v within_o i_o so_o as_o that_o soul_n that_o under_o god_n dispensation_n of_o this_o nature_n either_o fume_v vex_v or_o fret_v at_o god_n because_o of_o they_o or_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o immoderate_a or_o unreasonable_a fear_n or_o be_v overwhelm_v or_o drown_v in_o immoderate_a grief_n that_o soul_n do_v not_o keep_v silence_n but_o that_o soul_n only_o keep_v a_o due_a silence_n to_o god_n which_o under_o such_o providence_n abide_v in_o a_o calm_a and_o quiet_a temper_n neither_o shake_v with_o fear_n nor_o overcome_v with_o immoderate_a grief_n or_o sorrow_n this_o be_v now_o silentium_fw-la animae_fw-la the_o silence_n of_o the_o soul_n before_o and_o unto_o god_n 2._o but_o there_o be_v also_o a_o silence_n of_o the_o tongue_n this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o this_o religious_a silence_n this_o be_v oppose_v to_o murmur_a curse_a and_o blaspheme_v of_o god_n to_o speak_v hardly_o of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o hard_a master_n and_o do_v not_o deal_v just_o or_o equal_o with_o we_o to_o any_o speak_v which_o be_v derogatory_n to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n all_o this_o now_o fall_v under_o the_o first_o general_a duty_n by_o which_o i_o open_v a_o silent_a wait_v for_o god_n which_o i_o call_v a_o free_a and_o voluntary_a submission_n to_o the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n without_o any_o disturbance_n of_o passion_n or_o any_o sinful_a expression_n of_o our_o tongue_n 2._o a_o second_o thing_n wherein_o this_o duty_n lie_v be_v a_o steady_a dependence_n upon_o god_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o promise_n make_v to_o his_o people_n in_o such_o a_o condition_n he_o that_o have_v nothing_o to_o depend_v upon_o or_o trust_v to_o will_v not_o wait_v so_o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o patient_a wait_v where_o there_o be_v no_o secret_a trust_n and_o dependence_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o proper_a exercise_n of_o faith_n i_o have_v speak_v full_o to_o it_o when_o i_o open_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n in_o such_o a_o time_n 3._o a_o three_o thing_n in_o which_o this_o duty_n lie_v be_v in_o the_o soul_n expectation_n and_o look_v out_o for_o god_n early_o in_o the_o morning_n say_v david_n psal_n 5.3_o i_o will_v direct_v my_o prayer_n unto_o thou_o and_o will_v look_v up_o thus_o when_o habakkuk_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o his_o prophecy_n have_v put_v up_o his_o prayer_n to_o god_n he_o say_v chap._n 2._o that_o he_o will_v go_v up_o to_o his_o watch-tower_n a_o man_n go_v up_o to_o a_o tower_n or_o to_o some_o high_a place_n to_o see_v whether_o a_o friend_n or_o a_o enemy_n be_v come_v yea_o or_o no_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o our_o duty_n in_o our_o wait_n upon_o god_n under_o his_o dark_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n while_o we_o be_v wait_v to_o be_v also_o look_v up_o and_o live_v in_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o fulfil_n of_o those_o promise_n which_o we_o have_v discern_v and_o fix_v our_o soul_n by_o faith_n upon_o and_o which_o we_o have_v be_v pray_v for_o our_o heart_n shall_v not_o be_v dead_a we_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o say_v i_o look_v for_o no_o good_a the_o heart_n be_v dead_a when_o it_o come_v to_o that_o the_o soul_n that_o wait_v upon_o god_n under_o dark_a providence_n must_v be_v look_v for_o good_a and_o confident_a in_o its_o expectation_n of_o it_o from_o god_n 4._o last_o this_o wait_v must_v be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o such_o mean_n as_o god_n have_v appoint_v we_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o mercy_n design_v and_o promise_v and_o therefore_o psal_n 37._o v._n 34._o they_o be_v put_v together_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o keep_v his_o way_n now_o you_o have_v this_o duty_n of_o silent_a wait_v upon_o god_n open_v to_o you_o the_o sum_n of_o it_o be_v this_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n under_o these_o providence_n to_o keep_v his_o soul_n from_o be_v overmuch_o shake_v and_o overcome_v with_o fear_n or_o drown_v in_o grief_n from_o fret_v fume_a and_o vex_v at_o god_n deal_n to_o keep_v his_o tongue_n from_o all_o murmur_a all_o foolish_a and_o unadvised_a speak_v with_o his_o lip_n to_o keep_v his_o soul_n in_o a_o quiet_a dependence_n upon_o god_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o word_n daily_o look_v up_o for_o he_o after_o the_o use_n of_o such_o mean_n as_o he_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o in_o his_o reveal_v will_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o mercy_n or_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o he_o have_v make_v the_o subject_a of_o his_o promise_n and_o consequent_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n you_o have_v hear_v your_o duty_n now_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o plead_v with_o all_o you_o that_o hear_v i_o this_o day_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o i_o have_v in_o this_o discourse_n be_v exhort_v to_o several_a duty_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n under_o dark_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n when_o wicked_a man_n have_v be_v set_v up_o high_a increase_v in_o riches_n honour_n every_o way_n prosper_v and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v keep_v in_o low_a despise_v afflict_a state_n and_o condition_n i_o remember_v the_o apostle_n call_v to_o we_o to_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n knowledge_n to_o both_o virtue_n to_o virtue_n temperance_n etc._n etc._n do_v you_o also_o add_v to_o your_o not_o fret_v not_o be_v angry_a and_o envious_a a_o steady_a exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o dependence_n on_o god_n to_o your_o dependence_n on_o god_n and_o trust_v in_o he_o a_o universal_a depart_n from_o evil_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o that_o a_o patient_a quiet_a wait_a for_o god_n i_o shall_v in_o order_n to_o your_o better_a performance_n of_o this_o offer_v some_o counsel_n and_o then_o press_v it_o with_o some_o argument_n and_o so_o shut_v up_o this_o discourse_n 1._o in_o the_o first_o place_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n which_o in_o order_n to_o your_o fulfil_n this_o point_n of_o duty_n i_o shall_v commend_v to_o you_o to_o get_v a_o through_o acquaintance_n with_o 1._o be_v acquaint_v with_o god_n name_n it_o be_v david_n expression_n psal_n 52.9_o i_o will_v wait_v upon_o thy_o name_n for_o it_o be_v good_a before_o thy_o saint_n it_o be_v the_o name_n of_o god_n which_o we_o wait_v upon_o now_o it_o be_v reasonable_a in_o order_n to_o our_o wait_v upon_o his_o name_n that_o we_o shall_v know_v his_o name_n for_o as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v they_o that_o know_v thy_o name_n will_v put_v their_o trust_n in_o thou_o and_o true_o they_o that_o do_v not_o know_v the_o lord_n name_n will_v never_o wait_v upon_o he_o well_o you_o will_v say_v what_o be_v his_o name_n i_o answer_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v reveal_v and_o make_v himself_o know_v by_o or_o to_o be_v that_o be_v his_o name_n i_o may_v instance_n in_o many_o particular_n his_o name_n be_v god_n all-sufficient_a gen._n 17.1_o i_o be_o the_o almighty_a god_n his_o name_n be_v i_o be_o the_o unchangeable_a god_n his_o name_n be_v jehovah_n the_o sovereign_a lord_n god_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o wait_v upon_o he_o his_o name_n be_v the_o lord_n the_o lord_n gracious_a merciful_a etc._n etc._n they_o that_o know_v the_o lord_n name_n that_o be_v thorough_o acquaint_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o he_o have_v in_o his_o word_n make_v himself_o know_v to_o we_o they_o will_v wait_v upon_o god_n they_o will_v see_v it_o a_o reasonable_a thing_n that_o they_o shall_v wait_v upon_o god_n 2._o in_o the_o
est_fw-la organon_n according_a to_o the_o subject_n it_o work_v in_o and_o by_o our_o own_o spiritual_a action_n we_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o these_o spiritual_a habit_n which_o be_v not_o the_o influx_n of_o the_o first_o grace_n but_o of_o further_a grace_n and_o distribute_v to_o soul_n which_o have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v good_a and_o evil_n shall_v god_n grant_v out_o equal_a measure_n of_o this_o grace_n unto_o all_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o grow_v in_o grace_n no_o such_o person_n as_o babe_n in_o grace_n the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n will_v be_v like_o that_o of_o glory_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o infant_n of_o day_n nor_o old_a man_n of_o year_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o have_v speak_v to_o this_o case_n if_o god_n do_v equal_o dispense_v out_o spiritual_a strength_n to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o equal_a stand_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n for_o though_o god_n will_v give_v heaven_n at_o last_o which_o answer_v the_o penny_n in_o the_o parable_n to_o he_o who_o come_v into_o the_o lord_n vineyard_n at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o give_v equal_a degree_n of_o peace_n and_o strength_n to_o those_o that_o come_v in_o to_o his_o vineyard_n and_o work_v there_o but_o one_o hour_n with_o those_o who_o have_v wrought_v all_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n grace_n strengthen_v by_o exercise_n as_o habit_n be_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v by_o frequent_a act_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v in_o this_o case_n for_o all_o those_o that_o be_v of_o equal_a year_n and_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v not_o of_o a_o equal_a faith_n nor_o have_v a_o equal_a zeal_n fervency_n and_o intention_n of_o affection_n nay_o often_o christian_n of_o a_o much_o young_a stand_n find_v more_o spiritual_a strength_n to_o mortify_v their_o corruption_n and_o perform_v spiritual_a duty_n than_o those_o who_o have_v be_v of_o many_o year_n stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n 3._o three_o therefore_o god_n doubtless_o do_v it_o many_o time_n to_o punish_v sin_n and_o guilt_n in_o his_o own_o people_n either_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o ordinance_n and_o duty_n or_o some_o other_o moral_a miscarriage_n sin_n double_o infeeble_v a_o christian_n soul_n 1._o as_o it_o natural_o deadn_v the_o heart_n towards_o god_n and_o discourage_v its_o exercise_n upon_o he_o 2._o as_o it_o provoke_v god_n to_o withdraw_v himself_o sin_n be_v the_o aversion_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o god_n and_o its_o conversion_n and_o turn_n to_o the_o embrace_n of_o the_o creature_n hence_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o soul_n that_o delight_v in_o sin_n shall_v equal_o breathe_v after_o and_o delight_n in_o god_n as_o that_o soul_n that_o hate_v sin_n and_o be_v more_o perfect_o turn_v from_o it_o sin_n quench_v the_o holy_a fire_n in_o the_o soul_n it_o also_o discourage_v the_o soul_n from_o its_o confidence_n in_o god_n and_o in_o its_o address_n to_o god_n it_o make_v the_o conscience_n fly_v in_o a_o man_n face_n and_o repeat_v to_o he_o the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 50._o what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v to_o declare_v my_o statute_n or_o that_o thou_o shall_v take_v my_o covenant_n in_o thy_o mouth_n see_v thou_o hate_v instruction_n and_o cast_v my_o law_n behind_o thou_o or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n what_o fellowship_n have_v light_n with_o darkness_n god_n with_o belial_n righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n sin_n enfeeble_v the_o soul_n in_o all_o its_o address_n to_o god_n and_o discourage_v it_o in_o all_o it_o exercise_n and_o 2._o it_o provoke_v god_n your_o iniquity_n have_v separate_v betwixt_o god_n and_o you_o say_v the_o prophet_n and_o your_o sin_n have_v make_v he_o to_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o you_o it_o be_v say_v by_o a_o great_a commander_n of_o soldier_n that_o he_o be_v never_o afraid_a to_o die_v but_o when_o his_o conscience_n smite_v he_o for_o some_o guilt_n of_o sin_n when_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o christian_a reflect_v guilt_n upon_o he_o he_o be_v discourage_v from_o exercise_v any_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n and_o ashamed_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n to_o go_v unto_o god_n there_o be_v no_o christian_a but_o find_v this_o in_o his_o own_o experience_n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o sin_n do_v wonderful_o prejudice_v his_o holy_a boldness_n in_o his_o approach_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n how_o weak_a be_v thy_o heart_n say_v the_o lord_n god_n see_v thou_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n the_o work_n of_o a_o imperious_a whorish_a woman_n ezek._n 16.30_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o weakness_n to_o sin_n and_o weakness_n to_o any_o spiritual_a act_n be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o soul_n for_o what_o be_v the_o soul_n exercise_n upon_o god_n but_o holy_a meditation_n faith_n hope_n spiritual_a desire_n delight_n a_o fervency_n zeal_n or_o heat_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n in_o god_n service_n now_o sin_n render_v the_o soul_n guilty_a and_o defile_v how_o be_v it_o possible_a it_o shall_v delight_v in_o or_o desire_v communion_n with_o a_o holy_a god_n exercise_v any_o strong_a faith_n and_o hope_v in_o that_o god_n who_o have_v declare_v his_o wrath_n against_o sinner_n or_o care_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n when_o it_o apprehend_v god_n look_v upon_o it_o afar_o off_o with_o a_o angry_a countenance_n this_o be_v another_o thing_n which_o make_v this_o motion_n of_o divine_a providence_n reasonable_a that_o god_n by_o it_o may_v punish_v the_o fail_n error_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o people_n 4._o four_o it_o appear_v reasonable_a upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a difference_n of_o christian_n in_o their_o practice_n of_o godliness_n the_o promise_n of_o strength_n be_v make_v to_o those_o that_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n for_o it_o psal_n 27.14_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n be_v of_o good_a courage_n and_o he_o shall_v strengthen_v thy_o heart_n wait_v i_o say_v on_o the_o lord_n isa_n 40.31_o they_o that_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n shall_v renew_v their_o strength_n they_o shall_v mount_v up_o with_o wing_n like_o the_o eagle_n they_o shall_v run_v and_o not_o be_v weary_a and_o they_o shall_v walk_v and_o not_o faint_a now_o it_o be_v true_a every_o child_n of_o god_n wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n but_o every_o one_o wait_v not_o alike_o nor_o walk_v with_o god_n to_o the_o same_o degree_n experience_n will_v tell_v every_o christian_a that_o the_o more_o strict_o and_o close_o and_o constant_o he_o walk_v with_o god_n the_o strong_a he_o grow_v in_o all_o duty_n infuse_v habit_n be_v advantage_v by_o exercise_n as_o the_o fire_n that_o kindle_v the_o wood_n for_o sacrifice_n upon_o the_o altar_n first_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n but_o then_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v alive_a by_o the_o care_n and_o labour_n of_o the_o priest_n so_o habit_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n be_v indeed_o infuse_v from_o god_n yea_o and_o must_v also_o be_v mantain_v by_o daily_a influence_n from_o god_n yet_o with_o a_o concurrence_n also_o of_o our_o own_o labour_n in_o wait_v upon_o god_n and_o exercise_v ourselves_o unto_o godliness_n and_o the_o more_o a_o christian_n do_v so_o exercise_v himself_o the_o more_o strong_a he_o shall_v grow_v job_n 17.9_o the_o righteous_a shall_v hold_v on_o in_o his_o way_n and_o he_o that_o have_v clean_a hand_n shall_v add_v strength_n or_o as_o our_o translation_n read_v it_o grow_v strong_a and_o strong_a the_o more_o a_o man_n excel_v in_o act_n of_o righteousness_n the_o more_o he_o grow_v in_o spiritual_a strength_n ordinary_o therefore_o man_n and_o woman_n which_o have_v most_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o walk_v more_o close_o with_o he_o have_v most_o strength_n to_o spiritual_a duty_n 5._o christian_n difference_n in_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n of_o god_n be_v one_o great_a reason_n of_o their_o difference_n as_o to_o spiritual_a strength_n 1._o their_o difference_n in_o knowledge_n our_o external_a act_n of_o piety_n such_o as_o prayer_n as_o to_o the_o true_a and_o excellent_a performance_n of_o they_o do_v depend_v upon_o our_o internal_a motion_n towards_o god_n as_o be_v our_o faith_n our_o love_n our_o hope_n so_o will_v our_o fervency_n in_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o hope_n or_o any_o other_o grace_n be_v for_o those_o inward_a habit_n be_v the_o principle_n from_o which_o our_o action_n flow_v the_o power_n which_o in_o action_n we_o exert_v and_o put_v forth_o now_o these_o inward_a working_n of_o our_o soul_n do_v very_o much_o depend_v upon_o our_o knowledge_n it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a fruit_n or_o consequent_n of_o knowledge_n knowledge_n must_v be_v sanctify_v before_o it_o will_v produce_v any_o such_o effect_n many_o a_o
the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v good_a and_o for_o good_a and_o the_o product_n both_o of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o of_o infinite_a goodness_n it_o be_v our_o unhappiness_n that_o we_o judge_v of_o event_n to_o we_o in_o this_o world_n by_o sense_n and_o not_o according_a to_o faith_n this_o make_v we_o call_v many_o thing_n evil_a indeed_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v happen_v to_o a_o good_a man_n true_o evil_a for_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o father_n must_v be_v in_o it_o providence_n must_v have_v the_o order_n of_o it_o and_o never_o do_v the_o hand_n of_o a_o good_a father_n know_o mix_v a_o potion_n of_o poison_n to_o his_o child_n and_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n give_v it_o he_o to_o drink_v we_o do_v not_o ask_v evil_a of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o hear_v our_o prayer_n will_v not_o when_o we_o ask_v he_o bread_n give_v we_o a_o stone_n nor_o when_o we_o ask_v he_o a_o fish_n give_v we_o a_o scorpion_n if_o we_o that_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a thing_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v they_o of_o we_o much_o more_o do_v our_o heavenly_a father_n know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a thing_n to_o his_o child_n ask_v they_o of_o he_o in_o this_o we_o may_v be_v secure_a if_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n influence_v all_o the_o event_n of_o the_o world_n he_o so_o regulate_v they_o that_o although_o they_o may_v prove_v sensible_a joyless_a and_o afflictive_a evil_n yet_o they_o shall_v never_o prove_v real_a evil_n to_o those_o that_o fear_n god_n but_o in_o the_o issue_n appear_v the_o product_n as_o of_o infinite_a wisdom_n so_o also_o of_o infinite_a goodness_n thus_o far_o this_o doctrine_n of_o divine_a providence_n be_v a_o great_a fountain_n of_o consolation_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n but_o last_o let_v we_o inquire_v what_o duty_n we_o may_v conclude_v from_o hence_o and_o that_o be_v very_o much_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o some_o few_o particular_n 1._o be_v there_o a_o divine_a providence_n and_o do_v this_o influence_n all_o being_n motion_n action_n event_n &_o c_o let_v we_o learn_v then_o the_o duty_n of_o faith_n to_o commit_v all_o our_o way_n unto_o god_n to_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o depend_v upon_o he_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n we_o be_v often_o in_o scripture_n call_v to_o and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o our_o person_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o our_o affair_n and_o way_n 1_o pet._n 4.19_o wherefore_o let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n commit_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o soul_n unto_o he_o in_o well-doing_n as_o unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n our_o saviour_n press_v it_o in_o opposition_n to_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n matt._n 10.28_o 29_o 30_o and_o fear_v not_o they_o which_o kill_v the_o body_n but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o kill_v the_o soul_n be_v not_o two_o sparrow_n sell_v for_o a_o farthing_n and_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v not_o fall_v on_o the_o ground_n without_o your_o father_n but_o the_o very_a hair_n of_o your_o head_n be_v number_v fear_v you_o not_o therefore_o for_o you_o be_v of_o more_o value_n than_o many_o sparrow_n 2._o again_o he_o press_v it_o in_o opposition_n to_o too_o great_a solicitude_n matth._n 6.25_o therefore_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o take_v no_o thought_n for_o your_o life_n what_o you_o shall_v eat_v or_o what_o you_o shall_v drink_v nor_o yet_o for_o your_o body_n what_o you_o shall_v put_v on_o this_o he_o press_v from_o god_n providence_n for_o the_o lily_n the_o bird_n etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 26_o 27_o 28_o 29_o 30_o 31._o 2._o with_o respect_n to_o our_o affair_n and_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n so_o far_o as_o they_o concern_v we_o 1._o pet._n 5.7_o cast_v all_o your_o care_n upon_o he_o for_o he_o care_v for_o you_o psal_n 55.22_o cast_v thy_o burden_n upon_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o shall_v sustain_v you_o psal_n 37.3_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v good_a verse_n 5._o commit_v thy_o way_n unto_o the_o lord_n trust_v also_o in_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v bring_v it_o to_o pass_v prov._n 16.3_o commit_v thy_o work_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o thy_o thought_n shall_v be_v establish_v man_n trouble_v himself_o in_o vain_a both_o with_o care_n and_o fear_n the_o child_n of_o god_n especial_o we_o can_v let_v god_n alone_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n but_o sure_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n in_o the_o world_n a_o immense_a and_o infinite_a be_v that_o fill_v all_o place_n and_o infinite_o active_a see_v and_o hear_v all_o thing_n and_o this_o god_n be_v not_o idle_a but_o influence_v all_o being_n all_o motion_n and_o action_n of_o being_n all_o suspension_n omission_n and_o cessation_n of_o action_n in_o the_o creature_n all_o event_n and_o if_o he_o have_v any_o child_n people_n or_o servant_n in_o the_o world_n who_o he_o love_v delight_v in_o care_v for_o these_o people_n may_v trust_v he_o and_o commit_v themselves_o and_o their_o way_n to_o he_o and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v who_o may_v trust_v god_n who_o may_v commit_v their_o way_n unto_o he_o if_o these_o shall_v not_o let_v i_o therefore_o say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 115.9_o 10_o 11._o o_o israel_n trust_v thou_o in_o the_o lord_n o_o house_n of_o aaron_n trust_v in_o the_o lord_n you_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n trust_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o over-solicitous_a be_v not_o sinful_o afraid_a as_o to_o any_o event_n there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o rule_v in_o the_o earth_n that_o oversee_v the_o world_n but_o this_o trust_n in_o god_n must_v be_v 1._o in_o do_v good_a trust_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v good_a psal_n 37.3_o our_o soul_n must_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o well-doing_n 1_o pet._n 4.19_o there_o be_v no_o trust_n in_o the_o lord_n without_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n the_o unholy_a walk_a man_n have_v no_o ground_n to_o trust_v god_n for_o any_o good_a he_o have_v no_o promise_n to_o bottom_v his_o trust_n upon_o we_o must_v trust_v god_n in_o a_o holy_a walk_n 2._o we_o must_v notwithstanding_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n trust_v god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o proper_a mean_n the_o reason_n for_o this_o be_v because_o the_o precept_n command_v the_o use_n of_o lawful_a mean_n trust_v of_o god_n be_v indeed_o exclusive_a of_o the_o use_n of_o unlawful_a mean_n but_o it_o always_o include_v the_o use_n of_o mean_n that_o be_v proper_a and_o lawful_a to_o refuse_v proper_a and_o lawful_a mean_n and_o talk_v of_o trust_v god_n be_v to_o tempt_v he_o not_o to_o trust_v he_o 3._o it_o include_v also_o the_o use_n of_o religious_a mean_n such_o as_o the_o wait_a upon_o god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o ordinance_n the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o prayer_n for_o these_o thing_n say_v god_n i_o will_v be_v inquire_v of_o by_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n prayer_n be_v a_o general_a mean_n institute_v by_o god_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o any_o mercy_n but_o i_o say_v suppose_v these_o three_o thing_n that_o a_o child_n of_o god_n keep_v in_o the_o lord_n way_n and_o have_v use_v all_o proper_a mean_n for_o a_o event_n which_o he_o have_v desire_v and_o seek_v the_o lord_n for_o by_o prayer_n this_o doctrine_n of_o divine_a providence_n show_v he_o the_o high_a reason_n imaginable_a for_o his_o commit_v both_o his_o person_n and_o his_o way_n unto_o the_o lord_n without_o any_o anxious_a solicitude_n or_o distract_n fear_n because_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n who_o care_v for_o we_o therefore_o we_o shall_v cast_v our_o care_n on_o he_o 2._o a_o second_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v press_v upon_o you_o as_o your_o duty_n and_o consequent_a to_o this_o doctrine_n of_o providence_n be_v a_o pious_a security_n in_o all_o condition_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o all_o event_n there_o be_v a_o sinful_a security_n which_o all_o good_a man_n ought_v to_o avoid_v and_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o security_n be_v the_o freedom_n of_o the_o mind_n from_o care_n as_o to_o this_o or_o that_o thing_n now_o this_o be_v sinful_a two_o way_n 1._o when_o the_o ground_n of_o 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20.22_o hos_fw-la 12.6_o and_o as_o often_o resolve_v upon_o by_o the_o holy_a servant_n of_o god_n job_n 14.14_o psal_n 25.21_o psal_n 52.9_o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n and_o there_o be_v many_o excellent_a promise_n that_o be_v make_v to_o it_o psal_n 37.9_o prov._n 20.22_o isa_n 49.23_o it_o be_v exclusive_a of_o all_o murmur_a repine_a and_o discontentedness_n at_o any_o of_o god_n deal_n of_o all_o use_n of_o irregular_a mean_n to_o help_v ourselves_o it_o be_v a_o habit_n of_o grace_n which_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o most_o adverse_a and_o afflictive_a providence_n teach_v we_o to_o stand_v still_o and_o to_o see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o a_o christian_n duty_n keep_v a_o christian_a in_o his_o station_n and_o in_o the_o path_n of_o holiness_n under_o the_o most_o cross_a and_o thwart_a providence_n in_o the_o most_o dark_a and_o gloomy_a day_n and_o the_o great_a confusion_n we_o see_v in_o the_o world_n the_o failure_n of_o this_o be_v like_o the_o start_n of_o the_o ballast_n in_o a_o ship_n in_o a_o storm_n every_o ship_n of_o burden_n that_o go_v to_o sea_n have_v a_o ballast_n of_o stone_n or_o sand_n or_o some_o weighty_a thing_n which_o keep_v it_o even_o upon_o the_o water_n if_o in_o a_o storm_n this_o ballast_n start_v so_o as_o it_o be_v throw_v on_o one_o side_n and_o give_v not_o a_o just_a poise_n to_o the_o ship_n there_o be_v a_o great_a danger_n of_o a_o wrack_n the_o ship_n present_o lie_v all_o on_o one_o side_n i'faith_o now_o be_v this_o ballast_n active_a patience_n or_o wait_v for_o god_n in_o a_o storm_n of_o providence_n be_v that_o which_o keep_v the_o soul_n poise_v if_o this_o ballast_n start_v there_o be_v great_a danger_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v overwhelm_v now_o this_o doctrine_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o to_o all_o motion_n action_n to_o all_o suspension_n omission_n and_o cessation_n of_o action_n to_o all_o event_n and_o future_a contingency_n show_v 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contentation_n with_o our_o lot_n and_o portion_n in_o the_o world_n under_o the_o most_o afflictive_a and_o adverse_a issue_n nothing_o come_v to_o pass_v without_o the_o will_n of_o god_n not_o a_o sparrow_n as_o cheap_a and_o inconsiderable_a a_o bird_n as_o it_o be_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n without_o our_o heavenly_a father_n it_o be_v true_a while_o we_o be_v in_o the_o world_n we_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o brier_n and_o thorn_n subject_v to_o a_o thousand_o accident_n which_o be_v afflictive_a to_o we_o affliction_n in_o our_o body_n trouble_n in_o our_o spirit_n cross_n in_o our_o relation_n and_o in_o our_o affair_n in_o the_o world_n and_o no_o affliction_n
apparent_a tendency_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o whole_a interest_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n if_o possible_o not_o to_o leave_v christ_n a_o name_n in_o the_o earth_n nor_o religion_n pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n a_o foot_n in_o any_o place_n he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v this_o day_n that_o the_o malice_n of_o some_o be_v against_o no_o form_n in_o religion_n but_o the_o life_n and_o power_n and_o practice_n of_o holiness_n the_o devil_n their_o master_n have_v give_v they_o a_o command_n like_o that_o of_o benhadad_n fight_v neither_o against_o small_a nor_o great_a neither_o against_o conformist_n nor_o nonconformist_n but_o against_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n only_o who_o see_v not_o that_o although_o a_o man_n have_v a_o further_a latitude_n than_o other_o of_o his_o brethren_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o conformity_n yet_o if_o he_o live_v a_o holy_a life_n if_o he_o press_v holiness_n in_o his_o pulpit_n and_o practise_v it_o in_o his_o conversation_n he_o make_v himself_o a_o prey_n to_o the_o common_a enemy_n both_o of_o gospel_n faith_n and_o conversation_n but_o trouble_v not_o yourselves_o christian_n the_o lord_n reign_v the_o frog_n out_o of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n may_v through_o god_n permission_n get_v out_o and_o croak_v a_o while_n but_o to_o the_o pit_n they_o must_v return_v again_o a_o sad_a time_n it_o be_v when_o the_o enemy_n say_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o man_n according_a to_o god_n own_o heart_n flee_v as_o a_o bird_n to_o the_o mountain_n when_o the_o wicked_a bent_n their_o bow_n and_o make_v their_o arrow_n ready_a upon_o the_o string_n that_o they_o may_v privy_o shoot_v at_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n psalm_n 11.2_o when_o the_o foundation_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o godly_a know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v what_o comfort_n at_o such_o a_o time_n observe_v the_o same_o psalmist_n v._o 4_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o his_o holy_a temple_n the_o lord_n throne_n be_v in_o heaven_n his_o eye_n behold_v his_o eyelid_n try_v the_o child_n of_o man_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o branch_n of_o application_n with_o that_o psalm_n 99_o v._o 1_o the_o lord_n reign_v let_v the_o people_n tremble_v he_o sit_v between_o the_o cherubim_n let_v the_o earth_n be_v move_v the_o lord_n be_v great_a in_o zion_n and_o he_o be_v high_a above_o all_o people_n let_v they_o praise_v the_o lord_n great_a and_o terrible_a name_n for_o it_o be_v holy_a last_o use_v 3_o this_o doctrine_n be_v a_o foundation_n for_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o exhortation_n every_o good_a christian_n upon_o hear_v this_o doctrine_n concern_v god_n providential_a kingdom_n shall_v be_v say_v what_o now_o be_v my_o duty_n what_o ought_v i_o to_o do_v if_o the_o lord_n reign_v i_o will_v tell_v you_o in_o five_o or_o six_o particular_n and_o so_o shut_v up_o this_o discourse_n concern_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a act_n of_o divine_a providence_n 1._o a_o exercise_n of_o faith_n seem_v a_o very_a reasonable_a piece_n of_o duty_n to_o be_v conclude_v from_o these_o premise_n by_o faith_n here_o i_o understand_v not_o a_o assent_n to_o the_o proposition_n of_o the_o word_n nor_o yet_o a_o rest_v upon_o the_o person_n of_o the_o mediator_n which_o be_v the_o justifying-act_n of_o faith_n but_o commit_v of_o ourselves_o unto_o god_n and_o cast_v our_o care_n upon_o he_o in_o all_o estate_n and_o condition_n a_o thing_n often_o call_v for_o in_o scripture_n cast_v thy_o burden_n on_o the_o lord_n psal_n 55.22_o cast_v all_o your_o care_n upon_o he_o for_o he_o care_v for_o you_o 1_o pet._n 5.7_o commit_v thy_o way_n unto_o the_o lord_n psal_n 37.5_o so_o job_n 5.8_o prov._n 16.3_o sometime_o it_o be_v call_v a_o trust_v in_o god_n psalm_n 4.5_o and_o 7.1_o pro._n 28.25_o and_o 29.5_o isa_n 57.13_o etc._n etc._n power_n and_o love_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o support_v and_o justify_v one_o in_o trust_v and_o put_v confidence_n in_o another_o this_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o general_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o govern_v all_o justify_v he_o as_o to_o his_o power_n to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o sole_a object_n of_o our_o confidence_n we_o can_v trust_v in_o none_o else_o but_o may_v be_v control_v the_o great_a prince_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v but_o man_n under_o the_o authority_n of_o one_o who_o be_v high_o than_o they_o and_o a_o man_n trust_n in_o they_o ofttimes_o be_v but_o like_o the_o jew_n trust_v in_o egypt_n which_o the_o prophet_n compare_v to_o a_o lean_v to_o a_o bruise_a reed_n and_o upon_o a_o break_a staff_n which_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o a_o man_n body_n but_o if_o he_o lean_v upon_o they_o they_o will_v run_v into_o his_o hand_n if_o god_n be_v against_o we_o man_n can_v protect_v from_o he_o nor_o deliver_v out_o of_o his_o hand_n therefore_o say_v the_o psalmist_n psalm_n 118.8_o 9_o it_o be_v better_a to_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n than_o to_o put_v confidence_n in_o man_n it_o be_v better_a to_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n than_o to_o put_v confidence_n in_o prince_n but_o he_o who_o kingdom_n be_v over_o all_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o confidence_n and_o as_o our_o confidence_n in_o god_n be_v warrant_v from_o general_a providence_n as_o to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n so_o as_o to_o his_o love_n it_o be_v secure_v from_o special_a providence_n but_o of_o that_o i_o hope_v to_o speak_v distinct_o only_o a_o word_n here_o lest_o any_o shall_v say_v but_o although_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v over_o all_o so_o that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o power_n i_o may_v trust_v in_o he_o yet_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v his_o power_n shall_v be_v put_v forth_o for_o i_o i_o shall_v but_o offer_v four_o meditation_n to_o you_o 1._o that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a end_n that_o he_o aim_v at_o in_o all_o his_o action_n he_o make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o he_o preserve_v he_o govern_v the_o world_n for_o himself_o 2._o that_o whereas_o god_n have_v a_o twofold_a glory_n 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child_n of_o man_n and_o among_o they_o only_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v voluntary_o and_o out_o of_o choice_n bring_v glory_n to_o god_n god_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v wrest_v his_o glory_n from_o other_o as_o from_o pharaoh_n etc._n etc._n god_n indeed_o in_o some_o sense_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v active_o and_o voluntary_o glorify_v by_o all_o professor_n but_o only_o by_o that_o little_a flock_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o himself_o with_o a_o full_a intention_n voluntary_o and_o sincere_o they_o be_v the_o favourite_n of_o he_o who_o kingdom_n be_v over_o all_o suppose_v then_o god_n to_o have_v a_o dominion_n and_o government_n over_o all_o and_o to_o be_v continual_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o sure_o if_o haman_n can_v say_v who_o shall_v the_o king_n delight_n to_o honour_n but_o i_o they_o may_v with_o much_o better_a right_n and_o advantage_n say_v for_o who_o shall_v the_o great_a king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n exercise_v a_o rule_n and_o a_o dominion_n for_o who_o advantage_n shall_v the_o lord_n govern_v the_o world_n if_o not_o for_o those_o who_o most_o free_o cheerful_o voluntary_o serve_v the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n which_o he_o have_v in_o the_o world_n viz._n his_o own_o glory_n and_o can_v sincere_o sum_v up_o all_o the_o desire_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o that_o one_o petition_n let_v the_o lord_n be_v glorify_v sure_o therefore_o the_o child_n of_o god_n have_v all_o obligation_n imaginable_a upon_o they_o under_o all_o vicissitude_n of_o providence_n to_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o to_o commit_v their_o way_n unto_o the_o lord_n but_o this_o be_v but_o the_o first_o duty_n 2._o a_o second_o duty_n which_o this_o doctrine_n of_o
judgement_n of_o probability_n we_o can_v pretend_v to_o a_o infallibility_n we_o be_v not_o of_o god_n counsel_n and_o his_o way_n be_v great_a deep_n 4._o last_o we_o ought_v so_o far_o to_o search_v into_o and_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o working_n of_o divine_a providence_n as_o may_v any_o way_n conduce_v to_o make_v we_o better_o by_o more_o adore_v and_o revere_v god_n more_o avoid_v of_o sin_n more_o quicken_a up_o the_o habit_n and_o exercise_n of_o grace_n but_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o such_o a_o enquiry_n as_o will_v be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o we_o unless_o to_o make_v we_o atheist_n or_o too_o curious_a searcher_n into_o the_o unsearchable_a thing_n of_o god_n or_o uncharitable_a consurer_n of_o our_o brethren_n the_o reafon_n of_o this_o be_v because_o duty_n be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o behold_n consider_v and_o observe_v the_o lord_n work_n or_o any_o way_n inquire_v and_o search_v into_o they_o this_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v say_v to_o we_o 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17.34_o 35._o manoahs_n observation_n that_o god_n have_v accept_v a_o sacrifice_n confirm_v his_o faith_n that_o he_o will_v not_o destroy_v they_o ofttime_n the_o observe_v of_o and_o search_v into_o the_o way_n of_o divine_a providence_n huge_o excit_v praise_n and_o thankfulness_n psalm_n 107.8.15_o 21_o 31_o etc._n etc._n thus_o far_o now_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o behold_v observe_v search_v into_o the_o way_n of_o divine_a providence_n they_o be_v not_o call_v unsearchable_a to_o deter_v we_o from_o behold_v see_v and_o consider_v they_o so_o far_o as_o it_o may_v help_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o piece_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o god_n god_n hang_v out_o his_o great_a work_n of_o providence_n to_o the_o world_n that_o man_n may_v behold_v they_o look_v upon_o they_o and_o that_o not_o superficial_o but_o wist_o and_o considerate_o well_o but_o how_o be_v they_o then_o unsearchable_a why_o do_v the_o apostle_n pronounce_v they_o past_o find_v out_o that_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n promise_v you_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o proposition_n i_o shall_v open_v it_o to_o you_o in_o several_a particular_n 1._o they_o be_v unsearchable_a and_o past_a find_v out_o as_o to_o the_o latitude_n and_o full_a compass_n of_o they_o job_n ch_n 26_o have_v be_v large_o discourse_v of_o the_o great_a work_n of_o divine_a providence_n his_o stretch_v out_o the_o north_n upon_o the_o empty_a place_n and_o hang_v the_o earth_n upon_o nothing_o ver._n 7_o his_o bind_v up_o the_o water_n in_o the_o thick_a cloud_n and_o the_o cloud_n not_o be_v rend_v under_o they_o ver_fw-la 8_o etc._n etc._n but_o than_o conclude_v for_o 14_o lo_o these_o be_v part_n of_o his_o way_n but_o how_o little_a a_o portion_n be_v hear_v of_o he_o but_o the_o thunder_n of_o his_o power_n who_o can_v understand_v some_o read_v it_o these_o be_v but_o the_o border_n some_o corner_n of_o god_n way_n david_n tell_v we_o psalm_n 111.2_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v great_a seek_v out_o of_o all_o they_o that_o have_v pleasure_n therein_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o seek_v out_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o every_o good_a man_n have_v a_o pleasure_n therein_o and_o will_v be_v modest_o seek_v out_o god_n work_n ay_o but_o though_o they_o will_v be_v seek_v yet_o we_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o in_o this_o world_n than_o seeker_n job_n 16.7_o who_o can_v find_v out_o the_o almighty_a to_o perfection_n say_v god_n much_o of_o god_n be_v see_v much_o of_o god_n may_v be_v find_v out_o but_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n work_n as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o divine_a be_v be_v a_o unsearchable_a thing_n there_o be_v thousand_o of_o thing_n in_o the_o working_n of_o divine_a providence_n which_o we_o can_v find_v out_o infinite_a motion_n in_o the_o upholding_n of_o it_o in_o the_o government_n of_o it_o of_o which_o we_o know_v nothing_o something_o we_o can_v by_o the_o help_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n discourse_n how_o 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study_n cry_v out_o with_o our_o apostle_n o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n this_o knowledge_n be_v as_o job_n say_v ch_n 11.7_o 8_o as_o high_a as_o heaven_n what_o can_v thou_o do_v deep_o than_o hell_n what_o can_v thou_o know_v the_o measure_n thereof_o be_v long_o than_o the_o earth_n and_o broad_a than_o the_o sea_n 2._o a_o second_o thing_n unsearchable_a and_o past_o find_v out_o in_o these_o way_n of_o god_n be_v the_o tendency_n of_o they_o while_o we_o see_v they_o come_v to_o a_o issue_n have_v one_o of_o we_o be_v a_o companion_n with_o joseph_n and_o see_v he_o throw_v into_o a_o pit_n then_o sell_v into_o egypt_n after_o this_o throw_v into_o a_o prison_n upon_o the_o accusation_n of_o his_o mistress_n we_o can_v never_o have_v judge_v this_o a_o method_n in_o order_n to_o his_o ride_v in_o the_o second_o chariot_n and_o be_v the_o second_o man_n in_o egypt_n but_o we_o see_v at_o last_o it_o be_v so_o have_v we_o be_v in_o the_o court_n of_o persia_n or_o babylon_n and_o have_v see_v haman_n exaltation_n and_o his_o power_n with_o the_o king_n obtain_v a_o decree_n from_o he_o for_o the_o destruction_n of_o all_o the_o jew_n we_o shall_v never_o have_v see_v the_o tendency_n of_o this_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o haman_n the_o exaltation_n of_o mordecai_n etc._n etc._n have_v we_o see_v daniel_n throw_v into_o the_o lion_n den_n we_o can_v never_o have_v read_v the_o tendency_n of_o this_o to_o his_o great_a exaltation_n and_o full_a preferment_n and_o conquest_n over_o his_o enemy_n and_o yet_o so_o it_o be_v the_o tendency_n of_o divine_a providence_n be_v sometime_o by_o we_o bold_o determine_v sometime_o guess_v at_o but_o how_o
be_v a_o divine_a stamp_n too_o though_o of_o a_o different_a nature_n what_o mean_n be_v proper_a must_v be_v use_v how_o mean_a soever_o they_o appear_v in_o our_o eye_n what_o proportion_n be_v there_o betwixt_o jonathan_n and_o his_o armour-bearer_n and_o the_o whole_a garrison_n of_o the_o philistine_n between_o jeroboam_n army_n and_o abijah_n this_o but_o four_o hundred_o the_o other_o eight_o hundred_o thousand_o between_o the_o army_n of_o asia_n and_o that_o of_o the_o ethiopian_n and_o lubim_n 2_o chron._n 14._o god_n often_o work_v yea_o he_o ordinary_o work_v by_o small_a mean_n and_o providence_n bring_v forth_o its_o great_a work_n in_o the_o day_n of_o man_n small_a thing_n if_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o be_v in_o god_n way_n and_o about_o his_o work_n let_v the_o mean_n be_v what_o they_o will_v if_o lawful_a and_o rational_a it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o use_v they_o god_n must_v be_v honour_v in_o his_o own_o institution_n and_o seek_v in_o his_o own_o way_n though_o the_o mean_n be_v small_a and_o our_o humane_a hope_n small_a yet_o if_o we_o expect_v god_n blessing_n this_o mercy_n must_v be_v seek_v in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n lay_v before_o we_o 2._o but_o second_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a will_v lie_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o god_n beyond_o the_o probability_n of_o the_o mean_n this_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o the_o very_a end_n which_o god_n aim_v at_o in_o cut_v we_o short_a of_o mean_n many_o time_n i_o think_v we_o may_v say_v vbi_fw-la media_fw-la deficiunt_fw-la ibi_fw-la fides_fw-la incipit_fw-la where_o mean_n begin_v to_o fail_v there_o faith_n begin_v to_o work_v where_o we_o be_v out_o of_o sight_n as_o to_z mean_n there_o be_v a_o room_n for_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v say_v the_o apostle_n the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v by_o faith_n here_o i_o mean_v a_o trust_n and_o rely_v upon_o god_n as_o a_o god_n able_a and_o faithful_a but_o to_o open_v this_o a_o little_a more_o clear_o to_o you_o i_o will_v show_v you_o 1._o in_o what_o case_n we_o may_v warrantable_o exercise_v a_o faith_n in_o god_n beyond_o the_o virtue_n and_o probability_n of_o mean_n 2._o what_o mean_v we_o may_v use_v for_o the_o help_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o this_o case_n 3._o what_o encouragement_n we_o may_v take_v to_o ourselves_o in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o set_v our_o faith_n on_o work_n 1_o quest_n in_o what_o case_n may_v a_o christian_a exercise_n faith_n in_o god_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n beyond_o the_o virtue_n efficacy_n and_o probability_n of_o humane_a mean_n to_o be_v use_v in_o order_n to_o it_o 1._o to_o this_o i_o answer_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v a_o promise_n it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o talk_v of_o a_o exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o god_n for_o a_o accomplishment_n for_o which_o we_o have_v no_o word_n to_o warrant_v we_o in_o the_o expectation_n of_o it_o but_o now_o a_o promise_n may_v be_v either_o particular_a or_o general_n of_o old_a many_o have_v particular_a person_n and_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v particular_a promise_n make_v to_o they_o by_o god_n immediate_o or_o mediate_o by_o his_o prophet_n we_o have_v no_o such_o god_n have_v leave_v we_o unto_o his_o write_a word_n there_o be_v many_o general_a promise_n which_o shall_v be_v make_v good_a still_o to_o particular_a church_n and_o person_n hence_o be_v our_o difficulty_n to_o conclude_v what_o it_o be_v we_o may_v exercise_v a_o faith_n in_o god_n for_o bring_v to_o pass_v to_o direct_v you_o a_o little_a 1._o where_o you_o have_v a_o particular_a promise_n the_o case_n be_v plain_a some_o such_o there_o be_v as_o for_o the_o destruction_n of_o antichrist_n etc._n etc._n 2._o in_o the_o want_n of_o a_o special_a particular_a promise_n a_o general_a promise_n be_v a_o sufficient_a object_n for_o our_o faith_n general_n promise_v make_v to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o 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this_o nature_n be_v upon_o the_o wheel_n although_o we_o see_v the_o present_a visible_a mean_n in_o order_n to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o be_v small_a and_o in_o all_o appearance_n disproportion_v to_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o event_n yet_o a_o christian_a use_v what_o lawful_a mean_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n lay_v before_o he_o may_v warrantable_o trust_v in_o god_n for_o the_o exerting_fw-mi a_o further_a power_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o than_o be_v in_o the_o mean_n which_o at_o present_a be_v apportion_v to_o it_o but_o this_o be_v now_o a_o hard_a thing_n to_o we_o let_v i_o therefore_o second_o direct_v you_o what_o you_o shall_v do_v in_o a_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n for_o the_o advantage_v of_o your_o faith_n in_o this_o noble_a exercise_n i_o shall_v offer_v but_o two_o thing_n in_o the_o case_n 1._o keep_v your_o eye_n as_o much_o off_o the_o mean_n and_o as_o much_o upon_o god_n as_o you_o can_v we_o have_v so_o much_o of_o sense_n and_o 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rom._n 4._o god_n have_v promise_v he_o a_o son_n a_o son_n of_o his_o wife_n sarah_n he_o grow_v to_o be_v a_o hundred_o year_n old_a his_o wife_n many_o year_n past_o child_n bear_v here_o be_v no_o mean_n yet_o abraham_n believe_v for_o a_o child_n and_o he_o be_v not_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 4.18_o 19_o 20._o how_o do_v he_o behave_v himself_o the_o apostle_n tell_v you_o that_o he_o consider_v not_o his_o own_o body_n now_o dead_a when_o he_o be_v about_o a_o hundred_o year_n old_a nor_o yet_o the_o deadness_n of_o sarahs_n womb_n he_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n be_v full_o persuade_v that_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v
he_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v abraham_n that_o he_o may_v keep_v up_o his_o heart_n fix_v on_o the_o promise_n he_o consider_v not_o the_o nothingness_n or_o improbability_n of_o the_o mean_n he_o consider_v nothing_o but_o the_o power_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n god_n have_v say_v it_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n for_o it_o a_o promise_n from_o he_o who_o can_v not_o lie_v then_o he_o consider_v that_o he_o who_o have_v promise_v be_v able_a also_o to_o perform_v a_o honest_a faithful_a man_n may_v sail_v in_o his_o promise_n because_o he_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v but_o as_o god_n be_v faithful_a so_o he_o be_v also_o able_a he_o keep_v his_o eye_n off_o mean_n fix_v upon_o god_n so_o again_o heb._n 11.17_o 18_o 19_o by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n and_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v account_v 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how_o they_o speed_v what_o they_o do_v that_o you_o hear_v in_o the_o instance_n both_o of_o abraham_n and_o asa_n they_o shut_v the_o eye_n of_o their_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n they_o take_v off_o their_o eye_n from_o all_o consideration_n of_o mean_n and_o eye_v only_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n so_o do_v abraham_n so_o do_v asa_n then_o 2._o consider_v how_o they_o speed_v abraham_n have_v a_o son_n at_o the_o set-time_n abraham_n have_v his_o son_n reprieve_v when_o the_o knife_n be_v at_o his_o throat_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v call_v in_o isaac_n the_o lord_n smite_v the_o ethiopian_n before_o asa_n and_o before_o juda_n etc._n etc._n say_v the_o text_n 2_o chron._n 14.12_o 13_o 14._o now_o it_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o we_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o consider_v the_o experience_n of_o other_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o their_o exercise_n of_o faith_n our_o father_n be_v trust_v in_o thou_o say_v david_n psalm_n 22_o they_o trust_v and_o be_v deliver_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o lie_v in_o the_o steadfastness_n and_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n he_o be_v the_o same_o his_o name_n be_v i_o be_o david_n as_o to_o goliath_n raise_v up_o his_o faith_n upon_o his_o former_a experience_n in_o slay_v the_o lion_n and_o the_o bear_n 1_o sam._n 17_o and_o upon_o the_o experience_n of_o other_o psalm_n 22_o nothing_o be_v more_o conducive_a to_o help_v and_o relieve_v a_o christian_n weak_a as_o to_o his_o faith_n in_o the_o day_n either_o of_o small_a thing_n as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o which_o he_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o member_n or_o in_o the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n as_o to_o his_o own_o personal_a concern_v god_n choose_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n to_o be_v see_v in_o it_o be_v the_o day_n which_o providence_n choose_v to_o show_v itself_o great_a in_o and_o you_o may_v thus_o advantage_v your_o faith_n in_o 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his_o glory_n than_o in_o such_o exigent_n then_o be_v his_o power_n and_o the_o greatness_n thereof_o most_o eminent_o make_v know_v then_o shall_v his_o people_n more_o see_v and_o confess_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n 3._o consider_v three_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v true_a we_o ought_v to_o exercise_v faith_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o great_a never_o so_o probable_a for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o the_o end_n but_o the_o proper_a place_n for_o faith_n be_v where_o mean_n be_v weak_a or_o want_v to_o put_v the_o soul_n in_o hope_n against_o hope_n it_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v as_o patience_n be_v a_o habit_n of_o grace_n give_v the_o soul_n for_o a_o day_n of_o adversity_n so_o faith_n be_v make_v for_o a_o hour_n of_o sensible_a darkness_n 4._o last_o nothing_o so_o please_v and_o engage_v god_n as_o such_o a_o exercise_n of_o faith_n asa_n 2_o chron._n 14.11_o use_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n with_o god_n help_v we_o o_o lord_n for_o we_o rest_v on_o thou_o and_o in_o thy_o name_n we_o go_v against_o this_o great_a multitude_n the_o next_o verse_n say_v god_n smite_v the_o ethiopian_n 2_o chron._n 13.18_o you_o will_v find_v that_o jeroboam_n army_n be_v full_a double_a to_o the_o number_n of_o abijah_n and_o can_v not_o have_v be_v conquer_v without_o some_o extraordinary_a influence_n of_o god_n upon_o abijah_n side_n now_o will_v you_o know_v what_o engage_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n ver_fw-la 18_o thus_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v bring_v under_o at_o that_o time_n and_o the_o man_n of_o judah_n prevail_v because_o they_o rely_v upon_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n see_v the_o contrary_a 2_o chron._n 16.7_o hanani_n the_o seer_n come_v to_o asa_n and_o tell_v he_o because_o thou_o have_v rely_v on_o the_o king_n of_o syria_n and_o not_o rely_v on_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n therefore_o the_o host_n of_o the_o king_n of_o syria_n be_v escape_v out_o of_o thy_o hand_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o a_o second_o thing_n in_o which_o i_o conceive_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a lie_n in_o the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n viz._n the_o exercise_n of_o a_o faith_n in_o god_n beyond_o the_o virtue_n and_o probability_n of_o the_o mean_n 3._o a_o three_o piece_n of_o his_o duty_n be_v to_o beware_v of_o the_o use_n of_o sinful_a mean_n in_o order_n to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o what_o he_o desire_v it_o be_v a_o great_a vanity_n to_o which_o through_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o mean_n we_o be_v very_o subject_a if_o we_o want_v lawful_a mean_n to_o make_v use_n of_o
a_o knowledge_n too_o high_a too_o deep_a for_o thou_o providence_n usual_o bring_v home_o both_o the_o promise_n to_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o threaten_n to_o the_o sinner_n in_o a_o way_n quite_o different_a from_o what_o they_o look_v for_o or_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v it_o in_o i_o have_v speak_v enough_o already_o to_o take_v christian_n off_o this_o but_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v a_o great_a point_n a_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v prone_a to_o slip_v and_o wherein_o our_o slip_n be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o dangerous_a let_v i_o spend_v a_o little_a time_n further_o to_o argue_v you_o out_o of_o this_o vanity_n and_o to_o direct_v your_o soul_n in_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o fulfil_n of_o divine_a promise_n 1._o consider_v how_o much_o the_o strength_n of_o your_o soul_n be_v spend_v and_o how_o vain_o in_o the_o expectation_n of_o your_o own_o fancy_n as_o the_o expectation_n of_o that_o for_o substance_n which_o god_n never_o promise_v be_v but_o the_o expectation_n 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will_v come_v the_o apostle_n be_v aware_a of_o this_o great_a evil_n and_o therefore_o when_o some_o have_v be_v prophesy_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o thessalonian_o of_o a_o sudden_a come_n of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n he_o write_v to_o that_o church_n 2_o thess_n 2.1_o 2_o now_o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o by_o our_o gather_v together_o unto_o he_o that_o you_o be_v not_o soon_o shake_v in_o mind_n or_o be_v trouble_v neither_o by_o spirit_n nor_o by_o word_n nor_o by_o letter_n as_o from_o we_o as_o if_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o hand_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o by_o any_o mean_n the_o apostle_n see_v that_o this_o hasty_a and_o ungrounded_a expectation_n of_o christ_n come_n under_o such_o circumstance_n as_o he_o have_v now_o here_o reveal_v do_v not_o only_o tend_v to_o the_o trouble_v of_o christian_n when_o they_o see_v themselves_o disappoint_v but_o also_o to_o the_o shake_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o therefore_o beseech_v they_o by_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o their_o gather_v together_o unto_o he_o what_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o but_o this_o if_o ever_o you_o expect_v the_o joyful_a come_n of_o christ_n and_o will_v keep_v your_o faith_n steady_a as_o to_o it_o if_o ever_o you_o will_v be_v with_o we_o gather_v unto_o he_o concern_v not_o yourselves_o in_o those_o who_o will_v limit_v the_o promise_n to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o their_o own_o fancy_v let_v they_o pretend_v revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o wrest_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o faith_n the_o apostle_n let_v they_o not_o deceive_v you_o you_o have_v a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o this_o shake_n of_o christian_n faith_n so_o consequential_a to_o this_o limit_v of_o god_n to_o circumstance_n luke_n 22.31_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o redeem_v israel_n christ_n have_v be_v crucify_v and_o three_o day_n be_v pass_v and_o they_o have_v hear_v nothing_o tend_v to_o their_o expectation_n say_v they_o we_o trust_v it_o have_v be_v he_o which_o shall_v have_v redeem_v israel_n and_o beside_o all_o this_o to_o day_n be_v the_o three_o day_n since_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v their_o faith_n begin_v to_o shake_v as_o to_o the_o main_a promise_n because_o providence_n in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o do_v not_o fit_v it_o with_o the_o circumstance_n which_o they_o have_v fancy_v three_o consider_v it_o much_o hinder_v that_o duty_n of_o wait_v upon_o god_n which_o the_o scripture_n so_o often_o press_v upon_o we_o i_o need_v not_o mention_v particular_a scripture_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o one_o duty_n more_o press_v upon_o christian_n in_o scripture_n than_o this_o patient_a wait_a upon_o and_o for_o god_n now_o how_o do_v that_o soul_n wait_v upon_o god_n that_o limit_n god_n to_o his_o circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n mean_n person_n he_o indeed_o wait_v upon_o those_o circumstance_n a_o while_n but_o when_o he_o be_v disappoint_v as_o to_o they_o he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o wait_v upon_o god_n any_o long_o the_o soul_n which_o true_o wait_v on_o god_n leave_v circumstance_n unto_o he_o you_o will_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o the_o next_o place_n what_o then_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a with_o respect_n to_o the_o promise_n whether_o concern_v the_o church_n or_o his_o own_o soul_n in_o particular_a i_o answer_v to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v they_o and_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o leave_v unto_o god_n the_o way_n time_n manner_n and_o circumstance_n for_o fulfil_v of_o they_o which_o he_o have_v not_o reveal_v go_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o plain_a duty_n till_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o give_v a_o be_v to_o his_o word_n you_o shall_v see_v your_o duty_n heb._n 11.13_o these_o all_o die_v in_o the_o faith_n not_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n but_o have_v see_v they_o afar_o off_o and_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n what_o promise_n be_v these_o the_o promise_n of_o canaan_n of_o the_o messiah_n abraham_n see_v christ_n day_n and_o rejoice_v say_v our_o saviour_n they_o receive_v these_o promise_n in_o their_o ear_n god_n reveal_v his_o will_n for_o these_o thing_n they_o see_v they_o afar_o off_o as_o thing_n like_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v many_o year_n after_o they_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o a_o be_v they_o embrace_v they_o with_o thankful_a believe_a heart_n and_o live_v so_o as_o that_o they_o confess_v themselves_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o self-denial_n and_o fulfil_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o in_o a_o crucifixion_n to_o the_o world_n they_o never_o stand_v trouble_v themselves_o to_o search_v out_o the_o particular_a time_n and_o circumstance_n when_o and_o which_o way_n god_n will_v do_v these_o thing_n but_o keep_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o promise_n leave_v circumstance_n unto_o god_n let_v we_o go_v and_o do_v likewise_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o discourse_n with_o a_o text_n of_o our_o saviour_n luke_n 17.20_o 21_o and_o when_o he_o be_v demand_v of_o the_o pharisee_n when_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v he_o answer_v and_o say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n come_v not_o with_o observation_n neither_o shall_v they_o say_v lo_o here_o or_o lo_o there_o for_o behold_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v within_o you_o let_v i_o a_o little_a open_a these_o word_n to_o you_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n which_o concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n these_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o pass_v and_o come_v
and_o therefore_o publish_v it_o that_o man_n and_o woman_n may_v be_v by_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n persuade_v and_o warn_v to_o flee_v from_o the_o wrath_n that_o be_v to_o come_v and_o take_v heed_n of_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o that_o place_n where_o the_o worm_n never_o die_v and_o the_o fire_n never_o go_v out_o yet_o notwithstanding_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o contempt_n of_o his_o law_n they_o will_v go_v on_o and_o take_v no_o warning_n to_o execute_v this_o law_n upon_o they_o to_o conclude_v this_o meditation_n to_o execute_v a_o just_a law_n can_v be_v no_o injustice_n no_o cruelty_n and_o in_o god_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o vindicate_v both_o his_o authory_n and_o truth_n this_o law_n of_o eternal_a destruction_n as_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n consider_v in_o its_o first_o establishment_n be_v a_o just_a law_n just_o because_o a_o mean_n to_o bring_v many_o to_o heaven_n because_o a_o universal_a mean_a and_o most_o prudential_a and_o almost_o alone_o effectual_a to_o restrain_v sin_n in_o the_o world_n and_o because_o it_o be_v first_o a_o mean_a to_o preserve_v they_o from_o the_o pit_n who_o at_o last_o through_o their_o own_o choice_n stubbornness_n and_o wilfulness_n do_v fall_n into_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v any_o injustice_n in_o god_n to_o put_v this_o law_n in_o execution_n to_o punish_v impenitent_a and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n with_o eternal_a destruction_n 6._o the_o proportion_n which_o justice_n be_v to_o observe_v and_o adjust_a betwixt_o a_o punishment_n and_o a_o enormous_a sinful_a act_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v measure_v by_o compare_v the_o time_n or_o degree_n of_o pleasure_n which_o the_o sinner_n have_v have_v for_o his_o sin_v or_o in_o his_o sinful_a act_n but_o by_o compare_v the_o punishment_n either_o with_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o person_n injure_v and_o contemn_v or_o with_o the_o damage_n do_v by_o the_o offence_n or_o with_o the_o malice_n treachery_n and_o perfidiousness_n of_o the_o person_n offend_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o distributive_a justice_n be_v to_o observe_v a_o proportion_n betwixt_o the_o punishment_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n and_o upon_o this_o true_a principle_n it_o be_v that_o this_o objection_n these_o reason_n of_o we_o against_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o the_o eternal_a destruction_n of_o sinner_n do_v proceed_v but_o i_o say_v 1._o this_o proportion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v either_o by_o the_o time_n the_o sinner_n have_v have_v to_o commit_v his_o sin_n in_o or_o by_o the_o degree_n of_o pleasure_n which_o the_o sinner_n have_v have_v in_o his_o inordinate_a sinful_a action_n that_o be_v all_o which_o the_o caviller_n in_o this_o point_n against_o divine_a justice_n have_v here_o to_o say_v what_o proportion_n be_v there_o between_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o few_o year_n and_o eternal_a destruction_n be_v torment_v in_o hell_n ten_o thousand_o time_n ten_o thousand_o year_n but_o who_o among_o man_n measure_v thus_o the_o proportion_n of_o any_o punishment_n to_o any_o kind_n of_o offence_n among_o man_n the_o murderer_n have_v kill_v his_o neighbour_n the_o traitor_n his_o prince_n his_o work_n be_v do_v in_o a_o small_a part_n of_o a_o hour_n it_o may_v be_v very_o few_o day_n be_v take_v up_o either_o in_o the_o contrivance_n or_o execution_n of_o his_o design_n do_v justice_n require_v that_o the_o time_n of_o these_o malefactor_n imprisonment_n or_o torture_v in_o death_n shall_v not_o exceed_v the_o time_n of_o the_o contrivance_n or_o execution_n of_o their_o sin_n who_o ever_o so_o judge_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ordinary_a in_o philosophy_n than_o to_o say_v that_o distributive_a justice_n ought_v to_o proceed_v according_a to_o geometrical_a proportion_n between_o person_n and_o thing_n not_o according_a to_o a_o arithmetical_a proportion_n observe_v in_o deal_n between_o man_n and_o man_n the_o measure_n then_o of_o a_o sinful_a action_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o duration_n or_o continuance_n of_o a_o sinful_a act._n but_o 1._o from_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o person_n offend_v injure_a and_o contemn_v he_o that_o murther_v his_o prince_n be_v punish_v otherwise_o and_o more_o severe_o than_o he_o who_o murther_v his_o equal_a by_o god_n law_n if_o the_o daughter_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n commit_v uncleanness_n she_o be_v to_o be_v burn_v levit._n 21.9_o so_o be_v not_o every_o one_o who_o be_v a_o adulteress_n but_o she_o have_v defile_v her_o father_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o die_v a_o ordinary_a death_n it_o be_v only_o say_v he_o that_o curse_v his_o father_n or_o mother_n shall_v die_v levit._fw-la 20.9_o in_o our_o law_n if_o a_o person_n murther_v his_o equal_a or_o inferior_a he_o or_o she_o shall_v be_v hang_v they_o shall_v die_v the_o ordinary_a death_n of_o malefactor_n but_o if_o the_o woman_n murther_v her_o husband_n the_o child_n his_o parent_n the_o servant_n his_o master_n they_o shall_v be_v burn_v if_o the_o traitor_n murther_v his_o sovereign_n he_o shall_v be_v hang_v draw_v and_o quarter_v the_o injury_n be_v do_v to_o their_o superior_n now_o there_o be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o disproportion_n betwixt_o the_o great_a emperor_n and_o the_o mean_a villain_n in_o the_o world_n as_o there_o be_v betwixt_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o his_o creature_n nor_o be_v there_o so_o great_a a_o disproportion_n betwixt_o hang_v burn_a and_o torture_v to_o death_n and_o eternal_a punishment_n as_o there_o be_v betwixt_o a_o infinite_a and_o a_o finite_a be_v sin_n take_v a_o infiniteness_n from_o the_o infiniteness_n of_o that_o god_n against_o who_o it_o be_v commit_v and_o so_o be_v objective_n infinitum_fw-la objective_o infinite_a so_o as_o there_o be_v no_o disproportion_n though_o the_o punishment_n be_v as_o they_o say_v durative_a infinita_fw-la infinite_a in_o duration_n the_o durative_a infiniteness_n of_o the_o punishment_n be_v adequate_v to_o the_o objective_a infiniteness_n of_o sin_n 2._o sin_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o damage_n it_o do_v to_o the_o person_n injure_v or_o to_o the_o public_a upon_o this_o principle_n of_o reason_n proceed_v another_o reason_n of_o different_a punishment_n he_o that_o mere_o curse_v or_o speak_v evil_a of_o his_o prince_n shall_v not_o be_v punish_v as_o he_o that_o murther_v he_o now_o sin_n wrong_v god_n infinite_a way_n in_o his_o sovereignty_n the_o sinner_n say_v god_n have_v no_o authority_n over_o i_o no_o power_n no_o right_a to_o command_v i_o my_o thought_n be_v free_a i_o will_v think_v what_o i_o listen_v my_o tongue_n be_v my_o own_o i_o will_v speak_v god_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o i_o it_o wrong_v god_n in_o his_o holiness_n it_o say_v the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v not_o holy_a it_o wrong_v he_o in_o his_o omniscience_n omnipotence_n all_o sufficiency_n in_o his_o justice_n in_o his_o wisdom_n in_o all_o his_o attribute_n it_o be_v a_o great_a work_n to_o show_v you_o how_o many_o way_n sin_n wrong_v god_n it_o be_v intensive_a infinitum_fw-la intensive_o infinite_a and_o therefore_o a_o punishment_n of_o a_o infinite_a extension_n be_v but_o proportion_v unto_o it_o i_o pass_v over_o the_o injury_n do_v by_o it_o to_o man_n as_o not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o this_o 3._o sin_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o falsehood_n treachery_n malice_n and_o perfidiousness_n of_o the_o person_n offend_v hence_o the_o traitor_n the_o rebellious_a child_n the_o bloody_a wife_n and_o servant_n be_v more_o severe_o punish_v than_o other_o that_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o other_o person_n because_o they_o violate_v a_o trust_n and_o show_v the_o great_a treachery_n and_o perfidiousness_n iniquity_n take_v the_o great_a heinousness_n from_o the_o great_a obligation_n to_o the_o contrary_a duty_n now_o in_o all_o sin_v against_o god_n there_o be_v the_o great_a failer_n of_o faith_n and_o duty_n the_o great_a abuse_n of_o love_n and_o goodness_n imaginable_a so_o as_o if_o we_o thus_o take_v our_o measure_n justice_n keep_v but_o a_o due_a geometrical_a proportion_n in_o the_o eternal_a punishment_n of_o the_o momentary_a sin_n of_o sinner_n for_o as_o be_v the_o punishment_n to_o the_o offence_n so_o be_v the_o party_n offend_v to_o the_o party_n offend_v as_o the_o punishment_n be_v without_o end_n infinite_z whereas_o the_o sin_n be_v momentary_a and_o temporary_a so_o the_o party_n offend_v be_v infinite_a and_o the_o sinner_n who_o dare_v to_o defy_v infinite_a majesty_n and_o disobey_v a_o infinite_o great_a and_o glorious_a god_n be_v but_o a_o finite_a worm_n as_o be_v the_o injury_n in_o sin_v to_o a_o man_n so_o be_v the_o vengeance_n in_o punishment_n to_o the_o sin_n man_n be_v a_o poor_a pitiful_a worm_n but_o by_o sin_n he_o do_v a_o
shall_v not_o fall_v mat._n 16.18_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o psal_n 94.14_o for_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o cast_v off_o his_o people_n neither_o will_v he_o forsake_v his_o inheritance_n mica_n 4.4_o 11_o 12._o so_o quite_o through_o this_o psalm_n there_o be_v many_o promise_n of_o the_o same_o import_n now_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o persuade_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o undoubted_a verity_n of_o these_o word_n of_o god_n to_o settle_v the_o soul_n in_o this_o persuasion_n that_o soon_o shall_v heaven_n and_o earth_n pass_v away_o than_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n shall_v fail_v which_o god_n have_v speak_v then_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v further_a to_o carry_v out_o the_o soul_n without_o any_o carp_n trouble_n or_o dispute_v to_o rest_v whole_o upon_o these_o word_n a_o christian_a see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o he_o have_v say_v for_o its_o relief_n now_o faith_n teach_v the_o soul_n to_o agree_v this_o as_o the_o word_n of_o he_o who_o can_v lie_v or_o repent_v and_o call_v upon_o the_o soul_n to_o trust_v in_o god_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o to_o roll_v itself_o upon_o the_o promise_n and_o to_o commit_v itself_o its_o cause_n its_o way_n unto_o the_o lord_n the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v very_o solicitous_a and_o careful_a for_o the_o concern_v and_o interest_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n faith_n teach_v the_o soul_n to_o cast_v its_o care_n the_o burden_n of_o its_o spirit_n upon_o the_o lord_n assure_v it_o that_o god_n care_v for_o it_o faith_n speak_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o language_n of_o solomon_n eccles_n 5.8_o if_o thou_o see_v the_o oppression_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o violent_a pervert_n of_o justice_n and_o judgement_n in_o a_o province_n marvel_v not_o at_o the_o matter_n for_o he_o that_o be_v high_a than_o the_o high_a regard_v and_o there_o be_v high_a than_o they_o i_o say_v this_o be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n duty_n in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o the_o vile_a man_n be_v exalt_v and_o the_o wicked_a walk_n on_o every_o side_n and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v tread_v under_o foot_n as_o the_o mire_n in_o the_o street_n it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v they_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o proper_a time_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n when_o the_o eye_n of_o sense_n fail_v faith_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o the_o proper_a operation_n of_o faith_n be_v where_o sense_n fail_v where_o god_n be_v trust_v and_o not_o see_v blessed_n be_v they_o say_v our_o saviour_n who_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o believe_v this_o be_v opus_fw-la diei_fw-la in_o die_fw-la svo_fw-la though_o the_o people_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v careful_a of_o all_o duty_n at_o all_o time_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o day_n the_o seasonableness_n of_o a_o duty_n add_v much_o to_o the_o weight_n and_o importance_n of_o it_o the_o foundation_n be_v shake_v say_v the_o psalmist_n psal_n 11.3_o 4_o what_o shall_v what_o can_v the_o righteous_a do_v mark_v what_o follow_v the_o lord_n throne_n be_v in_o heaven_n his_o eye_n see_v his_o eyelid_n try_v the_o child_n of_o man_n this_o be_v that_o life_n which_o the_o saint_n have_v live_v yea_o and_o they_o have_v live_v well_o upon_o it_o when_o david_n have_v lose_v all_o the_o amalekite_n have_v take_v ziglag_n and_o in_o it_o all_o that_o he_o have_v 1_o sam._n 30.6_o the_o text_n say_v david_n encourage_v himself_o in_o god_n the_o truth_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n nor_o do_v he_o hope_v in_o god_n in_o vain_a as_o you_o shall_v read_v in_o that_o story_n what_o have_v hezekiah_n to_o live_v upon_o but_o faith_n when_o sennacherib_n have_v besiege_v he_o with_o his_o mighty_a army_n and_o rant_v against_o he_o and_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n too_o after_o that_o rate_n you_o 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live_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o believer_n can_v no_o more_o live_v upon_o word_n and_o syllable_n than_o another_o soul_n no_o but_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o these_o word_n his_o power_n and_o ability_n to_o perform_v what_o he_o have_v say_v his_o inclination_n and_o goodwill_n to_o the_o performance_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n every_o life_n in_o a_o evil_a day_n be_v not_o a_o life_n of_o faith_n some_o may_v live_v upon_o fancy_n and_o foolish_a hope_n some_o may_v live_v upon_o mean_n with_o which_o their_o eye_n feed_v they_o another_o may_v live_v upon_o a_o roman_a spirit_n of_o his_o own_o tu_fw-la
have_v of_o his_o own_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o world_n live_v so_o free_a a_o life_n as_o he_o who_o live_v by_o faith_n upon_o the_o promise_n his_o life_n be_v independent_a upon_o the_o whole_a creation_n it_o be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n but_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o have_v speak_v to_o this_o piece_n of_o a_o christian_n duty_n in_o a_o evil_a time_n sermon_n xlviii_o psal_n xxxvii_o 1_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 7_o 8._o verse_n 1._o fret_v not_o thyself_o because_o of_o evil-doer_n neither_o be_v thou_o envious_a at_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n ver._n 3._o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v good_a ver._n 4._o delight_n thyself_o also_o in_o the_o lord_n ver._n 5._o commit_v thy_o way_n unto_o the_o lord_n trust_v also_o in_o he_o ver._n 7._o rest_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o wait_v patient_o for_o he_o fret_v not_o thyself_o because_o of_o he_o that_o prosper_v in_o his_o way_n ver._n 8._o cease_v from_o anger_n and_o forsake_v wrath_n fret_v not_o thyself_o in_o any_o wise_a to_o do_v evil_a have_v show_v the_o equity_n and_o wisdom_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o govern_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n so_o as_o that_o oftentimes_o the_o vile_a man_n be_v exalt_v and_o the_o wicked_a walk_n on_o every_o side_n the_o rod_n of_o the_o wicked_a lie_v upon_o the_o lot_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o they_o be_v chasten_v every_o morning_n and_o plague_v every_o moment_n while_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o wicked_a stand_n out_o with_o fatness_n and_o they_o have_v what_o their_o heart_n can_v wish_v and_o be_v often_o suffer_v to_o devour_v those_o who_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o themselves_o i_o be_o inquire_v what_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v under_o such_o a_o dispensation_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n i_o have_v choose_v this_o text_n perhaps_o more_o full_o expressive_a of_o it_o than_o any_o other_o single_a portion_n of_o scripture_n part_v of_o it_o i_o have_v open_v i_o have_v show_v you_o negative_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o fret_v to_o be_v angry_a or_o to_o be_v envious_a positive_o i_o have_v show_v you_o it_o in_o their_o duty_n to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n i_o now_o proceed_v 3._o three_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o delight_v themselves_o in_o the_o lord_n you_o have_v it_o here_o v._o 4._o delight_n thyself_o also_o in_o the_o lord_n such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o be_v usual_o a_o time_n when_o the_o child_n of_o god_n can_v delight_v himself_o in_o the_o creature_n it_o may_v be_v he_o have_v a_o dear_a a_o love_a wife_n dutiful_a and_o pleasant_a child_n and_o will_v delight_v in_o they_o but_o a_o prison_n must_v separate_v he_o from_o they_o or_o a_o exile_n or_o banishment_n must_v make_v their_o company_n very_o unpleasant_a to_o he_o it_o may_v be_v he_o have_v a_o full_a and_o plentiful_a estate_n and_o can_v take_v a_o pleasure_n in_o that_o but_o he_o see_v that_o be_v by_o piecemeal_o pull_v from_o he_o every_o day_n and_o because_o he_o will_v enjoy_v his_o conscience_n and_o keep_v peace_n there_o he_o shall_v not_o enjoy_v that_o property_n which_o the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o his_o honest_a labour_n or_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o friend_n have_v invest_v he_o with_o now_o at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o under_o such_o a_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n as_o this_o be_v what_o shall_v a_o righteous_a man_n do_v what_o be_v his_o duty_n in_o such_o a_o day_n my_o text_n tell_v you_o he_o shall_v delight_v himself_o in_o the_o lord_n delight_n thyself_o in_o the_o lord_n delight_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o soul_n complacency_n rest_v and_o triumph_n in_o a_o object_n so_o that_o to_o make_v a_o thing_n or_o person_n the_o object_n of_o delight_n there_o must_v be_v a_o apprehend_a goodness_n in_o the_o object_n and_o the_o soul_n delight_v itself_o in_o it_o please_v itself_o with_o it_o and_o rest_v and_o triumph_v and_o even_o leap_v for_o joy_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o there_o be_v in_o delight_n more_o than_o a_o content_n pleasure_n and_o rest_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o object_n the_o soul_n triumph_v leap_v and_o even_o shout_v for_o joy_n god_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o himself_o so_o his_o name_n be_v jehovah_n elshaddai_n a_o fountain_n of_o sufficiency_n power_n and_o goodness_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n which_o must_v concur_v to_o make_v a_o reasonable_a soul_n to_o delight_v in_o any_o object_n how_o good_a and_o excellent_a soever_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o 1_o propriety_n 2_o possession_n and_o application_n 1_o propriety_n let_v a_o thing_n or_o person_n be_v in_o itself_o never_o so_o good_a never_o so_o excellent_a and_o let_v it_o be_v so_o apprehend_v by_o i_o this_o may_v render_v it_o the_o object_n indeed_o of_o my_o love_n but_o not_o of_o my_o delight_n for_o say_v the_o soul_n what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o i_o here_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o wicked_a man_n shall_v have_v any_o delight_n in_o god_n because_o he_o have_v no_o propriety_n or_o interest_n in_o he_o he_o may_v possible_o from_o reason_n conclude_v that_o in_o god_n there_o be_v a_o infinite_a power_n sufficiency_n goodness_n he_o can_v have_v no_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n but_o he_o must_v conclude_v this_o the_o first_o be_v must_v necessary_o have_v a_o infiniteness_n of_o power_n and_o consequent_o of_o sufficiency_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o good_a from_o who_o all_o good_a flow_v must_v necessary_o have_v all_o good_a in_o he_o but_o let_v he_o be_v never_o so_o apprehensive_a of_o this_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o his_o soul_n say_v what_o portion_n have_v i_o in_o god_n god_n be_v a_o stranger_n a_o enemy_n to_o i_o he_o can_v never_o delight_v himself_o in_o god_n will_v the_o hypocrete_a delight_n himself_o in_o the_o almighty_a job_n 27.10_o if_o thou_o will_v return_v to_o the_o almighty_a then_o shall_v thou_o delight_v thyself_o in_o the_o almighty_a none_o but_o the_o child_n of_o god_n can_v delight_v himself_o in_o god_n because_o he_o alone_o have_v a_o interest_n and_o propriety_n in_o he_o he_o alone_o can_v say_v my_o lord_n or_o my_o god_n 2._o possession_n also_o be_v necessary_a to_o delight_v suppose_v a_o man_n to_o have_v a_o right_n and_o title_n to_o a_o estate_n and_o consequent_o a_o propriety_n in_o it_o yet_o if_o he_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o he_o can_v take_v no_o delight_n in_o it_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o a_o soul_n that_o have_v a_o true_a right_n and_o title_n to_o christ_n and_o a_o real_a interest_n in_o he_o yet_o if_o it_o lie_v under_o dark_a apprehension_n of_o this_o title_n and_o interest_n he_o can_v delight_v himself_o in_o the_o lord_n for_o delight_n require_v not_o only_a propriety_n but_o some_o degree_n of_o the_o apprehension_n of_o that_o propriety_n now_o while_o he_o apprehend_v that_o his_o sin_n have_v separate_v betwixt_o god_n and_o he_o he_o want_v such_o a_o possession_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o delight_v 3._o a_o three_o thing_n be_v application_n let_v a_o soul_n have_v never_o so_o true_a a_o propriety_n in_o god_n never_o so_o true_a a_o possession_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o make_v application_n to_o his_o soul_n of_o that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v and_o of_o the_o promise_n in_o which_o he_o have_v a_o interest_n his_o soul_n will_v have_v no_o delight_n in_o god_n or_o in_o the_o promise_n now_o this_o application_n be_v make_v two_o way_n 1._o by_o meditation_n often_o think_v of_o god_n 104.34_o psal_n 104.34_o and_o upon_o the_o promise_n my_o meditation_n of_o he_o say_v david_n shall_v be_v sweet_a david_n speak_v of_o a_o great_a delight_n he_o have_v in_o god_n commandment_n they_o be_v his_o meditation_n night_n and_o day_n 2._o second_o by_o faith_n assure_v the_o soul_n and_o give_v it_o certain_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n now_o from_o this_o discourse_n both_o appear_v 1._o what_o there_o be_v in_o god_n for_o a_o soul_n to_o delight_v in_o in_o such_o a_o evil_a day_n as_o i_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o when_o his_o people_n be_v very_o low_a and_o his_o enemy_n be_v very_o high_a it_o be_v that_o power_n and_o sufficiency_n which_o be_v in_o he_o by_o which_o he_o be_v able_a to_o relieve_v they_o and_o that_o goodness_n which_o be_v in_o he_o and_o render_v he_o always_o ready_a to_o help_v and_o willing_a to_o save_v so_o as_o nothing_o can_v stand_v betwixt_o we_o and_o our_o desire_a salvation_n help_n and_o deliverance_n but_o only_o his_o wisdom_n by_o which_o he_o better_o know_v time_n and_o season_n and_o what_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a for_o we_o than_o we_o do_v the_o soul_n know_v and_o
to_o judge_v as_o god_n judge_v and_o particular_o as_o to_o this_o point_n of_o growth_n in_o grace_n we_o must_v judge_v of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o mean_n and_o help_v of_o grace_n which_o the_o person_n have_v have_v consider_v the_o natural_a temper_n of_o the_o person_n as_o also_o his_o temptation_n and_o affliction_n which_o he_o have_v have_v to_o put_v he_o back_o we_o must_v so_o judge_v of_o his_o growth_n and_o thrift_n possible_o his_o circumstance_n have_v be_v such_o as_o have_v necessitate_v he_o in_o order_n to_o get_v bread_n to_o live_v in_o a_o town_n in_o a_o family_n where_o he_o have_v scarce_o ever_o hear_v a_o good_a sermon_n nor_o have_v have_v any_o mean_n of_o instruction_n no_o good_a example_n to_o go_v before_o he_o and_o quicken_v he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n possible_o he_o have_v walk_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o see_v no_o light_n his_o life_n have_v be_v a_o life_n of_o many_o affliction_n great_a temptation_n thou_o have_v live_v where_o thou_o have_v have_v a_o great_a plenty_n of_o spiritual_a food_n all_o imaginable_a mean_n to_o promote_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o thy_o soul_n in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o thy_o brother_n be_v the_o object_n of_o thy_o pity_n and_o prayer_n and_o all_o the_o charitable_a assistance_n thou_o can_v give_v he_o but_o by_o no_o mean_n of_o thy_o censure_n 5._o last_o this_o discourse_n do_v high_o solicit_v your_o charity_n for_o those_o who_o differ_v in_o their_o apprehension_n of_o some_o principle_n of_o religion_n from_o you_o and_o here_o if_o any_o where_n i_o have_v need_n plead_v with_o you_o for_o charity_n for_o although_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v what_o he_o will_v but_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o a_o proposition_n must_v necessary_o be_v according_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o his_o understanding_n have_v yet_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o amazement_n to_o 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