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grace_n to_o have_v it_o that_o so_o have_v it_o they_o may_v increase_v in_o it_o but_o otherwise_o for_o increase_v and_o growth_n in_o grace_n that_o be_v not_o a_o duty_n so_o proper_o to_o be_v charge_v upon_o person_n that_o be_v stranger_n to_o it_o and_o let_v such_o consider_v with_o themselves_o how_o sad_a their_o condition_n be_v such_o as_o have_v no_o grace_n at_o all_o how_o sad_a their_o condition_n be_v upon_o this_o account_n that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n for_o to_o have_v such_o a_o duty_n impose_v and_o charge_v upon_o they_o but_o second_o consider_v that_o this_o duty_n of_o grow_v in_o grace_n it_o be_v most_o proper_o belong_v to_o they_o to_o perform_v that_o be_v already_o partaker_n of_o grace_n that_o have_v spark_n strike_v by_o god_n their_o duty_n be_v that_o they_o nourish_v and_o cherish_v their_o spark_n and_o do_v labour_n to_o bring_v it_o up_o to_o a_o flame_n grace_n it_o be_v a_o seed_n of_o god_n cast_v into_o the_o soul_n and_o 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of_o the_o earth_n serve_v the_o lord_n with_o fear_n rejoice_v you_o with_o tremble_v kiss_v the_o son_n king_n and_o prince_n and_o great_a man_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o forget_v themselves_o as_o if_o so_o be_v that_o there_o be_v none_o above_o they_o as_o if_o so_o be_v there_o be_v none_o to_o check_v and_o control_v they_o you_o know_v how_o pharaoh_n carry_v himself_o who_o be_v the_o lord_n ah_o but_o there_o be_v a_o lord_n above_o all_o lord_n there_o be_v a_o king_n above_o all_o king_n even_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o god_n have_v set_v to_o be_v king_n upon_o his_o holy_a hill_n of_o zion_n and_o the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o well_o improve_v and_o advance_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n it_o will_v promote_v a_o holy_a fear_n and_o awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o he_o and_o of_o the_o great_a god_n who_o have_v constitute_v and_o appoint_v he_o lord_n and_o king_n i_o may_v speak_v large_o to_o this_o particular_a but_o i_o will_v pass_v it_o by_o 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breathe_n after_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o ordinance_n and_o so_o for_o prayer_n and_o other_o service_n what_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o we_o may_v well_o reckon_v upon_o this_o it_o be_v because_o we_o be_v not_o more_o advance_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n we_o have_v not_o heart-knowledge_n so_o due_o improve_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v concern_v our_o lord_n jesus_n for_o brethren_n this_o be_v 〈◊〉_d that_o we_o shall_v know_v concern_v christ_n that_o his_o heart_n be_v upon_o his_o work_n and_o business_n and_o when_o he_o pray_v he_o pray_v as_o one_o that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o o_o what_o wrestle_n of_o spirit_n be_v there_o on_o his_o part_n with_o god_n he_o pray_v most_o earnest_o and_o o_o how_o intent_n upon_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n when_o he_o have_v to_o do_v that_o and_o when_o he_o be_v to_o preach_v o_o with_o what_o intention_n of_o soul_n be_v that_o service_n perform_v 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know_v concern_v christ_n and_o we_o have_v but_o a_o well_o improve_v and_o digest_v knowledge_n concern_v this_o that_o now_o i_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o o_o how_o much_o will_v it_o conduce_v to_o the_o quicken_a up_o our_o heart_n to_o a_o lively_a performance_n of_o our_o service_n when_o we_o shall_v consider_v what_o a_o example_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n of_o duty_n and_o service_n to_o god_n and_o then_o that_o he_o have_v undertake_v to_o afford_v assistance_n and_o to_o procure_v acceptance_n this_o will_v make_v we_o go_v on_o with_o more_o life_n and_o vigour_n in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n and_o then_o i_o will_v have_v tell_v you_o far_o that_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n christian_n shall_v endeavour_v a_o growth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n because_o as_o this_o knowledge_n well_o improve_v conduce_v to_o a_o judiciousness_n and_o to_o a_o well_o order_v of_o the_o conscience_n and_o to_o the_o 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now_o do_v we_o but_o know_v and_o serious_o ponder_v upon_o this_o that_o christ_n himself_o be_v very_o much_o in_o this_o service_n that_o he_o be_v a_o constant_a practiser_n to_o his_o very_a death_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n if_o this_o be_v but_o well_o consider_v that_o christ_n be_v very_o much_o give_v to_o prayer_n and_o if_o he_o can_v not_o have_v opportunity_n in_o the_o day_n time_n he_o will_v fetch_v it_o out_o in_o the_o night_n and_o be_v in_o the_o night_n season_n pour_v out_o his_o soul_n before_o his_o father_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o christ_n he_o be_v give_v to_o prayer_n and_o his_o last_o breathe_n be_v breathe_n in_o a_o way_n of_o prayer_n into_o his_o father_n bosom_n and_o then_o consider_v this_o this_o be_v that_o that_o
endeavour_n shall_v be_v to_o drive_v home_o this_o exhortation_n and_o to_o fasten_v it_o as_o a_o nail_n in_o a_o sure_a place_n if_o you_o will_v but_o give_v due_a regard_n unto_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v charge_v upon_o you_o and_o urge_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v so_o be_v that_o you_o will_v but_o labour_v to_o stand_v convince_v of_o this_o as_o your_o duty_n and_o upon_o convincement_n set_v up_o the_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o it_o undoubted_o this_o labour_n this_o morning_n will_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a and_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o shall_v be_v speak_v and_o press_v upon_o you_o may_v be_v the_o more_o successful_a i_o will_v beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v what_o a_o lovely_a duty_n it_o be_v to_o endeavour_v a_o growth_n in_o grace_n what_o a_o become_a thing_n it_o be_v for_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v call_v to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v most_o vigorous_a in_o endeavour_v this_o that_o they_o may_v be_v upon_o their_o growth_n we_o love_v to_o see_v our_o child_n grow_v the_o husbandman_n love_v to_o see_v his_o corn_n spring_v up_o and_o grow_v man_n in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o trade_n they_o set_v their_o heart_n upon_o this_o that_o they_o may_v grow_v upon_o their_o estate_n more_o big_a and_o bulky_a why_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n wherein_o a_o growth_n be_v more_o lovely_a to_o see_v than_o grace_n and_o holiness_n be_v what_o a_o sad_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o see_v poor_a creature_n take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n and_o be_v frequent_a in_o their_o attendance_n upon_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o it_o there_o be_v not_o a_o opportunity_n that_o they_o can_v well_o take_v hold_v of_o but_o they_o do_v yet_o to_o see_v they_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o wither_a state_n lean_a pale_a and_o ill-favoured_a in_o a_o languish_a condition_n and_o little_a or_o nothing_o appear_v of_o any_o proficiency_n of_o any_o spiritual_a growth_n indeed_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o will_v be_v lay_v to_o heart_n by_o professor_n that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o better_a account_n of_o their_o improvement_n in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o preach_v such_o frequent_a hear_v sermon_n they_o be_v eat_v up_o and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o so_o if_o they_o be_v eat_v and_o one_o will_v think_v well_o digest_v and_o yet_o still_o leanness_n appear_v one_o corruption_n or_o other_o eat_v out_o the_o strength_n of_o all_o and_o keep_v poor_a creature_n under_o true_o this_o be_v a_o sad_a consideration_n that_o we_o shall_v hear_v sermon_n after_o sermon_n and_o enjoy_v ordinance_n after_o ordinance_n and_o yet_o come_v to_o look_v upon_o professor_n even_o concern_v who_o there_o may_v be_v a_o wellgrounded_n confidence_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v right_a in_o the_o main_a and_o yet_o still_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o wither_a condition_n lean_a poor_a and_o bare_a little_o more_o as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v than_o skin_n and_o bone_n true_o this_o be_v that_o that_o shall_v be_v lay_v to_o heart_n and_o alas_o brethren_n do_v but_o think_v serious_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o attend_v the_o ordinance_n and_o not_o to_o be_v better_v by_o they_o you_o will_v think_v it_o a_o sad_a condition_n for_o a_o person_n to_o feed_v every_o day_n feed_v to_o the_o full_a with_o large_a provision_n variety_n set_v before_o he_o to_o partake_v of_o and_o yet_o after_o all_o his_o full_a feeding_n there_o be_v nothing_o of_o strength_n and_o fatness_n and_o growth_n and_o increase_v no_o better_n by_o their_o provision_n sure_o sure_o this_o shall_v set_v close_o upon_o our_o heart_n to_o think_v thus_o lord_n why_o be_v it_o thus_o with_o i_o i_o hear_v many_o a_o sermon_n and_o attend_v christ_n in_o ordinance_n have_v many_o bless_a opportunity_n for_o spiritual_a advantage_n and_o yet_o i_o have_v get_v little_a or_o nothing_o other_o see_v it_o not_o i_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o it_o it_o may_v be_v as_o much_o keep_v at_o a_o under_o by_o my_o pride_n by_o my_o passion_n by_o one_o corruption_n or_o other_o as_o apt_a to_o be_v overpower_v by_o every_o temptation_n as_o if_o i_o do_v not_o give_v any_o attendance_n upon_o god_n in_o any_o of_o his_o ordinance_n this_o meditation_n i_o desire_v may_v settle_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o that_o we_o will_v be_v commune_v with_o ourselves_o about_o this_o matter_n as_o rebecca_n say_v upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o struggle_a in_o her_o womb_n if_o it_o be_v so_o why_o be_o i_o thus_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o there_o be_v such_o allowance_n give_v such_o a_o provision_n make_v in_o so_o ample_a a_o manner_n if_o it_o be_v so_o lord_n why_o be_o i_o thus_o why_o be_o i_o not_o more_o in_o faith_n why_o be_o i_o not_o more_o in_o love_n to_o thou_o o_o christ_n and_o way_n of_o holiness_n why_o be_o i_o not_o more_o in_o spiritual_a strength_n why_o be_o i_o not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o better_a account_n what_o do_v i_o make_v hear_v the_o end_n of_o hear_v and_o duty_n the_o end_n of_o duty_n and_o do_v i_o rest_v in_o ordinance_n be_v not_o the_o ordinance_n give_v to_o profit_n withal_o and_o to_o improve_v by_o this_o be_v proper_a for_o we_o if_o we_o will_v deal_v true_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o concernment_n of_o our_o soul_n this_o indeed_o be_v proper_a work_n for_o you_o and_o i_o to_o be_v upon_o the_o daily_a performance_n of_o this_o i_o speak_v now_o in_o more_o general_a manner_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n that_o you_o may_v give_v the_o more_o due_a regard_n unto_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o be_o further_a to_o communicate_v to_o you_o concern_v growth_n in_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o text._n now_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o have_v to_o press_v upon_o you_o that_o you_o will_v reckon_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o duty_n and_o according_o with_o conscience_n and_o care_n apply_v it_o set_a your_o heart_n upon_o this_o that_o you_o may_v grow_v grow_v in_o grace_n i_o think_v as_o i_o say_v before_o it_o will_v be_v the_o proper_a course_n that_o i_o can_v take_v for_o to_o speak_v to_o some_o particular_n and_o i_o will_v speak_v especial_o to_o the_o main_a grace_n the_o captain-grace_n the_o leading-grace_n and_o that_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o faith_n think_v thus_o that_o when_o you_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n to_o be_v sure_a this_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o meaning_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o spirit_n that_o you_o shall_v grow_v in_o faith_n that_o you_o shall_v set_v your_o heart_n to_o this_o that_o have_v faith_n you_o may_v increase_v in_o it_o this_o be_v your_o duty_n even_o a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o every_o one_o that_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o true_a save_a faith_n in_o he_o to_o do_v his_o utmost_a that_o he_o may_v come_v to_o have_v a_o growth_n in_o that_o faith_n o_o that_o this_o may_v be_v consider_v of_o by_o you_o that_o be_v believer_n have_v you_o faith_n it_o be_v good_a for_o to_o make_v a_o inquiry_n and_o to_o search_v into_o yourselves_o whether_o you_o have_v faith_n you_o or_o no._n have_v you_o look_v to_o the_o growth_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n beget_v and_o it_o be_v a_o child_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o your_o trust_n to_o see_v to_o the_o nourish_a of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v well_o nurse_v by_o you_o have_v god_n give_v you_o faith_n in_o the_o spark_n your_o duty_n be_v to_o look_v to_o it_o that_o it_o be_v improve_v to_o a_o flame_n be_v it_o a_o seed_n that_o god_n have_v sow_v in_o your_o heart_n suppose_v it_o be_v but_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o lie_v upon_o you_o to_o look_v well_o to_o it_o that_o this_o little_a grain_n this_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_v be_v attend_v and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o improvement_n of_o it_o this_o be_v your_o duty_n that_o have_v faith_n you_o increase_v in_o faith_n that_o there_o be_v a_o due_a improvement_n of_o it_o that_o you_o may_v come_v to_o be_v not_o only_o babe_n in_o faith_n but_o strong_a man_n in_o faith_n this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o say_v be_v our_o duty_n and_o this_o i_o will_v press_v upon_o you_o grow_v in_o grace_n grow_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o i_o will_v have_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o all_o other_o growth_n in_o the_o other_o grace_n they_o have_v a_o dependence_n upon_o this_o growth_n in_o faith_n if_o faith_n be_v in_o well-liking_a other_o grace_n will_v be_v in_o a_o good_a condition_n true_o i_o think_v it_o be_v most_o thus_o
of_o the_o best_a thing_n knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o person_n may_v perift_n and_o perish_v the_o more_o dreadful_o and_o i_o add_v that_o place_n in_o heb._n 10._o where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n say_v he_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n there_o may_v be_v a_o receive_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o yet_o a_o wilful_a sin_v and_o so_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n and_o nothing_o but_o that_o remain_v for_o they_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n now_o all_o this_o consider_v knowledge_n i_o and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o best_a thing_n it_o may_v be_v have_v and_o yet_o person_n under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n person_n that_o after_o their_o escape_n from_o worldly_a entanglement_n may_v be_v bring_v again_o into_o sore_a bondage_n their_o latter_a end_n worse_o than_o their_o beginning_n and_o they_o may_v fall_v under_o the_o deep_a and_o more_o dreadful_a damnation_n now_o the_o improvement_n that_o we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o this_o be_v only_o thus_o o_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n of_o rest_v in_o our_o knowledge_n and_o bear_v upon_o this_o that_o we_o be_v know_v man_n and_o know_v woman_n able_a to_o discourse_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n o_o take_v heed_n of_o this_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v now_o speak_v to_o you_o that_o you_o may_v have_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o yet_o be_v mere_a stranger_n unto_o save_a grace_n far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o speak_v a_o tittle_n to_o the_o disparagement_n of_o knowledge_n but_o rather_o most_o vigorous_o to_o press_v your_o pursuance_n of_o it_o and_o that_o you_o endeavour_v after_o it_o as_o i_o shall_v perform_v to_o that_o purpose_n afterward_o know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o good_a that_o the_o mind_n be_v without_o knowledge_n say_v solomon_n nay_o the_o heart_n can_v be_v good_a without_o knowledge_n you_o can_v believe_v without_o knowledge_n you_o can_v pray_v without_o knowledge_n you_o can_v live_v without_o knowledge_n you_o must_v have_v knowledge_n or_o else_o you_o will_v never_o be_v save_v o_o ignorance_n it_o be_v of_o itself_o a_o damn_v sin_n only_a thus_o rest_v not_o in_o your_o knowledge_n rest_v not_o in_o this_o that_o you_o have_v a_o light_n in_o your_o head_n but_o look_v to_o it_o that_o you_o have_v grace_n in_o your_o heart_n look_v to_o this_o that_o you_o know_v and_o know_v to_o love_v and_o know_v so_o as_o that_o you_o may_v believe_v and_o live_v if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n say_v our_o saviour_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o if_o you_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o know_v it_o in_o truth_n of_o heart_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v since_o you_o know_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o know_v it_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o your_o heart_n o_o this_o be_v that_o that_o we_o shall_v mind_v true_o that_o you_o may_v know_v for_o practice_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v you_o know_v no_o more_o to_o purpose_n than_o you_o know_v to_o practice_n and_o it_o be_v of_o sad_a consideration_n that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o to_o speak_v unto_o you_o it_o be_v of_o sad_a consideration_n that_o that_o knowledge_n which_o man_n and_o woman_n attain_v to_o of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o gospel-mystery_n if_o so_o be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o reduce_v to_o practice_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o due_a improvement_n of_o it_o if_o there_o be_v a_o science_n and_o not_o conscience_n a_o science_n and_o not_o a_o conscience_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o knowledge_n it_o be_v of_o sad_a consideration_n that_o that_o i_o have_v now_o to_o say_v the_o day_n will_v come_v when_o all_o the_o knowledge_n that_o you_o have_v get_v of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o knowledge_n will_v turn_v upon_o you_o and_o it_o will_v be_v to_o your_o everlasting_a torment_n o_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o torment_n and_o will_v eternal_o be_v the_o torment_n of_o the_o damn_a in_o hell_n that_o they_o have_v knowledge_n great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o do_v not_o improve_v their_o knowledge_n do_v not_o reduce_v it_o to_o practice_n they_o have_v light_a but_o do_v not_o live_v up_o to_o their_o light_n they_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n o_o but_o they_o be_v not_o conscientious_o careful_a to_o perform_v and_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n o_o this_o this_o will_v be_v the_o torment_n the_o conscience_n of_o a_o man_n will_v be_v a_o eternal_a fury_n to_o he_o and_o it_o will_v everlasting_o torment_v he_o when_o it_o shall_v tell_v he_o do_v not_o thou_o know_v that_o christ_n be_v give_v to_o save_v sinner_n and_o to_o save_v from_o sin_n do_v not_o thou_o know_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n it_o do_v teach_v to_o deny_v all_o ungodlyness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n thou_o know_v this_o thou_o know_v that_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o live_v thus_o and_o thus_o to_o walk_v with_o god_n to_o deny_v thyself_o to_o cross_v thy_o corruption_n it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o study_v to_o approve_v thyself_o to_o god_n and_o to_o keep_v a_o clear_a conscience_n it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o own_o christ_n in_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n do_v not_o thou_o know_v this_o to_o be_v thy_o duty_n conscience_n will_v thus_o charge_v upon_o thou_o and_o than_o you_o shall_v know_v it_o o_o how_o do_v this_o torment_n judas_n on_o this_o side_n hell_n before_o he_o come_v there_o oh_o i_o know_v my_o master_n be_v a_o innocent_a person_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o contrary_a to_o my_o knowledge_n i_o go_v and_o betray_v he_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o sinner_n o_o how_o do_v this_o torment_n esau_n on_o this_o side_n hell_n he_o know_v that_o the_o birthright_n and_o the_o blessing_n be_v thing_n to_o be_v high_o value_v the_o temptation_n come_v upon_o he_o he_o be_v a_o little_a pinch_v with_o hunger_n and_o jacob_n take_v the_o advantage_n there_o be_v a_o mystery_n of_o providence_n in_o it_o of_o his_o exigence_n and_o get_v away_o his_o birthright_n from_o he_o but_o when_o the_o time_n come_v that_o the_o blessing_n be_v go_v then_o esau_n know_v o_o this_o knowledge_n torment_v he_o that_o he_o know_v the_o birthright_n what_o it_o be_v and_o how_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v account_v of_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o pass_v it_o away_o for_o a_o trifle_n o_o conscience_n will_v torment_v another_o day_n when_o a_o man_n shall_v come_v to_o have_v his_o knowledge_n set_v a_o work_n i_o know_v that_o christ_n be_v a_o precious_a christ_n that_o grace_n it_o be_v better_a than_o gold_n i_o have_v conviction_n upon_o my_o conscience_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o i_o choose_v the_o world_n rather_o than_o christ_n i_o prefer_v my_o lust_n and_o corruption_n before_o the_o lord_n jesus_n i_o know_v this_o to_o be_v my_o duty_n but_o i_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o perform_v my_o duty_n well_o the_o lord_n set_v these_o thing_n home_o upon_o every_o one_o of_o we_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v wise_a for_o our_o soul_n and_o take_v heed_n of_o rest_v in_o what_o we_o know_v but_o look_v to_o it_o that_o we_o have_v such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o be_v accompany_v with_o grace_n such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o be_v sanctify_v to_o we_o by_o grace_n and_o this_o now_o i_o speak_v upon_o occasion_n of_o this_o question_n serm._n ix_o 2_o pet._n 3._o 18._o and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n three_o thing_n seem_v to_o lie_v in_o the_o text._n first_o that_o it_o be_v god_n will_n and_o saint_n duty_n as_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n so_o to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v the_o special_a knowledge_n wherein_o saint_n and_o believer_n ought_v to_o grow_v 3._o they_o that_o mind_n growth_n in_o grace_n must_v in_o order_n thereunto_o endeavour_v a_o growth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n first_o of_o all_o it_o be_v the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n and_o a_o saint_n duty_n to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n god_n will_v have_v his_o people_n to_o be_v a_o know_a people_n a_o well-knowing_a people_n god_n do_v take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o a_o people_n that_o pretend_v to_o he_o and_o profess_v his_o name_n
the_o hear_n of_o faith_n by_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n make_v know_v unto_o you_o in_o that_o way_n the_o spirit_n come_v and_o the_o spirit_n with_o the_o grace_n of_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v the_o bless_a instrumental_a mean_n whereby_o there_o come_v to_o be_v the_o first_o plantation_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n ay_o this_o that_o bring_v man_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v the_o gospel_n man_n will_v never_o believe_v to_o the_o save_n of_o their_o soul_n till_o they_o come_v to_o know_v jesus_n christ._n they_o will_v never_o repent_v with_o a_o repentance_n to_o salvation_n till_o they_o come_v to_o know_v jesus_n christ_n all_o the_o knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n will_v never_o bring_v over_o a_o soul_n to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n when_o man_n come_v once_o to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o know_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o know_v the_o mystery_n concern_v the_o salvation_n and_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n this_o will_v bring_v they_o to_o faith_n if_o any_o thing_n will_v this_o will_v bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n this_o be_v the_o instrumental_a mean_n whereby_o they_o come_v to_o have_v their_o heart_n warm_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o preach_n of_o the_o law_n as_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n moral_a duty_n and_o press_v of_o they_o without_o the_o line_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n without_o reference_n to_o that_o this_o will_n but_o rather_o provoke_v and_o stir_v up_o the_o corruption_n of_o a_o man_n the_o law_n work_v wrath_n against_o a_o man_n work_v wrath_n in_o a_o man_n it_o raise_v up_o wrath_n it_o irritate_v those_o curse_a corrupt_a principle_n that_o be_v in_o he_o o_o this_o be_v a_o mystery_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v well_o acquaint_v withal_o o_o it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v that_o that_o break_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v the_o heart_n to_o work_v out_o after_o god_n never_o shall_v we_o begin_v to_o love_n god_n nor_o to_o love_n christ_n till_o such_o time_n as_o we_o come_v to_o know_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n i_o will_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o every_o one_o of_o you_o be_v but_o well_o study_v in_o this_o mystery_n that_o now_o i_o be_o speak_v to_o that_o it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n to_o plant_v grace_n to_o make_v the_o first_o plantation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o soul_n as_o 2_o know_v that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o its_o first_o plantation_n so_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o its_o augmentation_n i_o be_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o text_n concern_v a_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ._n this_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v bring_v about_o by_o a_o growth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n the_o more_o we_o know_v the_o more_o we_o shall_v believe_v the_o more_o we_o shall_v repent_v the_o more_o we_o shall_v love_v the_o more_o holy_a shall_v we_o be_v as_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o god_n assist_v i_o think_v this_o point_n will_v take_v up_o a_o little_a more_o time_n than_o other_o particular_n will_v but_o it_o will_v be_v time_n well_o spend_v now_o yet_o further_o to_o clear_v up_o this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o increase_n in_o that_o which_o do_v promote_v a_o increase_n in_o grace_n you_o shall_v find_v in_o scripture_n and_o true_o it_o be_v worthy_a your_o consideration_n to_o my_o apprehension_n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v put_v for_o all_o grace_n it_o be_v a_o considerable_a thing_n that_o when_o god_n will_v make_v a_o promise_n of_o all_o grace_n he_o do_v epitomise_v that_o promise_n thus_o i_o will_v give_v they_o a_o heart_n to_o know_v i_o when_o god_n come_v to_o make_v a_o promise_n to_o his_o people_n concern_v grace_n he_o put_v it_o into_o this_o form_n i_o give_v they_o a_o heart_n to_o know_v i_o o_o how_o much_o be_v there_o complicate_v in_o that_o expression_n i_o will_v give_v they_o a_o heart_n to_o know_v i_o he_o do_v not_o say_v a_o head_n to_o know_v i_o indeed_o that_o be_v a_o gift_n but_o knowledge_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v a_o grace_n it_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o which_o contribute_v to_o all_o the_o grace_n a_o heart_n to_o know_v i_o to_o know_v i_o with_o what_o a_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n with_o a_o fidelial_a knowledge_n a_o knowledge_n of_o trust_n and_o a_o affectionate_a knowledge_n a_o knowledge_n of_o love_n and_o with_o a_o knowledge_n of_o desire_n and_o a_o knowledge_n of_o submission_n i_o will_v give_v they_o a_o heart_n to_o know_v i_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v likewise_o to_o this_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n speak_v joh._n 17._o 3._o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a why_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v mark_v it_o this_o be_v eternal_a life_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o this_o be_v eternal_a life_n in_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o it_o to_o know_v thou_o and_o to_o know_v he_o who_o thou_o have_v send_v to_o know_v god_n in_o christ_n this_o be_v eternal_a life_n then_o sure_o it_o import_v faith_n and_o it_o import_v love_n and_o it_o import_v holiness_n for_o eternal_a life_n do_v not_o come_v over_o to_o a_o soul_n but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o believe_v and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o love_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o all_o the_o grace_n so_o that_o i_o say_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o under_o which_o be_v comprehend_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o true_o this_o be_v a_o consideration_n of_o weight_n in_o order_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o be_v more_o in_o our_o indearing_n of_o it_o and_o more_o in_o our_o endeavouring_n after_o it_o but_o now_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v this_o yet_o more_o full_o to_o appear_v by_o a_o induction_n of_o particular_n so_o as_o that_o you_o may_v stand_v convince_v of_o this_o that_o the_o way_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n consider_v first_o of_o all_o that_o by_o growth_n in_o this_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n we_o be_v most_o happy_o advantage_v for_o a_o growth_n in_o faith_n and_o believe_v it_o be_v very_o considerable_a and_o i_o will_v commend_v it_o to_o you_o to_o be_v serious_o weigh_v that_o as_o knowledge_n be_v put_v for_o faith_n for_o justify_v faith_n according_a to_o that_o remarkablescripture_n that_o you_o have_v in_o isa._n 53._o where_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n by_o the_o prophet_n by_o his_o knowledge_n shall_v my_o righteous_a servant_n justify_v many_o now_o do_v but_o weigh_v that_o passage_n and_o observe_v this_o expression_n this_o be_v speak_v concern_v christ_n our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o say_v the_o prophet_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o shall_v my_o righteous_a servant_n justify_v many_o why_o do_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n justify_v why_o the_o devil_n know_v he_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o justify_v carnal_a professor_n they_o have_v a_o knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o justify_v i_o but_o that_o be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n as_o that_o they_o that_o have_v it_o shall_v be_v justify_v and_o christ_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o shall_v justify_v many_o now_o what_o knowledge_n be_v this_o iâ—…_n must_v needs_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o fiducial_a knowledge_n a_o knowledge_n of_o faith_n such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o dependence_n a_o knowledge_n of_o recumbency_n and_o reliance_n upon_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n there_o be_v no_o other_o knowledge_n whereby_o christ_n can_v justify_v soul_n but_o by_o such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o this_o and_o so_o i_o say_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v put_v for_o faith_n and_o be_v use_v to_o be_v set_v forth_o unto_o we_o the_o faith_n whereby_o soul_n be_v justify_v and_o so_o
be_v to_o be_v know_v concern_v our_o lord_n jesus_n that_o he_o have_v have_v a_o deep_a experience_n of_o prayer_n and_o of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o and_o temptation_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v subject_a to_o meet_v withal_o in_o the_o management_n of_o prayer_n all_o this_o be_v know_v to_o christ_n so_o far_o as_o a_o holy_a nature_n can_v have_v personal_a experience_n of_o such_o difficulty_n and_o such_o temptation_n so_o far_o have_v our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o his_o own_o person_n experiment_v this_o matter_n concern_v prayer_n now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o the_o well_o digest_v knowledge_n of_o this_o that_o christ_n be_v a_o man_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o he_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o prayer_n and_o know_v what_o there_o be_v of_o difficulty_n in_o prayer_n and_o what_o sore_a temptation_n hang_v upon_o prayer_n and_o what_o a_o desperate_a enemy_n the_o devil_n be_v to_o prayer_n he_o know_v all_o this_o and_o he_o have_v a_o sense_n upon_o his_o heart_n and_o a_o knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o struggle_a and_o wrestle_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o spirit_n of_o his_o pray_a people_n here_o upon_o earth_n this_o be_v that_o that_o be_v to_o be_v know_v concern_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n he_o have_v a_o deep_a sense_n of_o all_o the_o struggle_n and_o wrestle_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o people_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o be_v perfect_o know_v of_o all_o the_o opposition_n which_o they_o meet_v withal_o in_o the_o way_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n and_o how_o the_o devil_n do_v set_v himself_o against_o his_o saint_n and_o what_o encounter_v they_o meet_v withal_o from_o unbelief_n and_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v within_o how_o apt_a to_o fall_v under_o deep_a discouragement_n and_o despondency_n of_o spirit_n he_o know_v all_o this_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n that_o he_o may_v pity_v and_o compassionate_v his_o people_n o_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v concern_v jesus_n christ_n in_o heaven_n and_o even_o now_o he_o be_v in_o glory_n that_o he_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o all_o this_o upon_o his_o spirit_n and_o be_v privy_a to_o every_o prayer_n that_o his_o poor_a humble_a brokenhearted_a conflict_v people_n do_v make_v up_o to_o god_n and_o be_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n engage_v to_o stand_v their_o prayer_n in_o stead_n and_o to_o promote_v the_o success_n of_o they_o and_o to_o take_v they_o from_o their_o hand_n as_o the_o bless_a highpriest_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o to_o perfume_v they_o in_o his_o golden_a sencer_n with_o his_o odour_n the_o odour_n of_o his_o intercession_n this_o be_v that_o that_o be_v to_o be_v know_v concern_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o o_o how_o do_v this_o knowledge_n well_o digest_v a_o soul_n be_v well_o advance_v in_o it_o how_o will_v it_o find_v this_o knowledge_n large_o contribute_v to_o the_o promote_a of_o this_o duty_n do_v but_o weigh_v these_o thing_n in_o your_o conscience_n whether_o this_o 〈◊〉_d not_o be_v a_o very_a great_a conducement_n to_o the_o more_o lively_a manage_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o that_o we_o will_v not_o trifle_v with_o god_n when_o we_o be_v exercise_v in_o such_o a_o service_n and_o then_o again_o for_o that_o noble_a gospel-service_n and_o duty_n of_o praise_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n the_o more_o the_o soul_n do_v improve_v and_o grow_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n the_o more_o will_v there_o be_v of_o loveliness_n and_o activity_n and_o inlargedness_n for_o the_o management_n of_o that_o true_o brethren_n it_o be_v that_o which_o we_o have_v all_o cause_n to_o be_v deep_o humble_v for_o that_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o have_v not_o more_o large_a return_n for_o his_o people_n of_o praise_n and_o thanks_o and_o blessing_n for_o all_o that_o grace_n that_o he_o have_v make_v to_o appear_v unto_o they_o o_o how_o little_o be_v it_o that_o be_v do_v to_o purpose_n in_o such_o a_o service_n and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o we_o be_v not_o more_o lively_a to_o such_o a_o purpose_n that_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o more_o enlarge_v to_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o blessing_n and_o praise_v and_o thanksgiving_n to_o he_o we_o may_v well_o reckon_v it_o to_o this_o that_o we_o be_v not_o more_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n for_o this_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n our_o lord_n and_o of_o the_o mystery_n concern_v he_o this_o be_v the_o knowledge_n that_o will_v make_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v upon_o the_o wing_n mount_v up_o with_o all_o inlargement_n of_o thankfulness_n and_o praise_n unto_o god_n the_o more_o the_o soul_n be_v take_v up_o with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o more_o will_v it_o be_v in_o admiring_n of_o grace_n the_o more_o will_v it_o be_v in_o magnifying_n of_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n consider_v this_o knowledge_n it_o be_v such_o wine_n as_o will_v make_v the_o lip_n of_o they_o that_o be_v asleep_a to_o speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o expression_n which_o we_o have_v in_o cant._n 7._o he_o spâ—…ks_v there_o concern_v our_o saviour_n that_o be_v soâ—…_n and_o 〈◊〉_d that_o it_o will_v make_v the_o lip_n of_o they_o that_o be_v asleep_a to_o speak_v oh_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v our_o lord_n jesus_n if_o it_o be_v better_o know_v it_o will_v spirit_n the_o soul_n and_o make_v it_o to_o be_v most_o active_a to_o such_o a_o purpose_n you_o here_o have_v a_o account_n concern_v the_o angel_n there_o be_v upon_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n a_o heavenly_a host_n and_o they_o be_v sing_v praise_n unto_o god_n glory_n be_v to_o god_n on_o high_a upon_o what_o account_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o knowledge_n they_o have_v of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o that_o glorious_a mystery_n concern_v jesus_n christ_n the_o angel_n be_v not_o able_a to_o contain_v themselves_o the_o virgin_n mary_n in_o luk._n 2._o when_o she_o come_v to_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o mystery_n concern_v her_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n through_o he_o how_o do_v she_o break_v out_o with_o all_o enlargement_n my_o soul_n do_v magnify_v the_o lord_n my_o spirit_n have_v rejoice_v in_o god_n my_o saviour_n and_o so_o all_o along_o o_o what_o blessing_n and_o praise_v of_o god_n be_v there_o on_o the_o part_n of_o a_o people_n that_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o first_o establish_v apostolical_a constitution_n o_o what_o inlargement_n be_v there_o in_o praise_v god_n and_o magnify_v he_o and_o why_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o knowledge_n that_o they_o have_v of_o the_o glorious_a mystery_n concern_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o account_n that_o be_v give_v in_o the_o primitive_a persecution_n concern_v the_o christian_n that_o they_o will_v be_v in_o their_o early_a sing_n and_o praising_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o account_n of_o the_o christian_n under_o dreadful_a persecution_n in_o the_o day_n of_o trajan_n the_o emperor_n that_o they_o will_v be_v early_o in_o the_o morning_n sing_v and_o praise_v and_o blessing_n god_n and_o upon_o what_o account_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o this_o great_a and_o glorious_a mystery_n concern_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n o_o this_o be_v that_o that_o will_v fill_v the_o mouth_n with_o argument_n and_o it_o will_v wise_o contribâ—…te_v to_o the_o promote_a of_o ability_n suitable_a to_o such_o argument_n wherein_o to_o enlarge_v in_o blessing_n and_o praise_v god_n our_o heart_n will_v not_o lie_v so_o dead_a upon_o we_o we_o will_v be_v more_o lively_a than_o we_o be_v in_o exalt_v god_n magnify_v his_o name_n do_v we_o but_o know_v more_o of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n of_o the_o mystery_n which_o have_v be_v keep_v secret_a from_o age_n and_o generation_n but_o because_o we_o do_v but_o sip_v of_o the_o cup_n have_v a_o little_a smattering_n knowledge_n and_o no_o well_o digest_v knowledge_n and_o not_o due_o improve_v we_o come_v off_o so_o poor_o as_o we_o do_v o_o consider_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n how_o excellent_o it_o discover_v itself_o as_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n bless_a be_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n bless_v be_v god_n that_o have_v bless_v we_o with_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o heavenly_a place_n in_o christ_n in_o christ_n so_o the_o apostle_n peter_n o_o bless_a be_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o have_v beget_v we_o unto_o a_o lively_a hope_n of_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o and_o all_o by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n thus_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o
2_o that_o you_o will_v know_v the_o singular_a eminency_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o love_n that_o pass_v knowledge_n and_o the_o apostle_n press_v this_o upon_o we_o in_o eph._n 3._o say_v he_o i_o bow_v my_o knee_n etc._n etc._n that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v with_o all_o saint_n the_o height_n and_o depth_n and_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o what_o do_v these_o dimension_n refer_v to_o why_o say_v he_o that_o you_o may_v know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n that_o pass_v knowledge_n that_o you_o may_v know_v it_o in_o the_o height_n of_o it_o in_o the_o depth_n in_o the_o breadth_n in_o the_o length_n of_o it_o o_o say_v he_o this_o be_v the_o knowledge_n that_o i_o will_v have_v you_o increase_v and_o grow_v in_o that_o so_o you_o may_v come_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n o_o this_o love_n be_v such_o a_o love_n as_o we_o can_v never_o know_v enough_o of_o that_o christ_n have_v such_o love_n to_o his_o father_n as_o to_o comply_v with_o his_o design_n concern_v a_o sinful_a world_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v bear_v such_o love_n to_o a_o company_n of_o vile_a wretch_n ugly_a defile_v loathsome_a creature_n that_o he_o will_v not_o stick_v at_o the_o lay_n down_o of_o his_o life_n and_o shed_v his_o blood_n to_o save_v they_o from_o eternal_a vengeance_n o_o say_v the_o apostle_n study_v this_o that_o you_o may_v comprehend_v the_o height_n and_o depth_n and_o length_n and_o breadth_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n and_o then_o shall_v you_o come_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n i_o have_v only_o this_o one_o thing_n further_o but_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o grow_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n first_o when_o you_o have_v improve_v well_o to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v labour_v to_o be_v more_o humble_a if_o you_o be_v of_o meek_a and_o humble_a frame_n of_o heart_n and_o do_v not_o swell_v with_o notion_n true_o christ_n will_v delight_v to_o communicate_v more_o of_o his_o knowledge_n to_o you_o and_o then_o love_v he_o more_o if_o you_o will_v love_v he_o more_o you_o shall_v know_v he_o more_o as_o knowledge_n will_v help_v to_o increase_v love_n so_o love_v to_o christ_n upon_o what_o we_o do_v know_v will_v contribute_v to_o the_o promote_a of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o then_o what_o you_o do_v know_v make_v use_n of_o it_o practice_n it_o and_o labour_n to_o keep_v in_o a_o obediential_a frame_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v etc._n etc._n and_o then_o you_o must_v pray_v for_o this_o knowledge_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v open_v the_o eye_n of_o your_o understanding_n i_o be_o a_o stranger_n in_o the_o earth_n o_o hide_v not_o thy_o commandment_n from_o i_o and_o then_o the_o whole_a scripture_n they_o testify_v of_o christ_n and_o if_o you_o will_v know_v much_o of_o christ_n be_v much_o in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v two_o scripture_n which_o i_o will_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o take_v you_o off_o from_o the_o search_n into_o other_o have_v person_n to_o be_v well_o study_v in_o to_o desire_v to_o advance_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v first_o the_o song_n of_o solomon_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n the_o song_n of_o solomon_n the_o study_v of_o that_o book_n will_v much_o promote_v your_o knowledge_n in_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n when_o you_o shall_v come_v to_o see_v what_o a_o spirit_n breathe_v in_o that_o bless_a book_n that_o song_n of_o song_n what_o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n do_v breath_n there_o you_o will_v come_v to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n how_o dear_a he_o be_v over_o his_o spouse_n over_o his_o child_n over_o all_o that_o be_v give_v to_o he_o o_o how_o he_o delight_v in_o they_o and_o to_o hold_v converse_n with_o they_o and_o how_o he_o can_v overlook_a their_o spot_n and_o blemish_n and_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o fair_a and_o have_v no_o spot_n in_o they_o it_o be_v admirable_a to_o consider_v what_o endeavour_n there_o be_v on_o the_o part_n of_o christ_n over_o his_o belove_a spouse_n that_o book_n well_o study_v will_v promote_v your_o knowledge_n in_o the_o love_n of_o christ._n and_o then_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n it_o be_v a_o scripture_n that_o be_v give_v we_o for_o precious_a purpose_n and_o be_v well_o study_v it_o will_v contribute_v much_o to_o the_o advance_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o power_n and_o greatness_n there_o we_o come_v to_o have_v discovery_n make_v to_o we_o of_o what_o enemy_n he_o have_v and_o what_o victory_n he_o shall_v get_v and_o what_o triumph_v he_o shall_v maintain_v and_o what_o glory_n shall_v be_v settle_v upon_o he_o and_o what_o enjoyment_n there_o shall_v be_v between_o he_o and_o the_o bride_n in_o due_a time_n and_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o understand_v more_o full_o what_o blessed_a day_n sunshine_n day_n day_n of_o light_n and_o liberty_n of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n when_o tear_n shall_v be_v wipe_v away_o from_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o poor_a mourner_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o zion_n with_o everlasting_a joy_n and_o sorrow_n and_o mourning_n shall_v flee_v away_o and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o this_o knowledge_n now_o the_o lord_n make_v you_o wise_a to_o consider_v and_o give_v we_o heart_n to_o set_v to_o it_o that_o we_o may_v answer_v our_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o charge_n in_o the_o text._n serm._n xix_o 2_o pet._n 3._o 18._o to_o he_o be_v glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n have_v spend_v several_a year_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o have_v in_o the_o former_a exercise_n be_v drive_v at_o this_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o grow_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n i_o be_o now_o to_o issue_v all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v according_a to_o what_o the_o text_n now_o guide_v i_o to_o in_o a_o doxology_n that_o be_v in_o a_o honourable_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o a_o person_n unto_o who_o glory_n be_v most_o righteous_o to_o be_v ascribe_v thus_o the_o word_n signify_v to_o we_o according_a to_o the_o sound_n of_o they_o to_o he_o be_v glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n word_n of_o precious_a import_n word_n of_o common_a use_n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v wish_v both_o for_o minister_n and_o christian_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o frequent_a usage_n of_o they_o that_o it_o may_v be_v very_o careful_o look_v unto_o that_o while_o we_o keep_v a_o form_n of_o word_n and_o hold_v up_o a_o form_n of_o word_n and_o make_v use_n of_o they_o in_o ordinary_a course_n we_o be_v not_o awanting_a to_o that_o which_o be_v import_v in_o they_o and_o lose_v not_o the_o spirit_n while_o we_o hold_v forth_o the_o letter_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n and_o there_o be_v infinite_a cause_n that_o when_o these_o word_n sound_v in_o our_o ear_n we_o shall_v be_v most_o free_a to_o say_v our_o amen_n unto_o they_o a_o sweet_a close_a of_o a_o sacred_a and_o save_a piece_n of_o scripture_n and_o true_o it_o be_v well_o become_a man_n and_o woman_n profess_v godliness_n for_o to_o be_v most_o cordial_a unto_o the_o utter_n and_o express_v of_o this_o language_n the_o language_n of_o the_o text._n it_o be_v a_o become_a close_o for_o every_o sermon_n that_o be_v preach_v for_o every_o prayer_n that_o be_v make_v for_o every_o duty_n perform_v for_o every_o mercy_n that_o be_v receive_v and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v testify_v of_o god_n and_o christ_n to_o issue_v all_o thus_o now_o unto_o he_o be_v glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n we_o have_v the_o letter_n the_o great_a matter_n be_v to_o look_v to_o it_o that_o we_o lose_v not_o the_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v not_o as_o i_o say_v in_o the_o usage_n of_o a_o form_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v stranger_n to_o the_o power_n there_o be_v some_o difference_n as_o to_o word_n and_o phrase_n and_o form_n of_o expression_n between_o this_o doxology_n and_o some_o other_o that_o we_o meet_v withal_o in_o holy_a writ_n the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n he_o form_v the_o doxology_n thus_o chap._n 16._o 25._o to_o he_o that_o be_v of_o power_n to_o establish_v you_o according_a to_o my_o gospel_n and_o the_o preach_n of_o jesus_n christ._n to_o god_n only_o wise_a be_v glory_n through_o jesus_n christ_n for_o ever_o amen_n in_o eph._n 3._o we_o have_v the_o doxology_n form_v thus_o now_o unto_o he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o do_v exceed_v abundant_o
their_o care_n and_o diligence_n for_o to_o keep_v themselves_o it_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o believer_n a_o covenant_n privilege_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o god_n i_o will_v put_v my_o fear_n into_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o i_o but_o it_o be_v also_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n to_o do_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n and_o to_o use_v his_o great_a diligence_n and_o care_n that_o he_o never_o do_v depart_v from_o god_n and_o by_o that_o care_n of_o he_o not_o to_o depart_v from_o god_n god_n do_v bring_v over_o to_o he_o the_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant-priviledg_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o he_o and_o true_o we_o can_v reckon_v upon_o the_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n of_o â—…e_a privilege_n any_o further_a than_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o answer_v to_o our_o duty_n god_n will_v be_v true_a to_o his_o promise_n and_o he_o discover_v his_o faithfulness_n in_o perform_v his_o promise_n 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and_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v there_o be_v as_o little_a of_o judiciousness_n discover_v in_o the_o part_n of_o godly_a person_n of_o those_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a as_o little_a of_o judicial_a observance_n discover_v itself_o about_o this_o thing_n as_o about_o any_o one_o thing_n that_o concern_v practical_a godliness_n growth_n in_o grace_n our_o conscience_n be_v able_a to_o witness_v with_o we_o or_o against_o we_o whether_o we_o study_v this_o matter_n whether_o we_o bestow_v any_o serious_a thought_n about_o it_o yea_o or_o no_o whether_o we_o understand_v it_o and_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o this_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o good_a account_n of_o it_o i_o doubt_v there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v right_a in_o the_o main_a that_o be_v at_o a_o very_a great_a loss_n concâ—…rning_v the_o right_a understanding_n of_o this_o matter_n and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v any_o comfortable_a account_n a_o judicious_a account_n concern_v themselves_o and_o how_o far_o they_o be_v responsible_a to_o god_n concern_v this_o thing_n judge_n in_o yourselves_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o the_o height_n of_o your_o godliness_n and_o your_o utmost_a reach_n in_o your_o profession_n you_o have_v solicitous_a thought_n about_o grace_n about_o the_o in-being_a indwelling_a implantation_n of_o grace_n in_o you_o you_o may_v have_v and_o must_v have_v if_o you_o be_v gracious_a such_o solicitous_a thought_n exercise_v yourselves_o with_o serious_a consideration_n to_o such_o a_o purpose_n my_o soul_n be_v there_o any_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o thou_o or_o be_v thou_o a_o stranger_n to_o it_o be_v there_o any_o save_a work_n upon_o thou_o yea_o or_o no_o i_o know_v this_o that_o every_o one_o that_o have_v a_o save_a impress_n upon_o his_o spirit_n will_v be_v exercise_v himself_o to_o this_o purpose_n and_o labour_n to_o understand_v himself_o concern_v this_o matter_n whether_o he_o have_v grace_n yea_o or_o no._n but_o as_o to_o this_o duty_n in_o the_o text_n concern_v growth_n in_o grace_n alas_o how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o busy_a their_o head_n about_o it_o or_o be_v able_a judicious_o to_o manage_v and_o perform_v a_o search_n into_o themselves_o concern_v it_o or_o to_o give_v a_o good_a account_n about_o this_o matâ—…er_n i_o shall_v speak_v more_o to_o that_o afterward_o god_n assist_v now_o i_o give_v a_o hint_n of_o it_o and_o do_v speak_v this_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o be_v give_v we_o in_o commission_n to_o preach_v this_o doctrine_n and_o to_o press_v this_o duty_n i_o speak_v the_o rather_o in_o this_o sort_n that_o you_o may_v come_v to_o have_v more_o serious_a thought_n concern_v that_o which_o i_o have_v to_o assert_v from_o this_o text_n and_o to_o press_v upon_o you_o as_o a_o duty_n that_o we_o be_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o to_o settle_v this_o upon_o your_o apprehension_n that_o it_o be_v as_o much_o a_o duty_n for_o person_n to_o increase_v in_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v 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i_o know_v that_o my_o redeemer_n live_v we_o know_v that_o if_o this_o tabernacle_n be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o build_n of_o god_n a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o we_o shall_v press_v after_o a_o faith_n of_o such_o a_o size_n as_o this_o of_o such_o a_o proportion_n as_o this_o and_o not_o rest_v content_v with_o this_o that_o we_o can_v hang_v upon_o christ_n though_o its_o a_o great_a mercy_n to_o have_v the_o least_o degree_n of_o faith_n yet_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v press_v to_o that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o a_o holy_a confidence_n towards_o god_n this_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o that_o that_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o grow_a faith_n that_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n 2._o our_o duty_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o faith_n and_o to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o growth_n in_o faith_n as_o that_o we_o may_v answer_v the_o high_a and_o honourable_a and_o glorious_a testimony_n that_o be_v give_v of_o faith_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v in_o our_o justification_n of_o such_o testimony_n and_o say_v thus_o and_o thus_o be_v faith_n testify_v of_o it_o be_v a_o true_a testimony_n i_o be_o able_a to_o prove_v it_o i_o be_o able_a to_o speak_v it_o out_o of_o my_o own_o person_n and_o from_o my_o own_o experience_n it_o be_v our_o bless_a sayiours_n speech_n wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n if_o we_o will_v approve_v ourselves_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o wisdom_n we_o shall_v look_v after_o this_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o justify_v the_o say_n of_o wisdom_n now_o what_o be_v the_o say_n of_o wisdom_n concern_v faith_n the_o testimony_n that_o be_v give_v of_o it_o mark_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 11_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o it_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v be_v this_o a_o true_a testimony_n it_o may_v be_v you_o will_v say_v you_o believe_v this_o that_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n concern_v faith_n ay_o but_o what_o of_o that_o be_v it_o a_o truth_n in_o you_o be_v your_o faith_n such_o a_o faith_n be_v you_o able_a to_o subscribe_v to_o this_o and_o to_o say_v yea_o bless_a be_v god_n i_o can_v speak_v this_o from_o my_o own_o experience_n and_o say_v faith_n be_v to_o i_o the_o substance_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v hope_v for_o faith_n be_v in_o i_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v
may_v say_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o can_v say_v i_o be_o most_o fearful_a to_o sin_n and_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v displease_v to_o god_n and_o when_o so_o o_o especial_o then_o when_o i_o be_o least_o fearful_a to_o be_v punish_v and_o plague_v for_o it_o the_o less_o i_o have_v of_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n and_o the_o more_o i_o have_v of_o a_o holy_a confidence_n towards_o god_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v everlasting_o save_v the_o more_o be_o i_o fearful_a with_o a_o holy_a filial_a fear_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v displease_v to_o my_o god_n here_o be_v the_o well-grown_a faith_n and_o it_o argue_v much_o feebleness_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o it_o give_v occasion_n to_o sometime_o to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o when_o person_n upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o their_o justify_v state_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v liberty_n to_o sin_n you_o know_v how_o the_o apostle_n argue_v against_o this_o shall_v we_o continue_v in_o sin_n because_o grace_n have_v abound_v god_n forbid_v nay_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o believer_n well_o improve_v will_v fortify_v his_o spirit_n against_o such_o a_o temptation_n and_o against_o the_o assault_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o corruption_n and_o say_v see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v appear_v to_o i_o and_o magnify_v itself_o upon_o i_o in_o a_o pardon_v way_n in_o a_o renew_n way_n that_o grace_n i_o reckon_v upon_o as_o that_o that_o shall_v abide_v upon_o i_o and_o shall_v engage_v itself_o to_o perfect_a all_o the_o concern_v justification_n sanctification_n everlasting_a salvation_n this_o make_v a_o holy_a fear_n to_o flourish_v in_o my_o soul_n that_o i_o may_v not_o in_o any_o thing_n carry_v it_o unbecome_o and_o unsutable_o to_o such_o a_o state_n this_o be_v the_o well-grown_a faith_n that_o we_o shall_v press_v after_o yet_o further_o when_o i_o press_v you_o to_o a_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n thus_o you_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o it_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o growth_n as_o that_o whatsoever_o grace_n be_v implant_v in_o we_o and_o to_o what_o degree_n soever_o whatsoever_o our_o accomplishment_n be_v in_o the_o renew_a state_n and_o according_a to_o the_o new_a creature_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v of_o inherent_a grace_n and_o of_o gracious_a ability_n yet_o we_o can_v so_o look_v upon_o our_o inherent_a grace_n and_o spiritual_a ability_n as_o to_o keep_v off_o from_o place_v any_o confidencee_n in_o they_o but_o still_o keep_v a_o full_a reliance_n upon_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n this_o be_v our_o duty_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v of_o grace_n inherent_a in_o we_o yet_o that_o it_o be_v not_o trust_v unto_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v but_o a_o creature_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a piece_n indeed_o of_o all_o god_n creation_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v by_o he_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o creature_n and_o be_v a_o creature_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v a_o man_n must_v not_o trust_v in_o his_o trust_n he_o must_v trust_v with_o his_o faith_n but_o he_o must_v not_o trust_v to_o his_o faith_n he_o must_v not_o trust_v to_o any_o spiritual_a strength_n or_o ability_n that_o he_o have_v in_o he_o but_o still_o keep_v a_o dependence_n upon_o christ_n reckon_v upon_o christ_n as_o the_o strength_n that_o will_v be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o it_o be_v the_o answer_n that_o be_v give_v to_o paul_n when_o he_o be_v under_o those_o sore_a buffet_n say_v he_o paul_n my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o paul_n grace_n be_v not_o sufficient_a any_o further_a than_o it_o be_v make_v sufficient_a by_o christ_n grace_n it_o be_v not_o the_o water_n in_o the_o cistern_n that_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n but_o the_o water_n in_o the_o fountain_n dependence_n upon_o the_o cistern_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n the_o cistern_n may_v be_v exhaust_v but_o the_o fountain_n can_v you_o know_v how_o it_o be_v with_o adam_n when_o he_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o creation_n it_o fail_v he_o peter_n when_o he_o be_v strong_a in_o himself_o you_o know_v what_o his_o confidence_n in_o himself_o issue_v in_o and_o therefore_o i_o say_v such_o confidence_n even_o in_o our_o own_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v accurse_v the_o lord_n reject_v such_o confidence_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o we_o shall_v use_v our_o grace_n but_o trust_v not_o to_o they_o but_o still_o keep_v a_o dependence_n upon_o the_o lord_n jesus_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n charge_v to_o timothy_n be_v thou_o strong_a in_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o true_o this_o be_v that_o that_o will_v not_o be_v perform_v but_o by_o a_o well-grown_a faith_n when_o we_o can_v thus_o do_v see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o we_o prize_v it_o bless_v he_o for_o it_o employ_v it_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o keep_v hand_n off_o from_o it_o from_o trust_v upon_o it_o and_o keep_v a_o full_a dependence_n upon_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v another_o thing_n again_o grow_v in_o grace_n grow_v in_o faith_n it_o be_v your_o duty_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_n to_o such_o a_o purpose_n that_o while_o we_o do_v and_o perform_v duty_n with_o great_a delight_n as_o indeed_o faith_n will_v carry_v we_o to_o that_o it_o will_v make_v a_o man_n delight_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o performance_n of_o holy_a duty_n account_v it_o meat_n and_o drink_n to_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o yet_o while_o we_o be_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n that_o even_o then_o when_o we_o have_v do_v to_o lay_v they_o by_o and_o say_v this_o be_v not_o my_o foundation_n o_o lord_n i_o have_v do_v thus_o and_o thus_o it_o may_v be_v much_o in_o preach_v much_o in_o prayer_n much_o in_o alm_n much_o in_o act_n of_o mortification_n much_o in_o such_o and_o such_o service_n i_o but_o lord_n when_o i_o have_v do_v all_o i_o do_v profess_v that_o i_o have_v do_v nothing_o to_o purpose_n nothing_o to_o my_o justification_n i_o so_o do_v duty_n as_o if_o i_o be_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o they_o yet_o i_o so_o trust_v upon_o christ_n as_o if_o i_o be_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o my_o duty_n at_o all_o o_o this_o be_v precious_a faith_n and_o well-improved_n faith_n when_o we_o can_v do_v service_n and_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o yet_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o we_o can_v take_v off_o from_o all_o lay_v all_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o jesus_n and_o say_v o_o lord_n this_o shall_v never_o be_v my_o righteousness_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o be_v as_o righteous_a and_o holy_a and_o gracious_a as_o i_o can_v but_o lord_n when_o i_o have_v do_v all_o i_o can_v i_o be_o resolve_v to_o lay_v all_o by_o and_o will_v make_v mention_n of_o thy_o righteousness_n and_o of_o thy_o only_a and_o i_o be_o resolve_v i_o will_v never_o plead_v any_o righteousness_n of_o my_o own_o any_o duty_n and_o service_n of_o my_o performance_n i_o will_v never_o plead_v they_o before_o thou_o as_o my_o righteousness_n i_o may_v plead_v they_o as_o evidence_n as_o hezekiah_n do_v remember_v lord_n how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n but_o i_o will_v never_o plead_v they_o as_o my_o righteousness_n which_o i_o will_v stick_v to_o and_o bear_v upon_o they_o before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n no_o i_o will_v throw_v they_o all_o away_o when_o they_o offer_v themselves_o to_o come_v in_o upon_o such_o a_o account_n alas_o poor_a weak_a believer_n o_o how_o apt_a be_v they_o to_o keep_v hand_n upon_o their_o duty_n and_o service_n and_o when_o a_o day_n of_o temptation_n and_o dissertion_n and_o perplexity_n begin_v to_o seize_v upon_o they_o they_o begin_v to_o turn_v their_o eye_n to_o what_o they_o have_v be_v and_o do_v i_o but_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o believer_n when_o it_o come_v to_o its_o due_a growth_n will_v otherwise_o carry_v the_o soul_n and_o make_v it_o to_o keep_v its_o dependence_n upon_o the_o lord_n jesus_n again_o your_o duty_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o especial_o in_o faith_n and_o such_o a_o growth_n as_o that_o while_o you_o give_v attendance_n upon_o a_o ordinance_n you_o can_v see_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n stamp_v upon_o it_o and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o be_v stamp_v you_o give_v the_o attendance_n and_o you_o reckon_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o bless_a expedient_a which_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o your_o soul_n advantage_n and_o you_o reckon_v upon_o gracious_a communication_n from_o god_n by_o it_o as_o by_o such_o a_o expedient_a of_o his_o own_o
everlasting_a covenant_n which_o be_v order_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o sure_a when_o it_o be_v not_o pen_v up_o but_o have_v scope_n in_o our_o understanding_n when_o we_o can_v take_v in_o this_o mystery_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n in_o the_o proportion_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o business_n of_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v that_o which_o will_v not_o be_v perform_v to_o any_o good_a purpose_n unless_o there_o be_v some_o considarable_a improvement_n and_o growth_n in_o faith_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v so_o earnest_o pray_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n in_o eph._n 1._o say_v he_o i_o cease_v not_o to_o give_v thanks_o for_o you_o make_v mention_n of_o you_o in_o my_o prayer_n that_o the_o god_n of_o 〈◊〉_d lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o glory_n may_v give_v 〈◊〉_d yâ—…_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o blâ—…_n the_o eye_n of_o your_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v that_o yâ—…_n may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o call_v and_o what_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o inheritance_n in_o the_o saint_n and_o what_o be_v the_o exeecede_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o we_o ward_n who_o beliâ—…e_v according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n o_o how_o earnest_n be_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o behalf_n or_o the_o ephesian_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 14._o sâ—…th_n he_o i_o bâ—…v_v my_o knee_n to_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o can_v grant_v unto_o you_o according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n to_o be_v strengthen_v with_o might_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o inward_a man_n that_o christ_n may_v dwell_v in_o your_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o say_v he_o that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v with_o all_o saint_n what_o be_v the_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o depth_n and_o height_n and_o to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o â—…d_n two_o passage_n they_o be_v of_o scripture_n which_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o believe_a soul_n to_o be_v well_o study_v in_o that_o part_n which_o i_o read_v to_o you_o out_o of_o the_o first_o chapt._n and_o this_o in_o the_o three_o i_o say_v they_o be_v of_o some_o proper_a cognisance_n â—…r_v man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v bring_v over_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v studious_a of_o approve_v themselves_o unto_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o may_v answer_v their_o duty_n concern_v these_o thing_n that_o be_v here_o make_v mention_n of_o that_o there_o may_v be_v not_o only_o as_o i_o say_v before_o a_o weak_a and_o dim_a and_o dark_a apprehension_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o comprehension_n that_o the_o mystery_n may_v stand_v full_a and_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v complete_a in_o we_o in_o all_o the_o proportion_n of_o it_o that_o the_o gospel_n may_v not_o be_v straighten_v in_o our_o understanding_n true_o friend_n this_o be_v a_o great_a matter_n if_o you_o will_v but_o set_v your_o heart_n upon_o it_o and_o serious_o weigh_v and_o ponder_v what_o i_o drive_v now_o alas_o how_o little_a be_v there_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o our_o heart_n have_v already_o receive_v how_o little_a of_o it_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n god_n be_v scant_v and_o shorten_v in_o the_o love_n praise_n and_o honour_n that_o be_v due_a to_o he_o and_o which_o our_o heart_n will_v be_v enlarge_v to_o yield_v up_o if_o we_o be_v but_o more_o careful_a to_o answer_v our_o duty_n this_o way_n i_o do_v profess_v this_o morning_n to_o you_o that_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n that_o be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o any_o save_a work_n upon_o your_o heart_n and_o that_o you_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o you_o i_o do_v profess_v here_o and_o testify_v to_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o this_o do_v more_o near_o concern_v you_o for_o to_o look_v unto_o that_o these_o two_o scripture_n may_v be_v better_o answer_v by_o you_o that_o you_o do_v not_o please_v yourselves_o in_o that_o straightness_n of_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o you_o and_o discover_v itself_o but_o that_o you_o be_v so_o heighten_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o enlargement_n of_o heart_n in_o believe_v that_o you_o may_v take_v in_o the_o mystery_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o or_o else_o you_o will_v not_o so_o due_o answer_v that_o which_o be_v require_v of_o you_o as_o touch_v your_o growth_n in_o faith_n and_o grace_n think_v what_o you_o will_v of_o it_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v a_o duty_n that_o lie_v upon_o believer_n to_o perform_v that_o they_o be_v of_o comprehensive_a spirit_n and_o that_o they_o labour_v to_o work_v out_o to_o a_o more_o inlargedness_n of_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v be_v so_o enable_v to_o comprehend_v with_o all_o the_o saint_n the_o height_n and_o depth_n and_o breadth_n and_o length_n or_o else_o you_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o give_v that_o glory_n to_o god_n and_o honour_n to_o christ_n never_o be_v so_o much_o in_o admiring_n of_o the_o glorious_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o otherwise_o you_o will_v i_o will_v you_o will_v a_o little_a think_v of_o this_o point_n and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o do_v profess_v i_o know_v nothing_o that_o be_v more_o proper_a for_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o dispenser_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n to_o be_v more_o earnest_n in_o press_v and_o urge_v upon_o believer_n than_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v but_o alas_o how_o low_o spirit_v be_v most_o believer_n believer_n that_o it_o may_v be_v have_v get_v as_o much_o faith_n as_o will_v secure_v they_o from_o hell_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n but_o as_o for_o the_o mystery_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o in_o the_o dimension_n of_o it_o in_o the_o latitude_n of_o it_o o_o how_o uncapable_a of_o a_o due_a apprehension_n of_o it_o will_v you_o therefore_o but_o consider_v of_o this_o this_o be_v one_o thing_n i_o it_o be_v it_o be_v that_o which_o do_v main_o concern_v those_o that_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o they_o for_o to_o be_v very_o solicitous_a about_o and_o studious_a to_o be_v answerable_a to_o i_o leave_v it_o with_o you_o but_o know_v that_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n have_v lay_v this_o burden_n upon_o you_o and_o i_o this_o morning_n as_o many_o of_o we_o as_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o lord_n jesus_n lay_v this_o burden_n upon_o you_o this_o morning_n that_o you_o look_v to_o it_o that_o there_o be_v a_o comprehensiveness_n of_o spirit_n concern_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v christ_n in_o you_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n and_o so_o i_o let_v it_o pass_v i_o leave_v it_o with_o you_o to_o be_v study_v and_o ponder_v upon_o and_o as_o you_o will_v answer_v it_o to_o christ_n another_o day_n take_v heed_n that_o this_o particular_a among_o the_o rest_n be_v not_o slight_o pass_v over_o again_o your_o duty_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o faith_n and_o so_o will_v you_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o you_o do_v grow_v when_o you_o come_v to_o have_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v not_o only_o a_o live_a faith_n but_o a_o lively_a faith_n a_o active_a stir_v faith_n within_o you_o when_o you_o come_v to_o have_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o that_o you_o do_v not_o only_o live_v by_o it_o but_o that_o you_o live_v rich_o by_o it_o there_o be_v many_o a_o man_n that_o live_v and_o get_v a_o livelihood_n he_o have_v bread_n for_o the_o day_n he_o have_v to_o supply_v his_o necessity_n but_o he_o live_v at_o a_o low_a poor_a rate_n he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o rise_v up_o to_o those_o expense_n that_o other_o be_v able_a to_o bâ—…ar_v so_o there_o be_v i_o say_v many_o believer_n they_o live_v they_o gâ—…t_v bread_n for_o the_o day_n they_o get_v a_o subsistence_n by_o their_o faith_n but_o they_o live_v poor_o at_o a_o low_a rate_n they_o do_v not_o keep_v a_o good_a house_n they_o do_v not_o spend_v like_o rich_a man_n there_o be_v that_o be_v rich_a in_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n use_v the_o expression_n in_o the_o second_o epist._n of_o james_n that_o be_v rich_a in_o faith_n that_o be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v press_v to_o to_o such_o a_o growth_n in_o faith_n that_o we_o may_v live_v like_o
the_o grace_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o blessing_n of_o salvation_n and_o much_o what_o the_o soul_n act_v be_v upon_o a_o selfish_a account_n fain_o will_v it_o be_v secure_v as_o touch_v its_o estate_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v keep_v from_o eternal_a perish_v and_o this_o do_v very_o much_o sway_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o poor_a weak_a believer_n that_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o mind_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o fain_o will_v he_o be_v say_v as_o the_o poor_a gaoler_n when_o he_o come_v to_o be_v convince_v o_o sir_n he_o come_v tremble_v and_o quake_v before_o paul_n and_o sylas_n o_o sir_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v how_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o escape_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v man_n and_o brethren_n say_v the_o people_n in_o act_n 2._o when_o they_o be_v prick_v at_o their_o heart_n upon_o the_o convincement_n that_o they_o lie_v under_o concern_v christ_n and_o that_o they_o have_v contract_v the_o guilt_n of_o his_o blood_n upon_o their_o conscience_n o_o sir_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v i_o feel_v a_o load_n of_o guilt_n upon_o i_o and_o i_o see_v a_o hell_n before_o i_o and_o i_o be_o in_o danger_n to_o sink_v down_o into_o the_o bottomless_a lake_n o_o sir_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v o_o pity_n pity_v a_o poor_a soul_n in_o danger_n of_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o destruction_n these_o be_v the_o work_n of_o a_o poor_a believer_n that_o be_v take_v up_o main_o with_o solicitousness_n about_o his_o own_o safety_n and_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o deal_v very_o favourable_o with_o this_o poor_a creature_n and_o indeed_o god_n do_v allow_v this_o that_o his_o people_n shall_v be_v solicitous_a about_o their_o own_o salvation_n self-love_n upon_o such_o a_o account_n do_v not_o fall_v under_o gospel-condemnation_n but_o now_o this_o be_v not_o the_o advance_a faith_n the_o improve_a faith_n this_o do_v not_o argue_v so_o much_o a_o well-grown_a faith_n as_o when_o a_o soul_n come_v to_o this_o for_o to_o pursue_v life_n and_o salvation_n and_o to_o follow_v after_o a_o portion_n in_o the_o glory_n that_o be_v to_o come_v upon_o what_o account_n why_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o this_o by_o my_o salvation_n god_n shall_v be_v eternal_o glorify_v by_o my_o be_v one_o of_o his_o pardon_a one_o his_o reconcile_a one_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v exalt_v by_o my_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o from_o the_o condemnation_n of_o hell_n by_o my_o be_v deliver_v i_o shall_v come_v to_o stand_v as_o a_o live_n and_o a_o last_a monument_n of_o free_a love_n of_o glorious_a grace_n and_o this_o be_v the_o rejoice_v of_o my_o heart_n to_o think_v that_o i_o shall_v escape_v the_o vengeance_n of_o hell_n the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o everlasting_a condemnation_n and_o so_o be_v with_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n in_o heaven_n for_o ever_o to_o sound_v forth_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o to_o ascribe_v honour_n and_o glory_n and_o salvation_n and_o blessing_n and_o dominion_n and_o power_n to_o the_o lamb_n that_o live_v for_o evermore_o ah_o here_o be_v the_o well-grown_a faith_n when_o a_o soul_n come_v to_o work_v off_o as_o it_o be_v from_o self_n it_o look_v not_o so_o much_o upon_o self_n my_o salvation_n o_o what_o be_v my_o salvation_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n why_o god_n shall_v be_v glorify_v in_o my_o be_v eternal_o save_v if_o i_o shall_v perish_v and_o go_v to_o hell_n what_o i_o shall_v be_v torment_v there_o be_v that_o all_o nay_o god_n will_v be_v dishonour_v hell_n be_v a_o place_n that_o know_v no_o love_n know_v no_o subjection_n know_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o place_n where_o god_n be_v continual_o blaspheme_v and_o shall_v be_v to_o all_o eternity_n o_o i_o will_v not_o come_v there_o nor_o go_v to_o hell_n upon_o any_o term_n not_o so_o much_o because_o i_o will_v not_o be_v tortnent_v there_o but_o rather_o thus_o i_o will_v not_o perish_v and_o damn_v because_o i_o will_v not_o have_v god_n dishonour_v by_o i_o i_o will_v not_o be_v like_o those_o damn_a soul_n and_o those_o damn_a devil_n i_o will_v not_o be_v among_o they_o that_o hate_n god_n and_o will_v hate_v he_o to_o all_o eternity_n and_o do_v nothing_o but_o curse_v he_o and_o blaspheme_v he_o and_o speak_v dishonourable_o of_o he_o o_o i_o will_v not_o go_v to_o hell_n because_o of_o blasphemy_n there_o i_o will_v go_v to_o heaven_n because_o there_o be_v exalt_v and_o magnify_v and_o blessing_n of_o god_n there_o when_o a_o soul_n come_v to_o this_o to_o have_v faith_n to_o be_v so_o improve_v as_o that_o he_o eye_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n more_o than_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o this_o you_o be_v to_o know_v that_o god_n glory_n be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o his_o action_n all_o his_o purpose_n and_o decree_n and_o all_o his_o providential_a dispensation_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v that_o which_o i_o say_v be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n god_n have_v this_o in_o design_n that_o he_o may_v be_v eternal_o glorify_v in_o the_o salvation_n and_o damnation_n both_o of_o man_n and_o angel_n now_o that_o that_o be_v god_n utmost_a end_n shall_v be_v our_o utmost_a end_n and_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v of_o due_a growth_n will_v enable_v to_o this_o to_o say_v i_o will_v be_v save_v principal_o that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v i_o will_v not_o be_v damn_v principal_o because_o i_o will_v not_o have_v god_n to_o be_v dishonour_v when_o self-interest_n and_o self-concernment_n begin_v to_o wear_v off_o and_o god_n glory_n stand_v full_o in_o our_o eye_n and_o when_o we_o be_v upon_o this_o design_n that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o our_o eternal_a well-being_n this_o will_v be_v a_o proof_n of_o a_o well-grown_a faith_n further_o your_o duty_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o faith_n it_o be_v your_o duty_n and_o thus_o shall_v you_o grow_v to_o this_o point_n and_o proportion_n that_o you_o by_o be_v exercise_v in_o godliness_n may_v come_v to_o mind_v the_o welfare_n of_o other_o more_o than_o ever_o you_o do_v at_o the_o first_o beginning_n when_o god_n first_o set_v in_o with_o a_o soul_n alas_o it_o have_v scarce_o any_o charity_n to_o spare_v from_o itself_o it_o be_v love_n and_o charity_n and_o care_n will_v searce_o look_v without_o door_n scarce_o step_v over_o the_o threshold_n but_o altogether_o solicitous_a about_o its_o own_o concernment_n that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o with_o itself_o i_o but_o now_o when_o faith_n come_v to_o be_v well_o improve_v and_o to_o be_v a_o well-grown_a faith_n than_o there_o come_v to_o be_v a_o eve_v of_o other_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v nay_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v that_o my_o brother_n may_v be_v save_v my_o sister_n save_v my_o wife_n my_o husband_n that_o my_o friend_n and_o acquaintance_n may_v be_v save_v o_o now_o god_n have_v give_v i_o some_o hope_n that_o hell_n shall_v never_o be_v my_o portion_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o go_v down_o to_o destruction_n i_o but_o what_o if_o my_o brother_n shall_v go_v to_o hell_n and_o i_o go_v to_o heaven_n what_o if_o my_o husband_n shall_v go_v doâ—…_n to_o eternal_a vengeance_n and_o i_o get_v into_o glory_n o_o lord_n what_o will_v become_v of_o such_o a_o near_a relation_n alas_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o i_o now_o that_o i_o be_o secure_a as_o touch_v my_o eternal_a estate_n and_o that_o i_o have_v hope_n towards_o god_n that_o i_o shall_v escape_v the_o vengeance_n to_o come_v but_o now_o i_o begin_v to_o think_v with_o myself_o o_o such_o a_o soul_n lie_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n such_o a_o child_n such_o a_o one_o in_o near_a relation_n that_o be_v wallow_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n o_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o he_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v what_o shall_v i_o do_v that_o my_o brethren_n may_v be_v save_v and_o that_o my_o relation_n may_v escape_v the_o vengeance_n to_o come_v the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n when_o she_o come_v to_o have_v some_o comfortable_a communion_n with_o christ_n she_o begin_v to_o be_v solicitous_a about_o her_o neighbour_n and_o go_v to_o they_o and_o say_v o_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o jesus_n and_o come_v see_v a_o man_n that_o have_v tell_v i_o all_o that_o ever_o i_o do_v be_v not_o this_o the_o christ_n true_o brethren_n a_o believer_n when_o he_o come_v to_o be_v of_o a_o well-improved_n faith_n he_o will_v not_o be_v alone_o in_o his_o mercy_n he_o will_v not_o eat_v his_o morsel_n alone_o he_o will_v not_o go_v
to_o heaven_n without_o company_n and_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o well-improved_n faith_n when_o our_o faith_n it_o go_v abroad_o our_o solicitousness_n it_o be_v not_o only_o for_o ourselves_o but_o other_o when_o our_o charity_n go_v out_o of_o door_n and_o we_o be_v now_o project_v and_o cast_v about_o how_o we_o may_v promote_v other_o eternal_a welfare_n when_o paul_n can_v say_v i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o life_n nor_o death_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n when_o paul_n come_v to_o this_o plerophoria_fw-la when_o he_o come_v to_o be_v thus_o improve_v in_o his_o faith_n say_v he_o in_o rom._n 9_o brethren_n i_o will_v have_v you_o to_o know_v that_o i_o say_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n i_o lie_v not_o my_o conscience_n also_o bear_v i_o witness_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o i_o have_v great_a heavyness_n and_o continual_a sorrow_n in_o my_o heart_n why_o what_o man_n do_v thou_o not_o write_v but_o just_a now_o that_o thou_o be_v persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n why_o paul_n will_v you_o speak_v to_o such_o a_o purpose_n as_o this_o then_o that_o you_o have_v great_a heaviness_n and_o continual_a sorrow_n in_o your_o heart_n why_o you_o shall_v be_v full_a of_o joy_n who_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o all_o the_o world_n if_o they_o do_v not_o nor_o shall_v not_o that_o have_v a_o confident_a persuasion_n that_o they_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n and_o be_v eternal_o bless_v with_o god_n and_o live_v in_o everlasting_a communion_n with_o he_o do_v you_o say_v you_o have_v great_a heaviness_n and_o continual_a sorrow_n in_o your_o heart_n why_o the_o business_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v and_o do_v you_o talk_v of_o sorrow_n and_o heaviness_n in_o your_o heart_n why_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o matter_n o_o brethren_n he_o have_v now_o a_o well-grown_a faith_n his_o faith_n be_v improve_v exceed_o that_o he_o be_v now_o sure_a that_o all_o be_v well_o between_o god_n and_o he_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_n himself_o and_o that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v and_o now_o his_o heart_n begin_v to_o turn_v upon_o his_o poor_a brethren_n i_o have_v great_a heaviness_n and_o continual_a sorrow_n in_o my_o heart_n i_o profess_v say_v he_o i_o can_v set_v down_o so_o far_o as_o it_o may_v be_v without_o sin_v against_o god_n yea_o i_o can_v be_v content_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o comfortable_a and_o rejoice_v part_n of_o salvation_n i_o can_v be_v content_v even_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o comfortable_a communion_n not_o that_o he_o will_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o guilt_n and_o sin_n and_o wrath_n and_o under_o the_o hatred_n of_o god_n but_o i_o can_v be_v content_v say_v he_o to_o be_v even_o cut_v off_o from_o that_o sweet_a enjoyment_n that_o saint_n have_v in_o their_o glorify_a estate_n for_o my_o brethren_n sake_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n now_o say_v he_o it_o be_v the_o sorrow_n of_o my_o heart_n while_o i_o be_o full_a of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o respect_n of_o my_o own_o condition_n i_o be_o full_a of_o heaviness_n and_o continual_a sorrow_n there_o be_v upon_o i_o that_o my_o brethren_n that_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v stranger_n to_o this_o grace_n and_o like_a to_o be_v shut_v out_o from_o the_o salvation_n which_o i_o be_o now_o sure_a of_o and_o then_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o believer_n a_o well-grown_a faith_n when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v solicitous_a of_o other_o welfare_n and_o for_o those_o that_o be_v bring_v over_o to_o faith_n but_o be_v weakling_n in_o 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will_v be_v to_o the_o â—…ing_n of_o ourselves_o but_o what_o will_v be_v to_o the_o pleaâ—…_n of_o our_o weak_a brethren_n so_o far_o as_o be_v consistent_a 〈◊〉_d their_o profit_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o our_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d thus_o with_o christ_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v thus_o with_o 〈◊〉_d this_o will_v be_v a_o proof_n of_o our_o growth_n in_o faith_n further_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o to_o grow_v in_o faith_n and_o such_o a_o growth_n shall_v we_o press_v after_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a for_o to_o use_v and_o enjoy_v the_o world_n and_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o it_o with_o heavenly_a mind_n so_o as_o that_o we_o come_v to_o value_v ourselves_o not_o so_o much_o by_o what_o we_o be_v in_o the_o world_n as_o by_o what_o we_o be_v in_o in_o the_o covenant_n and_o by_o what_o estate_n we_o have_v in_o the_o covenant_n not_o to_o make_v so_o much_o matter_n of_o it_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o such_o and_o such_o a_o estate_n in_o land_n and_o house_n and_o worldly_a possession_n but_o to_o value_n ourselves_o upon_o this_o accout_n that_o we_o be_v able_a for_o to_o make_v out_o a_o estate_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o all_o our_o outward_a enjoyment_n be_v hold_v by_o a_o covenant_n and_o that_o be_v it_o that_o give_v we_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o enjoyment_n such_o a_o estate_n i_o have_v ay_o but_o bless_a be_v god_n i_o have_v it_o by_o a_o spiritual_a title_n christ_n be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o christ_n and_o so_o all_o thing_n become_v i_o i_o have_v a_o spiritual_a title_n and_o i_o hold_v all_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o covenant_n in_o christ._n i_o will_v not_o value_n the_o world_n i_o will_v not_o value_v my_o outward_a condition_n my_o riches_n if_o they_o be_v thousand_o and_o ten_o thousand_o in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v look_v upon_o they_o but_o as_o a_o beggarly_a portion_n if_o i_o have_v they_o not_o upon_o a_o spiritual_a account_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n o_o god_n that_o have_v give_v i_o christ_n he_o have_v give_v i_o with_o he_o all_o these_o thing_n when_o a_o man_n can_v look_v upon_o his_o estate_n be_v it_o never_o so_o large_a and_o copious_a to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o that_o which_o his_o heart_n will_v be_v dead_a to_o if_o it_o be_v not_o that_o he_o can_v look_v upon_o these_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v enjoy_v as_o upon_o a_o covenant_n conveyance_n and_o when_o a_o soul_n come_v to_o this_o to_o use_v the_o world_n with_o a_o heavenly_a mind_n manage_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n i_o but_o with_o dependence_n upon_o god_n when_o a_o man_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o call_v and_o management_n of_o his_o affair_n here_o below_o go_v on_o with_o diligence_n and_o care_n i_o but_o with_o a_o humble_a dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o while_o he_o do_v his_o duty_n he_o can_v trust_v god_n with_o the_o success_n let_v the_o time_n be_v hard_a and_o trade_v dead_a and_o little_a incomes_a no_o matter_n i_o will_v open_v my_o shop_n and_o i_o will_v attend_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o whether_o little_a or_o much_o come_v in_o i_o be_o not_o solicitous_a about_o that_o i_o be_o resolve_v upon_o this_o i_o will_v do_v my_o duty_n and_o wait_v upon_o god_n and_o i_o know_v it_o must_v be_v his_o blessing_n must_v be_v the_o portion_n for_o i_o to_o live_v upon_o and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o income_n of_o the_o world_n that_o i_o set_v my_o heart_n so_o much_o upon_o but_o i_o will_v do_v my_o duty_n and_o leave_v the_o success_n to_o god_n there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n more_o but_z for_o the_o present_a only_o
which_o a_o well-grown_a faith_n will_v enable_v to_o and_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o faith_n our_o duty_n be_v to_o endeavour_v after_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v with_o the_o spouse_n even_o so_o come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o concern_v faith_n when_o the_o apostle_n call_v upon_o we_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n i_o have_v press_v the_o duty_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o particular_a grace_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o know_v as_o i_o say_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o discourse_n that_o true_o the_o growth_n of_o other_o grace_n do_v very_o much_o depend_v upon_o the_o growth_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v so_o low_a and_o poor_a in_o other_o grace_n it_o be_v because_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o better_o improve_v and_o raise_v up_o to_o a_o high_a pitch_n but_o yet_o i_o will_v speak_v something_o concern_v two_o or_o three_o other_o grace_n and_o so_o endeavour_v to_o fasten_v this_o charge_n of_o the_o apostle_n upon_o you_o your_o duty_n be_v if_o you_o have_v grace_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n do_v but_o think_v of_o it_o serious_o and_o study_v to_o answer_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o text_n grow_v in_o grace_n grow_v in_o faith_n ay_o and_o know_v that_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o grow_v in_o love_n in_o love_n to_o god_n in_o love_n to_o christ_n in_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o love_n to_o the_o saint_n in_o love_n with_o heaven_n this_o be_v that_o that_o you_o shall_v set_v your_o heart_n unto_o have_v you_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o you_o if_o you_o know_v that_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o improve_v in_o that_o love_n as_o you_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n to_o love_n so_o you_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n to_o increase_v and_o abound_v in_o love_n if_o there_o be_v a_o spark_n of_o love_n in_o you_o to_o god_n you_o shall_v labour_v to_o bless_v god_n for_o that_o but_o labour_v withal_o that_o that_o spark_n may_v be_v blow_v up_o into_o a_o flame_n be_v you_o able_a to_o say_v with_o peter_z if_o the_o question_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o you_o as_o it_o be_v to_o he_o simon_n son_n of_o jâ—…nah_n love_v thou_o i_o you_o shall_v be_v think_v with_o yourselves_o if_o christ_n shall_v put_v such_o a_o question_n to_o you_o such_o a_o one_o thomas_n john_n brother_n sister_n do_v thou_o love_v i_o that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v without_o check_n of_o conscience_n yea_o lord_n thou_o know_v that_o i_o love_v thou_o it_o be_v very_o good_a for_o every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o be_v put_v this_o question_n to_o our_o own_o heart_n o_o my_o soul_n do_v thou_o love_v god_n indeed_o be_v thou_o able_a to_o make_v a_o bold_a profession_n of_o thy_o love_n to_o god_n do_v not_o thy_o conscience_n tell_v thou_o that_o thou_o lie_v when_o thou_o say_v thou_o love_v he_o and_o his_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o his_o way_n do_v thou_o indeed_o love_v he_o if_o we_o can_v say_v with_o boldness_n and_o without_o check_n and_o control_v of_o conscience_n lord_n thou_o know_v that_o i_o love_v thou_o then_o i_o will_v say_v this_o to_o thou_o do_v thou_o love_v he_o o_o labour_v to_o love_v he_o more_o and_o more_o to_o love_v he_o with_o a_o more_o entire_a love_n with_o a_o more_o intensive_a love_n love_v he_o with_o such_o a_o love_n that_o whatsoever_o duty_n he_o require_v of_o thou_o thou_o may_v cheerful_o apply_v to_o they_o o_o lord_n i_o love_v thou_o and_o i_o so_o love_v thou_o that_o i_o think_v nothing_o too_o much_o to_o do_v for_o thou_o so_o love_v thou_o as_o that_o i_o think_v nothing_o too_o much_o to_o suffer_v for_o thou_o if_o thou_o call_v i_o to_o duty_n o_o lord_n i_o love_v thou_o so_o dear_o that_o i_o stick_v at_o nothing_o of_o duty_n o_o lord_n i_o love_v thou_o with_o such_o a_o entire_a and_o a_o intensive_a love_n that_o i_o think_v nothing_o too_o much_o to_o suffer_v for_o thou_o such_o a_o love_n we_o shall_v press_v to_o and_o improve_v to_o such_o a_o flame_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v all_o this_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o as_o the_o church_n speak_v in_o ps._n 44._o yet_o have_v we_o not_o depart_v from_o thou_o noâ—…_n have_v we_o deal_v false_o in_o thy_o covenant_n this_o be_v the_o love_n a_o flame_a love_n to_o god_n to_o christ_n to_o the_o truth_n to_o way_n of_o holiness_n such_o a_o love_n as_o no_o water_n may_v be_v able_a to_o quench_v and_o then_o three_o grow_v in_o grace_n in_o what_o grace_n o_o christian_n if_o so_o be_v that_o you_o have_v any_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o you_o look_v to_o it_o that_o that_o fear_v be_v a_o grow_a fear_n i_o speak_v now_o of_o a_o holy_a fear_n a_o childlike_a fear_n a_o fear_n of_o reverence_n a_o fear_n that_o be_v consistent_a with_o love_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o grace_n which_o you_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o grow_v in_o that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o you_o that_o you_o fear_v god_n i_o you_o fear_v god_n above_o many_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a testimony_n that_o be_v give_v concern_v one_o in_o the_o book_n of_o neh._n the_o testimony_n be_v give_v of_o he_o that_o he_o fear_v god_n and_o he_o fear_v god_n above_o many_o now_o such_o a_o fear_n that_o we_o may_v go_v beyond_o other_o in_o their_o fear_n other_o have_v a_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o such_o or_o such_o a_o degree_n i_o but_o the_o fear_n in_o such_o a_o one_o be_v far_o pass_v the_o fear_n of_o other_o such_o a_o fear_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o come_v to_o that_o when_o a_o temptation_n come_v upon_o we_o and_o it_o come_v with_o the_o great_a advantage_n consider_v of_o it_o and_o we_o have_v the_o fair_a opportunity_n to_o commit_v the_o sin_n that_o we_o be_v tempt_v to_o such_o a_o fear_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o be_v possess_v withal_o that_o we_o may_v break_v the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o the_o temptation_n that_o it_o may_v not_o in_o the_o least_o fasten_v upon_o we_o such_o a_o fear_n there_o be_v in_o joseph_n when_o the_o temptation_n be_v upon_o he_o só_n strong_a and_o come_v upon_o he_o with_o so_o much_o advantage_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v so_o strong_a upon_o his_o heart_n that_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o temptation_n and_o to_o quit_v himself_o in_o a_o honourable_a manner_n such_o a_o fear_n of_o god_n so_o improve_v and_o grow_v up_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o when_o there_o be_v difficult_a duty_n before_o we_o to_o perform_v and_o such_o duty_n as_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o danger_n by_o perform_v of_o they_o to_o fall_v into_o deep_a and_o dreadful_a suffering_n such_o a_o fear_n as_o let_v the_o danger_n be_v what_o it_o will_v that_o i_o may_v expose_v myself_o to_o in_o case_n i_o perform_v the_o duty_n yet_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v so_o strong_a upon_o my_o heart_n as_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o danger_n the_o duty_n shall_v be_v do_v this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o obadiah_n there_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o he_o and_o which_o he_o have_v opportunity_n to_o perform_v concern_v the_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o take_v 100_o of_o they_o and_o get_v they_o into_o a_o cave_n and_o there_o he_o feed_v they_o by_o 50_o in_o a_o cave_n this_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a and_o a_o dangerous_a duty_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o his_o life_n amount_v to_o in_o case_n that_o jezabel_n shall_v have_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o ay_o but_o notwithstanding_o the_o difficulty_n and_o the_o danger_n such_o be_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o he_o that_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v speak_v bold_o to_o eliah_n in_o 1_o kin._n 18._o ay_o thy_o servant_n fear_v the_o lord_n and_o that_o with_o such_o a_o fear_n that_fw-mi when_z jezabel_n slay_v the_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o hide_v 100_o of_o they_o by_o 50_o in_o a_o cave_n such_o a_o fear_n we_o shall_v labour_v to_o be_v possess_v withal_o as_o that_o when_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v ensnare_v and_o enslave_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n may_v break_v the_o force_n of_o that_o fear_n solomon_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n there_o be_v a_o snare_n and_o how_o apt_a be_v people_n to_o be_v ensnare_v by_o it_o ay_o but_o now_o if_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v but_o well_o improve_v it_o will_v break_v the_o snare_n and_o swallow_v up_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n there_o be_v a_o snare_n but_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n there_o
be_v strong_a confidence_n these_o be_v two_o proverb_n that_o be_v worthy_a of_o our_o meditation_n now_o this_o be_v the_o fear_n that_o we_o shall_v press_v after_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o three_o child_n that_o be_v require_v upon_o pain_n of_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o fiery_a furnace_n they_o must_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n there_o be_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o king_n i_o but_o there_o be_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n so_o improve_v upon_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v enslave_v nor_o ensnare_v by_o the_o king_n fear_n and_o so_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n when_o the_o charge_n be_v give_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v preach_v no_o more_o in_o this_o name_n they_o labour_v to_o put_v they_o into_o a_o fear_n and_o to_o over-awe_n they_o that_o they_o shall_v let_v their_o cause_n fall_v and_o appear_v no_o more_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n ay_o but_o mark_v how_o their_o spirit_n be_v keep_v up_o have_v the_o fear_n of_o 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the_o latitude_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o strictness_n of_o it_o the_o more_o our_o heart_n be_v upon_o compliance_n with_o it_o such_o a_o holiness_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o press_v after_o as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v there_o be_v a_o â—…ecret_a heart_n rise_v against_o every_o bubble_a of_o corruption_n such_o a_o holiness_n we_o shall_v press_v after_o as_o that_o we_o can_v take_v the_o great_a delight_n in_o communion_n with_o god_n such_o a_o holiness_n as_o that_o we_o can_v long_o after_o heaven_n and_o that_o because_o of_o the_o holiness_n of_o it_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o holiness_n as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v we_o be_v even_o weary_a of_o live_v here_o in_o this_o low_a world_n because_o of_o the_o corruption_n and_o lust_n and_o profaneness_n and_o abominable_a impiety_n that_o be_v commit_v here_o o_o this_o be_v the_o holiness_n that_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o holiness_n as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o suitable_a to_o god_n and_o fit_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o bless_a god_n for_o this_o know_v that_o the_o more_o holiness_n the_o more_o conformity_n to_o god_n and_o the_o more_o holiness_n the_o more_o fitness_n for_o the_o most_o intimate_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o thus_o in_o these_o and_o all_o other_o grace_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o gorw_n according_a to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o apostle_n here_o but_o grow_v in_o grace_n i_o have_v thus_o be_v labour_v with_o you_o according_a to_o my_o ability_n and_o press_v upon_o you_o to_o this_o purpose_n a_o growth_n in_o grace_n a_o growth_n in_o faith_n a_o growth_n in_o love_n a_o growth_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n a_o growth_n in_o holiness_n and_o so_o in_o other_o grace_n which_o i_o may_v insist_v upon_o but_o i_o shall_v satisfy_v myself_o in_o have_v thus_o deal_v with_o you_o concern_v these_o particular_n and_o in_o the_o general_n according_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o text_n brethren_n this_o be_v your_o duty_n you_o that_o be_v son_n and_o daughter_n of_o grace_n this_o be_v the_o duty_n that_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o you_o and_o which_o be_v require_v of_o you_o you_o that_o lâ—…ave_v grace_n your_o duty_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o endeavour_v such_o a_o growth_n in_o grace_n that_o sin_n may_v be_v almost_o quite_o go_v out_o of_o you_o thus_o it_o be_v so_o much_o as_o you_o have_v of_o grace_n so_o much_o there_o be_v of_o a_o riddance_n of_o sin_n so_o much_o as_o there_o be_v a_o remain_v of_o sin_n so_o much_o there_o be_v of_o the_o want_n of_o grace_n now_o
way_n or_o no_o he_o have_v begin_v the_o journey_n and_o he_o be_v doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n yea_o or_o no_o this_o will_v put_v he_o to_o a_o puzzle_v and_o make_v he_o to_o be_v fluctuate_a and_o hesitate_v have_v i_o best_o go_v on_o i_o doubt_v whether_o i_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n yea_o or_o no_o this_o will_v cause_v slackness_n of_o his_o motion_n but_o if_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o way_n this_o will_v be_v much_o to_o the_o encourage_v of_o he_o to_o make_v a_o further_a progress_n so_o if_o i_o find_v and_o be_o sure_a that_o this_o be_v the_o right_a way_n that_o i_o have_v grace_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o this_o will_v cause_v we_o to_o labour_v after_o the_o growth_n in_o grace_n eight_o you_o be_v to_o be_v upon_o the_o faithful_a and_o diligent_a exercise_n of_o what_o you_o have_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o have_v no_o more_o faith_n be_v because_o we_o be_v not_o more_o upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o we_o have_v we_o speak_v of_o trust_v in_o god_n alas_o how_o few_o be_v there_o of_o we_o that_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o purpose_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o trust_n and_o believe_v exercise_v faith_n upon_o christ_n and_o upon_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n concern_v pardon_n of_o sin_n sanctification_n why_o for_o want_v of_o exercise_v what_o grace_n we_o have_v already_o receive_v wâ—…_n improve_v no_o more_o the_o promise_n be_v a_o faithful_a promise_n and_o god_n will_v be_v true_a to_o it_o he_o that_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o that_o have_v what_o be_v that_o he_o that_o have_v and_o use_v for_o we_o must_v needs_o understand_v it_o in_o that_o sense_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o man_n that_o have_v the_o talon_n and_o have_v employ_v it_o have_v gain_v five_o talent_n he_o have_v employ_v his_o talon_n say_v christ_n give_v he_o the_o other_o talon_n for_o to_o he_o that_o have_v that_o be_v that_o have_v and_o do_v use_v and_o employ_v what_o he_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v if_o we_o will_v now_o but_o set_v ourselves_o serious_o and_o consider_o upon_o this_o business_n and_o exercise_n and_o employ_v what_o grace_n god_n have_v give_v we_o may_v be_v confident_a of_o it_o that_o god_n will_v come_v in_o with_o the_o inlargeing_n of_o his_o spirit_n nine_o our_o duty_n be_v in_o order_n to_o growth_n in_o grace_n to_o be_v constant_a in_o our_o attendance_n upon_o such_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o such_o a_o purpose_n word_n and_o ministry_n and_o other_o gospel-ordinance_n as_o we_o lie_v fair_a for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o true_o these_o mean_n be_v provide_v for_o this_o very_a purpose_n that_o christian_n may_v grow_v god_n have_v set_v up_o a_o ministry_n in_o the_o world_n not_o only_o to_o bring_v person_n that_o be_v stranger_n to_o grace_n to_o the_o participation_n of_o it_o but_o that_o be_v bring_v to_o partake_v of_o grace_n they_o may_v come_v to_o be_v increase_v in_o 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this_o to_o trust_v he_o with_o your_o cause_n now_o it_o stand_v you_o upon_o much_o therefore_o to_o know_v he_o well_o and_o be_v well_o improve_v in_o your_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n forasmuch_o as_o you_o be_v to_o commit_v the_o cause_n of_o your_o soul_n to_o he_o consider_v further_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o place_v your_o most_o entire_a and_o intensive_a love_n upon_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o bond_n the_o lord_n set_v upon_o every_o believe_a soul_n to_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o sincerity_n and_o to_o love_v he_o with_o the_o most_o entire_a and_o intensive_a love_n consider_v this_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o love_v he_o above_o your_o life_n above_o your_o soul_n you_o be_v bind_v to_o love_v he_o more_o than_o you_o love_v your_o father_n your_o mother_n your_o wife_n your_o child_n your_o estate_n every_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v most_o near_o and_o dear_a unto_o you_o this_o obligation_n and_o bond_n the_o gospel_n put_v believer_n under_o they_o be_v bind_v i_o say_v to_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n with_o a_o supreme_a love_n and_o to_o give_v this_o account_n of_o themselves_o such_o as_o the_o prophet_n do_v of_o himself_o in_o ps._n 33._o o_o lord_n who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o and_o who_o be_v there_o on_o earth_n that_o i_o love_v and_o desire_v in_o comparison_n of_o thou_o this_o be_v your_o duty_n the_o duty_n of_o a_o believer_n for_o to_o have_v the_o strength_n of_o his_o love_n let_v out_o upon_o christ._n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o love_v he_o with_o a_o conjugal_a love_n love_v he_o so_o as_o to_o own_v he_o for_o our_o belove_a and_o to_o refuse_v all_o other_o belove_n in_o comparison_n of_o he_o this_o be_v our_o duty_n now_o mark_v you_o will_v not_o then_o the_o argument_n flow_v strong_o from_o hence_o we_o have_v reason_n then_o to_o know_v he_o well_o and_o labour_n to_o improve_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o christ_n do_v not_o care_n for_o a_o blind_a love_n he_o do_v not_o make_v much_o account_n of_o the_o love_n that_o be_v set_v upon_o he_o by_o those_o that_o know_v he_o not_o it_o be_v a_o judicious_a love_n that_o christ_n make_v account_n of_o now_o therefore_o it_o concern_v you_o to_o endeavour_v a_o growth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o know_v he_o well_o our_o heart_n may_v break_v out_o and_o burn_v in_o love_n to_o he_o and_o that_o so_o he_o may_v come_v to_o have_v the_o strength_n of_o our_o affection_n let_v out_o upon_o he_o there_o be_v never_o a_o wise_a woman_n in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v let_v out_o her_o love_n upon_o a_o man_n that_o she_o know_v not_o or_o have_v little_a knowledge_n of_o i_o will_v know_v he_o well_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o proper_a object_n for_o i_o to_o place_v my_o love_n upon_o now_o thus_o the_o case_n stand_v between_o christ_n and_o a_o believe_a soul_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_n endeavour_v a_o improvement_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n that_o 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jesus_n christ._n and_o they_o that_o in_o uprightness_n of_o soul_n do_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o incease_v and_o grow_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a person_n for_o to_o make_v the_o most_o considerable_a advantage_n in_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n there_o be_v something_o in_o it_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o apostle_n peter_n shall_v propound_v these_o two_o requiry_n in_o this_o conjunction_n one_o with_o another_o require_v a_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o a_o growth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n now_o here_o first_o of_o all_o i_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a more_o general_o and_o that_o but_o in_o a_o touch_n and_o then_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o evince_v this_o by_o give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o in_o a_o more_o particular_a way_n you_o be_v to_o know_v that_o 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scripture_n of_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n this_o law_n of_o faith_n this_o gospel-law_n which_o be_v the_o bless_a instrument_n of_o convert_v the_o soul._n before_o conversion_n there_o be_v no_o grace_n when_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v than_o grace_n take_v place_n in_o the_o heart_n a_o unconverted_a person_n be_v a_o graceless_a person_n let_v he_o be_v what_o he_o will_v for_o his_o morality_n and_o plausible_a conversation_n when_o once_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v than_o grace_n come_v to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o this_o conversion_n be_v not_o bring_v about_o but_o by_o the_o gospel_n which_o hold_v forth_o unto_o we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n let_v a_o man_n preach_v moral_a duty_n never_o so_o clear_o and_o plain_o moral_a duty_n all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n consider_v as_o it_o hold_v forth_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o it_o hold_v forth_o a_o 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