precious_a in_o that_o the_o saiâtâ_n have_v a_o high_a and_o matchless_a account_n of_o they_o hence_o that_o word_n here_o render_v precious_a may_v likewise_o be_v render_v honourable_a which_o speak_v forth_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o thââ_n have_v so_o much_o of_o the_o esteem_n of_o a_o christiaâ_n as_o the_o promise_n will_v you_o put_v wisdom_n oâ_n riches_n or_o honour_n or_o what_o you_o will_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o the_o promise_n they_o will_v cry_v forth_o what_o shall_v i_o profit_v to_o gain_v all_o these_o if_o i_o lose_v the_o promise_n we_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o but_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v indeed_o that_o apple_n the_o eat_n of_o which_o will_v makâ_n we_o in_o some_o respect_n and_o in_o humility_n be_v iâ_n speak_v as_o god_n know_v good_a and_o evil_n thâ_n promise_n be_v these_o thing_n that_o do_v elevate_v the_o soul_n unto_o a_o divine_a conformity_n with_o godâ_n and_o oh_o that_o this_o may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o they_o the_o promise_n be_v as_o cord_n let_v down_o to_o soulâ_n sink_v in_o the_o miry_a clay_n and_o in_o the_o horrible_a âit_n do_v but_o lie_v hold_v upon_o they_o and_o you_o shall_v undoubted_o be_v draw_v up_o and_o he_o shall_v set_v your_o foot_n upon_o the_o rock_n and_o order_v all_o your_o go_n now_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o three_o thing_n ân_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o advantage_n and_o ânspeakable_a gain_n that_o flow_v to_o a_o christian_a through_o the_o promise_n hold_v forth_o in_o these_o word_n that_o by_o they_o you_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o word_n âoth_v not_o hold_v forth_o thaâ_n there_o be_v any_o substantial_a change_n of_o our_o nature_n unto_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n but_o only_o it_o hold_v âorth_o this_o âhat_n the_o soul_n that_o be_v take_v up_o in_o believe_v of_o âhe_n promise_n they_o arise_v unto_o a_o likeness_n and_o conformity_n to_o he_o in_o holiness_n wisdom_n ând_v righteousness_n and_o as_o to_o these_o advantage_n that_o come_v to_o a_o christian_a through_o âhe_n promise_n 1._o we_o must_v lay_v this_o for_o a_o âround_n that_o the_o fruit_n of_o all_o come_v to_o he_o through_o believe_v the_o promise_n and_o in_o âaking_v application_n of_o they_o and_o the_o first_o be_v that_o they_o do_v exceed_o âelp_v and_o promove_v that_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a work_n of_o mortification_n this_o be_v clear_a ârom_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n as_o likewise_o ââom_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o have_v these_o promise_n âearly_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o ãâã_d filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o ââfluence_n that_o the_o promise_n have_v upon_o sanââification_n may_v be_v show_v unto_o you_o in_o these_o âhree_o first_o they_o lay_v upon_o a_o christian_a ãâã_d divine_a bond_n and_o obligation_n to_o study_v holiness_n that_o since_o christ_n have_v signify_v and_o testify_v his_o respect_n unto_o we_o in_o so_o ample_a and_o largâ_n a_o way_n as_o to_o give_v we_o such_o precious_a promiseâ_n we_o ought_v to_o endeavour_v to_o study_v holiness_n which_o be_v that_o great_a reward_n of_o love_n that_o hâ_n seek_v from_o we_o for_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o hatâ_n bestow_v and_o we_o receive_v and_o this_o be_v thâ_n mean_v of_o that_o 2_o corinth_n 7.1_o second_o the_o strength_n and_o furniture_n of_o a_o christian_a foâ_n fulfil_v and_o accomplish_v of_o the_o work_n oâ_n sanctification_n lie_v within_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o christââan_n as_o samson_n loâks_n in_o which_o their_o greaâ_n strength_n doth_o and_o if_o once_o they_o cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o promise_n through_o misbeâlief_n their_o strength_n do_v decay_v and_o ãâã_d become_v as_o other_o man_n where_o must_v thâ_n christian_n go_v to_o for_o strength_n be_v it_o not_o to_o thâ_n promise_n be_v it_o not_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n yea_o this_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o a_o christian_a untâ_n which_o he_o must_v resort_v continual_o and_o three_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n they_o hold_v fortâ_n that_o unspeakable_a reward_n that_o attend_v thââ_n christian_n that_o shall_v study_v holiness_n therâ_n be_v several_a promise_n of_o the_o everlasting_a couâânant_n that_o cry_v forth_o to_o the_o christian_a tâ_n he_o that_o overcome_v will_n this_o promise_n bâ_n accomplish_v to_o he_o that_o overcome_v shaââ_n this_o truth_n be_v fulfil_v and_o this_o do_v excee_o provoke_v a_o christian_n to_o wrestle_v with_o ãâã_d his_o discouragement_n he_o meet_v with_o in_o thâ_n way_n he_o bury_v all_o his_o anxiety_n within_o thâ_n circle_n of_o his_o immortal_a crown_n which_o hâ_n hope_v for_o and_o see_v in_o the_o promise_n and_o hiâ_n hope_n make_v he_o dispense_v with_o his_o wantâ_n his_o expectation_n make_v he_o overcome_v his_o fear_n and_o his_o look_v for_o joy_n make_v he_o to_o dispense_v with_o his_o sorrow_n the_o second_o advantage_n be_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o promise_n do_v help_v a_o christian_a to_o a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o withal_o make_v he_o delight_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o this_o be_v clear_a from_o â_o sam._n 7.27_o where_o david_n believe_v the_o promise_n it_o be_v subjoin_v he_o find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o pray_v that_o prayer_n unto_o god_n and_o if_o any_o will_v look_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prayer_n they_o will_v see_v they_o run_v in_o a_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a strain_n speak_v he_o one_o much_o acquaint_v with_o god_n and_o under_o most_o high_a and_o majestic_a apprehension_n of_o his_o glory_n as_o be_v clear_a also_o psal._n 119.147_o i_o prevent_v the_o âawning_n of_o the_o morning_n and_o cry_v and_o as_o if_o david_n have_v say_v will_v you_o know_v what_o make_v i_o thus_o fervent_a and_o diligent_a in_o prayer_n ât_a be_v that_o i_o hope_v in_o his_o word_n and_o hence_o ât_a be_v that_o he_o have_v so_o many_o prayer_n in_o that_o psalm_n all_o be_v occasion_v through_o the_o âith_n of_o the_o promise_n as_o for_o instance_n when_o âe_n cry_v forth_o quicken_v i_o according_a to_o thy_o âord_n be_v merciful_a unto_o i_o according_a to_o thy_o âord_n and_o we_o conceive_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o promise_n help_v a_o christian_a in_o his_o prayer_n to_o âhese_fw-mi four_o divine_a ingredient_n of_o that_o duty_n â_o it_o make_v he_o pray_v with_o faith_n when_o ânce_o he_o build_v his_o prayer_n upon_o the_o promise_n than_o he_o vent_v his_o prayer_n with_o much_o confidence_n of_o hope_n according_a to_o that_o word_n âsal_n 65.3_o where_o you_o may_v see_v a_o man_n believe_v and_o pray_v when_o he_o be_v believe_v and_o express_v his_o confidence_n moââ_n strange_o in_o thâse_a word_n as_o for_o our_o transâgressions_n thou_o shall_v purge_v they_o away_o it_o iâ_n not_o say_v thou_o will_v purge_v they_o away_o or_o we_o desire_v that_o thou_o shall_v purge_v they_o away_o buâ_n thou_o shall_v which_o speak_v forth_o both_o the_o confidence_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o boldness_n oâ_n faith_n a_o christian_a that_o believe_v the_o promise_n he_o can_v take_v the_o promise_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o present_v it_o unto_o god_n and_o say_v fulfil_v this_o promise_n since_o thou_o will_v not_o deây_v thy_o name_n but_o art_n faithful_a 2._o it_o make_v a_o christian_a pray_v with_o much_o humility_n for_o when_o he_o do_v understand_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o he_o have_v but_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o â_o promise_v he_o do_v not_o boast_v as_o those_o thaâ_n have_v receive_v but_o walk_v humble_o undeâ_n his_o enjoyment_n this_o be_v clear_a gen._n 32_o 10_o where_o we_o may_v see_v jacob_n speak_v to_o goâ_n with_o much_o humility_n and_o in_o the_o nine_o verse_n he_o be_v speak_v to_o god_n with_o much_o faith_n and_o 3._o it_o make_v a_o christian_a pray_v wiââ_n much_o love_n will_v you_o know_v the_o greaâ_n ground_n that_o we_o be_v so_o remiss_a in_o the_o exercisâ_n of_o love_n in_o prayer_n it_o be_v because_o we_o build_v noâ_n our_o prayer_n upon_o the_o promise_n and_o 4._o iâ_n help_v a_o christian_n to_o pray_v with_o much_o ferâvency_n when_o be_v it_o that_o david_n cry_v to_o god_n be_v it_o not_o when_o he_o be_v believe_v the_o promise_n that_o past_a to_o he_o of_o old_a we_o will_v not_o plead_v with_o god_n with_o such_o remissness_n iâ_n we_o do_v believe_v the_o promise_n that_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n the_o three_o advantage_n be_v that_o the_o faith_n oâ_n the_o promise_n do_v sometime_o uphold_v a_o christian_a under_o his_o spiritual_a disertion_n and_o tentation_n be_v it_o not_o certain_a that_o sometime_o he_o have_v be_v
all_o time_n you_o people_n and_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o precious_a cloud_n of_o witness_n record_v of_o in_o heb._n 11._o that_o spend_v their_o day_n in_o embrace_v of_o the_o promise_n but_o 7._o we_o will_v have_v you_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v more_o easy_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o believe_v spiritual_a promise_n then_o to_o believe_v temporal_a promise_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o trust_v christ_n for_o eternal_a salvation_n then_o to_o trust_v he_o for_o our_o daily_a food_n when_o we_o be_v redact_v unto_o strait_n and_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o we_o assert_v this_o may_v be_v these_o 1._o because_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o a_o christian_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n death_n reach_v for_o the_o purchase_n of_o temporal_a promise_n which_o more_o easy_o he_o take_v up_o in_o spiritual_a promise_n for_o a_o christian_a can_v hardly_o believe_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v in_o christ_n intention_n as_o to_o die_v for_o his_o daily_a food_n which_o yet_o be_v most_o certain_a if_o we_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o special_a mercy_n 2._o in_o a_o christian_n believe_v of_o spiritual_a promise_n there_o be_v often_o some_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o help_v he_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n at_o least_o they_o press_v not_o the_o contrary_a but_o to_o believe_v a_o temporal_a promise_n when_o a_o christian_a be_v redact_v unto_o a_o strait_a and_o that_o he_o can_v see_v no_o outgate_n present_v sense_n and_o reason_n stand_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o press_v he_o to_o despair_v as_o for_o instance_n when_o a_o christian_a be_v live_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o a_o mountain_n and_o know_v not_o where_o to_o sup_v at_o night_n to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n upon_o which_o he_o may_v rest_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o want_v his_o food_n but_o if_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v service_n for_o he_o he_o will_v provide_v here_o he_o have_v not_o only_a reason_n to_o dispute_v against_o but_o the_o strong_a pinch_a sense_n of_o hunger_n both_o cry_v out_o how_o can_v bread_n be_v give_v in_o the_o wilderness_n 3._o the_o tentation_n that_o assault_v a_o christian_n to_o misbelieve_v upon_o temporal_a promise_n they_o be_v more_o subtle_a and_o more_o con-natural_a to_o a_o christian_a than_o his_o temptation_n that_o assault_v he_o in_o rest_v upon_o spiritual_a promise_n when_o a_o christian_a be_v in_o strait_n in_o the_o world_n the_o temptation_n that_o hinder_v his_o exercise_n of_o faith_n they_o be_v more_o consonant_n to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o yield_v to_o misbelief_n then_o because_o we_o think_v it_o be_v rational_a and_o speak_v the_o truth_n 4._o a_o christian_a be_v often_o so_o affright_v by_o his_o daily_a fail_n or_o some_o particular_a more_o gross_a out-breaking_n in_o his_o life_n that_o howbeit_o he_o may_v through_o grace_n be_v help_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n shall_v make_v out_o these_o promise_n which_o concern_v his_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o so_o do_v he_o good_a in_o the_o latter_a end_n yet_o may_v he_o be_v sad_o perplex_v and_o distrustful_a in_o make_v use_n of_o any_o particular_a temporary_a promise_n for_o draw_v forth_o any_o comfort_n or_o encouragement_n therefrom_o as_o to_o his_o present_a exigent_n because_o he_o know_v that_o although_o the_o lord_n do_v forgive_v his_o people_n iniquity_n yet_o may_v he_o take_v vengeance_n on_o their_o invention_n psal._n 99.8_o and_o therefore_o may_v punish_v his_o present_a fail_v with_o the_o like_a calamity_n as_o he_o have_v do_v other_o 5._o there_o be_v also_o much_o of_o a_o natural_a and_o carnal_a self_n love_n to_o a_o present_a life_n remain_v in_o the_o best_a that_o we_o be_v many_o time_n worse_o to_o satisfy_v in_o our_o security_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n then_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o can_v more_o easy_o trust_v the_o lord_n for_o our_o soul_n then_o for_o our_o body_n so_o that_o though_o his_o naked_a word_n will_v sometime_o satisfy_v we_o for_o the_o one_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o for_o the_o other_o and_o the_o last_o ground_n of_o it_o may_v be_v a_o christian_n unacquaintednesse_n with_o that_o lot_n of_o exercise_v faith_n upon_o temporal_a promise_n there_o be_v many_o who_o think_v not_o that_o there_o be_v use_v for_o faith_n except_o for_o salvation_n and_o the_o thing_n above_o which_o make_v his_o faith_n upon_o these_o more_o difficult_a then_o upon_o promise_n that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o this_o may_v appear_v most_o clear_o in_o that_o we_o find_v man_n more_o easy_o bear_v their_o spiritual_a want_n even_o a_o christian_n that_o be_v most_o exercise_v than_o they_o bear_v their_o temporal_a want_n and_o more_o corruption_n and_o impatience_n do_v arise_v from_o temporal_a want_n then_o from_o spiritual_a want_n 2._o consider_v that_o all_o a_o christian_n duty_n be_v turn_v over_o into_o promise_n there_o be_v not_o a_o duty_n that_o be_v require_v of_o a_o christian_a but_o it_o be_v convert_v into_o a_o promise_n be_v not_o faith_n a_o duty_n 1_o joh._n 3.23_o this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o you_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v not_o that_o turn_v over_o in_o a_o promise_n jer._n 3_o 19_o thou_o shall_v call_v i_o thy_o father_n the_o word_n import_v not_o only_o a_o act_n of_o necessity_n but_o of_o violence_n thou_o shall_v do_v it_o and_o in_o the_o thirteen_o of_o zechary_n at_o the_o close_a thou_o shall_v call_v i_o thy_o father_n and_o so_o in_o ezek._n 11.19_o be_v not_o mortification_n a_o christian_n duty_n colos._n 3.5_o mortify_v therefore_o your_o member_n and_o it_o be_v turn_v over_o in_o a_o promise_n jer._n 32.28_o and_o ezek._n 36.25_o 29._o where_o he_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v purge_v away_o all_o their_o uncleanness_n and_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o micah_n 7.19_o i_o will_v subdue_v say_v he_o all_o thy_o iniquity_n it_o be_v not_o say_v thou_o must_v subdue_v they_o but_z i_o will_v do_v it_o be_v not_o also_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n a_o command_v duty_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v turn_v over_o in_o a_o promise_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n they_o shall_v know_v i_o from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a neither_o shall_v there_o be_v need_v any_o more_o that_o one_o shall_v say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o i_o be_v not_o the_o commandment_n of_o fear_n your_o duty_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o eccles._n 12.13_o and_o yet_o that_o be_v likewise_o turn_v over_o in_o a_o promise_n i_o will_v put_v my_o fear_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n they_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v away_o from_o i_o so_o tenderness_n be_v a_o christian_n duty_n and_o yet_o that_o be_v turn_v over_o in_o a_o promise_n i_o will_v take_v away_o their_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o give_v they_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n and_o that_o i_o may_v say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o look_v but_o to_o these_o four_o place_n and_o there_o you_o will_v see_v almost_o all_o duty_n turn_v over_o in_o promise_n there_o be_v jer._n 31._o jer_n 32._o ezek_n 11._o and_o ezek._n 36._o you_o will_v see_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n convert_v into_o promise_n but_o may_v not_o some_o say_v what_o advantage_n be_v there_o of_o this_o much_o certain_o every_o way_n that_o the_o duty_n be_v turn_v over_o into_o promise_n it_o may_v give_v a_o christian_a hope_n that_o he_o shall_v once_o perform_v these_o duty_n will_v you_o not_o once_o be_v tender_a yes_o certain_o because_o your_o tenderness_n lie_v within_o a_o promise_n will_v you_o not_o once_o be_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o fear_n no_o doubt_v you_o will_v and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v this_o because_o your_o fear_n lie_v within_o a_o promise_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n and_o 2._o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n of_o it_o that_o all_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o a_o christian_a be_v turn_v over_o in_o promise_n because_o by_o this_o mean_n a_o christian_a may_v go_v to_o god_n when_o he_o can_v perform_v such_o a_o duty_n and_o desire_v he_o to_o fulfil_v his_o word_n and_o accomplish_v his_o promise_n and_o so_o may_v make_v use_v not_o only_o of_o the_o omnipotency_n of_o god_n but_o of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n also_o there_o be_v this_o three_o consideration_n that_o we_o will_v propose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n of_o a_o christian_a within_o a_o promise_n that_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v to_o be_v within_o it_o especial_o these_o three_o first_o the_o challenge_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v within_o a_o promise_n when_o you_o be_v convince_v that_o be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o a_o promise_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o isai._n 30_o 21._o where_o conviction_n and_o challenge_n be_v turn_v over_o in_o a_o promise_n when_o
accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n may_v appear_v and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n when_o the_o promise_n be_v long_o beneath_o ground_n than_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n do_v more_o appear_v in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o promise_n and_o from_o this_o i_o will_v only_o say_v to_o christian_n that_o be_v under_o that_o exercise_n complain_v of_o the_o want_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o promise_n these_o few_o thing_n 1._o believe_v that_o the_o promise_n shall_v once_o be_v accomplish_v that_o though_o the_o vision_n tarry_v yet_o at_o last_o it_o shall_v speak_v 2._o believe_v that_o every_o hour_n delay_v of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n have_v a_o sweet_a design_n of_o love_n there_o be_v not_o one_o moment_n of_o delay_n but_o it_o be_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o christian_a as_o be_v clear_a from_o that_o word_n rom._n 8.28_o and_o 3._o that_o promise_n that_o come_v after_o long_a delay_n it_o have_v these_o three_o sweet_a and_o soul-refreshing_a attendant_n 1._o it_o be_v perform_v most_o seasonble_o a_o christian_n if_o he_o will_v observe_v he_o will_v see_v infinite_a wisdom_n shine_v in_o time_a the_o accompaniment_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o such_o a_o particular_a day_n a_o christian_a will_v be_v constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o if_o the_o promise_n have_v be_v fulfil_v before_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o art_n of_o wisdom_n appear_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o 2._o that_o the_o promise_n when_o it_o be_v accomplish_v will_v engage_v a_o christian_a more_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o âove_n than_o four_o promise_n accomplish_v at_o a_o âhort_a and_o small_a time_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o will_v so_o inflame_v the_o soul_n with_o love_n as_o to_o have_v a_o promise_v accomplish_v after_o delay_n and_o 3._o the_o promise_n accomplish_v after_o deâayes_n have_v much_o sense_n wait_v upon_o the_o performance_n thereof_o i_o think_v hardly_o a_o christian_a ever_o meet_v with_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o â_o promise_v after_o long_a delay_n but_o his_o soul_n be_v make_v as_o a_o water_a garden_n and_o as_o spring_n of_o water_n who_o water_n fail_v not_o this_o promise_n âaileth_v and_o come_v to_o a_o christian_a perfume_v with_o love_n now_o we_o shall_v shut_v up_o our_o discourse_n at_o this_o âime_n and_o shall_v only_o speak_v to_o these_o six_o defect_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n in_o believe_v the_o promise_n 1._o that_o our_o faith_n be_v impatient_a we_o cannot_v stay_v upon_o the_o promise_n if_o it_o be_v delay_v hence_o you_o will_v see_v that_o in_o scripture_n ofâen_o patience_n be_v annex_v to_o faith_n which_o speak_v this_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o believe_v as_o he_o ought_v that_o want_v the_o exercise_n of_o patience_n see_v heb._n 6.12_o be_v you_o follower_n of_o they_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n and_o that_o word_n ân_v the_o revelation_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n and_o paâience_n of_o the_o saint_n 2._o our_o faith_n in_o close_v with_o the_o promise_n it_o be_v most_o unconstant_a a_o christian_a when_o first_o a_o promise_n be_v bear_v in_o upon_o his_o spirit_n he_o will_v then_o believe_v the_o promise_n and_o join_v with_o it_o but_o after_o six_o or_o seven_o day_n go_v about_o he_o will_v change_v his_o faith_n this_o be_v remarkable_o clear_a from_o exod._n 4.31_o compare_v with_o exod._n 6.9_o when_o first_o the_o promise_n come_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o shall_v go_v out_o of_o egypt_n it_o be_v say_v of_o they_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n at_o the_o close_a they_o believe_v the_o promise_n and_o worship_v but_o look_v to_o they_o in_o exod._n 6.9_o and_o there_o you_o will_v see_v they_o not_o believe_v because_o of_o bitterness_n and_o anxiety_n of_o heart_n and_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o the_o ground_n why_o our_o faith_n be_v unconstant_a 1._o sometime_o the_o read_n of_o a_o promise_n to_o a_o christian_a will_v be_v as_o his_o savoury_a meat_n sometime_o when_o a_o christian_a will_v read_v one_o time_n in_o the_o covenant_n it_o will_v be_v perfume_v with_o love_n and_o his_o soul_n will_v be_v transport_v with_o joy_n after_o it_o and_o at_o another_o time_n when_o he_o shall_v read_v that_o promise_n again_o it_o will_v be_v tastelesse_a as_o the_o white_a of_o a_o egg_n and_o as_o his_o sorrowful_a meat_n 2._o that_o we_o be_v not_o much_o in_o study_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v promise_v which_o certain_o will_v cuâ_n short_a many_o of_o our_o debate_n there_o be_v this_o three_o defect_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o we_o be_v not_o diligent_a a_o diligent_a faith_n we_o call_v this_o that_o after_o a_o christian_a have_v believe_v he_o will_v be_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n he_o will_v be_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n to_o make_v that_o promise_n sweet_a and_o lively_a to_o he_o and_o a_o four_o defect_n be_v this_o we_o build_v our_o faith_n more_o upon_o dispensation_n then_o upon_o the_o word_n when_o dispensation_n say_v that_o which_o âhe_v promise_n say_v then_o we_o will_v believe_v but_o when_o dispensation_n speak_v the_o contrary_a language_n unto_o the_o promise_n than_o we_o will_v reâect_v our_o confidence_n and_o hope_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o two_o great_a mystery_n of_o believe_v it_o be_v hard_o for_o a_o christian_n to_o believe_v when_o the_o commentary_n seem_v to_o destroy_v the_o text_n that_o be_v when_o the_o commentary_n seem_v to_o declare_v that_o the_o promise_n shall_v never_o be_v accomplish_v in_o ãâã_d it_o be_v this_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o believe_v when_o dispensation_n will_v say_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v faill_n and_o when_o promise_n bid_v you_o believe_v 2._o it_o be_v hard_a for_o a_o chriâtian_n to_o take_v impossibility_n in_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n in_o the_o other_o and_o âay_n o_o precious_a christ_n reconcile_v these_o two_o together_o that_o impossibility_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o promise_n but_o that_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v accomplish_v notwithstanding_o of_o this_o â_o we_o have_v this_o defect_n of_o faith_n among_o we_o that_o we_o build_v our_o faith_n more_o upon_o sense_n âhen_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n when_o a_o christian_a be_v in_o a_o good_a frame_n he_o will_v believe_v but_o when_o christ_n hide_v his_o face_n he_o will_v then_o give_v over_o his_o hope_n and_o last_o there_o be_v this_o that_o our_o faith_n upon_o the_o promise_n be_v general_a we_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o we_o study_v not_o to_o make_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v not_o stand_v long_o to_o make_v any_o use_n of_o what_o we_o have_v speak_v only_o i_o will_v have_v the_o christian_n of_o this_o age_n and_o those_o that_o be_v here_o to_o go_v home_o with_o this_o conviction_n the_o damnable_a neglect_n of_o believe_v of_o the_o promise_n a_o christian_a neglect_v these_o three_o duty_n of_o religion_n most_o he_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o self_n examine_v the_o duty_n of_o believe_v the_o promise_n and_o that_o noble_a soul_n exalt_v duty_n of_o meditation_n these_o three_o duty_n â_o christian_n do_v so_o constant_o neglect_v that_o almost_o he_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o conviction_n that_o he_o do_v neglect_v they_o but_o i_o will_v say_v a_o word_n unto_o these_o thaâ_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o be_v stranger_n unto_o these_o bless_a thing_n that_o be_v record_v within_o the_o covenant_n and_o iâ_n be_v only_o this_o doubtless_o you_o must_v believe_v your_o sense_n if_o you_o will_v not_o believe_v his_o word_n it_o be_v a_o question_n indeed_o which_o of_o all_o the_o sense_n shall_v be_v most_o satisfy_v in_o heaven_n whether_o that_o of_o see_v when_o we_o shall_v behold_v the_o king_n in_o his_o beauty_n and_o see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v oâ_n that_o of_o hear_v when_o we_o shall_v hear_v these_o melodious_a halelujah_n of_o that_o innumerable_a company_n which_o be_v about_o the_o throne_n without_o any_o jar_a among_o they_o all_o oâ_n that_o of_o smell_v when_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o sweet_a perfume_n of_o his_o garment_n which_o be_v perfume_v with_o all_o the_o powder_n of_o the_o merchant_n or_o that_o of_o touch_v when_o we_o find_v mary_n inhibitiâon_n take_v off_o touch_v i_o not_o and_o be_v admit_v to_o embrace_v he_o who_o be_v now_o ascend_v to_o his_o father_n or_o that_o of_o taste_v when_o we_o shall_v drink_v of_o these_o river_n of_o consolation_n that_o shall_v never_o run_v dry_a this_o i_o say_v be_v indeed_o a_o
the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v the_o omnipotency_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o he_o âath_v promise_v but_o he_o be_v able_a to_o effectuate_v ând_v to_o bring_v to_o pass_v therefore_o 2_o cor._n 6.8_o when_o god_n have_v be_v pass_v many_o excellent_a promise_n he_o strengthen_v their_o faith_n with_o this_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n almighty_a ând_v no_o doubt_n where_o the_o word_n of_o this_o king_n ãâã_d there_o be_v power_n and_o who_o can_v say_v unto_o he_o âhat_n do_v thou_o o_o misbeliever_n of_o the_o preâious_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v ashamed_a âo_o cast_v up_o your_o eye_n to_o heaven_n above_o or_o to_o âhe_n earth_n beneath_o we_o think_v the_o star_n the_o âun_v the_o moon_n and_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n they_o âay_v speak_v out_o that_o to_o you_o do_v not_o misbelieve_v god_n but_o trust_v in_o he_o that_o be_v wonderful_a in_o counsel_n and_o excellent_a in_o work_v the_o seâond_n be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o infinite_a counsel_n of_o god_n he_o have_v not_o only_o complete_a ability_n to_o accomplish_v the_o promise_n that_o he_o have_v give_v but_o he_o have_v the_o depth_n and_o treasure_n oâ_n knowledge_n by_o which_o he_o have_v contrive_v thâ_n way_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o such_o a_o promise_n hence_o be_v that_o word_n 2_o sam._n 23.5_o that_o the_o covenant_n be_v well_o order_v which_o speak_v out_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o theâ_n that_o word_n be_v subjoin_v the_o covenant_n be_v sureâ_n yea_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v such_o a_o thing_n that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o the_o art_n of_o heaven_n so_o much_o of_o infinite_a wisdom_n shine_v in_o it_o thaâ_n it_o be_v call_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n heb._n 6.17_o thaâ_n you_o may_v know_v the_o immutability_n of_o his_o counsel_n the_o three_o golden_a pillar_n be_v the_o infinite_a love_n ãâã_d god_n that_o though_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o we_o thaâ_n can_v put_v he_o to_o accomplish_v the_o promise_n yeâ_n he_o will_v take_v a_o argument_n from_o his_o own_o love_n to_o make_v out_o such_o a_o promise_n to_o we_o there_o iâ_n sometime_o if_o not_o always_o nothing_o in_o we_o but_o that_o which_o may_v speak_v forth_o delay_n oâ_n the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o when_o god_n can_v bring_v no_o argument_n from_o we_o he_o can_v bring_v a_o argument_n from_o his_o own_o love_n ãâã_d deut._n 7.7_o 8._o where_n give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o many_o promise_n and_o oâ_n his_o love_n to_o they_o i_o love_v you_o say_v he_o because_o i_o love_v you_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o caâ_n be_v give_v for_o love_n but_o love_n the_o four_o be_v the_o unchangeableness_n of_o the_o promiser_n that_o he_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o and_o without_o all_o alteration_n and_o shadow_n of_o change_n hence_o you_o may_v see_v exod._n 3.14_o when_o god_n be_v repeat_v many_o precious_a promise_n unto_o moses_n he_o as_o it_o be_v strengthen_v moses_n faith_n with_o this_o i_o be_o âaith_o he_o that_o i_o be_o which_o we_o conceive_v to_o point_v forth_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n âhat_n what_o he_o have_v say_v he_o will_v certain_o accomplish_v in_o its_o own_o time_n and_o though_o the_o âision_n do_v tarry_v yet_o at_o last_o it_o shall_v speak_v the_o ãâã_d iâ_n the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o ãâã_d one_o that_o can_v lie_v but_o certain_o will_v âake_v out_o what_o he_o have_v speak_v love_n it_o take_v the_o promise_n the_o faithfulness_n and_o âower_n of_o god_n accomplish_v the_o promise_n ând_v the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n choose_v the_o âost_o fit_a time_n fâr_v the_o perform_n of_o they_o âence_o it_o be_v say_v psal._n 119_o 89_o 90._o thy_o word_n ãâã_d lord_n be_v for_o ever_o settle_v in_o heaven_n and_o the_o âround_n of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n for_o âây_a faithfulness_n be_v unto_o all_o generation_n hence_o âou_fw-mi may_v see_v that_o oftentimes_o when_o god_n be_v âaking_v promise_n to_o his_o own_o he_o put_v to_o ââat_a word_n i_o that_o speak_v in_o righteousness_n isa._n 5_o 19_o and_o isa._n 63.1_o o_o must_v not_o the_o promise_n be_v unchangeable_a that_o be_v make_v by_o ãâã_d father_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n must_v ãâã_d the_o promise_n be_v unchangeable_a that_o be_v ââceived_v and_o merit_v by_o the_o son_n that_o be_v âruth_n itself_o and_o the_o faithful_a witness_n and_o âmen_n must_v not_o the_o promise_n be_v unchangeable_a that_o be_v apply_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o ãâã_d the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o must_v not_o the_o promise_n be_v unchangeable_a that_o be_v make_v ââown_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v the_o âord_n of_o truth_n be_v there_o ever_o any_o who_o ãâã_d leave_v that_o upon_o record_n of_o god_n that_o he_o âas_v unfaithful_a in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o promise_n o_o what_o a_o clear_a sight_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n shall_v a_o christian_a get_v wheâ_n he_o shall_v be_v stand_v upon_o the_o outmost_a liââ_n between_o time_n and_o eternity_n than_o he_o will_v ãâã_d god_n faithful_a in_o accomplish_v all_o his_o prââmises_n unto_o he_o from_o first_o to_o last_o the_o ãâã_d golden_a pillar_n be_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n ãâã_d justice_n it_o now_o put_v he_o to_o accompliââ_n his_o promise_n mercy_n and_o righteousness_n haâ_n now_o kiss_v each_o other_o hence_o be_v that_o worâ_n 1_o joh._n 1.9_o he_o be_v just_a and_o faithful_a to_o forgive_v so_o that_o now_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o tââ_n promise_n it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o act_n of_o love_n but_o ãâã_d be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n also_o we_o confess_v indeed_o love_n and_o mercy_n make_v the_o promise_n ãâã_d justice_n and_o truth_n also_o put_v god_n to_o the_o acâcomplishment_n of_o they_o hence_o be_v that_o word_n micah_n 7.20_o to_o perform_v the_o truth_n to_o jacoâ_n and_o the_o mercy_n to_o abraham_n why_o be_v it_o mercy_n to_o abraham_n and_o it_o be_v truth_n to_o jacob_n it_o iâ_n in_o short_a this_o because_o mercy_n make_v the_o promise_n to_o abraham_n but_o truth_n do_v accomplish_v the_o promise_n to_o jacob_n the_o three_o thing_n that_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o froââhis_n that_o the_o promise_n be_v unchangeable_a shall_v be_v to_o press_v these_o six_o duty_n upon_o yoâ_n from_o this_o point_n o_o christian_n and_o expectant_n of_o heaven_n who_o have_v christ_n in_o you_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a that_o the_o promise_n be_v unchangeable_a 1._o this_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o be_v press_v from_o that_o ground_n heb._n 6.18_o that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n we_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n there_o be_v exceed_v much_o joy_n that_o may_v come_v to_o a_o christian_a from_o this_o that_o the_o promise_n shall_v be_v accomplish_v iâ_n their_o own_o time_n we_o conceive_v that_o the_o word_n unchangeable_a it_o be_v engrave_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o many_o a_o christian_n mercy_n be_v not_o unchangeable_a write_v above_o the_o head_n of_o our_o promise_n be_v not_o unchangeable_a write_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o our_o blessedness_n be_v not_o unchangeable_a write_v above_o the_o head_n of_o our_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n that_o day_n be_v come_v when_o we_o shall_v have_v unchangeable_a love_n unchangeable_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o all_o thing_n unchangeable_a aâd_v we_o conceive_v that_o if_o these_o two_o be_v believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o the_o promise_n a_o christian_n may_v walk_v through_o this_o valley_n of_o tear_n with_o joy_n and_o comfort_v himself_o in_o hope_n the_o second_o duty_n we_o will_v press_v be_v this_o that_o you_o will_v sursease_v and_o give_v over_o your_o dispute_n and_o carnal_a reason_n about_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n since_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v unchangeable_a ought_v not_o we_o with_o this_o to_o silence_v misbelief_n and_o all_o that_o blind_a humane_a reason_n can_v say_v this_o be_v press_v heb._n 6.16_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n it_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n god_n confirm_v of_o his_o covenant_n by_o a_o oath_n it_o ought_v to_o cut_v short_a the_o dispute_n of_o misbelief_n and_o here_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o point_v out_o a_o little_a these_o ground_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v that_o christian_n do_v so_o much_o dispute_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o promise_n and_o to_o let_v you_o see_v how_o all_o these_o ground_n may_v be_v answer_v from_o these_o six_o pillar_n that_o be_v give_v of_o their_o unchangeableness_n the_o first_o be_v when_o dispensation_n seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o promise_n it_o speak_v one_o thing_n and_o
be_v accomplish_v in_o its_o time_n be_v there_o the_o fountain_n of_o their_o song_n and_o of_o their_o spiritual_a joy_n i_o think_v sometime_o a_o christian_a be_v like_o that_o misbelieve_a lord_n 2_o king_n 7.2_o that_o though_o they_o meet_v with_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o a_o promise_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o taste_v of_o the_o sweetness_n that_o be_v in_o it_o because_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o second_o duty_n that_o we_o will_v press_v from_o what_o we_o have_v speak_v be_v that_o christian_n will_v close_v with_o the_o promise_n for_o their_o everlasting_a inheritance_n since_o the_o promiseâ_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v exceed_o great_a and_o exâceeding_v precious_a and_o the_o advantage_n that_o li_v in_o they_o be_v unspeakable_a o_o shall_v noâ_n these_o thing_n proclaim_v aloud_o unto_o we_o closâ_n with_o the_o promise_n âs_v your_o portion_n for_o ever_o ãâã_d think_v one_o that_o have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o promise_n and_o have_v enter_v himself_o heir_n unto_o the_o ãâã_d inheritance_n he_o may_v sometime_o rejoice_v in_o âhat_n threefold_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o âo_o a_o natural_a man_n can_v hardly_o appear_v other_o âhen_o a_o contradiction_n 1_o he_o may_v sometime_o â_o have_v nothing_o and_o yet_o i_o possess_v all_o thing_n âor_a when_o he_o look_v unto_o his_o be_v in_o the_o word_n he_o be_v as_o poor_a lazarus_n have_v no_o âlace_n whereon_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n but_o when_o âee_n cast_v his_o eye_n unto_o his_o spiritual_a inheritance_n than_o he_o behold_v his_o treasure_n and_o ãâã_d constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o i_o possess_v all_o thing_n ãâã_d sometime_o he_o may_v cry_v forth_o i_o be_o âich_a and_o yet_o i_o be_o exeee_o poor_a he_o may_v be_v ââch_a in_o hope_n and_o yet_o poor_a in_o his_o possession_n âhere_o be_v much_o of_o a_o christian_n treasure_n that_o ãâã_d in_o hope_n hope_n be_v that_o thing_n that_o will_v âake_v the_o christian_a sweet_o quite_o all_o other_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o that_o be_v the_o motto_n of_o the_o âhristian_n spero_fw-la meliora_fw-la which_o he_o holdeth_z ãâã_d in_o his_o flag_n even_o in_o the_o great_a storm_n ãâã_d at_o length_n he_o find_v it_o true_a that_o hope_n take_v not_o ashamed_a 3._o sometime_o the_o chriââan_n will_v cry_v forth_o i_o be_o always_o sorrow_v ãâã_d yet_o always_o rejoice_v when_o he_o cast_v ãâã_d eye_n upon_o himself_o he_o will_v sit_v down_o and_o ãâã_d his_o couch_n with_o tear_n but_o when_o with_o ãâã_d other_o eye_n he_o reflect_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n âee_o will_v rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a ãâã_d glory_n a_o christian_a can_v both_o weep_v and_o reâââce_n at_o one_o time_n and_o again_o he_o can_v rejoice_v ãâã_d weep_v no_o doubt_n the_o reflect_v upon_o ãâã_d immense_a hope_n and_o that_o everlasting_a ãâã_d will_v make_v a_o christian_a rejoice_v under_o ãâã_d his_o disquietmenâs_n and_o anxiety_n in_o the_o ãâã_d he_o can_v look_v to_o the_o back_n of_o time_n and_o behold_v a_o glorious_a inheritance_n a_o christiaâ_n have_v the_o eye_n of_o a_o eagle_n that_o can_v behold_v anâ_n discern_v thing_n afar_o of_o the_o three_o duty_n that_o we_o will_v press_v upoâ_n you_o be_v to_o long_o for_o the_o day_n when_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n shall_v receiuâ_v their_o complete_a accomplishment_n and_o when_o ãâã_d shall_v be_v enter_v into_o the_o everlasting_a fruition_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n wherein_o your_o blessedness_n lie_v there_o be_v a_o threefold_a come_v that_o chrisâ_n speak_v to_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v unite_v unto_o he_o all_o which_o they_o sweet_o obey_v there_o be_v thaâ_n first_o come_v which_o be_v in_o matth._n 11.28_o comâ_n unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a load_v and_o there_o be_v that_o second_o come_v isa._n 26._o comâ_n my_o people_n enter_v into_o the_o chamber_n which_o be_v tâ_n entertain_v that_o excellent_a correspondency_n witâ_n he_o in_o troublesome_a time_n and_o there_o be_v thââ_n three_o matchless_a come_v when_o christ_n shall_v saâ_n to_o his_o own_o in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o stand_a beforâ_n the_o tribunal_n come_v o_o bless_a of_o my_o father_n shall_v we_o say_v it_o that_o if_o we_o have_v faith_n âs_v a_o ãâã_d of_o mustard_n seed_n we_o will_v cry_v forth_o why_o ãâã_d his_o chariot_n so_o long_o in_o come_v and_o do_v we_o ãâã_d or_o make_v a_o high_a account_n of_o the_o matchless_a prââmises_n of_o the_o boundless_a covenant_n we_o wouââ_n cry_v forth_o o_o that_o our_o time_n will_v flee_v away_o ãâã_d the_o ship_n of_o desire_n i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o but_o thââ_n christ_n be_v go_v up_o with_o a_o shout_n unto_o heaven_n anâ_n shall_v come_v again_o with_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpeâ_n sing_v praise_n to_o god_n sing_v praise_n sing_v praise_n unââ_n our_o god_n sing_v praise_n the_o last_o thing_n that_o we_o will_v press_v upââ_n you_o be_v that_o you_o will_v mark_v the_o time_n of_o ãâã_d accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o as_o ãâã_d âhis_v i_o shall_v say_v but_o these_o 1._o that_o ordinary_o the_o time_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o time_n when_o sense_n reason_n and_o probability_n do_v most_o contradict_v they_o this_o âs_n clear_a ezek._n 37._o in_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v pass_v to_o judah_n in_o their_o captivity_n be_v it_o not_o when_o they_o be_v as_o a_o valley_n of_o dead_a bone_n and_o their_o hope_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n cut_v off_o for_o their_o part_n from_o the_o 11._o verse_n of_o âhat_n chapter_n compare_v with_o the_o 12._o and_o 2._o that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o âhe_n promise_n ordinary_o iâ_n a_o pray_a time_n âhis_fw-la be_v also_o clear_a from_o dan._n 9.2_o 3._o and_o from_o jer._n 29.12_o compare_v with_o the_o 11._o vers_fw-la and_o âhe_v 10._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o time_n when_o he_o will_v visit_v they_o and_o perform_v his_o good_a word_n âo_o they_o in_o cause_v they_o to_o return_v it_o shall_v be_v a_o time_n when_o they_o shall_v call_v upon_o i_o and_o shall_v go_v and_o pray_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o will_v hearken_v ânto_o they_o and_o 3._o the_o time_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o promise_n it_o be_v a_o time_n when_o our_o thought_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v high_a and_o âarge_a when_o once_o we_o begin_v to_o value_v our_o mercy_n this_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o our_o mercy_n be_v near_o and_o ât_z be_v bring_v forth_o however_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n âo_o wait_v on_o he_o who_o can_v give_v a_o be_v unto_o his_o word_n and_o sweet_o perform_v his_o promise_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o limit_v infinite_a wisdom_n nor_o to_o âay_n unto_o he_o that_o be_v infinite_a in_o strength_n how_o âan_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v but_o answer_v all_o objection_n of_o misbelief_n with_o this_o god_n have_v speak_v it_o ând_v he_o will_v also_o do_v it_o and_o drown_v all_o our_o objection_n of_o misbelief_n in_o that_o glorious_a and_o mysterious_a name_n of_o his_o i_o be_o that_o i_o be_o to_o he_o be_v praise_n sermon_n vi._n act_n 26_o 18._o to_o open_v their_o eye_n anâ_n to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n untâ_n god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v forâgivenesse_n of_o sin_n and_o inheritance_n among_o they_o which_o be_v sanctify_a bâ_n faith_n that_o be_v in_o i_o when_o first_o we_o do_v begin_v our_o diââcourse_n upon_o the_o precious_a ãâã_d excellent_a grace_n of_o faith_n wâ_n tell_v you_o that_o we_o intend_v tâ_n speak_v of_o it_o under_o a_o twofold_a notion_n and_o coââsideration_n first_o as_o it_o lay_v hold_v upoâ_n christ_n for_o justication_n and_o of_o this_o we_o hauâ_n speak_v to_o you_o at_o some_o length_n as_o you_o hauâ_n hear_v second_o as_o it_o close_v with_o chriââ_n for_o sanctification_n and_o of_o this_o we_o be_v ãâã_d speak_v at_o this_o time_n and_o have_v choose_v these_o word_n to_o speak_v of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o part_n ãâã_d that_o excellent_a oration_n and_o discourse_n thââ_n paul_n have_v before_o agrippa_n in_o his_o own_o defence_n in_o which_o oration_n and_o discourse_n of_o he_o ãâã_d may_v behold_v these_o four_o thing_n eminent_o shine_v 1._o that_o godliness_n and_o good_a manner_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a not_o contrary_a one_o to_o anoâther_n therefore_o you_o will_v see_v in_o the_o second_o anâ_n three_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n paul_n act_v thâ_n part_n of_o a_o courtly_a orator_n and_o believe_v ãâã_d there_o be_v more_o good_a manner_n to_o be_v learn_v by_o be_v seven_o day_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n then_o by_o be_v seven_o year_n in_o all_o the_o court_n of_o france_n this_o second_o
say_v these_o three_o thing_n to_o thou_o 1._o come_v to_o christ_n and_o if_o gold_n and_o silver_n be_v for_o thy_o advantage_n thou_o shall_v have_v it_o literal_o accomplish_v 2._o i_o say_v you_o shall_v have_v as_o much_o contentment_n in_o jesus_n christ_n as_o if_o you_o have_v this_o house_n full_a of_o gold_n 3._o i_o will_v say_v this_o to_o thou_o christ_n shall_v be_v thy_o gold_n and_o thy_o silver_n according_a to_o that_o word_n in_o the_o 26._o verse_n which_o be_v most_o remarkable_a yea_o the_o almighty_a shall_v be_v thy_o defence_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a shall_v be_v thy_o gold_n speak_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o gold_n before_o second_o you_o say_v i_o will_v have_v this_o that_o what_o i_o purpose_n may_v be_v accomplish_v i_o say_v come_v to_o christ_n and_o you_o shall_v have_v that_o likewise_o job._n 22.28_o thou_o shall_v decree_v a_o thing_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v establish_v unto_o thou_o which_o i_o conceive_v do_v not_o only_o take_v in_o these_o spiritual_a decree_n but_o likewise_o these_o that_o relate_v to_o temporal_a enjoyment_n but_o there_o be_v a_o three_o thing_n i_o will_v have_v say_v you_o and_o i_o will_v come_v to_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v that_o i_o may_v have_v all_o the_o desire_n of_o my_o heart_n i_o say_v o_o man_n and_o o_o woman_n come_v to_o christ_n and_o thou_o shall_v have_v what_o thou_o desire_v this_o be_v clear_a from_o psal._n 37.4_o delight_n thyself_o in_o god_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v thou_o the_o desire_n of_o thy_o heart_n what_o can_v you_o have_v man_n but_o it_o be_v there_o will_v you_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o christ_n he_o put_v a_o blank_a in_o your_o hand_n and_o say_v that_o word_n which_o he_o say_v to_o solomon_n ask_v what_o will_v you_o have_v and_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v put_v his_o name_n to_o the_o foot_n of_o a_o clean_a sheet_n of_o paper_n and_o he_o desire_v you_o to_o ask_v what_o you_o will_v have_v and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o excellent_a bargan_n o_o niggard_n what_o will_v you_o have_v which_o you_o will_v not_o get_v in_o christ_n and_o be_v persuade_v that_o you_o that_o refuse_v and_o will_v not_o take_v he_o the_o eternal_a curse_n of_o all_o that_o be_v in_o heaven_n will_v return_v upon_o thy_o head_n the_o eternal_a curse_n of_o all_o the_o expectant_n of_o heaven_n and_o heir_n of_o life_n will_v return_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o that_o person_n that_o will_v not_o take_v christ._n and_o curse_a curse_a shall_v that_o person_n be_v who_o will_v not_o take_v christ_n and_o one_o day_n all_o the_o congregation_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v say_v amen_n sermon_n vii_o 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n assurance_n be_v a_o precious_a gift_n which_o many_o that_o live_v in_o these_o day_n do_v undervalue_v and_o tread_v under_o foot_n do_v not_o the_o christian_n of_o these_o time_n go_v halt_v between_o two_o opinion_n be_v neither_o positive_a that_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o adoption_n of_o child_n not_o positive_a that_o they_o be_v yet_o in_o a_o state_n of_o alienation_n and_o enemy_n in_o their_o mind_n by_o wicked_a work_n yea_o and_o that_o which_o be_v worse_o there_o be_v many_o among_o we_o that_o walk_v with_o much_o contentment_n under_o their_o uncertainty_n i_o think_v it_o be_v a_o fault_n to_o be_v condemn_v in_o many_o they_o pursue_v more_o to_o satisfy_v their_o sense_n for_o the_o present_a nor_o to_o have_v a_o solid_a well_o ground_a assurance_n for_o time_n to_o come_v i_o can_v wish_v that_o all_o the_o debate_n and_o question_n of_o these_o day_n that_o take_v up_o so_o much_o of_o our_o time_n and_o so_o much_o of_o our_o spirit_n from_o better_a thing_n be_v happy_o drown_v in_o these_o four_o excellent_a question_n which_o without_o controversy_n be_v of_o great_a concernment_n for_o all_o to_o have_v resolve_v 1._o where_o shall_v i_o rest_v all_o âight_n when_o the_o long_a shadow_n of_o the_o everlasting_a evening_n shall_v be_v streatched_a out_o upon_o i_o and_o whither_o or_o not_o have_v christ_n go_v beforâ_n to_o take_v up_o a_o place_n for_o i_o in_o his_o father_n house_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o soul-concerning_a question_n master_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o inherit_v eternal_a life_n to_o be_v ask_v at_o he_o that_o can_v sweet_o resolve_v you_o and_o 3._o not_o to_o rest_v there_o but_o to_o be_v cry_v forth_o in_o the_o morning_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o beâ_n save_v and_o to_o be_v cry_v out_o in_o the_o evening_n lord_n what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v 4._o it_o iâ_n sweet_a to_o be_v ask_v serious_o see_v you_o he_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v there_o be_v much_o of_o our_o time_n spend_v in_o ask_v news_n from_o court_n and_o from_o abroad_o concern_v the_o revolution_n of_o state_n and_o kingdom_n but_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v better_a to_o ask_v what_o news_n from_o heaven_n concern_v thyself_o and_o what_o news_n from_o within_o and_o news_n of_o thy_o bridegroom_n come_v for_o these_o be_v great_a court_n i_o mean_v the_o court_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n the_o affair_n of_o which_o a_o christian_n shall_v endeavour_v much_o to_o know_v 5._o it_o be_v a_o soul-concerning_a question_n that_o a_o christian_n shall_v be_v much_o in_o propose_v to_o himself_o what_o shall_v i_o render_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o his_o benefit_n it_o be_v certain_a we_o must_v say_v that_o our_o faith_n and_o assurance_n and_o all_o our_o other_o mercy_n be_v from_o he_o and_o yet_o alas_o we_o be_v negligent_a in_o praise_n we_o may_v with_o tamar_n rend_v our_o garment_n of_o divers_a colour_n even_o the_o garment_n of_o the_o king_n daughter_n because_o of_o spiritual_a whoredom_n against_o god_n and_o our_o ingratitude_n to_o he_o now_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o at_o so_o great_a a_o length_n of_o that_o precious_a and_o fundamental_a grace_n of_o faith_n we_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o shut_v up_o all_o in_o speak_v a_o little_a upon_o these_o woâds_v we_o now_o have_v read_v concern_v the_o evidence_n and_o assurance_n of_o faith_n the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n be_v vindicate_v his_o ministry_n and_o apostleship_n from_o the_o contempt_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o it_o he_o prove_v he_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n call_v and_o send_v of_o god_n by_o the_o blessing_n and_o success_n he_o have_v among_o they_o in_o that_o he_o have_v not_o plough_v nor_o thresh_v in_o vain_a and_o they_o be_v so_o much_o in_o censure_v his_o way_n and_o seek_v a_o account_n of_o his_o ministry_n in_o these_o word_n he_o do_v as_o it_o be_v draw_v they_o off_o by_o a_o holy_a diversion_n unto_o another_o business_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v to_o they_o o_o corinthian_n i_o will_v divert_v you_o from_o the_o exercise_n of_o judge_v i_o and_o will_v lead_v you_o into_o a_o exercise_n that_o be_v more_o divine_a and_o profitable_a be_v much_o in_o judge_v and_o examine_v yourselves_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n worth_a our_o observation_n that_o if_o we_o be_v more_o in_o judge_v of_o ourselves_o we_o will_v be_v less_o in_o judge_v other_o but_o alas_o there_o be_v some_o of_o we_o we_o be_v so_o much_o abroad_o that_o we_o can_v be_v much_o at_o home_n in_o the_o word_n there_o be_v these_o six_o thing_n considerable_a first_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n attainable_a by_o a_o christian_a while_n he_o be_v here_o as_o a_o distinct_a persuasion_n and_o assurance_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n by_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n here_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v a_o be_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n only_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o principal_o be_v indeed_o and_o real_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n second_o that_o the_o seek_n after_o assurance_n be_v a_o necessary_a command_v duty_n for_o you_o see_v here_o the_o word_n very_o imperative_fw-it examine_v yourselves_o prove_v yourselves_o three_o that_o there_o be_v many_o mistake_v and_o delusion_n among_o people_n concern_v that_o noble_a and_o excellent_a thing_n assurance_n there_o be_v many_o that_o keep_v fast_o a_o hope_n which_o christ_n shall_v once_o discountenance_v and_o sweep_v away_o like_o a_o spider_n web_n and_o this_o be_v import_v in_o these_o word_n examine_v yourselves_o or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v be_v render_v take_v a_o accurate_a and_o a_o experimental_a search_n of_o yourselves_o try_v yourselves_o or_o prove_v yourselves_o it_o be_v a_o
a_o preacher_n to_o a_o rebellious_a people_n he_o will_v have_v that_o word_n speak_v unto_o he_o i_o know_v thou_o before_o thou_o be_v bring_v forth_o the_o five_o time_n be_v when_o a_o christian_a have_v do_v some_o singular_a act_n of_o obedience_n when_o abraham_n have_v obey_v the_o lord_n and_o be_v content_a to_o offer_v up_o his_o isaac_n he_o meet_v with_o a_o sight_n of_o his_o interest_n and_o covenant_n renew_v to_o he_o with_o a_o oath_n gen._n 22.16_o by_o myself_o i_o have_v swear_v because_o thou_o have_v do_v this_o thing_n and_o have_v not_o witholden_v thy_o son_n even_o thy_o only_a son_n blessing_n i_o will_v bless_v thou_o and_o multiply_v i_o will_v multiply_v thou_o as_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n the_o six_o time_n be_v when_o a_o christian_a be_v to_o meet_v with_o hard_a trial_n difficulty_n and_o affliction_n in_o the_o world_n than_o they_o usual_o meet_v with_o assurance_n and_o so_o gen._n 28.14_o 15_o 16._o before_o jacob_n go_v to_o serve_v laban_n he_o meet_v with_o intimation_n of_o his_o peace_n with_o god_n the_o seven_o time_n be_v when_o a_o christian_a be_v under_o sad_a persecution_n and_o affliction_n then_o will_v the_o lord_n give_v a_o word_n from_o heaven_n to_o comfort_v he_o and_o assure_v he_o of_o his_o fatherly_a love_n and_o mercy_n when_o be_v it_o that_o christ_n leave_v that_o noble_a legacy_n to_o his_o disciple_n joh._n 14._o ver_fw-la 27._o my_o peace_n i_o leave_v with_o you_o my_o peace_n i_o give_v you_o be_v it_o not_o when_o he_o himself_o be_v to_o leave_v they_o to_o troublesome_a and_o sorrowful_a day_n in_o a_o persecute_v world_n the_o eight_o time_n be_v at_o some_o solemn_a ordinance_n and_o approach_n to_o god_n the_o day_n of_o a_o communion_n to_o a_o tender_a christian_a have_v be_v sweet_a day_n when_o christ_n have_v come_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o say_v behold_v i_o behold_v i_o i_o think_v the_o eleven_o apostle_n meet_v with_o much_o assurance_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n at_o the_o communion_n they_o be_v at_o with_o he_o o_o what_o sweet_a intimation_n be_v these_o this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o be_v break_v for_o you_o and_o this_o cup_n be_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o my_o blood_n shed_v for_o you_o and_o a_o little_a after_o you_o be_v they_o which_o have_v continue_v with_o i_o in_o my_o tentation_n and_o i_o appoint_v unto_o you_o a_o kingdom_n we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o point_n which_o we_o propose_v from_o the_o word_n viz._n that_o aâ_n assurance_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v attain_v so_o to_o seek_v after_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n ãâã_d i_o not_o be_v mistake_v as_o if_o i_o say_v the_o have_v of_o assurance_n be_v simple_o necessary_a to_o salvaâtion_n no_o that_o be_v a_o doctrine_n as_o comforââlesse_v upon_o the_o other_o hand_n as_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o assurance_n ãâã_d upon_o the_o other_o but_o the_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v that_o the_o christian_n seek_v after_o assurance_n and_o his_o real_a endeavour_v to_o attain_v unto_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a command_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v bind_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o child_n among_o other_o gospel_n duty_n and_o certain_o we_o need_v go_v no_o further_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o then_o the_o text_n itself_o what_o mean_v these_o peremptory_a injunction_n examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o not_o prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o etc._n etc._n but_o if_o you_o will_v you_o may_v add_v that_o word_n 2_o pet._n 1._o vers_fw-la 5._o and_o 10._o compare_v what_o can_v be_v more_o express_o command_v and_o more_o strong_o press_v than_o that_o christian_n shall_v bend_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n for_o attain_v unto_o this_o bless_a condition_n of_o assurance_n give_v diligence_n yea_o give_v all_o diligence_n yea_o the_o rather_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a from_o this_o we_o shall_v only_o lay_v before_o you_o these_o consideration_n 1._o if_o the_o seek_n after_o assurance_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n than_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v most_o lamentable_a first_o that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o in_o this_o generation_n who_o be_v pure_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o wash_v from_o their_o iniquity_n they_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o a_o rot_a assurance_n that_o have_v no_o other_o foundation_n but_o their_o own_o imagination_n they_o never_o know_v since_o the_o first_o day_n they_o be_v baptise_a and_o do_v begin_v to_o profess_v christ_n what_o it_o be_v to_o mortify_v one_o lust_n nor_o serious_o to_o wrestle_v against_o one_o temptation_n and_o yet_o they_o want_v not_o a_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n but_o ah_o will_v you_o stand_v in_o awe_n lest_o you_o meet_v with_o such_o a_o dreadful_a disppointment_n as_o when_o you_o think_v yâ_n be_v in_o the_o very_a gate_n of_o heaven_n even_o then_o to_o fall_v backward_o to_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o hell_n and_o when_o you_o expect_v a_o kindly_a welcome_n from_o the_o lord_n of_o glory_n as_o one_o who_o think_v you_o have_v be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o this_o many_o year_n you_o meet_v with_o that_o dreadful_a summons_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v i_o know_v you_o not_o 2._o how_o sad_a may_v we_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n that_o howbeit_o assurance_n be_v a_o attainable_a thing_n and_o a_o great_a many_o dare_v not_o say_v they_o have_v attain_v it_o yet_o so_o little_a diligence_n be_v use_v in_o pursue_v after_o it_o be_v it_o not_o very_o lamentable_a that_o many_o of_o you_o to_o who_o i_o be_o speak_v since_o first_o you_o give_v up_o your_o name_n to_o christ_n ãâã_d a_o visible_a way_n and_o be_v repute_v among_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o seeker_n of_o his_o face_n scare_v ever_o set_v a_o day_n or_o a_o hour_n a_o part_n to_o examine_v whether_o ever_o indeed_o you_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o not_o alas_o be_v heaven_n of_o so_o little_a moment_n be_v the_o have_v or_o want_v all_o the_o enjoyment_n which_o be_v there_o of_o so_o small_a concernment_n to_o you_o that_o yâ_n will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n as_o once_o to_o inquire_v afâter_o your_o interest_n in_o the_o matter_n what_o if_o any_o of_o you_o be_v but_o possessor_n of_o a_o thousand_o pound_n and_o your_o interest_n or_o right_n unto_o it_o unâcertain_a and_o questionable_a will_v not_o your_o sleeâ_n depart_v from_o you_o and_o your_o rest_n be_v unquiet_a tilâ_n you_o have_v make_v it_o more_o secure_a what_o thinâ_n you_o shall_v the_o man_n of_o this_o generation_n answer_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o neglect_v that_o on_o thing_n necessary_a when_o they_o have_v be_v so_o vexâing_v themselves_o about_o many_o thing_n and_o hauâ_n be_v so_o serious_a in_o so_o many_o consultation_n tâ_n make_v sure_o a_o worm_n eat_v portion_n in_o a_o perish_a world_n that_o the_o whole_a wit_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n can_v secure_v for_o one_o moment_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o root_n of_o all_o this_o slothfulness_n be_v atheism_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o we_o believe_v ãâã_d real_o there_o be_v a_o heaven_n as_o we_o believe_v there_o iâ_n a_o earth_n or_o that_o the_o world_n to_o come_v be_v as_o real_a as_o that_o which_o be_v present_a or_o else_o it_o must_v be_v a_o strange_a power_n in_o these_o lust_n that_o keep_v we_o captive_a that_o we_o be_v never_o suffer_v to_o think_v upon_o eternity_n nor_o to_o ask_v where_o we_o must_v ââdge_v when_o this_o cottage_n we_o carry_v about_o shall_v âall_n about_o our_o ear_n o_o will_v you_o think_v upon_o it_o how_o serious_a and_o press_v that_o command_n be_v 2_o pet._n 1.10_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v your_o âalling_n and_o election_n sure_a when_o the_o lord_n say_v âive_a all_o diligence_n will_v you_o give_v no_o diligence_n and_o when_o he_o say_v make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a will_v you_o live_v upon_o uncertainty_n i_o say_v to_o the_o foolish_a deal_v not_o so_o foolish_o 3._o it_o be_v most_o lamentable_a that_o since_o assurance_n be_v attainable_a yet_o man_n live_v so_o content_o under_o the_o want_n thereof_o how_o strange_a be_v it_o that_o many_o be_v so_o seldom_o on_o their_o knee_n complain_v of_o their_o uncertainty_n if_o christ_n be_v precious_a unto_o you_o will_v it_o be_v so_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v some_o of_o we_o here_o that_o have_v hade_fw-mi the_o name_n of_o christian_n i_o know_v not_o how_o long_o that_o never_o have_v one_o sad_a thought_n about_o the_o want_n of_o assurance_n when_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o desolation_n vastation_n and_o plundering_n in_o the_o world_n how_o many_o of_o we_o can_v cry_v out_o
they_o have_v take_v away_o my_o god_n and_o what_o have_v i_o more_o but_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o heaven_n we_o care_v not_o who_o deprive_v we_o of_o our_o portion_n there_o i_o will_v not_o limit_v the_o lord_n nor_o determine_v what_o he_o may_v do_v but_o believe_v it_o it_o be_v one_o to_o a_o thousand_o if_o many_o christian_n of_o this_o age_n have_v a_o pleasant_a night_n and_o comfortable_a close_n of_o their_o eye_n they_o be_v such_o undervalue_n ãâã_d of_o assurance_n i_o may_v fear_v that_o lamentation_n shall_v be_v hear_v upon_o the_o death_n bed_n of_o many_o ãâã_d o_o poor_a wretched_a wander_a soul_n where_o be_v thou_o go_v and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n it_o come_v to_o this_o when_o we_o be_v so_o long_o in_o beginning_n to_o ask_v the_o question_n and_o now_o i_o close_o with_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o i_o think_v beyond_o all_o question_n the_o soul_n that_o live_v content_o under_o the_o want_n of_o assurance_n be_v the_o careless_a daughter_n that_o dwell_v at_o ease_n christ_n and_o they_o be_v at_o a_o remarkable_a distance_n it_o must_v be_v a_o cold_a winter_n and_o a_o dark_a night_n at_o best_o as_o to_o their_o present_a fellowship_n with_o god_n a_o second_o consideration_n from_o this_o point_n be_v that_o if_o the_o seek_n after_o assurance_n be_v so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n then_o let_v i_o beseech_v you_o to_o ponder_v with_o yourselves_o what_o mean_n be_v fit_a for_o you_o to_o use_v that_o you_o may_v attain_v it_o and_o if_o you_o inquire_v what_o these_o mean_n be_v i_o shall_v only_o lay_v before_o you_o some_o few_o 1._o that_o you_o will_v be_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n i_o mean_v the_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o the_o sinner_n from_o his_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o his_o want_n lay_v hold_v on_o jesus_n christ_n close_v with_o he_o and_o lean_v upon_o he_o for_o a_o full_a supply_n out_o of_o his_o fullness_n for_o indeed_o there_o be_v two_o great_a fault_n among_o the_o lordâ_n people_n some_o do_v seek_v assurance_n of_o faith_n before_o ever_o they_o seek_v to_o have_v faith_n 2._o some_o be_v much_o more_o take_v up_o in_o debate_v their_o evidence_n whether_o they_o be_v real_a or_o not_o than_o they_o be_v in_o strengthen_v their_o evidence_n so_o that_o most_o of_o their_o time_n be_v spend_v in_o question_v o_o be_v this_o a_o real_a evidence_n of_o assurance_n whereas_o more_o actual_a believe_v in_o christ_n and_o grip_v to_o the_o promise_n and_o lâsse_n dispute_v be_v the_o short_a and_o sure_a way_n that_o word_n be_v most_o clear_a eph._n 1.13_o after_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n that_o be_v you_o get_v assurance_n but_o not_o before_o you_o believe_v and_o you_o know_v it_o be_v say_v matth._n 9_o 2._o and_o when_o jesus_n see_v their_o faith_n he_o say_v son_n be_v of_o good_a comfort_n thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o so_o than_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o to_o be_v much_o in_o believe_v be_v the_o near_a way_n to_o assurance_n 2._o you_o will_v be_v much_o in_o believe_v the_o general_a truth_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o frequent_o meditatnig_v of_o they_o all_o assurance_n be_v by_o a_o practical_a syllogism_n the_o first_o proposition_n whereof_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o scripture_n âruth_n and_o certain_o the_o firm_a assent_n to_o that_o truth_n and_o the_o soul_n delightful_a meditation_n on_o it_o be_v often_o bless_a of_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o special_a mean_n whereby_o the_o conscience_n be_v help_v to_o make_v the_o assumption_n and_o also_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o conclusion_n for_o instance_n we_o see_v with_o what_o strength_n of_o affection_n paul_n act_v his_o faith_n on_o that_o word_n 1_o tim._n 1.15_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n christ_n jesus_n come_v to_o save_v sinner_n and_o present_o we_o see_v what_o follow_v on_o it_o of_o who_o i_o be_o the_o chief_a then_o be_v his_o assurance_n for_o doubtless_o he_o mean_v that_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o save_v sinner_n yea_o certain_o a_o sinner_n thus_o exercise_v himself_o will_v often_o find_v so_o much_o sweetness_n in_o the_o general_a truth_n that_o he_o can_v but_o put_v to_o his_o own_o name_n 3._o be_v diligent_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o christian_a duty_n that_o this_o iâ_n among_o the_o best_a mean_n of_o attain_v to_o assurance_n be_v manifest_a from_o 2_o pet._n 1._o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a for_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o the_o diligence_n there_o mention_v be_v not_o a_o diligence_n in_o dispute_v and_o question_v about_o our_o election_n but_o a_o diligence_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o duty_n and_o grace_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o ver_fw-la 5._o give_v all_o diligence_n say_v the_o apostle_n whereto_o in_o add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n to_o your_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o vers_n 8._o if_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o shall_v neither_o be_v barren_a noâ_n unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n he_o do_v not_o say_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n simple_o but_o of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n import_v that_o that_o the_o result_n of_o diligence_n in_o these_o grace_n shall_v be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o and_o of_o our_o interesâ_n in_o he_o and_o then_o he_o add_v upon_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o that_o lake_v these_o thing_n be_v blind_a and_o can_v see_v afar_o off_o this_o be_v he_o can_v see_v far_o iâ_n any_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o so_o not_o in_o the_o matteâ_n of_o his_o interest_n o_o therefore_o think_v not_o thaâ_n you_o will_v get_v assurance_n by_o lie_v down_o with_o thâââuggard_n upon_o your_o bed_n or_o by_o your_o formal_a prayer_n or_o your_o anxious_a debate_n but_o if_o eveâ_n you_o come_v to_o assurance_n you_o must_v be_v strive_v aâ_n in_o a_o agony_n for_o so_o the_o word_n import_v which_o be_v use_v to_o express_v our_o diligence_n in_o christiaâ_n duty_n 4._o as_o you_o will_v be_v diligent_a so_o if_o ever_o yâ_n will_v come_v to_o assurance_n you_o will_v be_v tender_a and_o circumspect_a in_o your_o walk_n that_o be_v a_o clear_a word_n psal._n 50._o last_o verse_n to_o he_o that_o order_v his_o conversation_n aright_o will_v i_o show_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n and_o isa._n 32._o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n be_v peace_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o ah_o the_o untender_a walk_n that_o many_o of_o we_o have_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o see_v we_o walk_v in_o darkness_n such_o stink_a gross_a vapour_n that_o arise_v off_o our_o conversation_n can_v but_o engender_v cloud_n that_o hinder_v we_o from_o see_v god_n and_o certain_o such_o pearl_n as_o assurance_n be_v not_o give_v to_o dog_n and_o swine_n lest_o they_o tread_v upon_o they_o sermon_n viii_o â_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n there_o be_v two_o great_a balance_n into_o which_o man_n do_v weight_n themselves_o there_o be_v some_o that_o weight_n themselves_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o deceit_n who_o ââink_v that_o in_o all_o their_o labour_n there_o be_v no_o iniquity_n to_o be_v find_v yet_o god_n who_o be_v the_o weigh_o ãâã_d the_o spirit_n when_o he_o shall_v weigh_v they_o will_v ââgrave_v this_o upon_o their_o forehead_n thou_o be_v âeighed_v in_o the_o balance_n and_o be_v find_v light_n but_o there_o be_v many_o who_o approve_v themselves_o who_o christ_n shall_v never_o approve_v there_o be_v many_o that_o call_v god_n father_n who_o he_o will_v not_o call_v child_n and_o many_o that_o call_v christ_n husband_n who_o he_o will_v not_o call_v spouse_n 2._o there_o be_v some_o who_o weigh_v themselves_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n who_o upon_o solid_a and_o most_o spiritual_a ground_n do_v draw_v this_o conclusion_n i_o be_o my_o belove_n and_o his_o desire_n be_v towards_o i_o who_o can_v with_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n look_v christ_n in_o the_o face_n and_o say_v thou_o be_v i_o and_o with_o much_o spiritual_a confidence_n take_v he_o in_o their_o arm_n and_o cry_v out_o he_o shall_v be_v eternal_o i_o and_o sure_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o pleasant_a life_n than_o to_o be_v take_v he_o every_o day_n in_o our_o arm_n and_o to_o be_v cry_v out_o be_o i_o not_o make_v up_o in_o he_o be_o i_o not_o make_v up_o in_o he_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o word_n there_o be_v three_o great_a and_o most_o soul-concerning_a error_n
stupidity_n and_o therefore_o guard_v against_o mistake_n about_o your_o interest_n in_o christ_n i_o entreat_v you_o five_o consider_v that_o mistake_v about_o one_o interest_n be_v a_o most_o abide_a and_o constant_a mistake_n believe_v it_o if_o once_o we_o mistake_v in_o this_o it_o be_v one_o to_o a_o hundred_o if_o ever_o we_o come_v right_a again_o this_o be_v clear_a jer._n 8.5_o they_o hold_v fast_o deceit_n they_o keep_v it_o with_o both_o their_o hand_n and_o isa._n 44.20_o their_o be_v a_o lie_n in_o their_o right_a hand_n that_o be_v they_o hold_v the_o lie_n and_o they_o keep_v it_o with_o all_o their_o power_n i_o say_v if_o once_o one_o be_v mistake_v concern_v their_o interest_n in_o christ_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o put_v they_o from_o it_o yea_o delusion_n it_o be_v such_o a_o abide_a thing_n that_o we_o find_v christ_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o if_o it_o will_v wait_v upon_o one_o before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o if_o some_o will_v never_o quit_v their_o hope_n of_o heaven_n till_o christ_n pronounce_v that_o word_n depart_v from_o i_o i_o know_v you_o not_o delusion_n may_v carry_v we_o over_o the_o border_n of_o time_n and_o lead_v we_o in_o to_o eternity_n six_o there_o be_v much_o counterfeit_a religion_n that_o be_v in_o those_o day_n their_o be_v a_o paint_a faith_n there_o be_v a_o paint_a love_n there_o be_v a_o paint_a mortification_n and_o there_o be_v a_o paint_a tenderness_n some_o they_o love_v shadow_n and_o picture_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o love_v the_o very_a shadow_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v there_o not_o many_o who_o think_v they_o be_v embrace_v christ_n and_o yet_o be_v embrace_v a_o delusion_n and_o a_o fancy_n that_o which_o three_o we_o will_v speak_v to_o from_o this_o poiâ_n be_v to_o give_v you_o some_o evidence_n by_o which_o you_o may_v know_v if_o the_o assurance_n you_o have_v of_o your_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v right_a or_o no_o believe_v it_o there_o be_v many_o that_o draw_v that_o conclusion_n i_o be_o in_o christ_n which_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o own_o deceitful_a heart_n have_v draw_v and_o christ_n never_o give_v consent_n to_o it_o and_o i_o shall_v propose_v these_o seven_o or_o eight_o evidence_n of_o real_a assurance_n by_o which_o you_o may_v discern_v first_o a_o real_a assurance_n be_v a_o purify_n and_o sanctify_a assurance_n this_o be_v clear_a 1_o joh._n 3.3_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o that_o be_v persuade_v of_o this_o that_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o heaven_n he_o will_v purify_v himself_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a and_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n o_o when_o a_o christian_a get_v christ_n in_o his_o arm_n he_o can_v but_o cry_v forth_o what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v any_o more_o with_o idol_n when_o he_o have_v once_o get_v christ_n in_o his_o arm_n he_o will_v answer_v every_o tentation_n that_o he_o meet_v with_o this_o i_o be_o not_o my_o own_o i_o be_o buy_v with_o a_o price_n i_o can_v now_o dispose_v of_o my_o self_n and_o if_o your_o assurance_n of_o go_v to_o heaven_n be_v not_o a_o purify_n assurance_n be_v persuade_v of_o it_o it_o be_v but_o the_o devil_n pillow_n sow_v under_o your_o arm_n hole_n be_v it_o possible_a a_o person_n can_v be_v assure_v of_o heaven_n and_o not_o study_v holiness_n can_v such_o a_o delusion_n at_o this_o overtake_v you_o second_o a_o real_a assurance_n put_v the_o christian_a to_o a_o press_v and_o earnest_a pursuit_n after_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n be_v it_o possible_a for_o one_o to_o be_v assure_v and_o not_o to_o âe_v say_v he_o be_v sick_a of_o love_n this_o be_v clear_a song_n 2.16_o 17._o my_o belove_a be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o he_o and_o immediate_o follow_v turn_v thou_o o_o my_o belove_a and_o be_v like_o a_o roe_n or_o a_o young_a harâ_n upon_o the_o mountain_n of_o bether_o and_o it_o be_v clear_a song_n 7.10_o 11._o i_o be_o my_o belove_n and_o his_o desire_n be_v towards_o i_o and_o what_o follow_v upon_o that_o she_o come_v and_o invit_v christ_n o_o come_v down_o with_o i_o to_o the_o field_n let_v we_o lodge_v in_o the_o village_n o_o when_o give_v you_o christ_n such_o a_o invitation_n as_o this_o o_o precious_a christ_n let_v we_o lodge_v in_o the_o village_n and_o go_v down_o to_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o field_n and_o psal._n 63.1_o my_o god_n there_o be_v his_o assurance_n and_o immediate_o follow_v upon_o that_o early_o will_v i_o seek_v thou_o my_o soul_n thirst_v after_o thou_o as_o in_o a_o dry_a parch_a land_n where_o no_o water_n be_v there_o be_v a_o press_a desire_n after_o communion_n but_o i_o will_v ask_v you_o be_v there_o not_o many_o here_o who_o have_v the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n to_o their_o apprehension_n and_o yet_o the_o desire_n of_o communion_n with_o christ_n be_v never_o with_o they_o i_o desire_v to_o say_v to_o thou_o be_v who_o thou_o will_v be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v that_o which_o thou_o sowe_v thou_o shall_v also_o reap_v i_o think_v there_o be_v some_o of_o we_o we_o will_v let_v christ_n live_v in_o heaven_n many_o day_n without_o give_v he_o one_o visit_v if_o he_o will_v let_v we_o alone_o but_o o_o if_o we_o be_v within_o sight_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o christ_n how_o often_o will_v this_o be_v our_o complaint_n when_o he_o be_v absent_a they_o have_v take_v away_o my_o lord_n and_o i_o know_v not_o where_o they_o have_v lay_v he_o or_o my_o idol_n have_v carry_v i_o away_o from_o he_o and_o i_o know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v he_o three_o assurance_n of_o our_o be_v in_o christ_n will_v put_v we_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o praise_n believe_v it_o i_o think_v this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o search_a evidence_n of_o assurance_n there_o be_v some_o christian_n they_o will_v be_v convince_v for_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n but_o for_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o praise_n they_o never_o have_v one_o conviction_n and_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o prayer_n be_v a_o selfish_a grace_n so_o to_o speak_v but_o praise_v it_o be_v a_o deny_v grace_n prayer_n seek_v but_o praise_n give_v exod._n 15.2_o he_o be_v my_o god_n i_o will_v prepare_v he_o a_o habitation_n and_o he_o be_v my_o father_n god_n i_o will_v exalt_v he_o psal._n 118.28_o he_o be_v my_o god_n i_o will_v praise_v he_o he_o be_v my_o god_n i_o will_v exalt_v he_o what_o need_v david_n these_o repetition_n may_v not_o one_o serve_v no_o say_v he_o i_o will_v even_o spend_v my_o day_n in_o this_o my_o god_n my_o god_n there_o be_v much_o of_o heaven_n in_o that_o word_n my_o god_n and_o love_n commit_v many_o sweet_a batoligy_n now_o i_o say_v to_o thou_o be_v thou_o ever_o put_v to_o the_o heart_n exercise_n of_o praise_n by_o this_o assurance_n that_o thou_o have_v this_o be_v a_o evidence_n indeed_o but_o alas_o many_o of_o we_o can_v say_v it_o four_o a_o person_n that_o live_v within_o sight_n of_o his_o interest_n christ_n be_v matchless_a unto_o he_o as_o be_v clear_a song_n 2.3_o i_o sit_v down_o under_o his_o shadow_n there_o be_v faith_n and_o assurance_n of_o it_o and_o what_o deny_v that_o as_o the_o apple_n tree_n among_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o wood_n so_o be_v my_o belove_a among_o the_o son_n christ_n have_v not_o a_o match_n say_v the_o spouse_n in_o his_o sweetness_n his_o power_n his_o beauty_n and_o his_o usefulness_n be_v above_o all_o five_o real_a assurance_n be_v a_o humble_v thing_n the_o assurance_n of_o a_o christian_a make_v he_o to_o sit_v low_a in_o the_o dust_n be_v not_o jacob_n low_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n when_o he_o cry_v out_o i_o be_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o all_o thy_o mercy_n what_o be_v not_o david_n low_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n when_o he_o speak_v that_o word_n what_o be_o i_o and_o what_o be_v my_o father_n house_n that_o thou_o have_v bring_v i_o hitherto_o and_o be_v not_o paul_n a_o low_a man_n in_o his_o own_o eye_n ephes._n 3.8.16_o i_o be_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o all_o thy_o saint_n and_o when_o he_o cry_v out_o i_o be_o the_o chief_n of_o sinner_n the_o assurance_n that_o be_v real_a it_o will_v make_v a_o christian_n to_o sit_v down_o in_o the_o dust_n and_o cry_v out_o woe_n be_v i_o i_o be_o a_o man_n of_o pollute_a lip_n six_o real_a assurance_n will_v put_v he_o to_o take_v much_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o go_n about_o of_o duty_n that_o word_n psal._n 40.8_o my_o god_n say_v he_o that_o be_v his_o assurance_n