like_o milk_n in_o the_o breast_n of_o the_o nurse_n that_o have_v receive_v a_o concoction_n and_o be_v thereby_o make_v a_o more_o facile_a and_o pure_a nourishment_n to_o the_o child_n that_o partake_v of_o it_o three_o let_v thankfulness_n for_o the_o precious_a promise_n be_v express_v in_o a_o most_o affectionate_a blessing_n of_o god_n for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o all_o that_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o they_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o he_o be_v the_o first_o matter_n as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o which_o god_n have_v frame_v all_o our_o good_a he_o be_v the_o receptacle_n in_o which_o all_o blessing_n be_v lay_v up_o and_o the_o wellhead_n from_o whence_o they_o all_o flow_v by_o his_o blood_n the_o promise_n be_v purchase_v for_o we_o and_o by_o his_o most_o powerful_a intercession_n they_o be_v make_v good_a unto_o we_o alas_o how_o little_a efficacy_n will_v all_o our_o prayer_n have_v if_o they_o be_v not_o present_v to_o god_n the_o father_n by_o his_o hand_n how_o small_a acceptance_n will_v our_o person_n find_v if_o god_n do_v not_o look_v upon_o we_o in_o he_o how_o uncertain_a will_v all_o our_o comfort_n be_v if_o the_o root_n of_o they_o be_v not_o in_o he_o if_o he_o be_v not_o as_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n upon_o which_o they_o grow_v yea_o how_o quick_o shall_v we_o spy_v a_o hell_n that_o may_v amaze_v we_o between_o heaven_n and_o any_o other_o ground_n of_o confidence_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v imagine_v by_o we_o out_o of_o christ_n when_o therefore_o we_o do_v at_o any_o time_n make_v a_o thankful_a recognition_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o we_o in_o the_o particular_a mercy_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o put_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o all_o when_o we_o bless_v god_n for_o blot_v out_o our_o iniquity_n for_o pardon_v free_o all_o our_o sin_n let_v we_o set_v this_o crown_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o the_o mercy_n that_o he_o have_v do_v it_o in_o christ_n when_o we_o bless_v he_o for_o sanctify_v of_o we_o let_v we_o ever_o add_v for_o his_o sanctify_v we_o in_o christ_n when_o we_o praise_v he_o for_o our_o adoption_n and_o sonship_n let_v we_o bless_v he_o for_o do_v of_o it_o in_o christ_n when_o we_o honour_v he_o for_o the_o assure_a hope_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n in_o heaven_n let_v we_o say_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v bless_a be_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_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 ephes_n 1._o 3._o four_o let_v thankfulness_n for_o the_o promise_n appear_v in_o strong_a desire_n and_o vehement_a pant_n after_o the_o plenary_a possession_n and_o perfect_a enjoyment_n of_o all_o that_o felicity_n of_o which_o they_o be_v the_o earnest_n and_o pledge_n give_v we_o by_o god_n in_o this_o life_n we_o be_v but_o as_o king_n in_o the_o cradle_n the_o set_n of_o the_o crown_n upon_o our_o head_n be_v reserve_v till_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n here_o we_o be_v but_o as_o espouse_a person_n and_o not_o as_o the_o bride_n in_o her_o best_a clothes_n in_o the_o other_o life_n we_o put_v on_o the_o robe_n of_o glory_n which_o shall_v make_v our_o body_n shine_v ten_o thousand_o time_n bright_a than_o the_o sun_n and_o our_o soul_n ten_o thousand_o time_n bright_a than_o our_o body_n here_o we_o be_v but_o as_o invite_a guest_n to_o the_o feast_n and_o supper_n of_o the_o great_a king_n we_o sit_v not_o down_o at_o his_o table_n till_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n and_o then_o christ_n bid_v we_o eat_v o_o friend_n and_o drink_v abundant_o o_o belove_n while_o therefore_o we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n only_o peep_v into_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v within_o the_o veil_n and_o enjoy_v a_o few_o foreta_v of_o glory_n and_o immortality_n we_o shall_v show_v how_o high_o we_o prize_v the_o promise_n by_o long_v after_o and_o wish_v for_o the_o final_a accomplishment_n of_o all_o oh_o when_o will_v it_o be_v that_o i_o shall_v see_v he_o in_o who_o blood_n i_o be_v wash_v by_o who_o stripe_n i_o be_v heal_v by_o who_o spirit_n i_o be_v sanctify_v by_o who_o merit_n such_o great_a thing_n be_v prepare_v for_o i_o how_o long_o lord_n holy_a and_o true_a will_v it_o be_v ere_o death_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o in_o victory_n and_o mortality_n put_v on_o immortality_n thus_o bernard_n upon_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n john_n 16._o 16._o a_o little_a while_n and_o you_o shall_v not_o see_v i_o and_o again_o a_o little_a while_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v i_o passionate_o express_v himself_o pie_n domine_fw-la modicum_fw-la illud_fw-la vocas_fw-la in_o quo_fw-la te_fw-la non_fw-la videam_fw-la o_o modicum_n modicum_fw-la longum_fw-la good_a lord_n do_v thou_o call_v that_o a_o little_a while_n in_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o see_v thou_o o_o long_a long_o little_a such_o desire_n as_o these_o be_v true_a evidence_n of_o a_o thankful_a heart_n chap._n xxi_o motive_n to_o act_n faith_n in_o the_o promise_n the_o five_o and_o last_o application_n be_v to_o stir_v up_o believer_n to_o act_v precious_a faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 1._o upon_o the_o precious_a promise_n without_o which_o what_o be_v the_o promise_n in_o the_o word_n but_o as_o sugar_n in_o the_o wine_n that_o lie_v unstire_v do_v not_o sweeten_v but_o as_o full_a breast_n undraw_v that_o do_v not_o nourish_v but_o as_o bed_n of_o spice_n that_o be_v unblown_a upon_o do_v not_o lend_v forth_o their_o fragrant_a and_o delightful_a odour_n it_o be_v the_o exercise_n and_o skill_n of_o faith_n that_o fetch_v out_o the_o virtue_n and_o sweetness_n which_o lie_v hâ—d_v in_o they_o as_o it_o be_v the_o industry_n of_o the_o bee_n that_o extract_v the_o honey_n from_o the_o flower_n the_o bee_n will_v starve_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o flowery_a meadow_n if_o it_o do_v not_o labour_n and_o so_o will_v a_o christian_a languish_n and_o pine_v away_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o precious_a promise_n if_o faith_n shall_v be_v idle_a and_o unactive_a o_o then_o that_o i_o may_v prevail_v with_o believer_n to_o cast_v aside_o every_o weight_n that_o hinder_v and_o to_o set_v on_o work_v this_o noble_a and_o divine_a grace_n of_o faith_n who_o glory_n and_o worth_n be_v not_o to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o habit_n but_o in_o the_o act_n of_o it_o what_o do_v samson_n differ_v from_o another_o man_n while_o he_o sleep_v in_o the_o lap_n of_o dalilah_n but_o when_o he_o awake_v out_o of_o his_o sleep_n and_o break_v the_o with_o his_o and_n cord_n that_o bind_v he_o as_o a_o thread_n of_o tow_n when_o it_o touch_v the_o fire_n and_o carry_v away_o the_o beam_n and_o the_o web_n in_o which_o his_o lock_n be_v fasten_v then_o his_o strength_n appear_v in_o its_o greatness_n to_o be_v matchless_a and_o so_o in_o what_o be_v a_o believer_n distinguish_v from_o another_o man_n while_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n lie_v asleep_a in_o his_o bosom_n and_o be_v not_o actuate_v on_o the_o promise_n but_o when_o it_o stir_v and_o rouse_v up_o itself_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n how_o apparent_a be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o other_o make_v to_o every_o eye_n what_o burden_n do_v the_o one_o stand_v under_o and_o carry_v away_o upon_o his_o shoulder_n under_o which_o the_o other_o sink_v what_o temptation_n do_v the_o one_o overcome_v unto_o which_o the_o other_o without_o resistance_n yield_v what_o viper_n do_v the_o one_o shake_v off_o his_o hand_n into_o the_o fire_n without_o the_o least_o hurt_n which_o fasten_v upon_o the_o other_o and_o sting_v he_o unto_o death_n it_o be_v faith_n which_o make_v we_o to_o rejoice_v in_o tribulation_n rom._n 5._o 3._o it_o be_v faith_n which_o make_v we_o to_o possess_v our_o soul_n in_o patience_n infiery_a trial_n heb._n 10._o 36._o it_o be_v faith_n which_o make_v we_o resolute_a in_o desertion_n jonah_n 2._o 4._o it_o be_v faith_n which_o make_v every_o condition_n of_o life_n comfortable_a hab._n 2._o 4._o but_o that_o i_o may_v yet_o more_o full_o prosecute_v this_o exhortation_n which_o hitherto_o be_v as_o a_o vessel_n upon_o the_o wheel_n of_o the_o potter_n that_o have_v not_o receive_v it_o perfect_a shape_n i_o shall_v propound_v some_o particular_a argument_n and_o consideration_n that_o may_v animat_fw-la believer_n to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n which_o stand_v chief_o in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o a_o knowledge_n of_o and_o a_o familiar_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o word_n so_o as_o to_o have_v it_o in_o readiness_n for_o direction_n second_o in_o a_o right_a improvement_n and_o exercise_n of_o faith_n
make_v p._n 268_o 3._o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n p._n 269_o thankfulness_n be_v to_o be_v express_v in_o three_o particular_n 1._o when_o it_o make_v we_o more_o holy_a p._n 271_o 2._o when_o we_o proclaim_v and_o make_v know_v god_n mercy_n unto_o other_o p._n 272_o 3._o in_o affectionate_a blessing_n of_o god_n for_o christ_n by_o who_o all_o that_o be_v wrap_v in_o they_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o 4._o in_o a_o vehement_a desire_n after_o a_o plenary_a possession_n of_o that_o felicity_n of_o which_o they_o be_v pledge_n chap._n xxi_o page_n 277._o motive_n to_o act_n faith_n in_o the_o promise_n 1._o life_n of_o faith_n be_v that_o life_n that_o god_n will_v have_v believer_n to_o live_v 2._o it_o be_v the_o most_o content_a life_n and_o full_a of_o real_a sweetness_n first_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o purchase_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n second_o they_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n finis_fw-la the_o well_n of_o salvation_n open_v 2_o pet._n 1._o 4._o whereby_o or_o by_o who_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n chap._n 1._o in_o which_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n be_v open_v and_o the_o principal_a particular_n to_o be_v handle_v propose_v the_o natural_a life_n of_o man_n be_v usual_o divide_v into_o the_o three_o state_n of_o childhood_n youth_n and_o old_a age_n unto_o which_o st_n john_n apt_o allude_v make_v the_o same_o distinction_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o believer_n who_o he_o rank_n into_o child_n young_a man_n and_o father_n into_o child_n for_o their_o tenderness_n and_o weakness_n into_o young_a man_n for_o their_o strength_n and_o confidence_n into_o father_n for_o their_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n in_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o which_o though_o differ_v in_o regard_n of_o their_o condition_n do_v yet_o agree_v in_o the_o principle_n from_o whence_o their_o life_n be_v derive_v and_o in_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o be_v carry_v on_o and_o preserve_v the_o principle_n of_o every_o believer_n life_n be_v christ_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o its_o preservation_n be_v the_o promise_n who_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n be_v such_o as_o happy_o suit_n itself_o with_o the_o several_a age_n and_o condition_n of_o believer_n the_o promise_n be_v the_o babe_n milk_n by_o which_o they_o be_v nourish_v the_o full_a breast_n from_o whence_o they_o suck_v both_o grace_n and_o comfort_n they_o be_v the_o young_a man_n evidence_n by_o which_o they_o be_v animate_v to_o combat_v with_o the_o wicked_a one_o and_o assure_v of_o be_v crown_v with_o victory_n over_o he_o they_o be_v the_o old_a man_n staff_n upon_o the_o top_n of_o which_o like_o age_a jacob_n they_o may_v safe_o lean_v and_o worship_n god_n it_o be_v a_o staff_n for_o power_n like_o moses_n rod_n and_o for_o flourish_v like_o aaron_n bud_a blossom_a and_o yield_v precious_a fruit_n so_o that_o it_o be_v of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a concernment_n unto_o every_o one_o of_o they_o that_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o believer_n whatsoever_o pitch_n and_o stature_n they_o have_v arrive_v unto_o not_o to_o be_v supine_n and_o careless_a in_o the_o frequent_a use_n and_o due_a application_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o from_o their_o implantation_n into_o christ_n to_o their_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a aide_n and_o support_v both_o of_o life_n and_o growth_n nor_o to_o be_v like_o unskilful_a lapidary_n little_o value_v the_o worth_n of_o such_o oriental_a pearl_n which_o be_v the_o only_a riches_n and_o treasure_n of_o every_o heir_n of_o glory_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n concern_v which_o this_o verse_n hold_v forth_o sundry_a weighty_a particular_n branch_a itself_o out_o into_o as_o many_o part_n as_o that_o river_n which_o go_v out_o of_o eden_n to_o water_v the_o garden_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v part_v and_o become_v into_o four_o head_n gen._n 2._o 10._o the_o first_o be_v the_o fountain_n from_o whence_o the_o promise_n flow_v to_o which_o if_o we_o read_v the_o word_n per_fw-la quem_fw-la by_o who_o the_o relative_a particle_n fair_o guide_v we_o as_o a_o stand_a mercury_n do_v the_o doubtful_a traveller_n expositor_n about_o the_o read_n of_o the_o word_n do_v somewhat_o differ_v but_o nâ—_n jar_n which_o the_o variety_n of_o lection_n both_o in_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a copy_n have_v chief_o occasion_v some_o read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o and_o so_o connect_v this_o verse_n with_o the_o former_a will_v have_v the_o sense_n to_o run_v thus_o through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o by_o glory_n and_o virtue_n whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o etc._n etc._n prosper_n as_o also_o bede_n read_v per_fw-la quam_fw-la by_o which_o viz._n knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n from_o whence_o he_o make_v this_o collection_n quò_fw-la quis_fw-la perfectiùs_fw-la deum_fw-la cognoscit_fw-la tantò_fw-la altius_fw-la promissorum_fw-la ejus_fw-la magnitudinem_fw-la sentiat_fw-la the_o more_o perfect_o any_o man_n know_v god_n the_o more_o full_o sensible_a he_o be_v of_o the_o transcendent_a worth_n of_o his_o promise_n other_o again_o conceive_v the_o most_o genuine_a lection_n of_o the_o verse_n though_o haply_o the_o less_o frequent_a to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o who_o rather_o then_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o and_o that_o because_o as_o estius_n observe_v praebet_fw-la sensum_fw-la maximè_fw-la evangelicum_fw-la it_o render_v the_o sense_n most_o evangelical_n and_o gospellike_a in_o regard_v it_o point_v out_o christ_n unto_o we_o who_o be_v the_o alpha_n and_o omega_n of_o all_o the_o promise_n the_o only_a original_a from_o whence_o they_o spring_v and_o the_o centre_n in_o which_o they_o meet_v to_o he_o they_o be_v all_o first_o make_v and_o ratify_v on_o our_o behalf_n in_o he_o they_o be_v all_o fulfil_v and_o accomplish_v unto_o we_o as_o the_o river_n have_v their_o efflux_n from_o the_o sea_n and_o their_o reflux_n into_o the_o sea_n so_o have_v the_o promise_n their_o emanation_n from_o christ_n their_o revolution_n into_o christ_n they_o flow_v free_o from_o he_o they_o lead_v sweet_o to_o he_o the_o second_o branch_n be_v the_o tenure_n and_o manner_n of_o interest_n that_o believer_n have_v in_o the_o promise_n they_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o in_o propriety_n of_o language_n promise_n be_v rather_o make_v then_o give_v but_o by_o a_o metonymy_a usual_a in_o scripture_n they_o be_v put_v for_o the_o thing_n promise_v the_o blessing_n both_o of_o grace_n and_o glory_n all_o which_o though_o purchase_v by_o christ_n with_o the_o price_n of_o his_o blood_n be_v yet_o confer_v and_o free_o bestow_v upon_o believer_n by_o his_o mercy_n the_o hide_a manna_n a_o type_n of_o our_o heavenly_a consolation_n the_o white_a stone_n the_o emblem_n of_o our_o perfect_a justification_n the_o new_a name_n the_o earnest_n of_o our_o adoption_n in_o glory_n they_o be_v favour_n not_o set_v to_o sale_n but_o give_v rev._n 2._o 17._o out_o of_o the_o full_a heap_n christ_n invite_v not_o to_o buy_v but_o to_o take_v and_o the_o penniless_a be_v the_o most_o welcome_a isa_n 55._o 1._o gratia_n gratis_o datur_fw-la etiam_fw-la cùm_fw-la emitur_fw-la gratis_o emitur_fw-la grace_n say_v bernard_n be_v free_o give_v yea_o when_o it_o be_v buy_v it_o be_v buy_v free_o and_o without_o price_n the_o three_o be_v the_o goodness_n and_o worth_a of_o the_o promise_n set_v forth_o by_o a_o double_a character_n exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a greatness_n and_o goodness_n be_v then_o most_o refulgent_a when_o they_o meet_v in_o the_o same_o subject_n and_o be_v join_v by_o natural_a couple_n and_o connexion_n like_v to_o the_o curtain_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n that_o be_v loop_a one_o to_o another_o but_o such_o a_o conjunction_n as_o it_o be_v glorious_a so_o it_o be_v rare_a and_o seldom_o find_v either_o in_o person_n or_o in_o thing_n in_o person_n they_o be_v so_o dissociate_v as_o if_o they_o be_v of_o lineage_n altogether_o distinct_a and_o have_v small_a or_o no_o affinity_n rare_o be_v great_a man_n good_a or_o good_a man_n great_a and_o as_o in_o person_n so_o in_o thing_n they_o be_v not_o often_o link_v and_o chain_v together_o pebble_n be_v great_a but_o not_o precious_a pearl_n be_v precious_a but_o not_o great_a water_n in_o the_o sea_n be_v abundant_a but_o not_o pure_a in_o the_o brook_n pure_a but_o not_o abundant_a but_o in_o the_o promise_n there_o be_v a_o full_a and_o happy_a concurrence_n of_o both_o they_o be_v make_v up_o of_o thing_n wherein_o greatness_n and_o
by_o a_o roll_a and_o stay_v of_o its_o self_n upon_o god_n isa_n 50._o 10._o sometime_o by_o a_o trust_n in_o he_o isa_n 26._o 4._o sometime_o by_o receive_v of_o christ_n colos_n 2._o 6._o sometime_o by_o a_o come_n unto_o he_o joh._n 6._o 36._o all_o which_o expression_n do_v speak_v the_o spiritual_a motion_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n towards_o christ_n in_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v unto_o he_o which_o believer_n only_o exercise_v and_o not_o hypocrite_n or_o castawaye_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v say_v not_o to_o rely_v on_o god_n or_o to_o look_v towards_o he_o isa_n 31._o 1._o not_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o psal_n 78._o 22._o not_o to_o receive_v christ_n john_n 1._o 11._o not_o to_o come_v unto_o he_o john_n 5._o 40._o their_o faith_n be_v a_o form_n of_o faith_n but_o it_o want_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n which_o accompany_v save_v faith_n this_o cautionary_a rule_n be_v with_o the_o more_o circumspection_n to_o be_v heed_v in_o regard_n that_o multitude_n of_o professor_n do_v rest_v themselves_o content_v in_o that_o general_a acknowledgement_n and_o assent_n which_o they_o yield_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o haply_o the_o chief_a enducement_n by_o which_o they_o be_v lead_v unto_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o custom_n education_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n they_o think_v that_o the_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o die_v for_o sinner_n be_v faith_n enough_o to_o carry_v they_o out_o of_o the_o wilderness_n into_o canaan_n out_o of_o the_o world_n into_o heaven_n but_o alas_o this_o and_o much_o more_o may_v be_v believe_v and_o yet_o no_o benefit_n at_o all_o accrue_v unto_o they_o who_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o these_o supernatural_a verity_n here_o the_o logician_n rule_n hold_v true_a medicina_fw-la curate_n socratem_n non_fw-la hominem_fw-la physic_n be_v not_o give_v to_o man_n nature_n to_o cure_v the_o species_n but_o to_o every_o man_n in_o individuâ—_fw-la to_o heal_v his_o person_n christ_n and_o his_o promise_n be_v not_o beneficial_a unto_o any_o but_o unto_o they_o who_o make_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o both_o unto_o themselves_o what_o comfort_n be_v it_o to_o a_o insolvent_a debtor_n to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v rich_a mine_n of_o gold_n in_o that_o land_n into_o which_o he_o be_v flee_v to_o shelter_v himself_o from_o his_o creditor_n what_o relief_n be_v it_o to_o a_o thirsty_a man_n that_o there_o be_v a_o full_a vintage_n of_o cordial_a and_o refresh_a wine_n grow_v not_o far_o from_o he_o if_o he_o have_v no_o hope_n that_o he_o shall_v taste_v the_o least_o drop_n of_o it_o what_o satisfaction_n be_v it_o to_o a_o condemn_a person_n to_o be_v assure_v that_o there_o be_v a_o pardon_n grant_v and_o seal_v for_o many_o if_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o he_o to_o conceive_v that_o his_o name_n be_v include_v in_o it_o no_o more_o can_v it_o advantage_v any_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n die_v to_o reconcile_v sinner_n to_o god_n and_o that_o by_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n from_o the_o grave_n he_o have_v ascend_v the_o throne_n of_o majesty_n and_o life_n for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o unless_o with_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o bless_a truth_n there_o be_v conjoin_v a_o particular_a reliance_n upon_o christ_n for_o salvation_n and_o a_o cast_n of_o a_o man_n self_n into_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o free_a mercy_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o justify_n of_o his_o person_n at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n do_v not_o the_o devil_n believe_v a_o god_n and_o tremble_v james_n 1._o 19_o do_v they_o not_o acknowledge_v christ_n his_o son_n luk._n 4._o 34._o and_o bow_v the_o knee_n unto_o he_o phil._n 2._o 10._o do_v not_o they_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o christ_n die_v in_o general_a for_o sinner_n and_o that_o they_o which_o fix_v their_o confidence_n in_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o he_o what_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n be_v it_o which_o they_o yield_v not_o a_o assent_n unto_o and_o shall_v the_o faith_n whereby_o believer_n be_v justify_v not_o exceed_v the_o faith_n of_o these_o infernal_a spirit_n but_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o assent_n which_o the_o devil_n yield_v be_v full_a of_o force_n and_o coaction_n and_o be_v command_v by_o the_o evidence_n and_o majesty_n of_o those_o infallible_a truth_n which_o they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o love_n or_o affect_v but_o the_o general_a belief_n which_o christian_n have_v of_o the_o reveal_v truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v altogether_o free_a and_o voluntary_a and_o be_v thereby_o distinguish_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o devil_n this_o difference_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v at_o first_o blush_v somewhat_o specious_a yet_o be_v it_o both_o insufficient_a and_o impertinent_a for_o that_o end_n to_o which_o it_o be_v assign_v in_o regard_n that_o the_o distinction_n which_o it_o make_v of_o the_o one_o assent_n from_o the_o other_o be_v from_o what_o be_v mere_o accidental_a and_o not_o from_o what_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o faith_n for_o they_o who_o make_v faith_n to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n only_o and_o to_o consist_v in_o a_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v can_v proper_o fetch_v the_o essential_a difference_n which_o be_v between_o the_o faith_n of_o devil_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n from_o the_o voluntarinesse_n or_o involuntarinesse_n of_o the_o assent_n from_o the_o like_n or_o dislike_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o believe_v because_o those_o be_v act_n of_o another_o faculty_n in_o which_o by_o they_o faith_n be_v not_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v seat_v beside_o the_o assent_n which_o the_o good_a angel_n give_v unto_o the_o glorious_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o with_o diligence_n they_o look_v into_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 12._o be_v both_o voluntary_a and_o delightful_a and_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o distinct_a and_o differ_v from_o the_o credence_n and_o assent_n which_o believer_n do_v give_v unto_o the_o same_o truth_n it_o not_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o particular_a application_n and_o reliance_n for_o life_n and_o salvation_n as_o it_o always_o be_v in_o believer_n who_o do_v with_o a_o justify_v faith_n embrace_v and_o apply_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o themselves_o a_o man_n may_v be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n to_o a_o will_v to_o aver_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o though_o he_o have_v no_o legacy_n give_v unto_o he_o in_o it_o so_o the_o angel_n as_o so_o many_o heavenly_a witness_n do_v affirm_v and_o assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v declare_v in_o his_o gospel_n as_o in_o his_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n but_o believer_n be_v as_o so_o many_o legatee_n which_o have_v particular_a blessing_n therein_o bequeath_v unto_o they_o &_o therefore_o must_v not_o rest_v in_o a_o general_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o must_v claim_v their_o propriety_n and_o interest_n in_o they_o before_o they_o can_v ever_o have_v any_o benefit_n or_o comfort_n from_o they_o but_o if_o it_o be_v further_o object_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v in_o many_o place_n attribute_v salvation_n to_o a_o general_a faith_n and_o that_o the_o centurion_n faith_n which_o our_o saviour_n so_o much_o commend_v mat._n 8._o 10._o seem_v to_o imply_v no_o more_o than_o a_o historical_a belief_n of_o christ_n power_n and_o divinity_n that_o peter_n confession_n of_o christ_n mat._n 16._o 16._o be_v but_o general_a that_o martha_n faith_n john_n 11._o 27._o be_v of_o the_o same_o stamp_n that_o saint_n john_n character_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o a_o general_a faith_n whosoever_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n 1._o joh._n 5._o to_o the_o solving_a of_o this_o doubt_n a_o double_a answer_n may_v be_v give_v first_o that_o in_o those_o time_n the_o difficulty_n lie_v rather_o upon_o the_o assent_n then_o upon_o the_o affiance_n and_o the_o question_n than_o be_v more_o about_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n than_o the_o office_n of_o christ_n now_o because_o it_o be_v a_o great_a matter_n in_o the_o first_o dawning_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n who_o outward_a appearance_n be_v so_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n therefore_o do_v the_o scripture_n much_o magnify_v and_o heighten_v this_o act_n second_o though_o the_o scripture-expression_n do_v lay_v much_o upon_o this_o one_o act_n of_o faith_n yet_o do_v they_o not_o exclude_v but_o suppose_v the_o other_o act_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v join_v with_o it_o to_o a_o true_a believe_v
there_o be_v three_o act_n necessary_a knowledgr_n assent_n fiducial_a application_n but_o yet_o the_o scripture_n do_v oftentimes_o describe_v faith_n by_o one_o of_o these_o act_n joh._n 17._o 3._o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o they_o may_v 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 in_o knowledge_n there_o be_v couch_v and_o include_v the_o other_o two_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o the_o powerful_a reception_n and_o embrace_v of_o christ_n for_o salvation_n do_v chief_o consist_v so_o when_o it_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o a_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v employ_v not_o only_o a_o bare_a persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o a_o affectionate_a cleave_v and_o adherence_n of_o the_o heart_n unto_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v in_o christ_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o believer_n be_v fortify_v against_o despair_n which_o the_o historical_a belief_n of_o they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o measure_n expel_v or_o overcome_v and_o therefore_o though_o the_o papist_n do_v deride_v this_o special_a apprehension_n and_o application_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o mere_a conceit_n and_o unwarrant_v fancy_n though_o formal_a professor_n do_v careless_o neglect_v it_o and_o take_v all_o to_o be_v well_o enough_o with_o they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o do_v not_o question_v what_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v yet_o must_v not_o any_o that_o look_v after_o the_o real_a enjoyment_n of_o comfort_n and_o peace_n from_o the_o promise_n please_v themselves_o in_o a_o general_a assent_n which_o be_v little_a worth_n but_o must_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v and_o evidence_n their_o peculiar_a interest_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o promise_n by_o a_o fiducial_a application_n of_o they_o unto_o themselves_o sect_n 2._o rule_n 2._o poor_a not_o on_o the_o measure_n of_o humiliation_n the_o second_o cautionary_a rule_n be_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o pore_v too_o much_o upon_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o humiliation_n as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o certain_a and_o regular_a standard_n by_o which_o all_o humiliation_n must_v be_v measure_v before_o ever_o we_o may_v just_o claim_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n or_o so_o much_o as_o put_v forth_o a_o hand_n to_o touch_v the_o hem_n of_o christ_n garment_n that_o our_o bloody_a issue_n may_v be_v heal_v true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o invitation_n which_o christ_n make_v mat._n 11._o 28._o be_v only_o to_o they_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy-laden_a to_o come_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o may_v give_v they_o rest_n because_o they_o do_v best_a taste_v the_o sweetness_n and_o prize_v the_o happy_a enjoyment_n of_o a_o heavenly_a rest_n and_o peace_n but_o yet_o all_o who_o christ_n invite_v to_o come_v to_o he_o be_v not_o alike_o burden_a with_o the_o weight_n and_o pressure_n of_o their_o sin_n or_o do_v equal_o labour_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o displeasure_n some_o be_v not_o only_o heavy-laden_a with_o their_o sin_n but_o have_v their_o bone_n break_v with_o the_o weight_n of_o they_o so_o as_o that_o they_o roar_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o continual_a disquietness_n of_o their_o heart_n other_o though_o they_o walk_v mournful_o under_o their_o sin_n yet_o be_v not_o bow_v down_o under_o so_o great_a a_o weight_n nor_o express_v themselves_o in_o such_o loud_a and_o passionate_a complaint_n true_a it_o be_v that_o christ_n as_o a_o physician_n go_v only_o to_o the_o sick_a and_o not_o to_o the_o whole_a luk._n 5._o 31._o but_o yet_o all_o be_v not_o afflict_v with_o the_o same_o violence_n though_o all_o be_v sick_a of_o the_o same_o disease_n some_o be_v so_o affect_v as_o that_o for_o a_o season_n they_o seem_v to_o lie_v under_o the_o calenture_n and_o rage_n of_o despair_n itself_o other_o again_o be_v sick_a of_o their_o sin_n after_o a_o more_o mild_a and_o gentle_a manner_n like_v to_o a_o overcharge_a stomach_n they_o loathe_v what_o before_o they_o love_v the_o iniquity_n that_o before_o they_o swallow_v down_o with_o delight_n they_o vomit_v up_o in_o their_o confession_n to_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v full_a of_o nothing_o but_o bitterness_n but_o yet_o wearisome_a night_n through_o the_o grind_a pain_n of_o a_o guilty_a and_o sting_a conscience_n be_v not_o appoint_v unto_o they_o they_o lie_v down_o upon_o the_o bed_n of_o sorrow_n but_o not_o upon_o the_o rack_n of_o horror_n now_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o wide_a difference_n that_o be_v between_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o their_o first_o conversion_n and_o turn_n unto_o himself_o do_v chief_o arise_v from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o liberty_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o take_v unto_o himself_o in_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o counsel_n and_o purpose_n for_o god_n be_v a_o most_o voluntary_a agent_n do_v not_o tie_v himself_o to_o a_o like_a certain_a and_o unaltered_a constancy_n in_o the_o time_n measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o his_o work_n upon_o his_o child_n but_o be_v free_a and_o wise_a without_o limit_n and_o above_o measure_n do_v much_o diversify_v sometime_o the_o duration_n and_o continuance_n of_o their_o humiliation_n and_o sorrow_n by_o make_v the_o darkness_n in_o some_o to_o be_v short_a &_o in_o other_o to_o be_v long_o sometime_o he_o difference_v the_o measure_n make_v the_o pang_n and_o throw_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n to_o be_v in_o some_o both_o few_o and_o easy_a in_o other_o to_o be_v many_o and_o full_a of_o extremity_n sometime_o he_o alter_v the_o most_o usual_a manner_n of_o his_o work_n in_o proportion_v sin_n and_o sorrow_n to_o each_o other_o and_o do_v not_o make_v the_o terror_n and_o affrightment_n for_o sin_n to_o be_v parallel_n to_o the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o rebellion_n that_o have_v be_v persist_v in_o against_o himself_o paul_n a_o persecutor_n be_v from_o heaven_n smite_v with_o tremble_a and_o astonishment_n so_o as_o that_o for_o three_o day_n he_o see_v neither_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n nor_o taste_v aught_o of_o any_o food_n act._n 9_o 9_o but_o zaccheus_n a_o publican_n &_o extortioner_n be_v not_o strike_v from_o the_o tree_n upon_o which_o he_o climb_v to_o behold_v christ_n by_o any_o ray_n of_o majesty_n and_o dread_a shine_a from_o his_o face_n upon_o he_o but_o be_v like_o ripe_a fruit_n gather_v by_o the_o hand_n not_o shake_v off_o by_o a_o tempestuous_a wind_n by_o a_o soft_a and_o mild_a voice_n that_o may_v allure_v and_o not_o affright_v he_o be_v call_v to_o come_v down_o to_o entertain_v he_o who_o bring_v salvation_n unto_o his_o house_n luke_n 19_o 5._o but_o yet_o both_o these_o though_o by_o much_o differ_a mean_n be_v effectual_o bring_v home_o to_o christ_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o life_n and_o happiness_n by_o he_o this_o cautionary_a direction_n be_v give_v not_o as_o a_o encouragement_n to_o any_o to_o slight_v the_o necessity_n of_o humiliation_n as_o if_o they_o may_v without_o all_o remorse_n and_o brokennesse_n of_o heart_n for_o their_o sin_n interest_n themselves_o in_o christ_n and_o his_o precious_a promise_n and_o in_o one_o moment_n leap_v out_o of_o the_o dregs_o and_o lees_n of_o their_o natural_a corruption_n on_o which_o they_o have_v be_v long_o settle_v into_o a_o estate_n of_o purity_n and_o blessedness_n but_o it_o be_v chief_o for_o these_o three_o end_n first_o to_o direct_v such_o as_o mourn_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n that_o be_v of_o a_o deep_a and_o double_o die_v to_o look_v more_o to_o the_o quality_n of_o their_o humiliation_n then_o to_o the_o quantity_n and_o to_o try_v it_o rather_o by_o the_o touchstone_n then_o to_o weigh_v it_o by_o the_o balance_n because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o measure_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o make_v it_o save_v the_o mariner_n in_o a_o calm_a may_v sometime_o apprehend_v as_o certain_a ruin_n to_o befall_v he_o as_o in_o a_o storm_n and_o so_o a_o sinner_n may_v see_v himself_o in_o a_o lose_a and_o forlorn_a condition_n out_o of_o christ_n though_o he_o be_v not_o break_v with_o the_o fierce_a tempest_n of_o god_n displeasure_n but_o by_o more_o gentle_a yet_o powerful_a conviction_n of_o the_o spirit_n make_v apprehensive_a of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o saviour_n to_o free_v he_o from_o the_o malediction_n of_o the_o law_n and_o to_o restore_v he_o to_o a_o estate_n of_o happiness_n humiliation_n as_o it_o be_v god_n work_n so_o the_o measure_n of_o it_o be_v of_o his_o order_n and_o appoint_v and_o in_o it_o deal_v as_o a_o wise_a physician_n who_o do_v not_o give_v the_o like_a dosis_n or_o quantity_n of_o physic_n to_o every_o patient_n but_o what_o may_v best_o fit_v the_o strength_n and_o constitution_n of_o he_o that_o be_v to_o receive_v it_o or_o like_o the_o prudent_a husbandman_n who_o god_n have_v instruct_v to_o discretion_n who_o
well_o for_o common_a sore_n but_o their_o malady_n be_v such_o that_o unless_o christ_n touch_v they_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n the_o virtue_n that_o come_v from_o these_o thing_n as_o from_o his_o garment_n can_v never_o heal_v they_o unless_o god_n do_v from_o heaven_n confirm_v his_o promise_n by_o extraordinary_a sign_n and_o miracle_n their_o breach_n and_o rupture_n will_v never_o be_v heal_v their_o comfort_n and_o peace_n will_v never_o prevail_v against_o their_o fear_n and_o darkness_n it_o be_v not_o the_o prophet_n staff_n lay_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o dead_a child_n that_o will_v bring_v life_n again_o into_o it_o 2_o king_n 4._o 32._o he_o must_v come_v and_o stretch_v himself_o upon_o the_o child_n ere_o the_o flesh_n of_o it_o will_v wax_v warm_a this_o caution_n be_v the_o more_o necessary_a to_o be_v heed_v upon_o a_o double_a ground_n first_o because_o of_o the_o aptness_n that_o be_v in_o trouble_a christian_n to_o affect_v new_a mean_n above_o the_o right_n mean_n and_o to_o build_v their_o confidence_n upon_o something_o that_o be_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o word_n rather_o than_o upon_o the_o word_n itself_o second_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a danger_n and_o deceit_n that_o be_v in_o those_o extraordinary_a way_n by_o which_o many_o do_v pretend_v to_o have_v their_o comfort_n &_o assurance_n to_o be_v confirm_v unto_o they_o which_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o other_o mean_v they_o can_v never_o find_v to_o be_v full_o and_o satisfy_o evidence_v unto_o they_o first_o there_o be_v a_o pronity_n in_o christian_n especial_o when_o exercise_v with_o fear_n and_o doubt_n concern_v their_o condition_n to_o grow_v weary_a of_o use_v such_o mean_n in_o which_o they_o find_v not_o their_o expectation_n speedy_o answer_v &_o through_o a_o overhasty_a desire_n of_o comfort_n to_o try_v the_o gain_n of_o it_o in_o a_o new_a way_n rather_o than_o to_o persevere_v in_o the_o old_a be_v in_o this_o not_o much_o unlike_a to_o many_o weak_a and_o crazy_a patient_n that_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o fancy_v every_o new_a medicine_n they_o hear_v off_o and_o to_o tamper_v with_o it_o then_o to_o expect_v a_o recovery_n by_o go_v through_o a_o course_n of_o physic_n prescribe_v by_o the_o physician_n gregory_n tell_v of_o a_o religious_a lady_n of_o the_o empress_n bedchamber_n who_o name_n be_v gregoria_n that_o be_v much_o trouble_v about_o her_o salvation_n do_v write_v unto_o he_o that_o she_o will_v never_o cease_v importune_v he_o till_o he_o have_v send_v her_o word_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v a_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n that_o she_o be_v save_v to_o who_o he_o return_v this_o answer_n rem_fw-la difficilem_fw-la postulas_fw-la &_o inutilem_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a and_o altogether_o useless_a matter_n which_o she_o require_v of_o he_o it_o be_v difficult_a for_o he_o to_o obtain_v as_o be_v unworthy_a to_o have_v the_o secret_a counsel_n of_o god_n to_o be_v impart_v unto_o he_o and_o it_o be_v unprofitable_a for_o she_o to_o know_v not_o only_o for_o the_o reason_n which_o he_o assign_v that_o such_o a_o revelation_n may_v make_v she_o too_o secure_a but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o demonstrate_v and_o make_v know_v unto_o she_o or_o any_o other_o the_o truth_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o revelation_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v to_o be_v from_o god_n so_o that_o have_v she_o afterward_o call_v into_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o as_o well_o she_o may_v her_o trouble_n and_o doubt_n concern_v her_o salvation_n will_v have_v be_v as_o great_a as_o they_o be_v before_o o_o therefore_o let_v believer_n that_o will_v be_v confirm_v in_o the_o peace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n take_v heed_n of_o relinquish_a that_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n which_o shine_v as_o a_o light_n in_o a_o dark_a place_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o and_o of_o fly_v unto_o vision_n revelation_n voice_n from_o heaven_n to_o assure_v and_o evidence_n unto_o they_o their_o salvation_n and_o to_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o comfort_n and_o joy_n which_o they_o be_v fill_v with_o these_o be_v way_n that_o have_v more_o external_a glory_n and_o pomp_n in_o they_o but_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n on_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o adhere_n of_o the_o soul_n unto_o those_o truth_n declare_v in_o they_o be_v the_o unquestionable_a way_n of_o obtain_v a_o full_a establishment_n of_o heart_n in_o all_o sound_a joy_n and_o peace_n and_o therefore_o luther_n though_o as_o he_o confess_v he_o be_v often_o tempt_v to_o ask_v for_o sign_n apparition_n revelation_n from_o heaven_n to_o confirm_v he_o in_o his_o way_n yet_o tell_v how_o strong_o he_o do_v withstand_v they_o pactum_fw-la feci_fw-la cum_fw-la domino_fw-la deo_fw-la meo_fw-la ne_fw-la mihi_fw-la mittat_fw-la vel_fw-la visiones_fw-la vel_fw-la somnia_fw-la vel_fw-la eâ—iam_fw-la angelos_n contentus_fw-la enim_fw-la sum_fw-la hoc_fw-la dono_fw-la quòd_fw-la habeo_fw-la scripturam_fw-la sanctam_fw-la quae_fw-la abundè_fw-la docet_fw-la ac_fw-la suppeditat_fw-la omne_fw-la quae_fw-la necessaria_fw-la sunt_fw-la tum_fw-la ad_fw-la hanc_fw-la vitam_fw-la tum_fw-la ad_fw-la futuram_fw-la i_o have_v say_v he_o indent_v with_o the_o lord_n my_o god_n that_o he_o will_v never_o send_v i_o dream_n vision_n angel_n for_o i_o be_o well_o content_a with_o this_o gift_n that_o i_o have_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o do_v abundant_o teach_v and_o supply_v all_o necessary_n for_o this_o life_n and_o that_o also_o which_o be_v to_o come_v second_o as_o there_o be_v a_o aptness_n in_o christian_n to_o affect_v such_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o comfort_n so_o be_v there_o also_o no_o little_a danger_n and_o deceit_n in_o the_o way_n themselves_o first_o they_o be_v dangerous_a in_o regard_n that_o they_o make_v the_o word_n and_o promise_n to_o be_v as_o thing_n of_o little_a value_n and_o esteem_v which_o shall_v be_v as_o the_o only_a sacred_a oracle_n of_o truth_n for_o believer_n to_o have_v their_o recourse_n unto_o such_o who_o cry_v up_o revelation_n make_v it_o their_o practice_n to_o cry_v down_o the_o word_n and_o look_v upon_o those_o that_o adhere_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v they_o the_o touchstone_n to_o try_v every_o spirit_n by_o as_o vocalistas_n et_fw-fr literatistas_n vowalist_n and_o letterist_n have_v little_a or_o no_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n such_o who_o affirm_v assurance_n to_o be_v the_o immediate_a voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n speak_v in_o they_o &_o say_v unto_o they_o that_o their_o sin_n be_v forgive_v they_o how_o disdainful_o do_v they_o speak_v of_o the_o certainty_n and_o persuasion_n which_o believer_n have_v from_o the_o gracious_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o holiness_n wrought_v by_o he_o in_o their_o soul_n which_o by_o his_o enlighten_v they_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v &_o thereby_o to_o be_v confident_o persuade_v of_o god_n love_n unto_o they_o and_o of_o their_o interest_n in_o all_o the_o promise_n this_o they_o dignify_v with_o no_o better_a or_o high_a title_n than_o a_o humane_a faith_n than_o a_o conjectural_a knowledge_n though_o the_o testimony_n be_v true_o supernatural_a both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o efficient_a cause_n and_o also_o of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o come_v to_o be_v thus_o persuade_v yea_o though_o it_o be_v the_o only_a safe_a way_n which_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o for_o believer_n to_o try_v their_o estate_n by_o to_o look_v unto_o the_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o not_o to_o any_o immediate_a voice_n or_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n as_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n love_n unto_o they_o yet_o do_v such_o vilify_v this_o kind_n of_o evidence_n as_o low_a and_o carnal_a and_o altogether_o unmeet_a for_o evangelical_n christian_n to_o make_v use_n of_o what_o shall_v they_o need_v to_o have_v a_o rush-light_n to_o see_v by_o when_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o sun_n which_o be_v the_o light_n of_o light_n second_o as_o they_o be_v dangerous_a so_o be_v they_o full_a of_o deceit_n and_o illusion_n young_a samuel_n not_o acquaint_v with_o any_o extraordinary_a manifestation_n of_o the_o presence_n &_o power_n of_o god_n take_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n from_o heaven_n to_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o old_a eli_n 1_o sam_n 3._o 5._o and_o so_o do_v many_o take_v the_o irregular_a motion_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n to_o be_v the_o divine_a breathe_n and_o the_o powerful_a impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o the_o undertake_n of_o sundry_a action_n which_o the_o word_n in_o the_o least_o measure_n countenance_v not_o how_o frequent_o in_o these_o time_n do_v fanatic_a person_n baptize_v the_o violent_a working_n of_o their_o own_o distemper_a fancy_n with_o the_o name_n of_o
distinct_a from_o assurance_n as_o may_v appear_v in_o their_o different_a effect_n assurance_n be_v riches_n and_o not_o poverty_n coloss_n 2._o 2._o joy_n and_o not_o mournng_a 1_o john_n 1._o 4._o satisfaction_n and_o not_o hunger_n of_o want_n and_o emptiness_n psal_n 90._o 14._o so_o in_o that_o parable_n of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o the_o publican_n go_v up_o into_o the_o temple_n to_o pray_v luke_n 18._o 10_o 11._o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi be_v full_a of_o presumption_n and_o false_a confidence_n but_o the_o publican_n through_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o unworthiness_n be_v almost_o overwhelm_v with_o fear_n and_o misgiving_n of_o heart_n he_o stand_v afar_o off_o and_o dare_v not_o draw_v near_o he_o be_v so_o full_a of_o shame_n as_o that_o he_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n to_o heaven_n he_o smite_v his_o breast_n as_o point_v out_o the_o fountain_n from_o whence_o all_o his_o misery_n and_o sin_n do_v flow_v he_o accuse_v himself_o in_o his_o prayer_n as_o a_o great_a sinner_n in_o all_o his_o action_n gesture_n word_n there_o be_v no_o expression_n of_o his_o assurance_n of_o pardon_n and_o yet_o he_o go_v away_o justify_v and_o not_o the_o other_o which_o without_o faith_n he_o can_v not_o have_v be_v a_o second_o demonstration_n be_v from_o the_o state_n of_o desertion_n into_o which_o a_o believer_n may_v fall_v a_o child_n of_o light_n may_v walk_v in_o darkness_n isa_n 50._o 10_o and_o neither_o behold_v the_o sun-light_n of_o god_n countenance_n nor_o the_o starlight_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n for_o many_o day_n he_o may_v be_v as_o a_o tree_n in_o winter_n who_o sap_n be_v whole_o retire_v to_o the_o root_n and_o have_v neither_o fruit_n nor_o leaf_n hang_v on_o it_o to_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v not_o dead_a as_o in_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n there_o be_v for_o a_o time_n subtractio_fw-la visionis_fw-la a_o withdraw_a of_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n but_o not_o dissolutio_fw-la unionis_fw-la any_o break_n or_o dissolution_n of_o the_o union_n so_o in_o the_o dereliction_n that_o a_o believer_n be_v subject_a unto_o there_o may_v be_v a_o separation_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o comfortable_a manifestation_n and_o shine_v forth_o of_o the_o beam_n of_o god_n love_n but_o no_o interruption_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o david_n psal_n 51._o 12._o who_o beg_v the_o restoration_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o god_n salvation_n and_o the_o establishment_n of_o his_o free_a spirit_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o heman_n psal_n 88_o who_o in_o his_o own_o apprehension_n be_v as_o one_o free_a among_o the_o dead_a ver_fw-la 5._o thus_o it_o be_v with_o jonah_n when_o lie_v in_o the_o belly_n of_o the_o whale_n as_o in_o a_o grave_n he_o say_v i_o be_o cast_v out_o of_o thy_o sight_n jonah_n 2._o 4._o but_o yet_o still_o they_o be_v believer_n and_o their_o faith_n be_v alive_a at_o the_o root_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o intercision_n of_o their_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n now_o if_o faith_n when_o assurance_n be_v lose_v do_v continue_v as_o believer_n union_n with_o christ_n it_o will_v also_o begin_v his_o union_n with_o christ_n though_o it_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o assurance_n or_o if_o a_o believer_n may_v lose_v his_o assurance_n and_o yet_o not_o whole_o lose_v his_o say_v then_o may_v he_o also_o have_v faith_n before_o it_o do_v grow_v up_o into_o assurance_n a_o three_o demonstration_n be_v take_v from_o the_o differ_a stature_n and_o condition_n of_o believer_n as_o in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v not_o only_o age_v man_n who_o multitude_n of_o year_n do_v teach_v wiâ—dom_n and_o young_a man_n who_o bone_n be_v moisten_v with_o marrow_n be_v full_a of_o strength_n but_o there_o be_v also_o infant_n which_o hang_v upon_o the_o breast_n of_o their_o mother_n who_o though_o they_o enjoy_v life_n yet_o do_v not_o know_v that_o they_o have_v life_n or_o be_v able_a to_o reflect_v upon_o any_o action_n which_o they_o do_v so_o in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v not_o only_a monson_n that_o be_v old_a disciple_n experience_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o young_a timothy_n that_o be_v train_v up_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v also_o new_o bear_v babe_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 2._o who_o be_v partaker_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o able_a to_o apprehend_v that_o they_o have_v eternal_a life_n give_v unto_o they_o there_o be_v in_o the_o fold_n of_o christ_n not_o only_a sheep_n which_o he_o lead_v forth_o into_o green_a pasture_n but_o there_o be_v also_o lamb_n which_o he_o gather_v with_o his_o arm_n and_o carry_v in_o his_o bosom_n a_o place_n both_o of_o safety_n and_o of_o warmth_n isa_n 40._o 11._o now_o if_o the_o essence_n of_o faith_n do_v lie_v in_o assurance_n and_o that_o none_o do_v believe_v but_o they_o that_o do_v know_v they_o do_v believe_v this_o distinction_n and_o difference_n between_o christian_n will_v be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o use_n if_o all_o that_o be_v believer_n do_v exercise_v the_o reflex_n act_v of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o the_o direct_a in_o what_o shall_v the_o babe_n in_o christ_n differ_v from_o the_o grow_a man_n where_o in_o shall_v the_o bruise_a reed_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o establish_a cedar_n how_o shall_v the_o thirsty_a and_o weary_a soul_n that_o dare_v not_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v his_o and_o yet_o can_v say_v that_o certain_o he_o be_v he_o be_v comfort_v how_o shall_v the_o sink_a and_o well_o nigh_o despair_v christian_n that_o cry_v out_o he_o have_v no_o save_v faith_n because_o no_o assurance_n have_v doubt_n and_o objection_n comfortable_o answer_v what_o use_n will_v there_o be_v of_o sign_n and_o mark_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v as_o a_o staff_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o weak_a one_o to_o support_v and_o stay_v they_o up_o if_o faith_n do_v stand_v in_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n to_o a_o man_n self_n in_o particular_a st._n john_n whole_a epistle_n which_o be_v write_v for_o this_o end_n that_o believer_n may_v know_v that_o they_o have_v eternal_a life_n 1._o john_n 5._o 13._o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n if_o faith_n itself_o do_v consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o have_v it_o a_o four_o demonstration_n be_v take_v from_o the_o object_n of_o save_v and_o justify_v faith_n which_o be_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o any_o maxim_n or_o proposition_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o assurance_n that_o on_o which_o the_o chief_a act_n of_o justify_v faith_n be_v exercise_v that_o be_v the_o primarie_a object_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o main_a act_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o unite_v christ_n and_o a_o believer_n together_o for_o by_o be_v one_o with_o he_o we_o come_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o he_o and_o not_o otherwise_o now_o that_o which_o make_v this_o union_n on_o the_o believer_n part_n be_v the_o adherence_n and_o cleave_v of_o the_o soul_n unto_o christ_n as_o the_o great_a and_o chief_a good_a as_o the_o lustful_a and_o evil_a eye_n by_o look_v upon_o a_o woman_n do_v make_v such_o a_o union_n with_o she_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o affection_n as_o that_o thereby_o he_o be_v judge_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o adultery_n mat._n 5._o 28._o so_o the_o see_v of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o true_a desire_n of_o enjoy_v he_o be_v such_o a_o marriageglance_n as_o make_v a_o tie_n and_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n that_o thus_o look_v towards_o he_o for_o life_n and_o salvation_n but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v if_o faith_n be_v not_o assurance_n and_o a_o persuasion_n in_o particular_a that_o christ_n be_v i_o wherein_o lie_v the_o application_n of_o faith_n which_o divine_n do_v so_o much_o urgeand_v contend_v for_o against_o the_o papist_n to_o answer_v this_o objection_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o popish_a faith_n which_o stand_v in_o a_o bare_a general_a assent_n unto_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v whole_o insufficient_a to_o salvation_n and_o that_o there_o be_v necessary_o require_v to_o a_o effectual_a and_o save_a faith_n a_o special_a and_o particular_a application_n as_o have_v be_v former_o show_v but_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a application_n the_o one_o be_v axiomaticall_a and_o the_o other_o be_v real_a the_o axiomaticall_a application_n be_v that_o which_o assurance_n make_v whereby_o a_o believer_n be_v enable_v to_o say_v christ_n be_v i_o the_o real_a application_n faith_n make_v in_o which_o though_o a_o believer_n can_v say_v that_o christ_n be_v he_o yet_o he_o do_v by_o a_o act_n of_o recumbency_n cast_v himself_o upon_o christ_n for_o
scandalous_a and_o vile_a pollution_n ought_v so_o far_o to_o judge_v himself_o and_o to_o charge_v the_o guilt_n of_o they_o upon_o his_o soul_n as_o not_o to_o lay_v hold_v immediate_o upon_o the_o promise_n of_o forgiveness_n until_o he_o first_o renew_v his_o repentance_n and_o be_v thorough_o ashamed_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o do_n when_o moses_n intercede_v for_o miriam_n who_o god_n have_v smite_v with_o aleprosie_n if_o her_o father_n say_v the_o lord_n have_v but_o spit_v in_o her_o face_n shall_v she_o not_o have_v be_v ashamed_a seven_o day_n numb_a 12._o 44._o that_o be_v if_o her_o earthly_a father_n provoke_v to_o anger_n have_v express_v his_o displeasure_n by_o spit_v upon_o she_o shall_v she_o not_o for_o a_o season_n have_v be_v sorrowful_a and_o pensive_a how_o much_o more_o than_o when_o her_o heavenly_a father_n be_v displease_v by_o her_o sin_n shall_v she_o for_o a_o time_n be_v ashamed_a and_o shut_v out_o from_o the_o privilege_n and_o society_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a sin_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n without_o remorse_n and_o grief_n of_o heart_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n be_v not_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o presumption_n because_o faith_n always_o proceed_v according_a to_o god_n method_n in_o the_o obtain_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n now_o the_o way_n by_o which_o god_n speak_v peace_n and_o make_v good_a the_o promise_n of_o forgiveness_n be_v by_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o till_o that_o be_v renew_v the_o comfort_n of_o pardon_n be_v suspend_v first_o god_n hear_v ephraim_n bemoan_v himself_o jer._n 31._o 18._o and_o then_o he_o remember_v he_o then_o he_o manifest_v the_o bowel_n of_o a_o tender_a father_n and_o say_v i_o will_v sure_o have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o vers_n 20._o four_o a_o believer_n fall_v into_o gross_a and_o peace-destroying_a sin_n be_v so_o far_o to_o charge_v the_o guilt_n of_o they_o upon_o his_o soul_n as_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o those_o temporal_a affliction_n and_o chastisement_n which_o god_n as_o a_o father_n provoke_v to_o anger_n do_v lay_v upon_o he_o be_v by_o his_o sin_n just_o deserve_v and_o by_o god_n righteous_o inflict_v â—hat_n god_n do_v make_v his_o own_o child_n to_o feel_v the_o smart_n of_o his_o displeasure_n in_o heavy_a and_o sore_a affliction_n occasion_v by_o their_o iniquity_n be_v a_o truth_n which_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o with_o so_o much_o evidence_n that_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v it_o they_o rebel_v and_o vex_v his_o holy_a spirit_n therefore_o he_o be_v turn_v to_o be_v their_o enemy_n and_o he_o fight_v against_o they_o isa_n 63._o 10._o so_o again_o for_o the_o iniquity_n of_o his_o covetousness_n be_v i_o wroth_a and_o smite_v he_o i_o hide_v i_o and_o be_v wroth_a isa_n 57_o 17._o what_o pregnant_a instance_n also_o be_v old_a eli_n upon_o who_o person_n and_o posterity_n god_n bring_v a_o most_o severe_a and_o dreadful_a judgement_n i_o sam._n 2._o 31_o 32_o 33._o david_n who_o complain_v that_o his_o sin_n be_v a_o burden_n too_o heavy_a for_o he_o psal_n 38._o 4._o that_o his_o wound_n stink_v and_o be_v corrupt_v because_o of_o his_o foolishness_n ver_fw-la 5._o that_o he_o be_v feeble_a and_o sore_o break_v v._o 8._o jonah_n who_o cry_v out_o of_o the_o belly_n of_o the_o whale_n as_o out_o of_o the_o belly_n of_o hell_n that_o he_o be_v forsake_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o god_n sight_n jonah_n 2._o 2_o 3._o how_o easy_a be_v it_o by_o a_o addition_n of_o example_n in_o this_o kind_n to_o make_v the_o number_n to_o swell_v into_o a_o catalogue_n but_o a_o taste_n be_v enough_o now_o what_o their_o carriage_n and_o behaviour_n towards_o god_n be_v in_o this_o condition_n see_v it_o in_o their_o expression_n old_a eli_n when_o he_o hear_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n denounce_v against_o he_o say_v it_o be_v the_o lord_n let_v he_o do_v what_o seem_v he_o good_a 1_o sam._n 3._o 18._o david_n under_o all_o his_o pressure_n acknowledge_v that_o in_o faithfulness_n he_o have_v afflict_v he_o psal_n 119._o 75._o so_o jonah_n who_o have_v flee_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o prayer_n that_o he_o pour_v out_o before_o he_o in_o his_o extremity_n confess_v the_o sin_n and_o vanity_n of_o all_o other_o dependency_n save_v on_o god_n alone_o they_o that_o observe_v lie_v vanity_n forsake_v their_o own_o mercy_n jonah_n 2._o 8._o but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v how_o can_v it_o stand_v with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v sin_n in_o his_o child_n with_o any_o such_o kind_n of_o affliction_n christ_n have_v make_v a_o absolute_a and_o plenary_a satisfaction_n for_o they_o to_o this_o the_o answer_n be_v easy_a that_o these_o temporal_a punishment_n though_o they_o have_v displeasure_n mix_v with_o they_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o slow_a from_o the_o vindictive_a justice_n of_o god_n as_o a_o irreconcile_a enemy_n but_o be_v the_o correction_n of_o a_o provoke_v father_n and_o do_v whole_o differ_v in_o the_o end_n from_o the_o vindictive_a which_o be_v not_o medicinal_a but_o destructive_a the_o judge_n who_o sentence_v the_o hand_n of_o a_o malefactor_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o have_v not_o the_o same_o end_n with_o the_o physician_n that_o cut_v of_o a_o hand_n when_o it_o be_v incurable_o fester_v the_o one_o command_v it_o as_o a_o satisfaction_n due_a to_o justice_n the_o other_o enjoin_v it_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o safety_n of_o the_o other_o part_n so_o when_o god_n afflict_v the_o wicked_a and_o believer_n with_o the_o same_o temporal_a evil_n though_o the_o smart_n and_o pain_n may_v be_v in_o both_o alike_o yet_o he_o do_v it_o not_o with_o the_o same_o mind_n nor_o to_o the_o same_o end_n the_o one_o he_o punish_v in_o order_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o justice_n the_o other_o as_o a_o father_n he_o correct_v in_o order_n to_o their_o amendment_n to_o the_o one_o therefore_o it_o be_v proper_o a_o punishment_n and_o to_o the_o other_o true_o a_o medicine_n sect_n 2._o how_o far_o a_o believer_n ought_v not_o to_o charge_v himself_o with_o atrocious_a sin_n the_o second_o head_n that_o i_o be_o to_o speak_v unto_o be_v to_o show_v how_o far_o believer_n be_v not_o to_o charge_v the_o guilt_n of_o their_o great_a and_o most_o heinous_a sin_n upon_o themselves_o and_o this_o also_o take_v in_o the_o four_o follow_v particular_n first_o believer_n be_v not_o to_o charge_v the_o guilt_n of_o such_o sin_n upon_o themselves_o as_o from_o thence_o to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a fall_n from_o the_o state_n of_o justification_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o adoption_n so_o as_o that_o now_o they_o be_v no_o long_a son_n nor_o have_v any_o right_n to_o the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v a_o endless_a and_o unchangeable_a love_n john_n 13._o 1._o and_o have_v its_o perpetuity_n found_v not_o upon_o any_o thing_n in_o we_o but_o upon_o the_o firm_a rock_n of_o his_o will_n and_o counsel_n his_o covenant_n be_v everlasting_a order_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o sure_a although_o we_o be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n 1_o sam._n 23._o 5._o true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o fall_n and_o lapse_n of_o a_o justify_v person_n do_v so_o far_o make_v a_o breach_n upon_o his_o state_n of_o justification_n and_o adoption_n as_o that_o the_o comfort_n and_o privilege_n of_o it_o be_v thereby_o withhold_v and_o suspend_v but_o his_o right_n thereunto_o be_v not_o make_v thursday_n or_o extinguish_v he_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o interdiction_n but_o not_o under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o ejection_n he_o may_v not_o like_o absalon_n see_v the_o king_n face_n 1_o sam._n 14._o 24._o but_o he_o be_v not_o a_o exile_n and_o in_o this_o condition_n he_o do_v abide_v until_o he_o renew_v his_o repentance_n and_o thereby_o recover_v a_o fitness_n and_o aptitude_n to_o enjoy_v what_o before_o he_o have_v a_o right_a unto_o being_n like_o a_o cleanse_a leper_n who_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o return_v unto_o his_o house_n from_o which_o his_o defilement_n have_v separate_v he_o and_o shut_v he_o out_o now_o if_o any_o think_v the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o this_o spiritual_a sequestration_n do_v import_v little_a and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o antidote_n strong_a enough_o to_o check_v the_o presumption_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v in_o believer_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o play_v the_o wanton_n with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o such_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v be_v that_o to_o i_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v as_o blind_a man_n that_o understaud_v little_a or_o nothing_o the_o wide_a difference_n between_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o night_n and_o to_o
other_o little_o consider_v that_o the_o just_a ground_n of_o god_n cause_v such_o bright_a star_n to_o set_v in_o a_o cloud_n may_v be_v to_o hide_v from_o they_o what_o may_v benefit_v they_o in_o their_o death_n who_o have_v learn_v nothing_o from_o the_o holy_a example_n of_o their_o life_n the_o obstinate_a jew_n oppose_v the_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n teach_v and_o reject_v the_o salvation_n which_o he_o offer_v unto_o they_o whilst_o he_o be_v among_o they_o and_o then_o at_o his_o death_n insult_o ask_a for_o miracle_n that_o may_v declare_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o may_v believe_v on_o he_o mat._n 26._o 42._o but_o god_n then_o make_v his_o death_n a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v for_o they_o to_o fall_v at_o who_o have_v make_v his_o life_n and_o converse_n among_o they_o to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o scorn_n both_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o the_o four_o proposition_n be_v that_o the_o judgement_n and_o estimate_n which_o believer_n and_o other_o make_v concern_v man_n spiritual_a estate_n and_o condition_n shall_v chief_o be_v ground_v upon_o their_o life_n rather_o than_o their_o death_n there_o may_v many_o accident_n fall_v out_o in_o their_o death_n which_o as_o they_o do_v not_o prejudice_v a_o believer_n salvation_n so_o neither_o shall_v they_o his_o christian_a reputation_n he_o may_v through_o a_o fever_n become_v phrenetical_a through_o melancholy_a he_o may_v be_v lumpish_a and_o heavy_a through_o temptation_n he_o may_v be_v unsettle_a through_o desertion_n he_o may_v speak_v uncomfortable_a speech_n &_o be_v afflict_v with_o despair_a thought_n his_o darkness_n may_v be_v without_o the_o least_o glimmering_n of_o light_n his_o agony_n in_o death_n without_o sense_n of_o comfort_n and_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v a_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n because_o as_o holy_a greenham_n say_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v according_a to_o that_o particular_a instant_n of_o death_n but_o according_a to_o the_o general_a course_n of_o our_o life_n not_o according_a to_o our_o deed_n in_o that_o present_a but_o according_a to_o the_o desire_n of_o our_o heart_n ever_o before_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o mistrust_v god_n mercy_n in_o death_n be_v it_o never_o so_o uncomfortable_a if_o so_o be_v it_o have_v be_v before_o seal_v in_o our_o vocation_n and_o sanctification_n it_o be_v sad_a indeed_o when_o the_o life_n and_o day_n of_o those_o do_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n determine_v and_o expire_v who_o have_v waste_v their_o time_n and_o strength_n in_o sinful_a exorbitancy_n and_o have_v be_v eat_v up_o with_o the_o care_n and_o thought_n of_o the_o world_n without_o the_o least_o mind_v of_o their_o eternal_a condition_n till_o arrest_v by_o the_o stroke_n of_o death_n and_o summon_v to_o appear_v at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o a_o provoke_v god_n but_o else_o though_o the_o close_a of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v most_o uncomfortable_a and_o full_a of_o darkness_n it_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n to_o any_o to_o change_v their_o apprehension_n and_o persuasion_n concern_v the_o welfare_n of_o their_o everlasting_a estate_n have_v beforehand_o see_v and_o know_v such_o unblameablenesse_n of_o conversation_n such_o fruit_n of_o grace_n as_o may_v clear_o evidence_n the_o uprightness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o heart_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n chap._n xvi_o what_o use_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o temporal_a promise_n the_o five_o and_o last_o query_n that_o i_o shall_v propound_v be_v what_o use_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o temporal_a promise_n such_o wherein_o preservation_n from_o outward_a evil_n the_o free_a and_o liberal_a donation_n of_o earthly_a blessing_n the_o removal_n of_o sad_a and_o heavy_a pressure_n be_v in_o particular_a promise_v and_o undertake_v for_o by_o god_n in_o his_o word_n after_o what_o manner_n be_v believer_n to_o act_n and_o exercise_v their_o faith_n upon_o they_o or_o to_o hope_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o in_o regard_n that_o they_o ofttimes_o who_o may_v best_o plead_v their_o title_n and_o interest_n in_o they_o do_v most_o of_o all_o want_n the_o fruition_n of_o such_o mercy_n they_o say_v the_o apostle_n of_o who_o the_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a wander_v about_o in_o sheepskin_n and_o goatskin_n be_v destitute_a afflict_a and_o torment_v heb._n 11._o 37_o 38._o the_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n i_o do_v not_o purpose_n to_o make_v as_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o tent_n stretch_v out_o to_o their_o utmost_a length_n or_o unnecessary_o to_o enlarge_v as_o the_o pharisee_n do_v with_o affectation_n their_o phylactery_n but_o yet_o for_o the_o more_o full_a and_o just_a solution_n of_o it_o i_o conceive_v it_o will_v not_o be_v impertinent_a to_o speak_v to_o three_o particular_n first_o to_o show_v why_o god_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v make_v the_o tenor_n of_o his_o promise_n to_o run_v so_o universal_o of_o his_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o blessing_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n when_o as_o under_o the_o gospel_n such_o kind_n of_o promise_n be_v more_o spare_o record_v and_o not_o so_o distinct_o set_v down_o second_o to_o show_v the_o various_a advantage_n and_o profit_v that_o believer_n may_v reap_v to_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n by_o look_v unto_o such_o promise_n with_o a_o eye_n of_o faith_n and_o quiet_o wait_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o they_o three_o to_o give_v rule_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o temporal_a promise_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o due_a apply_v they_o unto_o our_o particular_a exigency_n and_o condition_n sect_n 1._o why_o god_n have_v make_v such_o various_a promise_n of_o temporal_a mercy_n to_o his_o people_n under_o the_o law_n for_o the_o first_o viz._n god_n make_v unto_o his_o people_n so_o many_o distinct_a and_o redouble_a promise_n of_o temporal_a mercy_n sundry_a reason_n may_v be_v assign_v but_o i_o shall_v fix_v only_o upon_o this_o that_o such_o away_o of_o bounty_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o win_n of_o their_o observance_n unto_o such_o administration_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n as_o he_o then_o give_v they_o in_o command_n and_o require_v their_o obedience_n unto_o for_o until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n come_v as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o heb._n 9_o 10._o that_o be_v until_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o both_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o law_n and_o priesthood_n be_v to_o be_v do_v away_o by_o christ_n who_o as_o a_o more_o excellent_a priest_n offer_v up_o a_o most_o perfect_a sacrifice_n all_o thing_n be_v transact_v after_o a_o earthly_a and_o external_a manner_n the_o sanctuary_n be_v worldly_a heb._n 9_o 1._o the_o ordinance_n impose_v on_o they_o be_v carnal_a which_o stand_v in_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o divers_a wash_n heb._n 9_o 10._o now_o to_o this_o paedagogie_n of_o the_o church_n the_o promise_n of_o such_o outward_a blessing_n be_v most_o agreeable_a as_o the_o duty_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v most_o conversant_a about_o the_o outward_a man_n so_o likewise_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v the_o encouragement_n to_o move_v and_o incite_v they_o to_o a_o observance_n of_o those_o prescribe_a rite_n be_v such_o as_o do_v chief_o hold_v forth_o the_o prosperity_n and_o welfare_n of_o their_o outward_a estate_n not_o that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o people_n or_o his_o covenant_n with_o they_o do_v extend_v only_o to_o the_o care_n of_o their_o body_n or_o that_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a drift_n of_o those_o many_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v unto_o they_o this_o have_v be_v as_o peter_n martyr_n speak_v to_o have_v make_v god_n to_o have_v have_v no_o more_o regard_n to_o his_o church_n then_o shepherd_n have_v to_o their_o flock_n or_o herdsman_n to_o their_o cattle_n who_o look_v no_o further_o then_o to_o their_o thrive_a &_o well_o like_v in_o their_o pasture_n but_o as_o in_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o other_o ceremony_n of_o their_o worship_n they_o be_v train_v up_o and_o instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n towards_o god_n in_o which_o their_o heart_n and_o thought_n be_v to_o be_v employ_v so_o also_o by_o the_o temporal_a promise_n be_v ground_n lay_v of_o carry_v on_o their_o faith_n and_o hope_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o more_o glorious_a mercy_n than_o those_o which_o at_o the_o present_a they_o enjoy_v their_o manna_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o sacramental_a food_n and_o the_o water_n from_o the_o rock_n a_o sacramental_a drink_n the_o land_n of_o canaan_n a_o type_n of_o the_o true_a and_o heavenly_a rest_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v which_o by_o he_o who_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o shadow_n they_o may_v expect_v true_a it_o be_v that_o both_o the_o precept_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o their_o reward_n be_v more_o