Selected quad for the lemma: faith_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
faith_n believe_v lord_n unbelief_n 5,320 5 10.6764 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A60356 A treatise of growth in grace in sundry sermons / preached by that lately eminent servant of Jesus Christ, Samuel Slater ... Slater, Samuel, d. 1704. 1671 (1671) Wing S3977; ESTC R38255 208,159 341

There are 16 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

if_o so_o be_v that_o your_o faith_n be_v not_o grow_v up_o to_o such_o a_o pitch_n and_o proportion_n true_o you_o be_v not_o come_v into_o the_o stature_n that_o you_o shall_v attain_v unto_o you_o have_v a_o faith_n that_o look_v to_o promise_n and_o life_n upon_o the_o expectation_n that_o beget_v a_o kind_n of_o hope_n in_o you_o that_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v i_o but_o can_v you_o say_v that_o your_o faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o they_o that_o your_o faith_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o they_o and_o the_o substance_n why_o your_o faith_n it_o be_v such_o a_o faith_n and_o of_o such_o a_o growth_n and_o it_o be_v so_o improve_v unto_o such_o a_o strength_n that_o thing_n that_o be_v but_o in_o expectation_n they_o be_v to_o your_o faith_n as_o if_o so_o be_v that_o they_o be_v in_o actual_a execution_n your_o faith_n be_v such_o a_o faith_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o that_o it_o giu●…s_v a_o be_v to_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o be_v it_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o apostle_n use_v the_o word_n it_o be_v the_o substance_n or_o the_o subsistence_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v hope_v for_o why_o this_o be_v to_o my_o faith_n as_o if_o it_o be_v in_o actual_a be_v as_o god_n make_v a_o promise_n to_o abraham_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o son_n abraham_n believe_v the_o promise_n it_o be_v long_o before_o that_o promise_n be_v perform_v i_o but_o yet_o abraham_n faith_n do_v give_v a_o hear_n to_o this_o promise_n abraham_n go_v on_o in_o that_o confidence_n he_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n through_o unbelief_n but_o his_o faith_n be_v in_o that_o strength_n that_o there_o be_v as_o if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o birth_n already_o his_o faith_n give_v a_o be_v to_o the_o promise_n god_n make_v a_o promise_n to_o the_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v their_o inheritance_n now_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o give_v a_o be_v to_o the_o promise_n and_o they_o be_v as_o if_o they_o have_v have_v it_o while_o they_o live_v the_o actual_a possession_n of_o the_o promise_a land_n they_o and_o their_o seed_n it_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v i_o see_v not_o and_o yet_o i_o enjoy_v i_o see_v not_o and_o yet_o i_o see_v i'faith_o where_o it_o come_v to_o be_v well_o improve_v it_o come_v to_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v thing_n not_o see_v and_o yet_o they_o be_v as_o if_o they_o be_v before_o my_o eye_n thing_n not_o see_v nay_o when_o the_o contrary_a be_v see_v as_o now_o a_o man_n have_v destruction_n before_o his_o eye_n and_o yet_o his_o faith_n make_v he_o to_o see_v salvation_n according_a to_o that_o eminent_a instance_n in_o moses_n when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o red-sea_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o death_n fear_v not_o say_v he_o stand_v still_o and_o see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n see_v it_o why_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v see_v but_o destruction_n before_o their_o eye_n and_o yet_o by_o faith_n moses_n come_v to_o see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v o_o brethren_n it_o be_v a_o poor_a faith_n a_o poor_a beggarly_a faith_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v of_o any_o degree_n of_o faith_n for_o faith_n in_o the_o low_a degree_n be_v better_a than_o all_o the_o jewel_n and_o diamond_n in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v mention_v with_o it_o but_o compare_v with_o a_o due_a improve_a faith_n true_o it_o be_v but_o a_o poor_a beggarly_a faith_n that_o depend_v upon_o sense_n this_o i_o will_v see_v as_o thomas_n what_o say_v thomas_n you_o report_v to_o i_o that_o jesus_n my_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o for_o my_o part_n unless_o i_o may_v see_v he_o and_o feel_v the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o put_v my_o hand_n into_o his_o side_n i_o will_v not_o believe_v o_o it_o be_v a_o ignoble_a faith_n a_o poor_a beggarly_a faith_n they_o will_v believe_v no_o further_o than_o they_o can_v see_v true_o such_o person_n will_v hardly_o believe_v to_o the_o save_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o our_o saviour_n he_o deal_v with_o he_o about_o it_o o_o thomas_n thomas_n thou_o have_v see_v and_o believe_v but_o i_o tell_v thou_o thomas_n they_o be_v the_o bless_a person_n that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o believe_v why_o it_o be_v a_o noble_a faith_n for_o to_o give_v a_o man_n the_o evidence_n of_o that_o that_o he_o do_v not_o see_v and_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o we_o shall_v press_v after_o i_o see_v nothing_o that_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o such_o or_o such_o a_o mercy_n i_o see_v nothing_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o joseph_n there_o be_v a_o promise_n concern_v his_o advancement_n he_o say_v nothing_o that_o have_v any_o tendency_n in_o it_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a he_o be_v cast_v into_o prison_n and_o iron_n enter_v into_o his_o soul_n he_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o miserable_a condition_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o his_o faith_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v he_o can_v see_v a_o golden-chain_n that_o afterward_o he_o come_v to_o wear_v he_o can_v see_v a_o golden-chain_n in_o a_o chain_n of_o iron_n the_o iron_n enter_v into_o his_o soul_n and_o yet_o the_o chain_n of_o gold_n be_v about_o his_o faith_n faith_n put_v it_o about_o the_o neck_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n a_o faith_n of_o such_o a_o growth_n that_o it_o may_v evidence_n to_o we_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v now_o i_o say_v when_o we_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o such_o a_o testimony_n and_o come_v in_o with_o the_o justification_n of_o experience_n and_o say_v it_o be_v thus_o testify_v of_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v a_o true_a testimony_n for_o my_o faith_n be_v so_o to_o i_o my_o faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o my_o faith_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v god_n have_v make_v a_o promise_n concern_v a_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n wherein_o dwell_v righteousness_n he_o have_v make_v a_o promise_n of_o new_a jerusalem_n that_o it_o shall_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n as_o a_o bride_n make_v ready_a for_o her_o husband_n now_o i_o see_v nothing_o to_o such_o a_o purpose_n i_o see_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o i_o can_v see_v glory_n i_o can_v see_v glory_n in_o all_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o world_n again_o consider_v second_o this_o be_v the_o testimony_n that_o be_v give_v of_o faith_n ay_o this_o be_v t●…e_a victory_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o your_o faith_n the_o apostle_n give_v this_o testimony_n of_o faith_n 1_o epist._n of_o joh._n 5._o he_o use_v these_o word_n this_o be_v the_o victory_n say_v he_o that_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o your_o faith_n why_o now_o consider_v what_o growth_n it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v press_v after_o in_o believe_v our_o duty_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n in_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o grow_v to_o such_o a_o point_n and_o proportion_n that_o our_o faith_n may_v be_v our_o victory_n our_o faith_n why_o you_o will_v say_v it_o be_v our_o conflict_n we_o have_v a_o conflict_a faith_n ay_o bu●…_n your_o faith_n be_v your_o victory_n and_o your_o faith_n shall_v be_v so_o improve_v as_o that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v this_o account_n of_o it_o my_o faith_n be_v my_o victory_n and_o i_o be_o more_o than_o a_o conqueror_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o rom._n 8._o say_v he_o what_o shall_v separate_v tribulation_n distress_n persecution_n famine_n nakedness_n peril_n sword_n why_o say_v he_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o do_v not_o say_v after_o all_o these_o thing_n but_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o persecution_n in_o tribulation_n in_o distress_n in_o famine_n in_o nakedness_n what_o in_o sword_n yea_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n this_o be_v a_o marvellous_a thing_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o testimony_n that_o be_v give_v of_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o believer_n if_o it_o be_v due_o improve_v will_v spring_v up_o to_o to_o make_v the_o believe_a soul_n more_o than_o a_o conqueror_n and_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n this_o be_v the_o victory_n the_o victory_n why_o before_o the_o battle_n be_v do_v before_o the_o fight_n be_v finish_v and_o end_v yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o be_v a_o victory_n that_o a_o believe_a soul_n may_v by_o the_o
in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o heart_n little_a with_o god_n if_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o not_o raise_v up_o to_o god_n not_o set_v to_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o of_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n never_o come_v to_o settle_v upon_o this_o thought_n why_o this_o be_v god_n mean_n that_o he_o have_v provide_v for_o my_o improve_n in_o faith_n and_o godliness_n i_o do_v profess_v for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o do_v not_o know_v in_o all_o the_o world_n what_o to_o speak_v more_o to_o the_o purpose_n as_o touch_v this_o agument_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o do_v most_o near_o concern_v all_o that_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o to_o look_v after_o 10._o your_o duty_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n now_o that_o you_o may_v do_v so_o i_o will_v offer_v this_o to_o your_o consideration_n do_v but_o rational_o weigh_v these_o thing_n that_o i_o now_o offer_v to_o you_o you_o that_o have_v grace_n your_o duty_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n that_o you_o may_v do_v so_o study_v heaven_n and_o the_o glory_n that_o be_v to_o be_v reveal_v i_o tell_v you_o i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o that_o that_o be_v beyond_o all_o controversy_n that_o well_o raise_v apprehension_n of_o heaven_n the_o glorious_a estate_n there_o will_v make_v we_o to_o put_v spur_n to_o it_o and_o set_v on_o with_o diligence_n and_o care_n if_o we_o do_v but_o know_v the_o interpretation_n of_o heaven_n what_o heaven_n be_v we_o get_v a_o notion_n of_o heaven_n but_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v in_o heaven_n what_o it_o be_v to_o enjoy_v god_n in_o glory_n what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v with_o christ_n and_o angel_n what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o those_o bless_a mansion_n above_o if_o we_o do_v but_o study_v heaven_n more_o certain_o it_o will_v make_v we_o put_v on_o with_o more_o diligence_n look_v about_o we_o and_o set_v we_o upon_o a_o vigorous_a performance_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o we_o may_v increase_v in_o it_o consider_v a_o little_a you_o that_o have_v grace_n you_o be_v entitle_v to_o heaven_n it_o be_v your_o inheritance_n the_o portion_n which_o your_o father_n have_v set_v out_o for_o you_o i_o but_o what_o be_v this_o inheritance_n it_o be_v a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a undefiled_a that_o fade_v not_o away_o there_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o vision_n of_o god_n the_o most_o glorious_a god_n there_o be_v a_o communion_n a_o everlasting_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o with_o the_o lamb_n a_o follow_v of_o the_o lamb_n for_o evermore_o there_o be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o sweet_a communion_n with_o christ_n and_o with_o angel_n and_o glorify_a saint_n there_o be_v such_o glory_n as_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v ear_n have_v not_o hear_v it_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v it_o be_v a_o amaze_a thing_n what_o the_o state_n of_o heaven_n be_v what_o the_o glory_n that_o be_v there_o to_o be_v enjoy_v there_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n for_o evermore_o if_o so_o be_v that_o a_o man_n will_v but_o think_v of_o this_o o_o be_v heaven_n such_o a_o place_n such_o a_o holy_a pure_a place_n be_v there_o so_o much_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n appear_v there_o this_o will_v make_v a_o man_n to_o argue_v thus_o with_o himself_o good_a lord_n what_o manner_n of_o person_n shall_v i_o be_v that_o i_o may_v be_v fit_a for_o to_o come_v there_o that_o i_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o set_v ●…y_a foot_n upon_o that_o holy_a ground_n o_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n ought_v i_o to_o be_v how_o shall_v i_o endeavour_v to_o be_v purge_v and_o cleanse_v according_a to_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o 1_o epist._n joh._n 3._o say_v he_o he_o that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o he_o purify_v himself_o as_o god_n be_v pure_a such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v heaven_n there_o be_v such_o glory_n and_o beauty_n there_o such_o glorious_a object_n to_o behold_v and_o such_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n to_o be_v enjoy_v what_o manner_n of_o person_n ought_v i_o to_o be_v that_o i_o may_v be_v meet_a to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n certain_o the_o thought_n of_o heaven_n be_v well_o digest_v will_v make_v we_o to_o set_v on_o and_o be_v a_o conducement_n to_o a_o advance_v in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n 11._o last_o your_o duty_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n suppose_v you_o have_v it_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o it_o o_o bless_v god_n for_o what_o you_o have_v but_o withal_o pray_v that_o you_o may_v have_v more_o prayer_n do_v net_n obtain_v the_o first_o grace_n you_o do_v not_o ●…et_v the_o first_o grace_n by_o prayer_n for_o a_o man_n can_v pray_v to_o speak_v of_o prayer_n according_a to_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o man_n can_v pray_v till_o he_o have_v grace_n there_o may_v be_v something_o do_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o common_a conviction_n a_o person_n that_o be_v convince_v of_o his_o curse_a estate_n and_o terrify_v upon_o the_o conviction_n and_o apprehension_n he_o may_v come_v to_o send_v out_o some_o kind_n of_o desire_n o_o i_o will_v it_o be_v better_o with_o i_o for_o all_o that_o i_o see_v my_o condition_n be_v very_o bad_a and_o sad_a and_o naught_o but_o a_o true_a desire_n after_o grace_n can_v be_v till_o there_o be_v something_o of_o grace_n in_o truth_n the_o first_o grace_n it_o come_v not_o upon_o our_o prayer_n but_o to_o be_v sure_a the_o after_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v fetch_v in_o in_o the_o way_n and_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o ply_v the_o throne_n of_o grace_n as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v let_v we_o ●…me_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n throne_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o god_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n that_o we_o may_v find_v more_o grace_n heb._n 4._o o_o lord_n thou_o have_v style_v thyself_o a_o god_n of_o grace_n and_o thou_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o thou_o have_v order_v out_o thy_o son_n as_o a_o fountain_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o thou_o have_v make_v promise_n of_o grace_n o_o lord_n bestow_v more_o grace_n o_o lord_n hold_v not_o thy_o hand_n the_o disciple_n they_o cry_v out_o o_o lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n the_o poor_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n break_v out_o with_o tear_n lord_n i_o believe_v o_o lord_n help_v my_o unbelief_n lord_n i_o have_v a_o little_a love_n to_o thou_o o_o let_v my_o love_n increase_v lord_n let_v my_o faith_n increase_v lord_n let_v my_o holiness_n be_v more_o and_o more_o increase_v lord_n let_v there_o be_v more_o and_o more_o you_o have_v a_o promise_n open_v thy_o mouth_n wide_a i_o will_v fill_v it_o these_o thing_n now_o i_o have_v suggest_v to_o you_o and_o have_v endeavour_v to_o commend_v they_o in_o as_o press_v a_o way_n as_o i_o can_v that_o so_o you_o may_v perform_v your_o duty_n as_o touch_v growth_n in_o grace_n i_o will_v now_o have_v speak_v something_o by_o way_n of_o encourage_v argument_n only_o thus_o at_o present_a i_o will_v have_v you_o to_o consider_v what_o a_o mercy_n it_o be_v that_o god_n will_v make_v this_o the_o matter_n of_o your_o duty_n you_o that_o be_v gracious_a person_n upon_o who_o he_o have_v bestow_v any_o grace_n what_o a_o mercy_n of_o god_n it_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v this_o one_o of_o your_o duty_n and_o require_v this_o of_o you_o as_o a_o point_n of_o duty_n that_o you_o shall_v grow_v in_o grace_n as_o if_o a_o great_a man_n shall_v say_v to_o a_o poor_a one_o that_o he_o have_v set_v his_o love_n upon_o friend_n i_o have_v free_o give_v thou_o 100_o l._n as_o a_o stock_n to_o begin_v the_o world_n now_o go_v thy_o way_n and_o employ_v this_o 100_o l._n and_o see_v what_o improvement_n thou_o can_v make_v of_o it_o and_o i_o require_v this_o of_o thou_o that_o thou_o do_v advance_v in_o thy_o estate_n and_o if_o thou_o need_v 100_o l._n more_o or_o three_o or_o four_o hundred_o pound_n more_o come_v to_o i_o and_o i_o will_v supply_v thou_o still_o for_o i_o will_v have_v thou_o to_o grow_v rich_a you_o will_v think_v this_o be_v a_o high_a act_n of_o courtesy_n and_o kindness_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v do_v so_o friend_n i_o charge_v you_o see_v that_o you_o grow_v rich_a you_o have_v so_o much_o in_o stock_n and_o i_o will_v supply_v you_o still_o with_o more_o and_o more_o but_o only_o do_v you_o look_v to_o this_o that_o you_o grow_v rich_a thus_o god_n do_v in_o respect_n of_o grace_n indeed_o he_o do_v not_o deal_v thus_o with_o we_o as_o to_o the_o
appointment_n you_o reckon_v upon_o it_o and_o come_v to_o it_o with_o such_o a_o persuasion_n o_o this_o be_v god_n appoint_v and_o in_o this_o way_n have_v he_o order_v that_o i_o shall_v wait_v upon_o he_o and_o i_o know_v his_o appointment_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a therefore_o i_o rest_v not_o in_o the_o ordinance_n but_o look_v to_o the_o god_n of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o i_o follow_v after_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o his_o ordinance_n it_o be_v nothing_o to_o i_o to_o have_v the_o word_n preach_v other_o ordinance_n dispense_v they_o be_v nothing_o to_o i_o without_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n i_o look_v upon_o god_n in_o they_o and_o i_o expect_v a_o blessing_n from_o god_n by_o they_o true_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o well-grown_a faith_n alas_o poor_a weakling_n that_o we_o be_v we_o come_v in_o a_o formal_a manner_n too_o common_o so_o and_o with_o too_o much_o of_o a_o carnal_a frame_n of_o spirit_n too_o much_o in_o a_o complemental_a way_n look_v upon_o a_o ordinance_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v reckon_v to_o it_o than_o what_o of_o strength_n and_o duty_n and_o benefit_n of_o man_n can_v put_v upon_o it_o look_v to_o the_o instrument_n &_o have_v not_o a_o eye_n to_o god_n o_o without_o question_n beloved_n our_o preach_v will_v be_v to_o better_a purpose_n and_o our_o hear_n and_o pray_v and_o our_o eat_n and_o drink_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n will_v be_v to_o better_a purpose_n and_o with_o more_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n if_o we_o can_v look_v more_o to_o god_n in_o a_o ordinance_n and_o come_v with_o such_o a_o thought_n as_o this_o o_o lord_n this_o be_v the_o way_n that_o thou_o have_v lay_v out_o for_o i_o to_o wait_v upon_o thou_o in_o these_o be_v the_o mean_n that_o thou_o have_v appoint_v to_o do_v my_o soul_n good_a by_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n because_o they_o be_v thy_o appointment_n i_o apply_v to_o they_o and_o expect_v benefit_n and_o profit_n by_o they_o now_o i_o say_v when_o we_o manage_v our_o attendance_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n we_o be_v then_o in_o the_o fair_a way_n to_o have_v the_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n of_o they_o and_o how_o will_v this_o be_v but_o by_o a_o well-improved_n faith_n &_o the_o truth_n on_o it_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o faith_n will_v very_o much_o discover_v itself_o this_o way_n when_o we_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o god_n in_o ordinance_n we_o have_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o carry_v we_o to_o god_n why_o i_o have_v be_v with_o god_n this_o day_n i_o have_v be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n i_o look_v upon_o these_o ordinance_n as_o the_o bless_a symbol_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n it_o be_v that_o i_o attend_v they_o and_o expect_v from_o they_o and_o then_o again_o i_o press_v you_o that_o you_o will_v grow_v in_o grace_n and_o grow_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n why_o what_o growth_n will_v you_o require_v such_o a_o growth_n as_o this_o that_o your_o faith_n may_v come_v to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o growth_n that_o you_o may_v not_o be_v stagger_v concern_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n how_o cross_a soever_o that_o providence_n seem_v to_o run_v to_o they_o o_o this_o be_v a_o proof_n of_o a_o well-grown_a faith_n you_o know_v that_o its_o a_o ordinary_a thing_n with_o god_n in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o deal_n and_o dispensation_n when_o he_o have_v make_v a_o promise_n and_o put_v his_o people_n upon_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o have_v it_o perform_v to_o order_v out_o so_o in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o providence_n as_o if_o he_o will_v quit_v null_a his_o promise_n the_o providence_n seem_v to_o speak_v flat_a contradiction_n to_o the_o promise_n it_o be_v abraham_n case_n a_o promise_n he_o have_v of_o a_o son_n but_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n order_v it_o out_o that_o he_o run_v out_o till_o he_o be_v 100_o year_n old_a and_o sarah_n be_v old_a to_o so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n as_o to_o nature_n that_o ever_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o thing_n bring_v to_o pass_v and_o here_o be_v now_o the_o temptation_n now_o if_o abraham_n have_v be_v but_o of_o a_o weak_a faith_n how_o apt_a have_v he_o be_v to_o be_v stagger_v and_o sore_o shake_v as_o touch_v the_o promise_n sure_o this_o will_v never_o be_v i_o bat_n be_v of_o a_o well-grown_a faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n testify_v of_o he_o he_o consider_v not_o his_o own_o body_n nor_o the_o deadness_n of_o sarahs_n womb_n he_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n through_o unbelief_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n he_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n so_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o joseph_n but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n try_v he_o and_o while_o it_o try_v he_o he_o trust_v upon_o it_o the_o iron_n enter_v into_o his_o soul_n and_o by_o that_o providence_n o_o what_o a_o seen_a contradiction_n be_v there_o to_o the_o promise_n he_o that_o be_v design_v to_o wear_v a_o chain_n of_o gold_n about_o his_o neck_n must_v go_v with_o chain_n of_o iron_n about_o his_o leg_n and_o those_o iron_n must_v enter_v into_o his_o soul._n what_o do_v this_o speak_v but_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v reckon_v upon_o no_o account_n to_o be_v make_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o be_v of_o a_o well-improved_n faith_n under_o all_o these_o cross_a providence_n that_o speak_v contradiction_n to_o the_o promise_n yet_o he_o keep_v in_o a_o humble_a dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o while_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n try_v he_o he_o trust_v the_o word_n he_o do_v not_o try_v the_o word_n but_o he_o trust_v the_o word_n and_o so_o be_v of_o a_o well-grown_a faith_n he_o bear_v up_o with_o a_o holy_a confidence_n towards_o god_n as_o touch_v the_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o so_o likewise_o promise_n concern_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o a_o more_o bless_a enjoyment_n that_o saint_n shall_v have_v in_o the_o world_n god_n have_v engage_v himself_o by_o promise_n very_o much_o to_o such_o a_o purpose_n and_o providence_n do_v seem_v to_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o the_o promise_n 〈◊〉_d thing_n be_v order_v out_o as_o if_o such_o thing_n ●…uld_v never_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v now_o a_o poor_a ●…ak_a believer_n he_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o give_v all_o for_o naught_o and_o to_o conclude_v as_o david_n do_v i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n all_o man_n be_v liar_n these_o be_v but_o vain_a word_n we_o speak_v of_o this_o and_o that_o of_o a_o new_a jerusalem_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n as_o a_o bride_n make_v ready_a for_o her_o husband_n and_o of_o the_o church●…_n glory_n and_o beauty_n and_o of_o babylon_n downfall_n and_o yet_o babylon_n sit_v as_o a_o queen_n and_o say_v i_o shall_v never_o see_v sorrow_n nor_o widowhood_n now_o a_o poor_a weak_a believer_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o give_v up_o the_o account_n and_o to_o say_v we_o must_v never_o look_v for_o these_o thing_n i_o but_o a_o strong_a believer_n it_o bear_v up_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o holy_a confidence_n towards_o god_n well_o let_v god_n take_v what_o course_n he_o will_v i_o be_o sure_a that_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o promise_n shall_v never_o be_v sound_a to_o be_v a_o miscarry_v womb_n that_o be_v another_o thing_n yet_o further_o i_o press_v you_o to_o growth_n in_o grace_n particular_o to_o a_o growth_n in_o faith_n that_o you_o may_v not_o upon_o every_o occasion_n be_v cast_v into_o a_o discomposure_n of_o spirit_n upon_o every_o occasion_n of_o trouble_n that_o you_o meet_v withal_o when_o there_o be_v such_o providence_n order_v out_o as_o be_v startle_v and_o amaze_a and_o astonish_a such_o a_o faith_n you_o be_v to_o press_v to_o that_o when_o sinner_n in_o zion_n be_v afraid_a and_o fearfulness_n surprise_v the_o hypocrite_n and_o likewise_o when_o poor_a weak_a believer_n be_v apt_a to_o tremble_v and_o quake_v and_o at_o a_o loss_n and_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v that_o you_o may_v come_v to_o say_v my_o heart_n be_v fix_v i_o trust_v in_o god_n these_o thing_n move_v i_o not_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o well-grown_a faith_n when_o we_o be_v not_o upon_o every_o occasion_n of_o any_o sudden_a fear_n in_o a_o discomposure_n of_o spirit_n yet_o well-grown_a faith_n will_v bring_v a_o fixedness_n ay_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o faith_n not_o well_o improve_v and_o not_o of_o so_o good_a a_o growth_n as_o it_o shall_v be_v when_o we_o be_v upon_o every_o occasion_n surprise_v with_o fear_n and_o horror_n and_o astonishment_n and_o ready_a to_o scatter_v this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n and_o know_v not_o
the_o hear_n of_o faith_n by_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n make_v know_v unto_o you_o in_o that_o way_n the_o spirit_n come_v and_o the_o spirit_n with_o the_o grace_n of_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v the_o bless_a instrumental_a mean_n whereby_o there_o come_v to_o be_v the_o first_o plantation_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n ay_o this_o that_o bring_v man_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v the_o gospel_n man_n will_v never_o believe_v to_o the_o save_n of_o their_o soul_n till_o they_o come_v to_o know_v jesus_n christ._n they_o will_v never_o repent_v with_o a_o repentance_n to_o salvation_n till_o they_o come_v to_o know_v jesus_n christ_n all_o the_o knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n will_v never_o bring_v over_o a_o soul_n to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n when_o man_n come_v once_o to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o know_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o know_v the_o mystery_n concern_v the_o salvation_n and_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n this_o will_v bring_v they_o to_o faith_n if_o any_o thing_n will_v this_o will_v bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n this_o be_v the_o instrumental_a mean_n whereby_o they_o come_v to_o have_v their_o heart_n warm_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o preach_n of_o the_o law_n as_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n moral_a duty_n and_o press_v of_o they_o without_o the_o line_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n without_o reference_n to_o that_o this_o will_n but_o rather_o provoke_v and_o stir_v up_o the_o corruption_n of_o a_o man_n the_o law_n work_v wrath_n against_o a_o man_n work_v wrath_n in_o a_o man_n it_o raise_v up_o wrath_n it_o irritate_v those_o curse_a corrupt_a principle_n that_o be_v in_o he_o o_o this_o be_v a_o mystery_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v well_o acquaint_v withal_o o_o it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v that_o that_o break_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v the_o heart_n to_o work_v out_o after_o god_n never_o shall_v we_o begin_v to_o love_n god_n nor_o to_o love_n christ_n till_o such_o time_n as_o we_o come_v to_o know_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n i_o will_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o every_o one_o of_o you_o be_v but_o well_o study_v in_o this_o mystery_n that_o now_o i_o be_o speak_v to_o that_o it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n to_o plant_v grace_n to_o make_v the_o first_o plantation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o soul_n as_o 2_o know_v that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o its_o first_o plantation_n so_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o its_o augmentation_n i_o be_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o text_n concern_v a_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ._n this_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v bring_v about_o by_o a_o growth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n the_o more_o we_o know_v the_o more_o we_o shall_v believe_v the_o more_o we_o shall_v repent_v the_o more_o we_o shall_v love_v the_o more_o holy_a shall_v we_o be_v as_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o god_n assist_v i_o think_v this_o point_n will_v take_v up_o a_o little_a more_o time_n than_o other_o particular_n will_v but_o it_o will_v be_v time_n well_o spend_v now_o yet_o further_o to_o clear_v up_o this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o increase_n in_o that_o which_o do_v promote_v a_o increase_n in_o grace_n you_o shall_v find_v in_o scripture_n and_o true_o it_o be_v worthy_a your_o consideration_n to_o my_o apprehension_n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v put_v for_o all_o grace_n it_o be_v a_o considerable_a thing_n that_o when_o god_n will_v make_v a_o promise_n of_o all_o grace_n he_o do_v epitomise_v that_o promise_n thus_o i_o will_v give_v they_o a_o heart_n to_o know_v i_o when_o god_n come_v to_o make_v a_o promise_n to_o his_o people_n concern_v grace_n he_o put_v it_o into_o this_o form_n i_o give_v they_o a_o heart_n to_o know_v i_o o_o how_o much_o be_v there_o complicate_v in_o that_o expression_n i_o will_v give_v they_o a_o heart_n to_o know_v i_o he_o do_v not_o say_v a_o head_n to_o know_v i_o indeed_o that_o be_v a_o gift_n but_o knowledge_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v a_o grace_n it_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o which_o contribute_v to_o all_o the_o grace_n a_o heart_n to_o know_v i_o to_o know_v i_o with_o what_o a_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n with_o a_o fidelial_a knowledge_n a_o knowledge_n of_o trust_n and_o a_o affectionate_a knowledge_n a_o knowledge_n of_o love_n and_o with_o a_o knowledge_n of_o desire_n and_o a_o knowledge_n of_o submission_n i_o will_v give_v they_o a_o heart_n to_o know_v i_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v likewise_o to_o this_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n speak_v joh._n 17._o 3._o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a why_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v mark_v it_o this_o be_v eternal_a life_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o this_o be_v eternal_a life_n in_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o it_o to_o know_v thou_o and_o to_o know_v he_o who_o thou_o have_v send_v to_o know_v god_n in_o christ_n this_o be_v eternal_a life_n then_o sure_o it_o import_v faith_n and_o it_o import_v love_n and_o it_o import_v holiness_n for_o eternal_a life_n do_v not_o come_v over_o to_o a_o soul_n but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o believe_v and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o love_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o all_o the_o grace_n so_o that_o i_o say_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o under_o which_o be_v comprehend_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o true_o this_o be_v a_o consideration_n of_o weight_n in_o order_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o be_v more_o in_o our_o indearing_n of_o it_o and_o more_o in_o our_o endeavouring_n after_o it_o but_o now_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v this_o yet_o more_o full_o to_o appear_v by_o a_o induction_n of_o particular_n so_o as_o that_o you_o may_v stand_v convince_v of_o this_o that_o the_o way_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n consider_v first_o of_o all_o that_o by_o growth_n in_o this_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n we_o be_v most_o happy_o advantage_v for_o a_o growth_n in_o faith_n and_o believe_v it_o be_v very_o considerable_a and_o i_o will_v commend_v it_o to_o you_o to_o be_v serious_o weigh_v that_o as_o knowledge_n be_v put_v for_o faith_n for_o justify_v faith_n according_a to_o that_o remarkablescripture_n that_o you_o have_v in_o isa._n 53._o where_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n by_o the_o prophet_n by_o his_o knowledge_n shall_v my_o righteous_a servant_n justify_v many_o now_o do_v but_o weigh_v that_o passage_n and_o observe_v this_o expression_n this_o be_v speak_v concern_v christ_n our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o say_v the_o prophet_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o shall_v my_o righteous_a servant_n justify_v many_o why_o do_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n justify_v why_o the_o devil_n know_v he_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o justify_v carnal_a professor_n they_o have_v a_o knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o justify_v i_o but_o that_o be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n as_o that_o they_o that_o have_v it_o shall_v be_v justify_v and_o christ_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o shall_v justify_v many_o now_o what_o knowledge_n be_v this_o i●…_n must_v needs_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o fiducial_a knowledge_n a_o knowledge_n of_o faith_n such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o dependence_n a_o knowledge_n of_o recumbency_n and_o reliance_n upon_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n there_o be_v no_o other_o knowledge_n whereby_o christ_n can_v justify_v soul_n but_o by_o such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o this_o and_o so_o i_o say_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v put_v for_o faith_n and_o be_v use_v to_o be_v set_v forth_o unto_o we_o the_o faith_n whereby_o soul_n be_v justify_v and_o so_o
this_o thing_n this_o belong_v to_o a_o well_o improve_v knowledge_n to_o understand_v that_o christ_n have_v no_o reluctancy_n of_o spirit_n when_o this_o matter_n be_v propound_v to_o he_o and_o when_o the_o matter_n be_v in_o debate_n christ_n come_v in_o with_o no_o negative_n make_v no_o objection_n but_o answer_v thus_o o_o my_o father_n it_o be_v thy_o will_n it_o be_v my_o joy_n it_o please_v thou_o to_o design_v i_o to_o such_o a_o purpose_n o_o my_o father_n thy_o will_n be_v do_v my_o heart_n delight_v in_o it_o thou_o have_v prepare_v i_o a_o body_n o_o i_o come_v into_o the_o world_n with_o that_o body_n and_o i_o delight_n to_o do_v thy_o will_n though_o i_o fore-apprehend_a all_o the_o sorrow_n all_o the_o smart_n all_o the_o shame_n all_o the_o suffering_n all_o the_o burden_n all_o those_o pressure_n that_o i_o must_v undergo_v in_o the_o manage_n of_o this_o great_a and_o glorious_a work_n and_o service_n yet_o i_o stick_v at_o nothing_o o_o father_n it_o be_v meat_n and_o drink_n to_o i_o i_o go_v about_o this_o work_n and_o service_n with_o as_o much_o content_a and_o complacency_n of_o soul_n as_o ever_o a_o hungry_a man_n go_v to_o eat_v his_o meat_n and_o then_o 10._o it_o belong_v to_o a_o well_o improve_v knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o we_o know_v and_o understand_v that_o according_a to_o this_o design_n of_o god_n and_o suitable_o to_o his_o accomplishment_n and_o suitable_o to_o his_o willing_a engage_v of_o himself_o he_o have_v lay_v out_o himself_o to_o the_o utmost_a in_o a_o way_n of_o do_v in_o a_o way_n of_o suffer_v in_o a_o way_n of_o do_v fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n in_o a_o active_a way_n in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o converse_v here_o in_o the_o world_n in_o a_o way_n of_o suffer_v by_o the_o offering_n up_o of_o himself_o a_o sacrifice_n unto_o god_n he_o have_v make_v a_o atonement_n he_o have_v satisfy_v infinite_a justice_n he_o have_v pacify_v infinite_a wrath_n he_o have_v pay_v the_o debt_n to_o the_o utmost_a farthing_n that_o now_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n do_v make_v declaration_n that_o it_o be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o what_o have_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n this_o be_v belong_v to_o a_o well_o improve_v knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n that_o now_o which_o christ_n say_v upon_o the_o cross_n it_o be_v finish_v god_n from_o heaven_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n o_o i_o have_v full_a satisfaction_n i_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o those_o poor_a soul_n that_o my_o son_n have_v engage_v for_o i_o have_v a_o full_a payment_n to_o the_o very_a utmost_a farthing_n 11._o it_o belong_v to_o a_o well_o improve_v knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o we_o understand_v this_o that_o have_v perform_v all_o that_o justice_n can_v require_v in_o a_o way_n of_o do_v or_o in_o a_o way_n of_o suffering_n that_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o preferment_n that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o the_o high_a preferment_n upon_o his_o obedience_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o justice_n and_o upon_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o great_a work_n and_o service_n that_o he_o be_v design_v unto_o god_n have_v advance_v he_o to_o the_o high_a top_n of_o honour_n he_o have_v give_v he_o a_o name_n above_o every_o name_n he_o have_v set_v he_o at_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n above_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n 12._o it_o belong_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o we_o know_v how_o jesus_n christ_n thus_o advance_v on_o high_a and_o thus_o raise_v up_o to_o a_o top_n of_o preferment_n how_o he_o do_v improve_v that_o preferment_n he_o be_v now_o in_o heaven_n he_o be_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n he_o be_v in_o full_a glory_n how_o do_v he_o improve_v this_o glory_n and_o honour_n that_o be_v confer_v upon_o he_o improve_v it_o he_o set_v his_o heart_n upon_o this_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o improvement_n of_o all_o the_o interest_n that_o he_o have_v in_o god_n all_o that_o glory_n and_o power_n and_o majesty_n and_o dominion_n that_o he_o be_v now_o invest_v withal_o he_o set_v his_o heart_n upon_o this_o that_o he_o may_v improve_v this_o for_o the_o benefit_n and_o behoof_n of_o his_o people_n here_o upon_o earth_n he_o make_v it_o his_o continual_a work_n and_o business_n to_o be_v negotiate_v with_o god_n for_o poor_a soul_n for_o who_o he_o have_v shed_v his_o blood_n and_o on_o who_o behalf_n he_o have_v make_v satisfaction_n to_o infinite_a justice_n he_o do_v continual_o appear_v in_o heaven_n before_o god_n to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o now_o do_v but_o lay_v all_o this_o together_o and_o here_o be_v the_o well_o improve_a knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v thus_o to_o knit_v up_o together_o in_o this_o compass_n and_o to_o set_v out_o before_o you_o and_o here_o be_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n lie_v in_o these_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v hold_v out_o this_o morning_n now_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o do_v be_v this_o to_o let_v you_o see_v how_o all_o this_o knowledge_n of_o ou●…_n lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o every_o part_n and_o parcel_n of_o it_o do_v draw_v out_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n of_o a_o believer_n and_o do_v most_o happy_o influence_n it_o so_o that_o all_o this_o knowledge_n be_v as_o a_o fatten_a water_n that_o do_v nourish_v a_o plant_n faith_n be_v plant_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o this_o water_n of_o gospel-knowledge_n concern_v our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v thus_o pour_v upon_o it_o why_o as_o a_o fatten_a water_n it_o make_v the_o plant_n of_o faith_n to_o grow_v and_o shoot_v up_o amain_o there_o be_v never_o a_o experience_a christian_a that_o know_v what_o believe_v mean_n and_o be_v upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o have_v set_v his_o heart_n upon_o this_o that_o he_o may_v make_v a_o improvement_n of_o his_o faith_n there_o be_v never_o a_o experience_a believer_n but_o be_v able_a to_o set_v to_o his_o seal_n oh_o in_o this_o knowledge_n thus_o wrought_v out_o and_o thus_o spread_v forth_o before_o i_o in_o this_o knowledge_n my_o faith_n live_v and_o thrive_v and_o prosper_v and_o swim_v up_o and_o down_o with_o all_o delight_n as_o the_o fish_n in_o the_o water_n you_o may_v easy_o apprehend_v now_o how_o a_o believer_n faith_n will_v grow_v and_o increase_v and_o receive_v strength_n and_o nourishment_n and_o shoot_v up_o amain_o upon_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v suggest_v 1._o as_o now_o when_o a_o poor_a believer_n shall_v think_v thus_o with_o himself_o why_o do_v i_o hesitate_n why_o have_v i_o a_o fluctuate_a heart_n why_o be_v not_o my_o heart_n settle_v and_o fix_v and_o come_v to_o be_v full_a of_o confidence_n in_o god_n why_o i_o consider_v thus_o that_o that_o jesus_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o my_o faith_n he_o be_v god_n over_o all_o bless_v for_o ever_o will_v i_o have_v a_o more_o able_a saviour_n than_o a_o god_n it_o be_v not_o a_o angel_n that_o i_o be_o command_v to_o place_v my_o trust_n in_o no_o it_o be_v god_n bless_v for_o ever_o he_o that_o be_v god_n with_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n as_o great_a as_o god_n as_o good_a as_o god_n why_o shall_v i_o flag_n in_o my_o spirit_n why_o shall_v i_o faint_v why_o shall_v i_o have_v any_o miss-givings_a have_v not_o i_o a_o god_n to_o trust_v upon_o 2._o and_o then_o he_o be_v god_n i_o he_o be_v god-man_n where_o can_v i_o promise_v myself_o pity_n bowel_n compassion_n if_o not_o from_o a_o man_n a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o union_n with_o god_n and_o in_o union_n with_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o he_o may_v be_v accomplish_v that_o he_o may_v be_v every_o way_n most_o compassionate_a and_o suitable_a to_o such_o a_o undertake_n 3._o and_o then_o again_o this_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n where_o can_v i_o place_v my_o trust_n and_o confidence_n so_o free_o as_o upon_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n son_n he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n nay_o he_o be_v his_o dear_o belove_a son_n the_o father_n love_v he_o delight_n in_o he_o he_o delight_v to_o hear_v his_o prayer_n he_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n 4._o nay_o why_o shall_v not_o i_o be_v strong_a in_o my_o faith_n in_o christ_n forasmuch_o as_o this_o jesus_n this_o son_n this_o belove_a son_n this_o delightful_a son_n be_v the_o person_n that_o the_o great_a god_n have_v choose_v and_o design_v to_o such_o a_o purpose_n and_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o every_o
purpose_n and_o yet_o not_o know_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o so_o be_v culpable_a as_o not_o answer_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o text_n which_o require_v a_o growth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o judgement_n by_o the_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v so_o large_o handle_v in_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o this_o text_n much_o have_v be_v speak_v according_a to_o what_o my_o line_n will_v reach_v to_o concern_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n and_o here_o now_o be_v this_o to_o consider_v of_o whether_o we_o be_v not_o deserve_v blame_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o though_o we_o know_v something_o and_o it_o may_v be_v something_o to_o good_a purpose_n in_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n yet_o we_o have_v not_o set_v our_o heart_n to_o make_v the_o advance_v in_o this_o knowledge_n and_o that_o progress_n and_o to_o come_v to_o such_o a_o measure_n and_o degree_n in_o knowledge_n as_o we_o ought_v and_o may_v have_v do_v according_a to_o time_n and_o mean_n and_o true_o i_o think_v that_o there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o but_o we_o may_v find_v this_o cause_n to_o complain_v ah_o sweet_a saviour_n how_o little_a do_v i_o know_v of_o thou_o i_o remember_v how_o that_o holy_a agur_n do_v bemoan_v himself_o even_o upon_o such_o a_o like_a account_n prov._n 30._o sure_o i_o be_o more_o brutish_a than_o any_o man_n i_o have_v not_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n i_o neither_o learned_a wisdom_n nor_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a thus_o he_o bemoan_v himself_o o_o sure_o sure_o we_o may_v most_o complain_v and_o say_v o_o sweet_a saviour_n how_o little_a a_o matter_n do_v i_o know_v of_o thou_o some_o little_a smattering_n there_o be_v but_o alas_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o what_o may_v be_v know_v and_o apprehend_v concern_v thou_o and_o what_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o this_o that_o believer_n holy_a person_n such_o as_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n have_v not_o more_o advance_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o kingdom_n what_o be_v the_o consequence_n and_o true_o the_o consequence_n be_v the_o evidence_n that_o there_o be_v not_o that_o advance_v and_o that_o growth_n in_o this_o holy_a knowledge_n how_o sad_a be_v the_o consequence_n that_o christian_n know_v no_o more_o of_o god_n be_v not_o more_o insighted_a in_o the_o mystery_n concern_v christ._n 1._o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o we_o advance_v no_o more_o in_o faith_n for_o undoubted_o if_o we_o grow_v more_o in_o knowledge_n we_o shall_v grow_v more_o in_o faith_n do_v we_o but_o more_o clear_o apprehend_v and_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v our_o lord_n jesus_n what_o a_o curious_a cast_n there_o be_v in_o the_o business_n of_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n do_v we_o but_o more_o clear_o understand_v and_o apprehend_v and_o know_v the_o continuance_n of_o that_o mystery_n it_o will_v most_o large_o contribute_v to_o the_o promote_a of_o a_o believer_n faith_n and_o the_o unbelief_n will_v fall_v flat_o down_o on_o its_o face_n before_o this_o knowledge_n if_o so_o be_v it_o be_v but_o due_o improve_v 2._o again_o this_o be_v the_o consequence_n we_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n with_o a_o poor_a inconsiderable_a degree_n of_o love_n why_o because_o we_o know_v but_o little_a little_a of_o his_o excellency_n little_a of_o that_o pretiousness_n that_o be_v inhim_n and_o as_o our_o knowledge_n be_v so_o will_v our_o love_n be_v much_o knowledge_n much_o love_n little_a knowledge_n little_a love_n sure_o if_o we_o have_v but_o more_o through_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n we_o shall_v come_v to_o have_v our_o heart_n more_o fire_v with_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n our_o heart_n will_v burn_v within_o we_o if_o so_o be_v that_o we_o have_v but_o more_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o he_o and_o have_v but_o a_o more_o clear_a understanding_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3._o and_o so_o for_o desire_n o_o if_o so_o be_v there_o be_v but_o that_o advance_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n our_o desire_n will_v sparkle_v and_o flame_n out_o most_o strong_o after_o this_o desirable_a christ._n when_o the_o spouse_n have_v inform_v the_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n what_o a_o choice_a one_o what_o a_o incomparable_a one_o he_o be_v than_o they_o cry_v out_o o_o thou_o fair_a among_o woman_n tell_v we_o whither_o thy_o beloved_n be_v go_v that_o we_o may_v seek_v he_o with_o thou_o 4._o whence_o be_v it_o that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o straightheartedness_n to_o the_o precious_a privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o do_v not_o prize_v they_o more_o that_o we_o do_v not_o set_v our_o heart_n more_o upon_o they_o that_o great_a privilege_n of_o justification_n of_o adoption_n of_o access_n to_o god_n of_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o that_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v call_v our_o god_n to_o which_o i_o speak_v the_o last_o day_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o we_o be_v not_o take_v more_o with_o holy_a admiring_n of_o these_o great_a and_o glorious_a privilege_n but_o because_o we_o be_v not_o more_o insighted_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v christ._n whence_o be_v it_o that_o we_o do_v not_o make_v more_o account_n of_o justification_n forgiveness_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o most_o precious_a mercy_n we_o do_v not_o know_v christ_n as_o we_o shall_v and_o what_o it_o cost_v he_o to_o bring_v over_o to_o we_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n 5._o whence_o be_v it_o that_o we_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v tamper_n with_o that_o accurse_a thing_n with_o sin_n that_o we_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v upon_o compliance_n with_o it_o and_o upon_o gratification_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o lust_n of_o it_o we_o know_v not_o christ_n do_v we_o know_v christ_n what_o he_o suffer_v that_o he_o may_v satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o people_n what_o soul-conflict_n he_o have_v and_o how_o he_o be_v press_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v deliver_v his_o people_n from_o the_o everlasting_a curse_n and_o condemnation_n it_o will_v make_v we_o fear_v and_o tremble_v and_o take_v heed_n how_o ever_o we_o deal_v with_o that_o accurse_a thing_n and_o throw_v away_o that_o bloody_a knife_n that_o cut_v the_o very_a throat_n and_o stab_v the_o very_a heart_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n 6._o whence_o be_v it_o that_o we_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v meddle_v with_o the_o world_n and_o apt_a to_o have_v our_o heart_n set_v upon_o these_o beggarly_a vanity_n here_o below_o whence_o be_v it_o but_o because_o we_o know_v not_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o know_v do_v we_o but_o know_v what_o a_o precious_a christ_n he_o be_v we_o will_v set_v light_a by_o the_o world_n and_o account_v nothing_o of_o it_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 7._o whence_o be_v it_o that_o poor_a soul_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v toss_v with_o every_o wind_n of_o temptation_n and_o to_o be_v unsettle_a upon_o every_o occasion_n as_o touch_v their_o peace_n and_o inward_a comfort_n but_o because_o they_o be_v very_o short_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n concern_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o riches_n of_o grace_n that_o discover_v itself_o in_o he_o as_o let_v the_o guile_n be_v what_o it_o can_v be_v that_o may_v be_v represent_v to_o the_o conscience_n the_o conscience_n may_v yet_o upon_o the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n bear_v up_o with_o boldness_n and_o make_v a_o challenge_n unto_o man_n and_o devil_n and_o say_v who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n unto_o our_o charge_n when_o we_o know_v that_o concern_v christ_n concern_v his_o death_n concern_v the_o merit_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n concern_v his_o acceptance_n with_o the_o father_n concern_v his_o plead_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o people_n at_o his_o father_n right_a hand_n we_o have_v that_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o we_o bear_v up_o with_o glorious_a confidence_n and_o with_o bless_a boldness_n and_o we_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o look_v man_n and_o devil_n in_o the_o face_n we_o know_v who_o it_o be_v that_o be_v once_o for_o all_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n that_o be_v not_o make_v with_o hand_n and_o appear_v before_o god_n in_o heaven_n represent_v the_o merit_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o for_o our_o part_n we_o now_o can_v triumph_v with_o a_o holy_a boldness_n and_o say_v who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o our_o
we_o attend_v upon_o and_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o participation_n of_o o_o brethren_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o unbecoming_a the_o spirit_n of_o a_o saint_n when_o man_n be_v at_o this_o point_n if_o they_o have_v but_o enough_o to_o keep_v life_n and_o soul_n together_o if_o they_o have_v but_o bread_n to_o eat_v and_o clothes_n to_o put_v on_o though_o the_o fare_v be_v mean_a and_o the_o clothing_n be_v course_n yet_o if_o they_o have_v but_o enough_o of_o that_o but_o so_o much_o i_o say_v as_o will_v keep_v life_n and_o soul_n together_o they_o can_v be_v content_a indeed_o such_o a_o spirit_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v approve_v on_o when_o we_o can_v be_v content_v with_o a_o low_a portion_n here_o in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v commendable_a in_o respect_n of_o a_o worldly_a state_n here_o but_o as_o to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v approve_v of_o that_o person_n that_o have_v something_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o shall_v rest_v content_v in_o their_o low_a measure_n true_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v deep_o humble_v for_o o_o how_o many_o to_o their_o shame_n may_v it_o be_v speak_v be_v indeed_o the_o shame_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o ordinance_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v of_o they_o quite_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v concern_v the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n o_o woman_n great_a be_v thy_o faith_n true_o brethren_n it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o many_o of_o we_o o_o man_n o_o woman_n great_a be_v thy_o unbelief_n great_a be_v thy_o faith_n nay_o great_a be_v thy_o unbelief_n great_a be_v thy_o holiness_n nay_o true_o thy_o holiness_n be_v very_o little_a thy_o love_n it_o be_v very_o low_a this_o be_v that_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v deep_o humble_v for_o that_o we_o be_v not_o more_o in_o our_o improvement_n and_o advance_n of_o faith_n and_o godliness_n suitable_a to_o the_o command_n that_o be_v here_o give_v that_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o yet_o further_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o will_v say_v it_o be_v not_o altogether_o so_o much_o to_o be_v lament_v if_o this_o be_v all_o though_o there_o be_v cause_n enough_o of_o be_v humble_v and_o abase_v before_o god_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o we_o be_v not_o more_o upon_o our_o advancement_n but_o alas_o how_o much_o sad_a be_v it_o when_o we_o shall_v find_v person_n upon_o their_o decline_a and_o decay_v instead_o of_o grow_v in_o grace_n true_o it_o may_v be_v fear_v concern_v such_o that_o they_o be_v rather_o upon_o their_o decay_n in_o grace_n not_o the_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o once_o they_o be_v for_o love_n to_o god_n for_o zeal_n for_o god_n delight_n in_o ordinance_n breathe_n after_o christ_n delight_v in_o communion_n of_o saint_n close_o walk_v with_o god_n o_o these_o retrograde_a motion_n these_o backward_o motion_n that_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n these_o drawing_n back_o and_o declining_n o_o these_o be_v to_o be_v deep_o lay_v to_o heart_n when_o this_o shall_v be_v say_v concern_v one_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v full_a of_o light_n and_o love_n and_o zeal_n and_o resolution_n for_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v upon_o his_o abatement_n and_o not_o look_v like_o the_o person_n that_o he_o seem_v once_o to_o be_v when_o the_o account_n rise_v up_o concern_v a_o soul_n according_a to_o that_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o unjust_a steward_n he_o take_v a_o account_n how_o much_o owe_v thou_o fourscore_o put_v down_o fifty_o when_o there_o come_v to_o be_v such_o a_o fall_n in_o the_o account_n when_o we_o can_v make_v out_o such_o a_o state_n as_o once_o we_o can_v when_o there_o be_v ephesus-like_a a_o fall_v off_o a_o decay_a in_o our_o first_o love_n a_o cool_a in_o our_o zeal_n for_o god_n o_o brethren_n this_o be_v not_o to_o answer_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o text_n the_o text_n require_v grow_v in_o grace_n o_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v before_o this_o charge_n when_o conscience_n shall_v witness_v to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v rather_o upon_o our_o decline_a true_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v serious_o think_v of_o especial_o in_o such_o a_o day_n wherein_o we_o have_v never_o more_o need_v to_o look_v to_o our_o condition_n and_o state_n god-ward_o not_o know_v what_o time_n we_o may_v fall_v into_o what_o trial_n we_o may_v be_v put_v to_o o_o we_o have_v need_v to_o look_v to_o it_o and_o according_a to_o the_o charge_n that_o be_v give_v to_o ephesus_n to_o repent_v do_v our_o first_o work_n to_o recover_v ourselves_o and_o labour_v not_o only_o to_o hold_v our_o own_o but_o to_o be_v upon_o our_o improvement_n and_o therefore_o that_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n i_o will_v drive_v at_o and_o which_o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o discourse_n withal_o i_o will_v deal_v with_o you_o in_o a_o way_n of_o persuasion_n and_o exhortation_n and_o press_v it_o with_o as_o much_o earnestness_n as_o i_o can_v that_o as_o many_o of_o you_o that_o be_v the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o grace_n that_o can_v give_v any_o good_a account_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o you_o that_o there_o be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o you_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o you_o stand_v that_o you_o will_v conscientious_o apply_v to_o your_o duty_n and_o remember_v that_o this_o be_v the_o charge_n that_o god_n have_v lay_v upon_o you_o that_o you_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o that_o you_o be_v still_o endeavour_v this_o that_o you_o be_v better_o and_o better_o that_o be_v the_o interpretation_n that_o i_o give_v of_o the_o text_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n that_o you_o be_v still_o upon_o your_o advancing_n if_o you_o have_v faith_n and_o love_n and_o holiness_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o meekness_n and_o if_o you_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o godliness_n that_o you_o will_v labour_v to_o have_v more_o of_o it_o that_o you_o may_v not_o be_v always_o weakling_n in_o grace_n oh_o this_o be_v that_o that_o we_o shall_v set_v our_o heart_n upon_o and_o do_v not_o the_o very_a thing_n itself_o invite_v you_o to_o it_o why_o brethren_n can_v you_o have_v too_o much_o of_o god_n can_v you_o have_v too_o much_o of_o christ_n can_v you_o have_v too_o much_o of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n you_o may_v have_v too_o much_o of_o the_o world_n but_o you_o can_v never_o have_v too_o much_o of_o god_n and_o grace_n till_o you_o come_v to_o such_o a_o pitch_n of_o godliness_n that_o you_o need_v not_o make_v any_o further_a advance_n it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o paul_n and_o he_o give_v another_o account_n of_o himself_o though_o alas_o how_o far_o short_a be_v we_o of_o he_o and_o of_o that_o faith_n and_o grace_n that_o be_v attain_v by_o he_o yet_o he_o profess_v though_o he_o be_v not_o behind_o the_o chief_a apostle_n yet_o he_o say_v this_o concern_v himself_o that_o he_o do_v not_o account_v himself_o to_o have_v attain_v but_o he_o forget_v what_o be_v behind_o and_o he_o reach_v to_o that_o which_o be_v before_o and_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n i_o say_v before_o i_o say_v again_o you_o can_v never_o be_v too_o good_a for_o god_n you_o can_v never_o be_v too_o good_a for_o christ_n you_o can_v never_o be_v too_o ripe_a for_o heaven_n when_o you_o come_v to_o the_o issue_n and_o close_v of_o all_o you_o will_v find_v that_o you_o have_v no_o more_o than_o needs_o must_v the_o wise_a virgin_n they_o find_v that_o they_o have_v nothing_o of_o their_o oil_n to_o spare_v when_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n come_v to_o they_o o_o let_v we_o buy_v of_o you_o and_o be_v supply_v by_o you_o no_o say_v they_o lest_o we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o ourselves_o when_o you_o have_v get_v as_o much_o faith_n and_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o holiness_n by_o the_o mean_n and_o ordinance_n that_o you_o do_v attend_v you_o will_v find_v all_o little_a enough_o and_o therefore_o o_o this_o be_v that_o shall_v make_v we_o set_v on_o with_o diligence_n and_o care_n that_o we_o may_v answer_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o text_n and_o be_v upon_o our_o increasing_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n serm._n iii_o there_o must_v not_o only_o be_v life_n but_o growth_n in_o christianity_n and_o this_o be_v the_o burden_n which_o the_o text_n lay_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n now_o let_v pass_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v insist_v upon_o shall_v we_o buckle_v to_o this_o as_o our_o business_n at_o present_a my_o
that_o the_o christian_n be_v as_o his_o faith_n be_v if_o his_o faith_n be_v in_o good_a plight_n his_o other_o grace_n will_v be_v so_o too_o if_o there_o be_v a_o flourish_a faith_n there_o will_v be_v a_o flame_a love_n and_o there_o will_v be_v a_o abound_a and_o a_o increase_n in_o other_o grace_n i'faith_o it_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o all_o other_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n grow_v in_o that_o and_o grow_v in_o all_o now_o if_o you_o ask_v but_o how_o will_v you_o have_v we_o to_o grow_v or_o to_o what_o pitch_n and_o proportion_n will_v you_o have_v we_o to_o arrive_v you_o persuade_v we_o to_o a_o growth_n in_o faith_n what_o growth_n be_v it_o that_o you_o press_v we_o to_o will_v you_o now_o but_o a_o little_a weigh_v these_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v to_o communicate_v i_o tell_v you_o thus_o your_o growth_n in_o faith_n if_o so_o be_v that_o you_o will_v answer_v your_o duty_n it_o must_v first_o be_v a_o growth_n practical_o answer_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o faith_n that_o you_o come_v up_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o as_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o faith_n as_o you_o can_v 2._o that_o in_o a_o practical_a way_n you_o may_v answer_v the_o testimony_n that_o be_v give_v of_o faith_n 3._o that_o in_o a_o practical_a way_n you_o may_v answer_v the_o eminent_a and_o signal_n example_n and_o pattern_n of_o faith_n 4._o that_o in_o a_o practical_a way_n you_o may_v perform_v the_o act_n and_o express_v the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o faith_n all_o this_o in_o a_o practical_a way_n and_o then_o shall_v you_o answer_v the_o duty_n and_o approve_v yourselves_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v person_n of_o a_o well_o grow_v faith_n first_o of_o all_o when_o i_o persuade_v you_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n in_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n interpret_v thus_o that_o every_o believe_a soul_n be_v to_o look_v unto_o and_o to_o press_v after_o such_o a_o growth_n as_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o attainment_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o faith_n in_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o thus_o we_o distinguish_v of_o a_o weak_a faith_n and_o of_o a_o strong_a faith_n we_o distinguish_v of_o a_o faith_n of_o adherence_n and_o of_o a_o faith_n of_o evidence_n and_o assurance_n we_o speak_v of_o believer_n some_o that_o be_v poor_a in_o faith_n other_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n expression_n in_o james_n the_o poor_a of_o this_o world_n rich_a in_o faith_n we_o distinguish_v of_o a_o live_a faith_n and_o of_o a_o lively_a faith_n we_o distinguish_v of_o a_o combat_v faith_n and_o of_o a_o conquer_a faith_n of_o a_o conflict_a faith_n and_o of_o a_o triumph_a faith_n such_o distinction_n there_o be_v now_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o press_v after_o such_o a_o growth_n that_o we_o may_v be_v in_o the_o advance_n and_o come_v up_o to_o the_o high_a degree_n that_o we_o can_v attain_v unto_o our_o saviour_n complain_v of_o the_o disciple_n o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n import_v thus_o much_o that_o their_o duty_n be_v for_o to_o be_v much_o in_o faith_n and_o to_o have_v a_o great_a faith_n a_o well_o grow_v faith_n such_o a_o faith_n as_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n of_o who_o i_o shall_v speak_v o_o woman_n great_a be_v thy_o faith_n there_o be_v that_o be_v poor_a in_o faith_n they_o have_v but_o a_o poor_a degree_n and_o measure_n of_o faith_n but_o even_o as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o will_v keep_v life_n and_o soul_n together_o as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v all_o that_o they_o can_v do_v be_v but_o to_o keep_v in_o life_n i_o but_o now_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o look_v after_o a_o inrichment_n in_o faith_n that_o we_o may_v live_v like_o rich_a man_n live_v at_o a_o high_a rate_n that_o we_o may_v spend_v and_o spend_v very_o large_o this_o be_v our_o duty_n that_o we_o have_v a_o lively_a faith_n a_o faith_n so_o improve_v as_o that_o its_o quick_a and_o active_a and_o nimble_a and_o can_v put_v on_o vigorous_o in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n this_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o grow_v from_o one_o degree_n to_o another_o to_o be_v strong_a and_o strong_a to_o proceed_v from_o faith_n of_o adherence_n unto_o faith_n of_o assurance_n not_o only_o to_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o recumbency_n that_o we_o can_v hang_v upon_o christ_n and_o roll_n ourselves_o upon_o he_o for_o salvation_n but_o that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o have_v a_o faith_n of_o confidence_n that_o we_o may_v not_o only_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o promise_n but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v persuade_v of_o our_o personal_a interest_n and_o propriety_n in_o promise_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o only_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o of_o our_o title_n to_o they_o that_o we_o may_v not_o only_o be_v able_a to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a by_o faith_n to_o say_v i_o and_o this_o jesus_n come_v to_o save_v i_o as_o much_o as_o any_o other_o sinner_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v only_o able_a to_o say_v he_o love_v his_o people_n and_o give_v himself_o for_o his_o people_n but_o we_o may_v be_v able_a by_o a_o well-improved_n faith_n to_o say_v yea_o he_o love_v i_o and_o he_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o thus_o can_v paul_n say_v such_o be_v paul_n faith_n a_o faith_n of_o assurance_n when_o we_o can_v only_o reflect_v with_o fear_n and_o difficulty_n but_o we_o can_v trample_v upon_o they_o and_o triumph_v over_o they_o and_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o length_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v i_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o christ._n such_o a_o growth_n we_o shall_v have_v that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o bear_v up_o with_o a_o holy_a confidence_n towards_o god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o i_o know_v that_o my_o redeemer_n live_v we_o know_v that_o if_o this_o tabernacle_n be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o build_n of_o god_n a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o we_o shall_v press_v after_o a_o faith_n of_o such_o a_o size_n as_o this_o of_o such_o a_o proportion_n as_o this_o and_o not_o rest_v content_v with_o this_o that_o we_o can_v hang_v upon_o christ_n though_o its_o a_o great_a mercy_n to_o have_v the_o least_o degree_n of_o faith_n yet_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v press_v to_o that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o a_o holy_a confidence_n towards_o god_n this_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o that_o that_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o grow_a faith_n that_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n 2._o our_o duty_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o faith_n and_o to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o growth_n in_o faith_n as_o that_o we_o may_v answer_v the_o high_a and_o honourable_a and_o glorious_a testimony_n that_o be_v give_v of_o faith_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v in_o our_o justification_n of_o such_o testimony_n and_o say_v thus_o and_o thus_o be_v faith_n testify_v of_o it_o be_v a_o true_a testimony_n i_o be_o able_a to_o prove_v it_o i_o be_o able_a to_o speak_v it_o out_o of_o my_o own_o person_n and_o from_o my_o own_o experience_n it_o be_v our_o bless_a sayiours_n speech_n wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n if_o we_o will_v approve_v ourselves_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o wisdom_n we_o shall_v look_v after_o this_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o justify_v the_o say_n of_o wisdom_n now_o what_o be_v the_o say_n of_o wisdom_n concern_v faith_n the_o testimony_n that_o be_v give_v of_o it_o mark_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 11_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o it_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v be_v this_o a_o true_a testimony_n it_o may_v be_v you_o will_v say_v you_o believe_v this_o that_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n concern_v faith_n ay_o but_o what_o of_o that_o be_v it_o a_o truth_n in_o you_o be_v your_o faith_n such_o a_o faith_n be_v you_o able_a to_o subscribe_v to_o this_o and_o to_o say_v yea_o bless_a be_v god_n i_o can_v speak_v this_o from_o my_o own_o experience_n and_o say_v faith_n be_v to_o i_o the_o substance_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v hope_v for_o faith_n be_v in_o i_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v
strength_n of_o his_o faith_n due_o improve_v he_o may_v cry_v victoria_n even_o while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o fight_n yet_o victory_n victory_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n more_o than_o conqueror_n this_o be_v the_o victory_n so_o be_v a_o well_o improve_v faith_n and_o such_o shall_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o believer_n be_v and_o of_o such_o a_o growth_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v his_o victory_n i_o be_o hamper_v with_o lust_n corruption_n temptation_n and_o heavy_o press_v with_o they_o and_o miserable_o yoke_v and_o the_o poor_a soul_n cry_v out_o with_o the_o apostle_n o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o what_o a_o tedious_a wearisome_a life_n have_v i_o of_o it_o i_o can_v be_v quiet_a not_o a_o day_n to_o a_o end_n and_o yet_o triumph_n and_o say_v i_o thank_v god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o sing_v victoria_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n these_o thing_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o hard_a thing_n for_o faith_n and_o alas_o poor_a creature_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o startle_v at_o such_o kind_n of_o measure_n and_o stature_n when_o they_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o thus_o to_o press_v after_o but_o this_o be_v the_o account_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o improvement_n to_o be_v make_v of_o it_o and_o such_o a_o improvement_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v after_o and_o such_o a_o growth_n as_o we_o may_v come_v to_o this_o to_o have_v faith_n to_o be_v our_o victory_n my_o faith_n be_v my_o victory_n and_o i_o see_v my_o victory_n in_o every_o stroke_n i_o strike_v and_o this_o be_v the_o growth_n that_o we_o shall_v propound_v to_o ourselves_o shall_v i_o tell_v you_o yet_o further_o i_o be_o signify_v to_o you_o that_o our_o faith_n shall_v be_v of_o such_o a_o growth_n as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v that_o it_o may_v be_v the_o victory_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n while_o the_o world_n seem_v to_o trample_v we_o down_o under_o foot_n with_o the_o scorn_n and_o reproach_n and_o hard_a usage_n of_o it_o yet_o a_o believer_n can_v say_v i_o thank_v god_n i_o have_v the_o world_n more_o under_o foot_n a_o thousand_o time_n than_o i_o be_o under_o it_o it_o seem_v to_o trample_v upon_o i_o but_o i_o trample_v upon_o it_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o that_o purpose_n i_o glory_n in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o which_o say_v he_o i_o be_o crucify_v to_o the_o world_n ay_o and_o the_o world_n be_v as_o much_o crucify_v unto_o i_o as_o i_o be_o to_o it_o for_o its_o heart_n and_o i_o can_v set_v as_o light_v by_o it_o as_o it_o set_v by_o i_o i_o can_v scorn_v the_o scorn_n and_o despise_v the_o despising_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o our_o faith_n will_v come_v to_o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o a-wanting_a to_o ourselves_o i_o will_v say_v this_o to_o the_o weak_a believer_n in_o the_o congregation_n his_o faith_n will_v and_o shall_v come_v to_o this_o to_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v to_o be_v the_o victory_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n yet_o further_o i_o add_v this_o this_o be_v the_o report_n and_o testimony_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o believer_n by_o faith_n there_o have_v be_v the_o subdue_a of_o kingdom_n work_v righteousness_n obtain_v promise_n quench_v violence_n of_o fire_n grow_v strong_a out_o of_o weakness_n turn_v to_o flight_v the_o army_n of_o alien_n open_v of_o heaven_n bind_v up_o of_o heaven_n what_o not_o o_o the_o mighty_a thing_n that_o be_v testify_v to_o be_v within_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v obtain_v this_o be_v the_o testimony_n that_o be_v give_v of_o faith_n now_o our_o faith_n shall_v be_v of_o such_o a_o growth_n and_o so_o improve_v that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o justify_v these_o testimony_n in_o our_o own_o experience_n by_o faith_n they_o subdue_v kingdom_n so_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o heb._n 11._o what_o kingdom_n do_v moses_n and_o joshua_n subdue_v by_o faith_n a_o believer_n faith_n shall_v be_v of_o such_o a_o growth_n as_o that_o it_o may_v subdue_v kingdom_n true_o he_o that_o can_v subdue_v a_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n within_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o subdue_v all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o spiritual_a way_n subdue_v kingdom_n and_o vanquish_v army_n say_v david_n though_o 10000_o shall_v encamp_v against_o i_o in_o this_o will_v i_o be_v confident_a such_o a_o faith_n as_o that_o it_o will_v do_v wonder_n work_v miracle_n such_o a_o faith_n as_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o omnipotency_n in_o it_o and_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o god_n in_o christ_n my_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v that_o whereby_o i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n now_o such_o a_o faith_n we_o shall_v labour_v to_o grow_v to_o as_o may_v have_v such_o a_o mighty_a arm_n and_o power_n as_o it_o be_v able_a to_o carry_v all_o before_o it_o that_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n 3._o the_o faith_n of_o a_o believer_n it_o shall_v be_v of_o such_o a_o growth_n as_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o answer_v in_o a_o practical_a way_n unto_o those_o eminent_a example_n of_o person_n that_o have_v be_v of_o a_o well-grown_a faith_n consider_v what_o pattern_n there_o be_v abraham_n he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o faith_n and_o what_o be_v his_o faith_n what_o be_v his_o pitch_n and_o stature_n and_o proportion_n i_o give_v you_o something_o of_o account_n before_o but_o shall_v further_o express_v it_o abraham_n he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o that_o god_n testify_v concern_v he_o o_o abraham_n he_o believe_v god_n and_o it_o be_v account_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n when_o he_o have_v all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n that_o can_v be_v from_o rest_v upon_o the_o promise_n that_o god_n have_v make_v yet_o say_v the_o text_n he_o believe_v god_n god_n promise_v to_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o son_n though_o his_o body_n be_v dead_a and_o sarahs_n body_n be_v dead_a and_o according_a to_o nature_n there_o be_v no_o possibility_n that_o thing_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v yet_o abraham_n he_o consider_v neither_o one_o thing_n nor_o another_o but_o he_o do_v eye_n the_o promise_n have_v god_n say_v it_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v i_o shall_v have_v a_o son_n because_o god_n have_v promise_v i_o a_o son_n and_o though_o i_o be_o 100_o year_n old_a and_o sarah_n 90_o year_n old_a yet_o god_n have_v say_v it_o there_o be_v death_n in_o the_o body_n but_o there_o be_v life_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o i_o rest_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o faithful_a god_n i_o will_v trust_v his_o word_n abraham_n believe_v god_n and_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n through_o unbelief_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o he_o become_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n he_o will_v believe_v any_o thing_n that_o god_n speak_v and_o he_o will_v perform_v any_o thing_n that_o god_n do_v require_v and_o so_o discover_v himself_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n now_o i_o say_v such_o a_o faith_n be_v abraham_n and_o what_o shall_v hinder_v but_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v of_o such_o a_o faith_n sure_o brethren_n this_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o be_v as_o good_a as_o abraham_n be_v what_o shall_v hinder_v why_o have_v not_o we_o as_o good_a gospel_n as_o good_a ordinance_n as_o precious_a mean_n as_o ever_o abraham_n have_v and_o what_o shall_v hinder_v but_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v of_o as_o good_a a_o faith_n as_o abraham_n be_v such_o a_o believer_n be_v he_o as_o you_o hear_v of_o startle_v at_o nothing_o that_o god_n have_v promise_v but_o he_o will_v believe_v he_o and_o take_v he_o at_o his_o word_n such_o a_o believer_n be_v moses_n that_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o he_o can_v stand_v up_o for_o god_n and_o bear_v up_o with_o a_o holy_a confidence_n concern_v his_o salvation_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o destruction_n before_o his_o eye_n fear_v not_o say_v he_o fear_v not_o why_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o matter_n of_o fear_n before_o we_o stand_v still_o why_o if_o we_o stand_v still_o our_o enemy_n will_v be_v upon_o the_o back_n of_o we_o and_o confound_v we_o the_o egyptian_n be_v come_v out_o and_o be_v pursue_v we_o with_o all_o the_o spite_n and_o rage_n that_o may_v be_v and_o see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n why_o we_o can_v see_v nothing_o but_o destruction_n before_o we_o i_o but_o say_v moses_n salvation_n be_v before_o your_o eye_n and_o you_o may_v by_o faith_n see_v and_o behold_v it_o here_o be_v a_o well-improved_n faith_n and_o to_o this_o pitch_n shall_v we_o grow_v o_o what_o a_o faith_n
yet_o the_o very_a same_o law_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o righteousness_n it_o be_v a_o rod_n in_o the_o hand_n and_o of_o precious_a use_n and_o this_o be_v that_o wherein_o the_o growth_n of_o faith_n will_v discover_v itself_o when_o we_o can_v thus_o jadicious_o manage_v the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o law_n so_o as_o to_o appeal_v from_o it_o and_o yet_o to_o apply_v to_o it_o to_o rejoice_v in_o a_o freedom_n from_o it_o and_o from_o its_o severity_n and_o yet_o rejoice_v in_o hold_v a_o compliance_n and_o correspondency_n with_o it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o gracious_a holy_a rule_n that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o conform_v unto_o and_o this_o be_v another_o thing_n which_o i_o offer_v to_o you_o to_o be_v judicious_o consider_v of_o that_o you_o may_v show_v forth_o the_o growth_n of_o your_o faith_n in_o this_o way_n yet_o further_o grow_v in_o grace_n grow_v in_o faith_n and_o how_o shall_v it_o appear_v thus_o grow_v in_o faith_n so_o as_o that_o while_o you_o remember_v former_a guilt_n deep_a and_o dreadful_a guilt_n that_o have_v be_v contract_v upon_o you_o while_n upon_o review_n of_o former_a curse_a carriage_n and_o practice_n upon_o review_n and_o upon_o reflection_n you_o can_v remember_v deep_o contract_v guilt_n upon_o your_o conscience_n under_o which_o it_o may_v be_v you_o labour_v as_o under_o a_o unsupportable_a burden_n yet_o at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o the_o remembrance_n of_o former_a dreadful_a guilt_n contract_v be_v revive_v yet_o you_o can_v at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n bear_v up_o with_o a_o holy_a confidence_n towards_o god_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o that_o rich_a and_o glorious_a grace_n which_o have_v appear_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n while_n with_o freedom_n and_o as_o become_v a_o gospel-spirit_n of_o ingenuity_n you_o can_v draw_v up_o a_o charge_n against_o yourselves_o and_o say_v i_o be_v a_o persecuter_n as_o paul_n speak_v i_o be_v a_o blasphemer_n i_o be_v injurious_a i_o be_v a_o notorious_a drunkard_n i_o be_v a_o profane_a curse_a swearer_n i_o be_v hellish_o vicious_a thus_o and_o thus_o i_o be_v and_o thus_o and_o thus_o i_o do_v acknowledge_v i_o remember_v well_o how_o the_o case_n stand_v with_o i_o what_o a_o curse_a course_n i_o take_v and_o how_o i_o run_v on_o in_o the_o road_n to_o hell_n &_o destruction_n without_o any_o fear_n &_o control_v &_o how_o fast_o i_o be_v ripen_v sore_a hell_n and_o destruction_n i_o remember_v this_o and_o yet_o i_o can_v remember_v it_o without_o despondency_n i_o can_v remember_v it_o without_o a_o break_n and_o bleed_a soul_n to_o think_v that_o ever_o i_o shall_v carry_v it_o so_o towards_o the_o lord_n and_o yet_o withal_o i_o can_v bear_v up_o in_o a_o rejoice_v spirit_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o superabounding_a grace_n while_o you_o can_v charge_v yourselves_o so_o as_o it_o may_v be_v none_o in_o the_o world_n can_v make_v the_o like_a charge_n upon_o you_o yet_o notwithstanding_o you_o can_v make_v a_o bold_a challenge_n and_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o rom._n 8._o who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o my_o charge_n this_o be_v a_o excellent_a thing_n and_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o well-improved_n and_o well-grown_a faith_n when_o it_o come_v to_o this_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o faith_n of_o good_a growth_n that_o will_v enable_v to_o this_o poor_a weakling_n in_o faith_n and_o grace_n when_o they_o come_v to_o remember_v their_o former_a curse_a carriage_n o_o how_o apt_a to_o fall_v under_o deep_a despondency_n and_o to_o be_v possess_v with_o horror_n and_o astonishment_n and_o to_o be_v dispute_v against_o themselves_o and_o concern_v their_o estate_n and_o ready_a to_o conclude_v alas_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o ever_o such_o a_o miserable_a misereant_fw-la as_o i_o shall_v find_v grace_n to_o relieve_v 〈◊〉_d favour_n with_o god_n forgiveness_n of_o sin_n sure_o this_o burden_n will_v sink_v my_o soul_n this_o guilt_n will_v press_v i_o down_o to_o hell_n such_o deep_a and_o dreadful_a guilt_n o_o such_o stain_n upon_o my_o conscience_n what_o can_v fetch_v they_o out_o what_o plaster_v broad_a enough_o to_o cover_v such_o sore_n what_o price_n great_a enough_o to_o say_v such_o debt_n a_o poor_a weakling_n in_o faith_n be_v apt_a to_o argue_v thus_o to_o the_o sink_v and_o over-whelming_a of_o his_o spirit_n but_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o be_v well-grown_a that_o will_v enable_v the_o soul_n at_o this_o same_o time_n eye_v guilt_n and_o eye_v grace_n see_v the_o plague_n and_o see_v the_o plaster_n and_o take_v knowlodge_n of_o the_o supper_n abundance_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n above_o his_o contract_a guilt_n for_o to_o bear_v up_o with_o a_o holy_a confidence_n and_o as_o i_o say_v before_o to_o charge_n and_o challenge_v to_o charge_v itself_o and_o yet_o challenge_v the_o accuser_n and_o say_v who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o lay_v any_o thing_n unto_o my_o charge_n i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v i_o know_v whither_o i_o have_v sle_z for_o refuge_n i_o know_v where_o i_o have_v anchor_v i_o know_v upon_o what_o foundation_n i_o have_v build_v my_o hope_n and_o confidence_n upon_o here_o be_v the_o well-grown_a faith_n a_o faith_n which_o will_v give_v the_o great_a glory_n to_o god_n when_o a_o man_n can_v look_v upon_o all_o the_o evil_n that_o ever_o be_v commit_v by_o he_o with_o a_o melt_a dissolve_v soul_n yet_o notwithstanding_o bear_v up_o with_o boldness_n and_o say_v i_o but_o i_o know_v that_o not_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o shall_v ever_o be_v lay_v to_o my_o charge_n and_o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v will_v you_o but_o weigh_v these_o thing_n and_o consider_v of_o they_o and_o know_v that_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n which_o we_o be_v to_o press_v after_o and_o so_o which_o follow_v upon_o the_o former_a such_o a_o growth_n in_o faith_n shall_v we_o press_v after_o as_o that_o while_o we_o see_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o sad_o complain_v of_o the_o pressure_n under_o which_o we_o lie_v and_o how_o miserable_o we_o be_v yoke_v while_o we_o do_v so_o and_o see_v cause_n to_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o apostle_n o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o by_o reason_n of_o what_o by_o reason_n of_o a_o law_n in_o my_o member_n rebel_a against_o the_o law_n of_o my_o mind_n o_o miserable_a wretch_n what_o darkness_n be_v in_o my_o understanding_n what_o perverseness_n in_o my_o will_n what_o inordinacy_n in_o my_o affection_n what_o a_o crabbed_a perverse_a nature_n have_v i_o o_o what_o a_o rebel_a soul_n be_v there_o in_o i_o when_o i_o will_v do_v good_a evil_a be_v present_a and_o so_o the_o poor_a soul_n labour_n and_o make_v sad_a complaint_n and_o moan_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n yet_o notwithstanding_o at_o the_o same_o time_n can_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n but_o though_o it_o be_v thus_o yet_o bless_a be_v god_n i_o thank_v god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n though_o i_o serve_v with_o my_o flesh_n the_o law_n of_o sin_n yet_o with_o my_o spirit_n i_o serve_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n though_o there_o be_v a_o rebel_a law_n yet_o i_o find_v another_o law_n a_o law_n in_o my_o mind_n that_o make_v opposition_n to_o that_o rebel_a law_n and_o i_o find_v principle_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n act_v most_o vigorous_o in_o opposition_n to_o those_o principle_n and_o though_o they_o tug_v and_o wrestle_v and_o struggle_v with_o i_o yet_o i_o be_o utter_o set_v against_o compliance_n with_o they_o and_o be_o resolve_v upon_o this_o that_o i_o will_v never_o make_v any_o league_n with_o they_o but_o i_o will_v do_v the_o utmost_a i_o can_v for_o to_o ruin_v they_o to_o be_v the_o death_n of_o they_o i_o thank_v god_n through_o jesus_n christ._n this_o be_v now_o the_o faith_n that_o we_o shall_v press_v after_o that_o we_o may_v thus_o bear_v up_o with_o courage_n and_o resolution_n and_o while_o we_o see_v our_o own_o blemish_n yet_o we_o can_v rejoice_v to_o think_v what_o a_o beauty_n be_v upon_o we_o through_o jesus_n christ._n we_o can_v see_v blemish_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v see_v perfection_n of_o beauty_n that_o we_o be_v make_v comely_a through_o the_o comelyness_n which_o by_o grace_n be_v put_v upon_o we_o then_o again_o such_o a_o growth_n in_o faith_n our_o duty_n be_v to_o press_v after_o and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v i_o be_o never_o more_o fearful_a to_o sin_n against_o god_n than_o when_o i_o be_o least_o fearful_a for_o to_o be_v condemn_v by_o god_n o_o it_o be_v a_o bless_a proof_n of_o a_o well-grown_a faith_n and_o such_o a_o faith_n shall_v we_o endeavour_v to_o and_o a_o faith_n of_o such_o a_o growth_n that_o we_o
everlasting_a covenant_n which_o be_v order_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o sure_a when_o it_o be_v not_o pen_v up_o but_o have_v scope_n in_o our_o understanding_n when_o we_o can_v take_v in_o this_o mystery_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n in_o the_o proportion_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o business_n of_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v that_o which_o will_v not_o be_v perform_v to_o any_o good_a purpose_n unless_o there_o be_v some_o considarable_a improvement_n and_o growth_n in_o faith_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v so_o earnest_o pray_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n in_o eph._n 1._o say_v he_o i_o cease_v not_o to_o give_v thanks_o for_o you_o make_v mention_n of_o you_o in_o my_o prayer_n that_o the_o god_n of_o 〈◊〉_d lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o glory_n may_v give_v 〈◊〉_d y●…_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o bl●…_n the_o eye_n of_o your_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v that_o y●…_n may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o call_v and_o what_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o inheritance_n in_o the_o saint_n and_o what_o be_v the_o exeecede_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o we_o ward_n who_o beli●…e_v according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n o_o how_o earnest_n be_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o behalf_n or_o the_o ephesian_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 14._o s●…th_n he_o i_o b●…v_v my_o knee_n to_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o can_v grant_v unto_o you_o according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n to_o be_v strengthen_v with_o might_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o inward_a man_n that_o christ_n may_v dwell_v in_o your_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o say_v he_o that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v with_o all_o saint_n what_o be_v the_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o depth_n and_o height_n and_o to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o ●…d_n two_o passage_n they_o be_v of_o scripture_n which_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o believe_a soul_n to_o be_v well_o study_v in_o that_o part_n which_o i_o read_v to_o you_o out_o of_o the_o first_o chapt._n and_o this_o in_o the_o three_o i_o say_v they_o be_v of_o some_o proper_a cognisance_n ●…r_v man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v bring_v over_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v studious_a of_o approve_v themselves_o unto_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o may_v answer_v their_o duty_n concern_v these_o thing_n that_o be_v here_o make_v mention_n of_o that_o there_o may_v be_v not_o only_o as_o i_o say_v before_o a_o weak_a and_o dim_a and_o dark_a apprehension_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o comprehension_n that_o the_o mystery_n may_v stand_v full_a and_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v complete_a in_o we_o in_o all_o the_o proportion_n of_o it_o that_o the_o gospel_n may_v not_o be_v straighten_v in_o our_o understanding_n true_o friend_n this_o be_v a_o great_a matter_n if_o you_o will_v but_o set_v your_o heart_n upon_o it_o and_o serious_o weigh_v and_o ponder_v what_o i_o drive_v now_o alas_o how_o little_a be_v there_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o our_o heart_n have_v already_o receive_v how_o little_a of_o it_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n god_n be_v scant_v and_o shorten_v in_o the_o love_n praise_n and_o honour_n that_o be_v due_a to_o he_o and_o which_o our_o heart_n will_v be_v enlarge_v to_o yield_v up_o if_o we_o be_v but_o more_o careful_a to_o answer_v our_o duty_n this_o way_n i_o do_v profess_v this_o morning_n to_o you_o that_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n that_o be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o any_o save_a work_n upon_o your_o heart_n and_o that_o you_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o you_o i_o do_v profess_v here_o and_o testify_v to_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o this_o do_v more_o near_o concern_v you_o for_o to_o look_v unto_o that_o these_o two_o scripture_n may_v be_v better_o answer_v by_o you_o that_o you_o do_v not_o please_v yourselves_o in_o that_o straightness_n of_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o you_o and_o discover_v itself_o but_o that_o you_o be_v so_o heighten_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o enlargement_n of_o heart_n in_o believe_v that_o you_o may_v take_v in_o the_o mystery_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o or_o else_o you_o will_v not_o so_o due_o answer_v that_o which_o be_v require_v of_o you_o as_o touch_v your_o growth_n in_o faith_n and_o grace_n think_v what_o you_o will_v of_o it_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v a_o duty_n that_o lie_v upon_o believer_n to_o perform_v that_o they_o be_v of_o comprehensive_a spirit_n and_o that_o they_o labour_v to_o work_v out_o to_o a_o more_o inlargedness_n of_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v be_v so_o enable_v to_o comprehend_v with_o all_o the_o saint_n the_o height_n and_o depth_n and_o breadth_n and_o length_n or_o else_o you_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o give_v that_o glory_n to_o god_n and_o honour_n to_o christ_n never_o be_v so_o much_o in_o admiring_n of_o the_o glorious_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o otherwise_o you_o will_v i_o will_v you_o will_v a_o little_a think_v of_o this_o point_n and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o do_v profess_v i_o know_v nothing_o that_o be_v more_o proper_a for_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o dispenser_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n to_o be_v more_o earnest_n in_o press_v and_o urge_v upon_o believer_n than_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v but_o alas_o how_o low_o spirit_v be_v most_o believer_n believer_n that_o it_o may_v be_v have_v get_v as_o much_o faith_n as_o will_v secure_v they_o from_o hell_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n but_o as_o for_o the_o mystery_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o in_o the_o dimension_n of_o it_o in_o the_o latitude_n of_o it_o o_o how_o uncapable_a of_o a_o due_a apprehension_n of_o it_o will_v you_o therefore_o but_o consider_v of_o this_o this_o be_v one_o thing_n i_o it_o be_v it_o be_v that_o which_o do_v main_o concern_v those_o that_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o they_o for_o to_o be_v very_o solicitous_a about_o and_o studious_a to_o be_v answerable_a to_o i_o leave_v it_o with_o you_o but_o know_v that_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n have_v lay_v this_o burden_n upon_o you_o and_o i_o this_o morning_n as_o many_o of_o we_o as_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o lord_n jesus_n lay_v this_o burden_n upon_o you_o this_o morning_n that_o you_o look_v to_o it_o that_o there_o be_v a_o comprehensiveness_n of_o spirit_n concern_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v christ_n in_o you_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n and_o so_o i_o let_v it_o pass_v i_o leave_v it_o with_o you_o to_o be_v study_v and_o ponder_v upon_o and_o as_o you_o will_v answer_v it_o to_o christ_n another_o day_n take_v heed_n that_o this_o particular_a among_o the_o rest_n be_v not_o slight_o pass_v over_o again_o your_o duty_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o faith_n and_o so_o will_v you_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o you_o do_v grow_v when_o you_o come_v to_o have_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v not_o only_o a_o live_a faith_n but_o a_o lively_a faith_n a_o active_a stir_v faith_n within_o you_o when_o you_o come_v to_o have_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o that_o you_o do_v not_o only_o live_v by_o it_o but_o that_o you_o live_v rich_o by_o it_o there_o be_v many_o a_o man_n that_o live_v and_o get_v a_o livelihood_n he_o have_v bread_n for_o the_o day_n he_o have_v to_o supply_v his_o necessity_n but_o he_o live_v at_o a_o low_a poor_a rate_n he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o rise_v up_o to_o those_o expense_n that_o other_o be_v able_a to_o b●…ar_v so_o there_o be_v i_o say_v many_o believer_n they_o live_v they_o g●…t_v bread_n for_o the_o day_n they_o get_v a_o subsistence_n by_o their_o faith_n but_o they_o live_v poor_o at_o a_o low_a rate_n they_o do_v not_o keep_v a_o good_a house_n they_o do_v not_o spend_v like_o rich_a man_n there_o be_v that_o be_v rich_a in_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n use_v the_o expression_n in_o the_o second_o epist._n of_o james_n that_o be_v rich_a in_o faith_n that_o be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v press_v to_o to_o such_o a_o growth_n in_o faith_n that_o we_o may_v live_v like_o
rich_a man_n keep_v a_o good_a hose_n and_o maintain_v a_o full_a table_n that_o we_o may_v feed_v high_o from_o day_n to_o day_n there_o be_v mention_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v clothe_v in_o purple_a and_o fare_v delicious_o every_o day_n thus_o it_o may_v have_v be_v and_o yet_o the_o man_n not_o culpable_a if_o he_o have_v fare_v thus_o with_o a_o heavenly_a mind_n and_o have_v not_o set_v his_o heart_n upon_o these_o thing_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o only_a portion_n for_o soul_n to_o sit_v down_o satisfy_v withal_o no_o doubt_n god_n do_v allow_v person_n that_o have_v a_o large_a portion_n of_o the_o world_n than_o other_o have_v to_o go_v better_o clad_v and_o to_o feed_v at_o a_o high_a rate_n than_o other_o do_v that_o have_v not_o such_o estate_n this_o man_n it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v clothe_v in_o purple_a and_o fare_v delicious_o every_o day_n why_o true_o brethren_n there_o be_v such_o believer_n to_o be_v find_v though_o i_o think_v the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v very_o small_a there_o be_v such_o of_o who_o it_o may_v be_v thus_o testify_v and_o it_o be_v a_o honourable_a testimony_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v clothe_v in_o purple_a in_o scarlet_a and_o they_o fare_v delicious_o every_o day_n they_o go_v clothe_v in_o princely_a robe_n they_o be_v clothe_v in_o the_o scarlet_a robe_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o robe_n of_o righteousness_n which_o have_v be_v die_v in_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o they_o walk_v like_o prince_n son_n and_o daughter_n and_o they_o fare_v delicious_o every_o day_n they_o keep_v a_o continual_a feast_n feed_v upon_o the_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n these_o be_v the_o person_n of_o a_o well-grown_a faith_n and_o it_o be_v their_o honour_n so_o to_o be_v thus_o they_o live_v thus_o to_o bear_v up_o in_o pomp_n and_o state_n to_o live_v like_o king_n child_n and_o for_o to_o spend_v large_o know_v that_o their_o estate_n will_v bear_v they_o out_o they_o have_v such_o a_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o covenant_n as_o will_v bring_v in_o sufficient_a to_o defray_v their_o expense_n from_o day_n to_o day_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n they_o have_v that_o which_o will_v make_v a_o supply_n to_o they_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n and_o these_o be_v the_o person_n that_o be_v rich_a in_o faith_n now_o such_o a_o growth_n in_o faith_n be_v our_o duty_n to_o press_v after_o as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o live_v but_o that_o we_o may_v live_v at_o a_o high_a rate_n feed_v full_o and_o large_o and_o be_v feast_v upon_o christ_n feast_v upon_o the_o promise_n the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n feed_v upon_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v feed_v to_o the_o full_a without_o any_o fear_n of_o a_o surfe●…_n this_o be_v the_o well-grown_a faith_n and_o such_o a_o faith_n brethren_n and_o friend_n we_o be_v to_o press_v after_o such_o a_o faith_n be_v not_o only_o a_o conflict_a but_o it_o be_v a_o conquer_a and_o a_o triumph_a faith_n this_o be_v the_o well_o grow_v faith_n that_o they_o may_v not_o only_o be_v able_a to_o give_v this_o account_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v a_o faith_n which_o enable_v they_o to_o sight_n with_o corruption_n and_o lust_n and_o to_o grapple_v with_o principality_n and_o power_n but_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o enable_v they_o to_o bear_v up_o in_o a_o triumph_a way_n and_o to_o say_v in_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o tribulation_n in_o distress_n in_o persecution_n in_o famine_n in_o nakedness_n as_o i_o say_v in_o a_o former_a exercise_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o have_v love_v we_o when_o we_o can_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n rejoice_o o_o bless_a be_v god_n as_o in_o 2_o c●…_n 〈◊〉_d that_o make_v we_o always_o to_o triumph_v in_o christ_n such_o a_o faith_n we_o shall_v press_v after_o that_o may_v enable_v we_o to_o bear_v up_o to_o live_v at_o a_o high_a rate_n and_o to_o bear_v up_o with_o holy_a rejoice_n and_o triumphing_n in_o god_n such_o a_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o in_o 1._o pet._n 1._o have_v not_o see_v you_o love_v he_o and_o believe_v you_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n will_v you_o consider_v of_o this_o now_o as_o a_o further_a addition_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n grow_v in_o faith_n so_o grow_v as_o that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v stand_v in_o its_o full_a proportion_n that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v with_o all_o the_o saint_n the_o height_n and_o depth_n and_o length_n and_o breadth_n that_o the_o gospel-mysterie_n may_v not_o be_v straighten_v in_o your_o spirit_n so_o grow_v in_o faith_n as_o that_o you_o may_v live_v high_a and_o may_v maintain_v yourself_o in_o a_o honourable_a and_o creditable_a manner_n that_o you_o may_v live_v like_o the_o child_n of_o the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o you_o may_v feed_v upon_o delicacy_n every_o day_n that_o you_o may_v come_v to_o be_v fill_v by_o believe_v with_o all_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o comfort_n that_o you_o may_v suck_v and_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o breast_n of_o consolation_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v a_o grow_v in_o i_o add_v yet_o further_o you_o that_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n your_o duty_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o faith_n and_o so_o shall_v it_o appear_v that_o you_o do_v when_o you_o can_v bear_v up_o with_o fix_a and_o establish_v and_o well-setled_n spirit_n under_o the_o most_o amaze_a and_o stupendous_a providence_n that_o be_v order_v out_o and_o whatsoever_o difficulty_n you_o meet_v withal_o whatsoever_o discouragement_n there_o be_v before_o you_o you_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o hold_v on_o in_o your_o way_n and_o not_o be_v overpowred_n by_o they_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o well-grown_a faith_n when_o nothing_o beat_v we_o off_o let_v he_o kill_v i_o say_v job_n i_o will_v trust_v in_o he_o still_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n whatsoever_o discouragement_n there_o be_v see_o she_o resolve_v upon_o it_o not_o to_o let_v she_o hold_v go_v not_o to_o susfer_v her_o suit_n to_o fall_v this_o be_v the_o faith_n and_o of_o such_o a_o proportion_n that_o we_o shall_v press_v after_o so_o to_o grow_v in_o faith_n that_o nothing_o may_v drive_v we_o from_o our_o hold_n nor_o make_v we_o to_o fall_v under_o discouragement_n again_o your_o duty_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o faith_n such_o a_o growth_n in_o faith_n as_o that_o you_o may_v come_v to_o be_v less_o selfish_a and_o more_o for_o god_n more_o pure_a in_o your_o aim_n at_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n true_o this_o will_v evidence_n a_o growth_n in_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n so_o evidence_v that_o you_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o grow_v in_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o poor_a believer_n in_o their_o f●…rst_a set_v out_o upon_o the_o way_n of_o faith_n and_o believe_v it_o be_v usual_a with_o they_o and_o true_o it_o be_v a_o gracious_a indulgence_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o he_o bear_v with_o they_o in_o it_o it_o be_v usual_a i_o say_v with_o poor_a weak_a believer_n at_o their_o first_o beginning_n to_o be_v main_o solicitous_a about_o their_o own_o salvation_n they_o stand_v under_o conviction_n of_o their_o obnoxiousness_n unto_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n to_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o have_v some_o apprehension_n of_o the_o dreadful_a condition_n of_o the_o damn_a in_o hell_n and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v eternal_o separate_v from_o god_n everlasting_o excommunicate_v from_o fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o his_o people_n and_o when_o they_o think_v of_o these_o thing_n o_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o i_o to_o all_o eternity_n what_o a_o miserable_a wretch_n shall_v i_o be_v if_o i_o shall_v live_v and_o die_v out_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o not_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o by_o his_o christ_n if_o so_o be_v that_o guilt_n shall_v lie_v upon_o my_o conscience_n if_o so_o be_v that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n shall_v still_o abide_v upon_o i_o o_o what_o a_o curse_a wretch_n shall_v i_o be_v to_o all_o eternity_n o_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v that_o i_o may_v escape_v this_o curse_n and_o condemnation_n and_o come_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o salvation_n that_o be_v by_o he_o this_o be_v usual_o at_o the_o first_o the_o work_n of_o a_o poor_a soul_n begin_v now_o to_o look_v out_o after_o christ_n and_o pursue_v after_o a_o interest_n in_o
to_o heaven_n without_o company_n and_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o well-improved_n faith_n when_o our_o faith_n it_o go_v abroad_o our_o solicitousness_n it_o be_v not_o only_o for_o ourselves_o but_o other_o when_o our_o charity_n go_v out_o of_o door_n and_o we_o be_v now_o project_v and_o cast_v about_o how_o we_o may_v promote_v other_o eternal_a welfare_n when_o paul_n can_v say_v i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o life_n nor_o death_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n when_o paul_n come_v to_o this_o plerophoria_fw-la when_o he_o come_v to_o be_v thus_o improve_v in_o his_o faith_n say_v he_o in_o rom._n 9_o brethren_n i_o will_v have_v you_o to_o know_v that_o i_o say_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n i_o lie_v not_o my_o conscience_n also_o bear_v i_o witness_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o i_o have_v great_a heavyness_n and_o continual_a sorrow_n in_o my_o heart_n why_o what_o man_n do_v thou_o not_o write_v but_o just_a now_o that_o thou_o be_v persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n why_o paul_n will_v you_o speak_v to_o such_o a_o purpose_n as_o this_o then_o that_o you_o have_v great_a heaviness_n and_o continual_a sorrow_n in_o your_o heart_n why_o you_o shall_v be_v full_a of_o joy_n who_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o all_o the_o world_n if_o they_o do_v not_o nor_o shall_v not_o that_o have_v a_o confident_a persuasion_n that_o they_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n and_o be_v eternal_o bless_v with_o god_n and_o live_v in_o everlasting_a communion_n with_o he_o do_v you_o say_v you_o have_v great_a heaviness_n and_o continual_a sorrow_n in_o your_o heart_n why_o the_o business_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v and_o do_v you_o talk_v of_o sorrow_n and_o heaviness_n in_o your_o heart_n why_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o matter_n o_o brethren_n he_o have_v now_o a_o well-grown_a faith_n his_o faith_n be_v improve_v exceed_o that_o he_o be_v now_o sure_a that_o all_o be_v well_o between_o god_n and_o he_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_n himself_o and_o that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v and_o now_o his_o heart_n begin_v to_o turn_v upon_o his_o poor_a brethren_n i_o have_v great_a heaviness_n and_o continual_a sorrow_n in_o my_o heart_n i_o profess_v say_v he_o i_o can_v set_v down_o so_o far_o as_o it_o may_v be_v without_o sin_v against_o god_n yea_o i_o can_v be_v content_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o comfortable_a and_o rejoice_v part_n of_o salvation_n i_o can_v be_v content_v even_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o comfortable_a communion_n not_o that_o he_o will_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o guilt_n and_o sin_n and_o wrath_n and_o under_o the_o hatred_n of_o god_n but_o i_o can_v be_v content_v say_v he_o to_o be_v even_o cut_v off_o from_o that_o sweet_a enjoyment_n that_o saint_n have_v in_o their_o glorify_a estate_n for_o my_o brethren_n sake_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n now_o say_v he_o it_o be_v the_o sorrow_n of_o my_o heart_n while_o i_o be_o full_a of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o respect_n of_o my_o own_o condition_n i_o be_o full_a of_o heaviness_n and_o continual_a sorrow_n there_o be_v upon_o i_o that_o my_o brethren_n that_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v stranger_n to_o this_o grace_n and_o like_a to_o be_v shut_v out_o from_o the_o salvation_n which_o i_o be_o now_o sure_a of_o and_o then_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o believer_n a_o well-grown_a faith_n when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v solicitous_a of_o other_o welfare_n and_o for_o those_o that_o be_v bring_v over_o to_o faith_n but_o be_v weakling_n in_o faith_n when_o there_o be_v a_o bear_n with_o their_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n a_o study_v to_o please_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n for_o their_o profit_n and_o a_o friendly_a deportment_n when_o there_o be_v not_o a_o gr●…ng_n upon_o they_o nor_o a_o gall_v of_o they_o by_o any_o unbecoming_a carriage_n say_v the_o apostle_n in_o rom._n 15._o we_o that_o be_v strong_a that_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n aught_o to_o bear_v with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o not_o to_o please_v ourselves_o for_o let_v let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o please_v his_o neighbour_n for_o his_o good_a to_o edification_n for_o even_o christ_n please_v not_o himself_o but_o as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o reproach_n of_o they_o that_o reproach_v thou_o fall_v on_o i_o we_o that_o be_v strong_a we_o that_o come_v to_o have_v a_o well-grown_a faith_n we_o shall_v look_v with_o a_o tender_a and_o com●…_n eye_n and_o heart_n upon_o tender_a brethren_n 〈◊〉_d not_o so_o much_o insist_v upon_o what_o will_v be_v to_o the_o ●…ing_n of_o ourselves_o but_o what_o will_v be_v to_o the_o plea●…_n of_o our_o weak_a brethren_n so_o far_o as_o be_v consistent_a 〈◊〉_d their_o profit_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o our_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d thus_o with_o christ_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v thus_o with_o 〈◊〉_d this_o will_v be_v a_o proof_n of_o our_o growth_n in_o faith_n further_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o to_o grow_v in_o faith_n and_o such_o a_o growth_n shall_v we_o press_v after_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a for_o to_o use_v and_o enjoy_v the_o world_n and_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o it_o with_o heavenly_a mind_n so_o as_o that_o we_o come_v to_o value_v ourselves_o not_o so_o much_o by_o what_o we_o be_v in_o the_o world_n as_o by_o what_o we_o be_v in_o in_o the_o covenant_n and_o by_o what_o estate_n we_o have_v in_o the_o covenant_n not_o to_o make_v so_o much_o matter_n of_o it_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o such_o and_o such_o a_o estate_n in_o land_n and_o house_n and_o worldly_a possession_n but_o to_o value_n ourselves_o upon_o this_o accout_n that_o we_o be_v able_a for_o to_o make_v out_o a_o estate_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o all_o our_o outward_a enjoyment_n be_v hold_v by_o a_o covenant_n and_o that_o be_v it_o that_o give_v we_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o enjoyment_n such_o a_o estate_n i_o have_v ay_o but_o bless_a be_v god_n i_o have_v it_o by_o a_o spiritual_a title_n christ_n be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o christ_n and_o so_o all_o thing_n become_v i_o i_o have_v a_o spiritual_a title_n and_o i_o hold_v all_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o covenant_n in_o christ._n i_o will_v not_o value_n the_o world_n i_o will_v not_o value_v my_o outward_a condition_n my_o riches_n if_o they_o be_v thousand_o and_o ten_o thousand_o in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v look_v upon_o they_o but_o as_o a_o beggarly_a portion_n if_o i_o have_v they_o not_o upon_o a_o spiritual_a account_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n o_o god_n that_o have_v give_v i_o christ_n he_o have_v give_v i_o with_o he_o all_o these_o thing_n when_o a_o man_n can_v look_v upon_o his_o estate_n be_v it_o never_o so_o large_a and_o copious_a to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o that_o which_o his_o heart_n will_v be_v dead_a to_o if_o it_o be_v not_o that_o he_o can_v look_v upon_o these_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v enjoy_v as_o upon_o a_o covenant_n conveyance_n and_o when_o a_o soul_n come_v to_o this_o to_o use_v the_o world_n with_o a_o heavenly_a mind_n manage_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n i_o but_o with_o dependence_n upon_o god_n when_o a_o man_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o call_v and_o management_n of_o his_o affair_n here_o below_o go_v on_o with_o diligence_n and_o care_n i_o but_o with_o a_o humble_a dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o while_o he_o do_v his_o duty_n he_o can_v trust_v god_n with_o the_o success_n let_v the_o time_n be_v hard_a and_o trade_v dead_a and_o little_a incomes_a no_o matter_n i_o will_v open_v my_o shop_n and_o i_o will_v attend_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o whether_o little_a or_o much_o come_v in_o i_o be_o not_o solicitous_a about_o that_o i_o be_o resolve_v upon_o this_o i_o will_v do_v my_o duty_n and_o wait_v upon_o god_n and_o i_o know_v it_o must_v be_v his_o blessing_n must_v be_v the_o portion_n for_o i_o to_o live_v upon_o and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o income_n of_o the_o world_n that_o i_o set_v my_o heart_n so_o much_o upon_o but_o i_o will_v do_v my_o duty_n and_o leave_v the_o success_n to_o god_n there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n more_o but_z for_o the_o present_a only_o
way_n or_o no_o he_o have_v begin_v the_o journey_n and_o he_o be_v doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n yea_o or_o no_o this_o will_v put_v he_o to_o a_o puzzle_v and_o make_v he_o to_o be_v fluctuate_a and_o hesitate_v have_v i_o best_o go_v on_o i_o doubt_v whether_o i_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n yea_o or_o no_o this_o will_v cause_v slackness_n of_o his_o motion_n but_o if_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o way_n this_o will_v be_v much_o to_o the_o encourage_v of_o he_o to_o make_v a_o further_a progress_n so_o if_o i_o find_v and_o be_o sure_a that_o this_o be_v the_o right_a way_n that_o i_o have_v grace_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o this_o will_v cause_v we_o to_o labour_v after_o the_o growth_n in_o grace_n eight_o you_o be_v to_o be_v upon_o the_o faithful_a and_o diligent_a exercise_n of_o what_o you_o have_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o have_v no_o more_o faith_n be_v because_o we_o be_v not_o more_o upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o we_o have_v we_o speak_v of_o trust_v in_o god_n alas_o how_o few_o be_v there_o of_o we_o that_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o purpose_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o trust_n and_o believe_v exercise_v faith_n upon_o christ_n and_o upon_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n concern_v pardon_n of_o sin_n sanctification_n why_o for_o want_v of_o exercise_v what_o grace_n we_o have_v already_o receive_v w●…_n improve_v no_o more_o the_o promise_n be_v a_o faithful_a promise_n and_o god_n will_v be_v true_a to_o it_o he_o that_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o that_o have_v what_o be_v that_o he_o that_o have_v and_o use_v for_o we_o must_v needs_o understand_v it_o in_o that_o sense_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o man_n that_o have_v the_o talon_n and_o have_v employ_v it_o have_v gain_v five_o talent_n he_o have_v employ_v his_o talon_n say_v christ_n give_v he_o the_o other_o talon_n for_o to_o he_o that_o have_v that_o be_v that_o have_v and_o do_v use_v and_o employ_v what_o he_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v if_o we_o will_v now_o but_o set_v ourselves_o serious_o and_o consider_o upon_o this_o business_n and_o exercise_n and_o employ_v what_o grace_n god_n have_v give_v we_o may_v be_v confident_a of_o it_o that_o god_n will_v come_v in_o with_o the_o inlargeing_n of_o his_o spirit_n nine_o our_o duty_n be_v in_o order_n to_o growth_n in_o grace_n to_o be_v constant_a in_o our_o attendance_n upon_o such_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o such_o a_o purpose_n word_n and_o ministry_n and_o other_o gospel-ordinance_n as_o we_o lie_v fair_a for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o true_o these_o mean_n be_v provide_v for_o this_o very_a purpose_n that_o christian_n may_v grow_v god_n have_v set_v up_o a_o ministry_n in_o the_o world_n not_o only_o to_o bring_v person_n that_o be_v stranger_n to_o grace_n to_o the_o participation_n of_o it_o but_o that_o be_v bring_v to_o partake_v of_o grace_n they_o may_v come_v to_o be_v increase_v in_o grace_n christ_n ascend_v up_o on_o high_a and_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o this_o be_v our_o duty_n when_o we_o have_v sound_v the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o our_o heart_n to_o bring_v we_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o god_n when_o we_o have_v find_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o ordinance_n to_o begin_v grace_n our_o duty_n be_v to_o attend_v they_o still_o that_o that_o grace_n be_v begin_v may_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n be_v increase_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o perfection_n this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o we_o may_v be_v confident_a of_o this_o that_o when_o christian_n come_v to_o god_n mean_n propound_v god_n end_n mark_v what_o i_o say_v and_o according_o wise_o judicious_o and_o conscientious_o apply_v to_o the_o mean_n to_o such_o end_n and_o purpose_n they_o may_v be_v confident_a of_o it_o that_o god_n will_v come_v in_o with_o a_o blessing_n for_o god_n do_v delight_n to_o crown_v his_o own_o mean_n to_o prosper_v his_o own_o prescription_n he_o love_v to_o see_v his_o meat_n that_o he_o give_v his_o child_n to_o prove_v their_o nourishment_n their_o physic_n to_o promote_v their_o health_n god_n love_v to_o see_v his_o mean_n that_o he_o provide_v for_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n to_o see_v they_o successful_a consider_v can_v you_o think_v so_o dishonourable_o of_o god_n of_o the_o most_o bless_a god_n that_o he_o shall_v provide_v a_o ministry_n continue_v it_o in_o the_o world_n continue_v his_o people_n in_o their_o attendance_n upon_o it_o what_o mere_o that_o they_o may_v keep_v on_o in_o a_o formalize_a course_n and_o be_v never_o the_o better_a or_o can_v we_o think_v so_o dishonourable_o of_o god_n as_o that_o he_o will_v go_v and_o tie_v we_o to_o hear_v and_o attend_v the_o ministry_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o grace_n and_o withhold_v his_o blessing_n while_o we_o do_v conscientious_o and_o judicious_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o such_o mean_n can_v we_o think_v so_o dishonourable_o of_o god_n as_o that_o he_o will_v suspend_v his_o work_n ah_o brethren_n the_o lord_n delight_v to_o meet_v they_o with_o his_o blessing_n that_o remember_v he_o in_o his_o way_n do_v but_o think_v of_o that_o passage_n in_o isa._n 64._o and_o look_v that_o text_n full_a in_o the_o face_n and_o hear_v what_o it_o speak_v to_o you_o thou_o meet_v he_o that_o rejoice_v and_o work_v righteousness_n those_o that_o remember_v thou_o in_o thy_o way_n mark_v it_o thou_o meet_v they_o to_o what_o purpose_n why_o to_o prosper_v they_o to_o command_v thy_o blessing_n upon_o they_o ay_o undoubted_o if_o we_o do_v but_o propound_v this_o to_o ourselves_o when_o we_o come_v to_o attend_v the_o ordinance_n think_v thus_o with_o ourselves_o why_o god_n have_v set_v up_o this_o ministry_n in_o the_o world_n that_o his_o people_n soul_n may_v prosper_v that_o they_o may_v thrive_v that_o they_o may_v grow_v rich_a that_o they_o may_v improve_v in_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o love_n and_o the_o like_a god_n have_v give_v this_o that_o there_o may_v be_v the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n the_o perfect_a of_o my_o soul_n i_o go_v to_o this_o mean_n i_o attend_v this_o ministry_n and_o i_o will_v attend_v in_o expectation_n of_o a_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o i_o will_v wait_v upon_o god_n and_o i_o will_v expect_v his_o blessing_n and_o reckon_v upon_o it_o that_o i_o shall_v be_v the_o better_a for_o these_o mean_n it_o be_v god_n mean_n and_o he_o love_v to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o to_o bless_v and_o prosper_v his_o own_o appointment_n oh_o this_o be_v that_o will_v conduce_v exceed_v much_o to_o proficiency_n in_o faith_n and_o godliness_n if_o we_o will_v but_o go_v this_o way_n to_o work_v but_o i_o tell_v you_o friends_z our_o formality_n spoil_v we_o it_o be_v a_o most_o lamentable_a thing_n to_o consider_v what_o formalize_v spirit_n many_o of_o we_o have_v will_v you_o but_o mind_n this_o that_o i_o say_v i_o will_v i_o may_v not_o have_v that_o occasion_n that_o sometime_o we_o have_v in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o preach_n to_o speak_v to_o such_o a_o purpose_n people_n come_v together_o and_o profess_v to_o pray_v as_o that_o be_v one_o part_n of_o our_o public_a ministry_n yet_o how_o many_o be_v there_o of_o you_o that_o scarce_o ever_o close_o with_o one_o petition_n in_o a_o whole_a prayer_n your_o eye_n be_v wander_v and_o thought_n be_v rove_a do_v not_o your_o conscience_n tell_v you_o that_o of_o a_o truth_n you_o make_v nothing_o of_o this_o duty_n but_o you_o can_v gaze_v and_o wander_v and_o look_v this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n and_o discover_v to_o other_o a_o unfixed_a heart_n and_o that_o you_o mind_v not_o the_o business_n that_o you_o be_v transact_v what_o be_v this_o but_o formalize_v as_o if_o we_o come_v to_o set_v out_o a_o prayer_n and_o not_o to_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o prayer_n and_o so_o for_o hear_v with_o what_o a_o formalize_a spirit_n be_v we_o many_o time_n we_o can_v hear_v as_o if_o we_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v never_o consider_v of_o the_o ordinance_n in_o reference_n to_o god_n as_o that_o that_o have_v the_o stamp_n of_o his_o authority_n upon_o it_o o_o this_o if_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o the_o more_o merciful_a it_o will_v be_v the_o ruin_n of_o our_o soul_n this_o plague_n formality_n we_o have_v get_v a_o course_n of_o go_v to_o church_n as_o you_o use_v to_o say_v and_o keep_v on_o a_o course_n and_o go_v in_o account_n for_o prosessor_n but_o
the_o gospel_n credit_v the_o ordinance_n encourage_v the_o ministry_n and_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o those_o that_o be_v faithful_a in_o their_o work_n who_o ambition_n shall_v be_v to_o see_v those_o that_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o ministry_n to_o be_v improve_n and_o thrive_a and_o grow_a heaven-ward_n o_o how_o much_o be_v it_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o encouragement_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n when_o they_o can_v see_v those_o that_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o their_o way_n to_o be_v upon_o a_o improvement_n it_o be_v the_o comfort_n of_o a_o nurse_n to_o see_v the_o child_n thrive_v and_o prosper_v it_o be_v the_o comfort_n of_o a_o minister_n to_o see_v the_o people_n that_o wait_v upon_o his_o ministry_n to_o be_v increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n better_v by_o every_o sermon_n better_v by_o every_o ordinance_n that_o be_v dispense_v unto_o they_o sure_o if_o paul_n be_v on_o earth_n and_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o such_o kind_n of_o person_n that_o be_v good_a proficient_o he_o will_v glory_v in_o they_o and_o make_v his_o boast_n of_o they_o so_o he_o do_v of_o the_o thessalonian_n in_o the_o 2_o epist._n 1_o chap._n where_o have_v speak_v of_o they_o of_o their_o faith_n and_o charity_n we_o glory_v in_o you_o say_v he_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n 7._o consider_v thus_o for_o encouragement_n for_o a_o endeavour_v after_o a_o growth_n in_o grace_n such_o person_n be_v not_o so_o likely_a to_o be_v startle_v and_o affright_v and_o unsettle_a upon_o occasion_n of_o amaze_a terrify_a and_o astonish_a providence_n and_o when_o there_o be_v frown_n in_o the_o face_n of_o providence_n which_o other_o be_v not_o well_o able_a to_o behold_v improve_v soul_n such_o as_o be_v well_o underlie_v with_o grace_n and_o be_v of_o a_o considerable_a growth_n they_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o likely_a to_o bear_v up_o with_o courage_n and_o confidence_n and_o holy_a resolution_n and_o to_o outface_v all_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n and_o to_o say_v as_o the_o three_o child_n o_o king_n we_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o answer_v thou_o in_o this_o matter_n when_o poor_a weakling_n be_v apt_a to_o fly_v before_o a_o enemy_n and_o to_o shrink_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o trouble_n and_o to_o have_v their_o heart_n despond_v and_o fall_v down_o within_o they_o well_o improve_v soul_n that_o be_v advance_v in_o grace_n they_o be_v likely_a to_o bear_v up_o with_o courage_n and_o confidence_n and_o to_o behave_v themselves_o as_o caleb_n do_v when_o other_o of_o the_o searcher_n be_v send_v to_o see_v the_o land_n their_o heart_n begin_v to_o fail_v they_o at_o the_o son_n of_o anack_n come_v say_v joshua_n let_v not_o we_o fear_v they_o they_o be_v bread_n for_o we_o we_o shall_v feed_v upon_o they_o they_o shall_v do_v we_o no_o hurt_n their_o strength_n be_v depart_v from_o they_o and_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o we_o to_o work_v out_o salvation_n for_o we_o such_o a_o man_n be_v one_o that_o god_n will_v glory_v in_o that_o will_v not_o startel_v at_o trouble_n when_o they_o fasten_v on_o he_o but_o bear_v up_o with_o resolution_n of_o spirit_n and_o such_o be_v like_a to_o do_v so_o that_o be_v well_o improve_v in_o grace_n as_o caleb_n be_v 8._o consider_v this_o that_o if_o you_o do_v grow_v and_o increase_v you_o be_v likely_a when_o you_o come_v to_o die_v to_o die_v with_o the_o great_a comfort_n and_o joy_n and_o boldness_n towards_o god_n true_o we_o may_v well_o think_v that_o those_o that_o have_v the_o great_a faith_n and_o the_o great_a love_n and_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o holiness_n they_o be_v like_a to_o die_v with_o the_o great_a comfort_n and_o triumph_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v always_o so_o god_n may_v and_o do_v it_o be_v like_a sometime_o for_o end_n and_o purpose_n best_o know_v to_o himself_o suffer_v some_o of_o his_o most_o eminent_a saint_n for_o to_o die_v and_o pass_v away_o not_o altogether_o with_o that_o splendour_n and_o with_o those_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o his_o love_n sometime_o he_o be_v please_v so_o to_o order_n out_o for_o holy_a purpose_n but_o we_o may_v well_o think_v that_o in_o all_o probability_n they_o that_o have_v get_v the_o most_o grace_n be_v like_a to_o have_v the_o great_a comfort_n in_o the_o day_n of_o death_n and_o according_a to_o their_o sow_v so_o shall_v their_o reap_v be_v they_o have_v sow_v plentiful_o when_o the_o harvest_n come_v true_o they_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o reap_v plentiful_o 9_o consider_v this_o that_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n will_v come_v to_o be_v admire_v in_o all_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v sure_o he_o will_v be_v most_o of_o all_o admire_a in_o they_o that_o have_v be_v most_o in_o their_o believe_a of_o he_o he_o will_v be_v most_o admire_v in_o they_o that_o have_v do_v most_o in_o their_o advance_n and_o improvement_n in_o faith_n and_o godliness_n and_o true_o these_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v they_o may_v be_v well_o reckon_v upon_o as_o so_o many_o incentives_n and_o provocation_n to_o this_o duty_n which_o we_o be_v charge_v withal_o in_o the_o text_n that_o we_o do_v endeavour_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o good_a account_n of_o their_o improvement_n and_o increase_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o if_o any_o of_o you_o can_v find_v that_o you_o have_v be_v make_v to_o increase_v and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o growth_n in_o grace_n you_o may_v know_v it_o and_o your_o duty_n be_v to_o make_v a_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o it_o as_o david_n do_v in_o psal._n 138._o in_o the_o day_n when_o i_o cry_v thou_o answered'_v i_o and_o strengthened'_v i_o with_o strength_n in_o my_o soul._n true_o we_o shall_v be_v willing_a and_o free_a to_o acknowledge_v the_o income_n of_o god_n and_o the_o increase_v of_o god_n in_o we_o and_o how_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v for_o to_o bring_v we_o on_o from_o a_o low_a measure_n to_o a_o high_a and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o advance_v in_o faith_n and_o godliness_n true_o we_o shall_v take_v knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o be_v free_a to_o make_v acknowledgement_n of_o it_o to_o the_o glory_n and_o praise_n of_o he_o that_o be_v the_o giver_n of_o all_o and_o for_o such_o of_o you_o as_o be_v above_o that_o be_v of_o a_o high_a stature_n than_o other_o of_o your_o brethren_n that_o be_v better_o grow_v christian_n more_o improve_v in_o knowledge_n in_o faith_n in_o holiness_n in_o love_n in_o godliness_n and_o grace_n to_o such_o of_o you_o i_o have_v only_o this_o to_o say_v first_o of_o all_o consider_v that_o all_o you_o have_v be_v of_o free_a donation_n your_o first_o grace_n and_o your_o second_o grace_n the_o first_o degree_n and_o the_o after-degree_n they_o be_v all_o of_o grace_n and_o therefore_o your_o duty_n be_v to_o attribute_v nothing_o to_o yourselves_o but_o to_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o to_o god_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o be_o that_o i_o be_o say_v paul_n if_o so_o be_v that_o i_o have_v more_o faith_n than_o my_o brother_n more_o grace_n more_o knowledge_n more_o holiness_n i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o boast_v of_o it_o i_o have_v much_o reason_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o it_o but_o not_o to_o boast_v for_o what_o have_v i_o that_o i_o have_v not_o receive_v i_o have_v receive_v the_o first_o grace_n and_o my_o endeavour_n have_v be_v use_v &_o put_v forth_o to_o such_o a_o purpose_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v reckon_v to_o my_o endeavour_n as_o to_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o my_o endeavour_n and_o so_o god_n in_o all_o be_v to_o be_v glorify_v in_o all_o and_o for_o all_o for_o the_o first_o grace_n and_o for_o the_o after_o grace_n for_o the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n and_o for_o the_o increase_v of_o grace_n o_o the_o god_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v magnify_v and_o we_o be_v to_o carry_v it_o very_o humble_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o any_o proud_a swell_n of_o heart_n because_o you_o may_v come_v to_o be_v above_o your_o brethren_n tall_a than_o they_o by_o head_n and_o shoulder_n do_v not_o overlook_a weak_a brethren_n but_o carry_v it_o humble_o and_o tender_o towards_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o that_o be_v strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a this_o be_v a_o become_a thing_n for_o a_o well-grown_a saint_n to_o carry_v it_o with_o all_o meekness_n and_o tenderness_n and_o in_o all_o lowlyness_n of_o mind_n towards_o those_o that_o be_v his_o inferior_n and_o short_a of_o he_o
poor_a soul_n shall_v fly_v to_o he_o and_o have_v its_o recumbency_n upon_o he_o 5._o and_o then_o again_o when_o i_o consider_v that_o this_o christ_n be_v commission_v by_o the_o father_n he_o be_v send_v into_o this_o world_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o he_o may_v save_v and_o make_v reconciliation_n 6._o and_o then_o he_o be_v every_o way_n accomplish_v if_o he_o be_v a_o deficient_a christ_n there_o be_v something_o to_o make_v my_o spirit_n to_o flag_n but_o he_o be_v most_o full_o accomplish_v all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o he_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o utmost_a all_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o 7._o and_o then_o when_o i_o come_v to_o consider_v and_o ponder_v that_o it_o be_v meat_n and_o drink_n to_o christ_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n and_o he_o with_o the_o great_a content_n of_o heart_n perform_v this_o work_n and_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n so●…_n poor_a sinner_n 8._o and_o then_o when_o i_o come_v to_o consider_v that_o this_o jesus_n be_v now_o in_o heaven_n at_o god_n right-hand_a god_n the_o father_n have_v give_v he_o glory_n and_o honour_n o_o what_o encouragement_n have_v i_o to_o come_v to_o he_o 9_o and_o then_o when_o i_o consider_v that_o all_o the_o trust_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o he_o all_o the_o treasure_n that_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o he_o be_v for_o the_o benefit_n and_o behoof_n of_o poor_a soul_n why_o shall_v not_o i_o then_o be_v encourage_v to_o let_v out_o my_o heart_n upon_o he_o and_o to_o have_v the_o strong_a confidence_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v the_o better_a for_o he_o i_o tell_v you_o brethren_n that_o all_o this_o knowledge_n do_v strong_o influence_n the_o faith_n of_o a_o believer_n therefore_o well_o may_v the_o apostle_n require_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o order_n to_o a_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o in_o particular_a to_o a_o growth_n in_o faith_n i_o will_v only_o give_v in_o that_o instance_n in_o 1_o pet._n 1._o it_o be_v a_o text_n that_o do_v full_o suit_v our_o present_a purpose_n say_v he_o you_o by_o he_o believe_v in_o god_n that_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o give_v he_o glory_n that_o your_o faith_n and_o hope_n may_v be_v in_o god_n pray_v do_v but_o weigh_v this_o you_o believe_v in_o god_n say_v he_o who_o raise_v jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o when_o he_o have_v so_o do_v he_o give_v he_o glory_n he_o prefer_v he_o to_o the_o great_a honour_n and_o dignity_n set_v he_o at_o his_o own_o right-hand_n and_o wherefore_o this_o that_o your_o faith_n in_o know_v this_o that_o he_o that_o be_v your_o great_a undertaker_n here_o on_o earth_n travel_v in_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o strength_n that_o he_o may_v accomplish_v the_o work_n of_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n this_o jesus_n after_o he_o have_v do_v his_o work_n and_o suffer_v what_o he_o be_v to_o undergo_v here_o in_o the_o world_n god_n do_v raise_v he_o again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o when_o he_o have_v raise_v he_o he_o take_v he_o to_o heaven_n and_o give_v he_o glory_n there_o set_v he_o at_o his_o own_o right-hand_n advance_v he_o to_o the_o high_a top_n of_o honour_n and_o wherefore_o thus_o that_o your_o faith_n and_o hope_n may_v be_v in_o god_n that_o you_o may_v come_v to_o he_o with_o the_o full_a confidence_n and_o rely_v upon_o he_o now_o all_o this_o that_o i_o have_v account_v to_o you_o concern_v a_o well-improved_n knowledge_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n it_o do_v exceed_v liberal_o contribute_v to_o the_o promote_a of_o a_o believer_n faith_n and_o grace_n and_o because_o i_o can_v proceed_v no_o further_o now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o soul_n that_o be_v stranger_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v you_o but_o drink_v of_o these_o water_n o_o set_v your_o heart_n that_o you_o may_v drink_v of_o this_o bless_a knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o see_v whether_o these_o water_n will_v not_o warm_v your_o heart_n and_o make_v you_o to_o sparkle_v out_o in_o love_n to_o christ_n in_o long_n after_o christ_n and_o for_o you_o that_o be_v call_v out_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n begin_v in_o you_o o_o as_o ever_o you_o desire_v to_o grow_v up_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n labour_v to_o be_v well_o improve_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n o_o dwell_v upon_o the_o meditation_n of_o these_o mystery_n that_o i_o have_v give_v you_o this_o morning_n a_o hint_n of_o if_o ever_o you_o desire_v to_o be_v well_o improve_v in_o your_o faith_n it_o must_v be_v by_o your_o be_v well_o improve_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n serm._n xiii_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o what_o remain_v what_o have_v be_v speak_v concern_v faith_n and_o how_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n due_o improve_v be_v to_o the_o growth_n of_o that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v speak_v concern_v gospel_n hope_n the_o hope_n of_o the_o righteous_a which_o be_v call_v a_o tree_n of_o life_n compare_v to_o a_o anchor_n sure_a and_o steadfast_a enter_v within_o the_o vail_n whither_o the_o forerunner_n have_v enter_v now_o by_o improve_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n hope_n will_v grow_v up_o to_o a_o goodly_a stature_n hope_n will_v come_v to_o be_v as_o a_o anchor_n fix_v very_o fast_o so_o as_o to_o keep_v the_o ship_n of_o the_o soul_n safe_a and_o secure_a whatever_o the_o storm_n and_o tempest_n be_v that_o may_v arise_v upon_o it_o the_o more_o we_o know_v of_o christ_n the_o more_o shall_v our_o hope_n be_v strengthen_v in_o we_o and_o one_o special_a reason_n why_o we_o hope_v no_o more_o with_o a_o unshaken_a hope_n be_v because_o we_o be_v not_o more_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n the_o apostle_n in_o 1_o pet._n 1._o speak_v concern_v this_o bless_a hope_n that_o believer_n be_v beget_v to_o and_o they_o be_v beget_v to_o it_o he_o tell_v we_o by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a the_o more_o we_o be_v judicious_o apprehensive_a of_o christ_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o glory_n which_o he_o be_v advance_v unto_o the_o more_o will_v the_o hope_n of_o a_o believer_n be_v strengthen_v in_o he_o and_o that_o scripture_n which_o i_o close_v with_o the_o last_o day_n it_o serve_v we_o to_o this_o very_a purpose_n 1_o pet._n 1._o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n the_o father_n have_v give_v honour_n and_o glory_n to_o his_o son_n that_o our_o faith_n and_o our_o hope_n may_v be_v in_o god_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v infer_v that_o the_o more_o we_o know_v and_o understand_v concern_v christ_n and_o the_o glory_n that_o he_o be_v now_o advance_v unto_o the_o more_o will_v there_o be_v of_o growth_n in_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o believer_n 3._o by_o growth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n there_o will_v be_v a_o growth_n in_o godly_a repentance_n repentance_n there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v little_o know_v and_o less_o practise_v according_a to_o the_o true_a gospel-nature_n and_o state_n of_o it_o but_o such_o a_o thing_n there_o be_v as_o repentance_n towards_o god_n a_o precious_a grace_n which_o god_n work_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n those_o that_o he_o have_v a_o purpose_n to_o save_v it_o be_v of_o necessary_a participation_n and_o it_o be_v a_o grace_n of_o necessary_a exercise_n for_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o except_o we_o repent_v we_o shall_v all_o perish_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o alas_o how_o many_o be_v mere_a stranger_n to_o it_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o grace_n know_v nothing_o of_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o how_o many_o of_o those_o that_o have_v any_o sense_n or_o share_v in_o it_o yet_o that_o be_v very_o little_a in_o their_o repentance_n have_v but_o a_o very_a low_a measure_n and_o degree_n know_v little_a of_o heart-melting_n and_o soul-breaking_n before_o god_n much_o what_o stranger_n unto_o that_o sweet_a frame_n of_o spirit_n by_o which_o ephraim_n be_v set_v forth_o unto_o we_o as_o a_o bless_a pattern_n and_o example_n in_o jer._n 31._o 18._o where_o we_o have_v this_o account_n of_o he_o thou_o have_v establish_v ●…e_o and_o i_o be_v chastise_v as_o a_o bullock_n unaccustomed_a ●…o_o the_o yoke_n turn_v thou_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v turn_v after_o that_o i_o be_v convert_v i_o repent_v and_o i_o sm●…_n upon_o my_o thigh_n this_o be_v ephraim_n frame_n and_o this_o be_v upon_o record_n for_o our_o