the_o write_a law_n do_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o by_o which_o law_n they_o shall_v at_o the_o last_o be_v judge_v but_o not_o by_o the_o write_a law_n and_o who_o walk_v according_o to_o this_o law_n will_v find_v their_o conscience_n to_o excuse_v they_o as_o the_o transgressor_n thereof_o shall_v be_v under_o the_o accusation_n of_o conscience_n rom._n 2.13_o 14_o 15._o beside_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n that_o the_o great_a reason_n why_o divine_a vengeance_n be_v against_o they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o because_o they_o know_v not_o god_n or_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o method_n of_o salvation_n but_o because_o when_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v not_o moses_n nor_o the_o prophet_n for_o their_o guide_n but_o only_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o thing_n make_v for_o their_o help_n glorify_v not_o god_n as_o god_n but_o be_v unthankful_a and_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o to_o these_o consideration_n if_o we_o add_v what_o peter_n in_o act_n 10.34_o 35._o have_v it_o seem_v as_o if_o many_o of_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n be_v save_v for_o say_v the_o apostle_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o every_o one_o that_o walk_v according_a to_o that_o light_n he_o have_v receive_v shall_v be_v save_v if_o this_o be_v mind_v without_o a_o fix_v our_o thought_n on_o other_o scriptural_a consideration_n the_o difficulty_n will_v be_v remove_v but_o when_o we_o reflect_v on_o the_o many_o other_o text_n that_o assert_v christ_n jesus_n to_o be_v the_o only_a door_n to_o glory_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n whereby_o we_o can_v be_v save_v but_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o doctrine_n namely_o that_o all_o have_v sin_v and_o have_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o such_o be_v the_o essential_a righteousness_n of_o god_n as_o engage_v he_o to_o demand_v satisfaction_n and_o that_o unless_o his_o justice_n be_v satisfy_v no_o salvation_n can_v be_v have_v and_o that_o there_o be_v none_o other_o able_a to_o satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n but_o jesus_n christ_n god-man_n and_o that_o all_o who_o be_v interest_v in_o his_o merit_n must_v submit_v unto_o he_o i_o say_v whoever_o will_v consider_v the_o forego_n passage_n with_o these_o will_v find_v himself_o still_o at_o a_o loss_n so_o that_o on_o the_o whole_a i_o be_o bring_v to_o this_o result_n that_o be_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v so_o very_a much_o insist_v on_o the_o largeness_n of_o divine_a love_n to_o the_o world_n the_o least_o part_n thereof_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o unless_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v out_o of_o christ_n or_o unless_o a_o very_a implicit_a faith_n be_v 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the_o learned_a about_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n we_o now_o have_v or_o the_o septuagint_n as_o whether_o the_o former_a or_o the_o latter_a be_v more_o authentic_a and_o must_v be_v take_v for_o the_o canon_n there_o be_v some_o momentous_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v our_o concern_v to_o inquire_v after_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v our_o rule_n if_o it_o be_v the_o septuagint_n we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n about_o its_o rise_n for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o greek_a be_v not_o that_o language_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v with_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n it_o be_v but_o a_o translation_n but_o where_o be_v the_o original_a beside_o whatever_o be_v say_v by_o some_o of_o the_o father_n concern_v the_o miraculous_a agreement_n of_o the_o 72_o israelite_n send_v from_o jerusalem_n to_o ptolemy_n as_o translator_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v manifest_a enough_o out_o of_o aristaeus_n of_o who_o the_o learned_a usher_n 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out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o text_n the_o least_o alteration_n of_o a_o point_n make_v a_o unaccountable_a change_n in_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n notwithstanding_o which_v the_o novelty_n of_o the_o hebrew_n point_n do_v now_o take_v with_o many_o whereby_o we_o be_v still_o at_o a_o loss_n where_o to_o find_v a_o firm_a foundation_n on_o which_o our_o faith_n may_v lean_v for_o see_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o text_n so_o very_a much_o depend_v on_o these_o point_n if_o these_o point_n be_v of_o late_a and_o humane_a rise_n so_o be_v the_o present_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o so_o how_o can_v our_o faith_n which_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o lean_v only_o on_o this_o humane_a invention_n be_v divine_a and_o unshaken_a but_o may_v these_o difficulty_n be_v remove_v yet_o as_o to_o the_o great_a number_n of_o profess_a christian_n there_o be_v other_o which_o to_o they_o be_v as_o insuperable_a for_o they_o understand_v not_o the_o original_a and_o have_v for_o their_o guidance_n and_o conduct_v no_o other_o help_n but_o what_o either_o some_o ignorant_a or_o profane_a priest_n afford_v they_o such_o be_v the_o neglect_v the_o great_a part_n of_o christendom_n be_v guilty_a of_o that_o where_o there_o be_v one_o learned_a and_o pious_a minister_n to_o direct_v there_o be_v two_o who_o be_v either_o very_a ignorant_a or_o scandalous_a for_o which_o reason_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v under_o the_o minister_n conduct_v be_v either_o to_o receive_v help_n from_o the_o ignorant_a who_o can_v relieve_v they_o or_o from_o the_o scandalous_a who_o can_v be_v confide_v in_o how_o can_v the_o people_n put_v any_o trust_n in_o the_o honesty_n and_o truth_n of_o such_o who_o be_v stranger_n to_o nothing_o more_o than_o to_o such_o virtue_n there_o be_v very_o much_o may_v be_v say_v to_o solve_v these_o phaenomena_n but_o yet_o when_o all_o that_o can_v be_v offer_v have_v be_v insist_v on_o we_o shall_v find_v somewhat_o in_o the_o providence_n that_o do_v transcend_v our_o understanding_n 3._o i_o will_v mention_v only_o one_o providence_n more_o that_o do_v great_o amuse_v and_o astonish_v many_o that_o do_v true_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o that_o be_v this_o viz._n although_o it_o be_v frequent_o assert_v in_o scripture_n that_o to_o the_o godly_a the_o promise_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n as_o well_o as_o of_o that_o to_o come_v be_v give_v yet_o we_o find_v the_o godly_a to_o be_v without_o they_o even_o when_o the_o wicked_a who_o know_v not_o god_n do_v abound_v many_o be_v the_o affliction_n and_o tribulation_n of_o the_o righteous_a job_n 21.7_o etc._n etc._n they_o be_v hate_v reproach_v and_o count_v as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n but_o the_o wicked_a they_o live_v become_v
much_o more_o joy_n will_v flow_v in_o upon_o you_o if_o you_o go_v far_o and_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_a you_o will_v bless_v god_n hearty_o who_o have_v enable_v you_o against_o all_o temptation_n and_o your_o own_o natural_a inclination_n to_o the_o contrary_a to_o perform_v this_o excellent_a and_o most_o christian_a duty_n when_o you_o find_v in_o yourselves_o the_o joy_n that_o will_v attend_v it_o quest_n how_o may_v the_o well_o discharge_v of_o our_o present_a duty_n give_v we_o assurance_n of_o help_n from_o god_n for_o the_o well_o discharge_v of_o all_o future_a duty_n sermon_n xx._n 1_o sam._n 17.34_o 35_o 36_o 37._o psal_n 27.14_o prov._n 10.29_o 2_o chron._n 15.2_o our_o reverend_n and_o worthy_a brother_n who_o have_v the_o order_n of_o the_o morning-lecture_n in_o this_o place_n have_v both_o now_o and_o heretofore_o in_o great_a wisdom_n single_v out_o many_o choice_n select_a case_n relate_v to_o the_o mystery_n of_o practical_a godliness_n and_o of_o singular_a use_n to_o all_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o know_v and_o feel_v more_o in_o themselves_o of_o the_o power_n of_o inward_a experimental_a christianity_n sure_o it_o be_v not_o for_o nothing_o that_o god_n shall_v send_v to_o this_o auditority_n so_o many_o of_o his_o messenger_n one_o after_o another_o morning_n by_o morning_n rise_v early_o and_o send_v to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v of_o they_o much_o will_v be_v require_v see_v that_o you_o improve_v these_o extraordinary_a mean_n of_o grace_n the_o case_n that_o be_v fall_v to_o my_o lot_n this_o morning_n be_v this_o viz._n how_o may_v the_o well_o discharge_v of_o our_o present_a duty_n give_v we_o assurance_n of_o help_n from_o god_n for_o the_o well_o discharge_v of_o all_o future_a duty_n this_o question_n have_v two_o part_n in_o it_o and_o can_v be_v so_o well_o ground_v upon_o a_o single_a text_n therefore_o i_o shall_v name_v three_o or_o four_o you_o may_v have_v your_o eye_n upon_o all_o viz._n 1_o sam._n 17.34_o 35_o 36_o 37._o and_o david_n say_v unto_o saul_n thy_o servant_n keep_v his_o father_n sheep_n and_o there_o come_v a_o lion_n and_o a_o bear_v and_o take_v a_o lamb_n out_o of_o the_o flock_n and_o i_o go_v out_o after_o he_o and_o smite_v he_o and_o deliver_v it_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n and_o when_o he_o arise_v against_o i_o i_o catch_v he_o by_o his_o beard_n and_o smite_v he_o and_o slay_v he_o thy_o servant_n slay_v both_o the_o lion_n and_o the_o bear_v and_o this_o uncircumcised_a philistine_n shall_v be_v as_o one_o of_o they_o see_v he_o have_v defy_v the_o army_n of_o the_o live_a god_n david_n say_v moreover_o the_o lord_n that_o deliver_v i_o out_o of_o the_o paw_n of_o the_o lion_n and_o out_o of_o the_o paw_n of_o the_o bear_n he_o will_v deliver_v i_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o this_o philistine_n and_o saul_n say_v unto_o david_n go_v and_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o thou_o psal_n 27.14_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n be_v of_o good_a courage_n and_o he_o shall_v strengthen_v thy_o heart_n wait_v i_o say_v on_o the_o lord_n prov._n 10.29_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v strength_n to_o the_o upright_a but_o destruction_n shall_v be_v to_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n 2_o chron._n 15.2_o and_o he_o go_v out_o to_o meet_v asa_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o hear_v you_o i_o asa_n and_o all_o judah_n and_o benjamin_n the_o lord_n be_v with_o you_o while_o you_o be_v with_o he_o and_o if_o you_o seek_v he_o he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o you_o but_o if_o you_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v forsake_v you_o i_o do_v not_o name_v these_o several_a scripture_n as_o so_o many_o text_n which_o i_o intend_v to_o preach_v upon_o but_o as_o so_o many_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o point_n that_o it_o be_v a_o case_n very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o i_o shall_v take_v it_o up_o and_o for_o once_o preach_v common_a place_n wise_a upon_o it_o which_o be_v a_o way_n of_o preach_v much_o in_o use_n in_o the_o last_o century_n and_o upward_o by_o many_o eminent_a divine_n and_o not_o without_o great_a success_n now_o we_o tie_v ourselves_o to_o single_a text_n then_o they_o preach_v upon_o such_o and_o such_o subject_n prove_v what_o they_o say_v by_o scripture_n and_o in_o this_o good_a old_a way_n i_o shall_v walk_v for_o once_o pray_v follow_v i_o with_o due_a attention_n this_o case_n or_o question_n may_v be_v resolve_v into_o two_o 1._o what_o our_o present_a duty_n be_v 2._o how_o the_o well_o discharge_v of_o that_o may_v encourage_v we_o to_o hope_v in_o god_n for_o his_o help_n and_o assistance_n in_o all_o future_a duty_n first_o what_o be_v our_o present_a duty_n before_o i_o define_v this_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o speak_v something_o previous_a to_o it_o which_o may_v help_v we_o much_o in_o this_o enquiry_n and_o lead_v we_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n into_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o our_o present_a duty_n the_o step_n i_o shall_v go_v by_o be_v these_o show_v you_o 1._o what_o duty_n be_v in_o the_o general_a nature_n and_o notion_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o our_o superior_n god_n be_v our_o sovereign_a supreme_a lord_n master_n and_o lawgiver_n our_o duty_n lie_v in_o subject_v ourselves_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o his_o will_n duty_n be_v that_o which_o be_v due_a from_o man_n to_o god_n it_o be_v justitia_fw-la ergâ—â—_n deum_fw-la gic._n de_fw-fr nat._n de_fw-fr lib._n 1._o it_o be_v justice_n towards_o god_n we_o do_v do_v god_n right_n we_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o glory_n if_o we_o do_v do_v our_o duty_n god_n know_v indeed_o how_o to_o recover_v his_o right_n and_o the_o wrong_n we_o do_v in_o sin_v against_o he_o will_v in_o the_o end_n redound_v to_o our_o own_o soul_n prov._n 8.36_o every_o sinner_n deal_v injurious_o with_o god_n he_o do_v not_o give_v unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n he_o withhold_v the_o obedience_n that_o be_v due_a unto_o god_n he_o will_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o law_n he_o do_v not_o do_v his_o duty_n 2._o something_o be_v our_o present_a duty_n god_n have_v fill_v up_o all_o our_o time_n with_o duty_n not_o one_o moment_n leave_v at_o our_o own_o disposal_n we_o must_v give_v a_o account_n to_o he_o of_o every_o thing_n we_o do_v in_o the_o body_n from_o first_o to_o last_o every_o day_n have_v its_o proper_a work_n the_o thing_n of_o itself_o mat._n 6.34_o 3._o nothing_o that_o be_v sinful_a and_o in_o itself_o unlawful_a can_v be_v our_o duty_n at_o any_o time_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v sure_a not_o our_o present_a duty_n this_o need_v no_o proof_n 4._o every_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o it_o self-lawful_a be_v not_o therefore_o our_o duty_n all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a but_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o expedient_a 1_o cor._n 6.12_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o forbid_v under_o a_o penalty_n be_v lawful_a i._n e._n whatsoever_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o rectitude_n of_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o do_n 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they_o with_o act_v out_o of_o fancy_n or_o humour_n or_o any_o thing_n but_o a_o fix_a and_o stable_a principle_n beside_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v by_o way_n of_o direction_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n some_o further_a improvement_n of_o this_o doctrine_n may_v be_v make_v use_v 2_o 1._o by_o way_n of_o information_n if_o true_a christian_n may_v give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o christianity_n 1._o they_o then_o be_v no_o true_a believer_n no_o true_a christian_n of_o who_o religion_n no_o good_a account_n can_v be_v give_v either_o how_o they_o come_v by_o it_o or_o whereon_o it_o be_v ground_v 1._o how_o they_o come_v by_o it_o when_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v saint_n but_o can_v in_o the_o least_o tell_v how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v saint_n have_v find_v no_o real_a change_n in_o themselves_o be_v the_o same_o they_o have_v always_o be_v they_o have_v they_o think_v love_v god_n and_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o have_v hope_n of_o heaven_n ever_o since_o they_o 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scripture_n and_o have_v not_o be_v hold_v as_o necessary_a by_o all_o true_a christian_n in_o every_o age_n and_o place_n not_o that_o we_o must_v know_v man_n first_o to_o be_v true_a christian_n that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v know_v what_o christian_a truth_n be_v but_o the_o plain_a scripture_n tell_v all_o man_n what_o christianity_n be_v and_o by_o that_o we_o know_v who_o to_o take_v for_o christian_n but_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v new_a and_o rise_v since_o the_o apostle_n write_v of_o the_o scripture_n that_o can_v be_v no_o point_n essential_a to_o christianity_n else_o christianity_n must_v be_v a_o mutable_a thing_n and_o not_o the_o same_o now_o as_o it_o be_v heretofore_o or_o else_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n before_o this_o novelty_n in_o the_o world_n the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v any_o man_n a_o christian_n if_o they_o want_v any_o essential_a part_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n but_o here_o take_v heed_n of_o sophister_n deceit_n though_o nothing_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o all_o sound_a christian_n have_v still_o believe_v yet_o all_o be_v not_o necessary_a or_o true_a or_o good_a which_o all_o good_a christian_n have_v believe_v or_o do_v much_o less_o all_o which_o the_o tempt_v worse_a part_n have_v hold_v for_o though_o the_o essence_n of_o christianity_n have_v be_v ever_o and_o every_o where_o the_o same_o yet_o the_o opinion_n of_o christian_n and_o their_o mistake_v and_o fault_n have_v be_v none_o of_o their_o imitable_a faith_n or_o practice_n humane_a nature_n be_v essential_o the_o same_o in_o adam_n and_o in_o all_o man_n but_o the_o disease_n of_o nature_n be_v another_o thing_n if_o all_o man_n have_v sin_n and_o error_n so_o have_v all_o church_n their_o christianity_n be_v of_o
be_v to_o be_v humble_v at_o god_n threaten_n and_o comfort_v at_o his_o promise_n for_o great_a grief_n and_o joy_n leave_v great_a impression_n on_o we_o and_o therefore_o apprehend_v spiritual_a thing_n to_o be_v very_o excellent_a and_o also_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o and_o you_o will_v remember_v it_o better_o but_o when_o we_o have_v a_o mean_a and_o low_a opinion_n of_o heavenly_a truth_n or_o only_o a_o common_a kindness_n for_o they_o they_o be_v then_o easy_o forget_v ps_n 119.16_o i_o will_v delight_v myself_o in_o thy_o statute_n and_o what_o then_o why_o i_o will_v never_o forget_v thy_o word_n 5._o serious_n meditation_n be_v the_o last_o help_n i_o shall_v mention_v when_o people_n read_v or_o hear_v and_o present_o plung_v themselves_o in_o foreign_a business_n then_o general_o all_o be_v lose_v jam._n 1.24_o 25._o for_o he_o behold_v himself_o and_o go_v his_o way_n and_o straight_o forget_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n he_o be_v but_o who_o so_o look_v the_o word_n signify_v to_o penetrate_v into_o a_o thing_n with_o his_o eye_n and_o continue_v therein_o that_o be_v so_o consider_v he_o be_v not_o a_o forgetful_a hearer_n but_o a_o door_n of_o the_o work_n this_o man_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o his_o deed_n by_o which_o be_v not_o mean_v a_o speculative_a and_o fruitless_a meditation_n but_o that_o which_o be_v practical_a that_o be_v which_o digest_v the_o thing_n we_o read_v or_o hear_v for_o use_n and_o practice_v psal_n 119.11_o thy_o word_n have_v i_o hiâ—â—â—_n my_o heart_n that_o i_o may_v not_o sin_v against_o thou_o here_o be_v a_o truth_n or_o a_o duty_n or_o promise_v for_o such_o a_o time_n or_o case_n such_o roll_a good_a thing_n in_o our_o thought_n do_v habituate_v and_o familiarize_v they_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o they_o abide_v the_o long_o this_o be_v clear_a in_o other_o case_n for_o if_o one_o have_v receive_v a_o injurious_a or_o unkind_a word_n if_o it_o go_v out_o at_o one_o ear_n as_o it_o come_v in_o at_o the_o other_o it_o leau_v no_o great_a impression_n but_o if_o you_o set_v yourself_o to_o ruminate_v upon_o it_o and_o to_o aggravate_v it_o then_o it_o be_v a_o long_a time_n ere_o you_o forget_v it_o and_o so_o in_o some_o measure_n it_o will_v be_v in_o good_a thing_n give_v they_o a_o little_a heart-room_n bestow_v some_o second_o thought_n upon_o they_o shut_v the_o book_n when_o you_o have_v read_v a_o little_a and_o think_v of_o it_o and_o it_o will_v abide_v it_o be_v the_o soak_a rain_n that_o enter_v deep_a into_o the_o earth_n when_o a_o sudden_a shower_n slide_v away_o hence_o what_o one_o evangelist_n mat._n 26.75_o call_v remember_v the_o word_n of_o jesus_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o peter_n the_o other_o call_v it_o think_v when_o he_o think_v thereon_o he_o weep_v but_o herein_o our_o ordinary_a hearer_n be_v strange_o negligent_a they_o read_v they_o hear_v they_o forget_v for_o they_o never_o think_v nor_o meditate_v of_o it_o they_o turn_v down_o leave_v in_o their_o bibles_n in_o the_o congregation_n but_o they_o seldom_o turn_v they_o up_o again_o in_o reflect_v upon_o what_o they_o hear_v and_o so_o their_o labour_n be_v lose_v and_o we_o also_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o help_v to_o a_o better_a memory_n which_o be_v the_o six_o point_n vii_o i_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o answer_v some_o cavil_n of_o the_o wilful_a and_o also_o some_o doubt_n of_o the_o weak_a the_o former_a use_n to_o object_n and_o say_v obj._n 1_o why_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o to_o fear_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n be_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n what_o need_v then_o be_v there_o of_o such_o remember_v answ_n why_o this_o which_o you_o mention_v do_v plain_o require_v remember_v must_v he_o not_o remember_v the_o commandment_n that_o will_v keep_v they_o and_o not_o the_o mere_a word_n only_o but_o the_o true_a extent_n of_o they_o or_o else_o how_o can_v he_o possible_o keep_v they_o there_o be_v ten_o commandment_n but_o there_o be_v ten_o hundred_o duty_n command_v and_o sin_n forbid_v and_o how_o shall_v those_o be_v perform_v and_o these_o avoid_v unless_o we_o remember_v they_o and_o be_v there_o nothing_o but_o commandment_n to_o be_v remember_v be_v not_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n to_o be_v remember_v also_o sure_o this_o apostle_n be_v of_o this_o mind_n when_o he_o tell_v in_o the_o text_n that_o if_o the_o corinthian_n keep_v not_o in_o memory_n what_o be_v preach_v unto_o they_o concern_v that_o only_a doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v believe_v in_o vain_a and_o their_o salvation_n be_v in_o danger_n obj._n 2._o ay_o but_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o remember_v so_o many_o scripture_n so_o many_o doctrine_n so_o many_o use_v as_o we_o have_v hear_v what_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v do_v it_o answ_n it_o be_v true_a that_o perfection_n in_o this_o faculty_n be_v not_o attainable_a in_o this_o life_n but_o it_o be_v be_v as_o true_a that_o every_o christian_n ought_v to_o endeavour_v to_o reach_v as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v we_o can_v keep_v all_o the_o commandment_n perfect_o in_o this_o life_n yet_o we_o shall_v strive_v to_o do_v what_o we_o can_v and_o then_o our_o heavenly_a father_n will_v accept_v and_o assist_v we_o but_o it_o be_v plain_a sloth_n to_o be_v urge_v impossibility_n in_o opposition_n to_o duty_n i_o say_v carnality_n and_o sloth_n for_o these_o same_o man_n can_v ready_o remember_v a_o thousand_o vain_a matter_n and_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o it_o but_o you_o be_v best_a to_o beware_v of_o that_o curse_n mal._n 1.13_o curse_a be_v the_o deceiver_n which_o have_v in_o his_o flock_n a_o male_a and_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o lord_n a_o corrupt_a thing_n if_o you_o have_v a_o masculine_a strong_a memory_n for_o other_o thing_n and_o only_o a_o corrupt_a crack_a memory_n for_o god_n and_o godliness_n you_o be_v near_o to_o curse_v obj._n 3_o o_o but_o we_o have_v as_o good_a heart_n as_o the_o best_a though_o we_o have_v not_o such_o strong_a memory_n and_o a_o honest_a heart_n be_v worth_a all_o answ_n 1._o this_o be_v a_o proud_a boast_n for_o no_o humble_a modest_a man_n will_v thus_o vaunt_v himself_o 2._o this_o be_v mere_a shuffle_n for_o when_o you_o be_v reprove_v for_o the_o defectiveness_n of_o your_o faculty_n or_o the_o immorality_n of_o your_o life_n than_o you_o plead_v the_o honesty_n and_o goodness_n of_o your_o heart_n and_o when_o you_o be_v convince_v and_o urge_v concern_v the_o newness_n and_o holiness_n of_o your_o heart_n than_o you_o boast_v of_o the_o innocence_n and_o orderliness_n of_o your_o life_n but_o you_o can_v mock_v god_n thus_o he_o behold_v the_o unregeneracy_n of_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v witness_n to_o all_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o life_n but_o if_o you_o have_v as_o good_a heart_n how_o be_v it_o that_o you_o have_v not_o as_o good_a memory_n for_o the_o honest_a heart_n be_v good_a all_o over_o and_o though_o you_o can_v remember_v as_o much_o yet_o you_o will_v remember_v as_o well_o as_o they_o do_v not_o deceive_v yourselves_o do_v not_o imagine_v that_o you_o be_v spiritual_o rich_a when_o you_o be_v poor_a and_o miserable_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a if_o many_o of_o your_o memory_n be_v dissect_v i_o be_o afraid_a they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v stuff_v like_o that_o roman_a legate_n sumpter_n that_o be_v gorgeous_a enough_o without_o but_o be_v break_v up_o by_o a_o fall_n in_o the_o street_n be_v fill_v with_o nothing_o but_o boot_n and_o shoe_n and_o such_o like_a worthless_a trash_n but_o i_o must_v turn_v now_o to_o the_o other_o branch_n of_o this_o point_n which_o be_v to_o answer_v the_o doubt_n of_o the_o weak_a christian_n in_o this_o case_n about_o the_o memory_n doubt_v 1_o if_o no_o faith_n nor_o salvation_n without_o remember_v spiritual_a thing_n then_o cry_v the_o poor_a soul_n to_o be_v sure_a i_o have_v no_o grace_n for_o i_o can_v remember_v little_a or_o nothing_o i_o hear_v and_o love_n to_o hear_v and_o so_o i_o read_v but_o nothing_o abide_v with_o i_o i_o shall_v believe_v in_o vain_a ans_fw-fr there_o be_v a_o historical_a memory_n and_o there_o be_v a_o practical_a memory_n the_o former_a be_v either_o a_o great_a natural_a faculty_n or_o a_o particular_a gift_n now_o though_o this_o be_v a_o great_a help_n to_o grace_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a what_o advantage_n be_v it_o to_o a_o man_n salvation_n if_o he_o can_v do_v as_o it_o be_v report_v of_o cyrus_n and_o of_o scipio_n 525._o cael._n rhodig_n ant._n q._n p._n 525._o that_o they_o can_v repeat_v two_o thousand_o name_n in_o order_n or_o
great_a truth_n and_o if_o due_o weigh_v will_v afford_v relief_n to_o such_o as_o be_v perplex_v with_o the_o profoundness_n of_o some_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n for_o by_o this_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o mysteriousness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o surprise_v manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v reveal_v the_o difficulty_n about_o the_o hebrew_a point_n and_o some_o instance_n in_o chronology_n the_o various_a readins_n and_o the_o like_a they_o all_o serve_v as_o a_o spur_n to_o our_o faith_n and_o a_o furtherance_n to_o our_o salvation_n we_o have_v argument_n enough_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n the_o certainty_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v unbelieving_a though_o we_o meet_v with_o some_o difficulty_n that_o our_o reason_n can_v overcome_v this_o shall_v satisfy_v we_o that_o how_o great_a soever_o the_o difficulty_n may_v be_v how_o far_o soever_o they_o transcend_v our_o understanding_n yet_o there_o be_v in_o they_o no_o implication_n and_o if_o so_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o reconcileable_a and_o although_o finite_a worm_n be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o true_a method_n of_o conciliation_n yet_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n be_v these_o difficulty_n shall_v not_o in_o the_o least_o stumble_v our_o faith_n but_o rather_o engage_v we_o to_o be_v the_o more_o strong_a in_o believe_v 2._o as_o by_o faith_n we_o behold_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v not_o comprehend_v by_o our_o reason_n and_o can_v through_o the_o mysteriousness_n of_o doctrine_n and_o providence_n see_v that_o they_o be_v of_o god_n so_o by_o faith_n we_o be_v enable_v to_o put_v our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n even_o when_o under_o the_o dark_a dispensation_n faith_n never_o appear_v so_o much_o in_o its_o lustre_n as_o when_o the_o great_a difficulty_n lie_v before_o it_o then_o it_o be_v that_o the_o believer_n put_v his_o trust_n in_o the_o power_n wisdom_n mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n when_o under_o the_o obscure_a dispensation_n when_o there_o be_v some_o difficult_a appearance_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n that_o relate_v to_o some_o doctrine_n and_o when_o some_o providence_n seem_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o discovery_n that_o be_v make_v of_o god_n faithfulness_n etc._n etc._n then_o it_o be_v that_o our_o faith_n appear_v in_o its_o beauty_n for_o thereby_o we_o show_v the_o just_a apprehension_n we_o have_v of_o god_n power_n wisdom_n mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o extend_v his_o compassion_n to_o believer_n that_o he_o will_v order_v all_o thing_n to_o work_v together_o for_o their_o good_a be_v evident_a enough_o in_o scripture_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o all_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v against_o they_o they_o be_v afflict_v and_o under_o sore_a temptation_n they_o lose_v their_o temporal_a estate_n be_v deprive_v of_o their_o liberty_n be_v sick_a weak_a and_o in_o great_a distress_n several_a thwart_a providence_n attend_v they_o all_o thing_n be_v seem_o against_o they_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o good_a old_a jacob_n he_o be_v bereave_v of_o his_o child_n joseph_n be_v not_o sâ—meon_n be_v not_o and_o benjamin_n must_v be_v take_v away_o all_o these_o thing_n say_v he_o be_v against_o i_o gen._n 42.36_o but_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o time_n for_o jacob_n to_o exercise_v his_o faith_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n ver_fw-la 14._o q._n d._n the_o lord_n almighty_n be_v with_o you_o with_o he_o i_o leave_v you_o to_o he_o i_o commit_v my_o concern_v if_o i_o be_o bereave_v i_o be_o bereave_v i._n e._n the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v do_v thus_o it_o be_v with_o job_n god_n have_v suffer_v the_o tempter_n to_o break_v in_o upon_o he_o god_n himself_o seem_v as_o if_o he_o be_v resolve_v he_o shall_v die_v and_o yet_o then_o can_v job_n say_v though_o he_o slay_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o put_v my_o trust_n in_o he_o job_n 13.15_o so_o with_o habakkuk_n chap._n 13.17_o 18_o 19_o although_o the_o figtree_n shall_v not_o blossom_n neither_o shall_v fruit_n be_v in_o the_o vine_n though_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o olive_n shall_v fail_v and_o the_o field_n shall_v yield_v no_o meat_n though_o the_o slock_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o the_o fold_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o herd_n in_o the_o stall_n yet_o will_v i_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n be_v my_o strength_n he_o will_v make_v i_o to_o walk_v in_o my_o high_a place_n many_o other_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v all_o which_o concur_v to_o evince_v that_o then_o be_v the_o time_n to_o put_v our_o trust_n in_o the_o lord_n when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o can_v see_v no_o light_n when_o there_o be_v in_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n somewhat_o above_o we_o that_o we_o can_v reach_v unto_o then_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o look_v unto_o a_o rock_n that_o be_v high_a than_o ourselves_o then_o be_v we_o call_v to_o put_v our_o trust_n in_o the_o wisdom_n and_o mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o he_o who_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v with_o we_o to_o uphold_v and_o support_v we_o as_o say_v david_n at_o what_o time_n i_o be_o afraid_a i_o will_v trust_v in_o the_o lord_n for_o though_o my_o heart_n and_o my_o flesh_n fail_v yet_o god_n will_v be_v the_o strength_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o my_o portion_n for_o ever_o on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o at_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a the_o believer_n foot_n be_v almost_o go_v and_o his_o step_n do_v well-nigh_o slip_v it_o be_v his_o confidence_n in_o god_n that_o be_v then_o his_o stay_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o this_o instance_n be_v remarkable_a for_o though_o god_n have_v say_v that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v not_o prosper_v nor_o live_v out_o half_a their_o day_n yet_o behold_v they_o live_v and_o their_o house_n be_v safe_a from_o fear_n they_o prosper_v in_o the_o world_n they_o increase_v in_o riches_n how_o be_v this_o consistent_a with_o the_o threaten_n or_o how_o can_v the_o righteous_a see_v this_o and_o not_o be_v trouble_v sure_o when_o they_o enter_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n they_o see_v the_o end_n of_o all_o and_o be_v abundant_o satisfy_v their_o faith_n be_v hereby_o try_v but_o yet_o they_o can_v say_v good_a be_v god_n to_o israel_n they_o begin_v to_o reason_n with_o god_n and_o will_v say_v wherefore_o be_v all_o they_o happy_a that_o deal_n very_o treacherous_o but_o still_o conclude_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a jer._n 12.1_o though_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n be_v round_o about_o he_o yet_o righteousness_n and_o judgement_n be_v the_o habitation_n of_o his_o throne_n for_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o dark_a dispensation_n the_o godly_a do_v still_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o the_o lord_n they_o stay_v themselves_o on_o his_o wisdom_n power_n mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n the_o do_v which_o all_o shall_v endeavour_v when_o under_o dark_a dispensation_n 2._o hereby_o the_o grace_n of_o patience_n be_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n hold_v up_o in_o a_o continue_a exercise_n patience_n be_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v to_o consist_v mere_o in_o a_o endure_a the_o conflict_n of_o temptation_n and_o affliction_n with_o a_o quiet_a calm_a and_o sedate_v temper_n of_o spirit_n but_o also_o in_o a_o quiet_a wait_a for_o and_o expectation_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o some_o great_a and_o glorious_a promise_n in_o look_v and_o patient_o wait_v for_o the_o end_n when_o we_o shall_v see_v with_o much_o clearness_n what_o now_o lie_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o out_o of_o our_o view_n but_o if_o we_o hope_v for_o what_o we_o see_v not_o then_o do_v we_o with_o patience_n wait_v for_o it_o say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 8.25_o now_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v some_o inconsistency_n between_o doctrine_n and_o doctrine_n between_o some_o doctrine_n and_o providence_n yea_o and_o between_o providence_n and_o providence_n but_o yet_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o that_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o our_o lord_n will_v not_o speak_v any_o more_o in_o parable_n unto_o we_o when_o the_o veil_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o and_o when_o we_o shall_v find_v every_o thing_n to_o answer_v the_o truth_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n no_o inconsistency_n in_o any_o of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o providence_n but_o the_o exact_a agreement_n and_o most_o excellent_a harmony_n every_o one_o doctrine_n and_o providence_n concur_v to_o the_o illustration_n of_o each_o other_o all_o which_o shall_v be_v see_v with_o great_a satisfaction_n when_o we_o shall_v depart_v hence_o and_o be_v with_o the_o lord_n now_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n we_o see_v but_o through_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o then_o we_o shall_v know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v and_o see_v face_n