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the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n open_v up_o or_o some_o sermon_n concern_v faith_n two_o whereof_o be_v not_o former_o print_v wherein_o the_o nature_n excellency_n and_o usefulnesse_n of_o that_o noble_a grace_n be_v much_o clear_v and_o the_o practice_n thereof_o most_o powerful_o press_v whereunto_o be_v add_v other_o three_o sermon_n two_o concern_v the_o great_a salvation_n one_o of_o these_o not_o former_o print_v and_o a_o three_o concern_v death_n by_o mr._n andrew_n grey_a late_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o glasgow_n all_o these_o sermon_n be_v now_o careful_o revise_v and_o much_o correct_v joh._n 3._o 18._o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o because_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n edinburgh_n print_v by_o george_n swinton_n and_o james_n glen_n anno_fw-la 1669._o mr._n gray_n mystery_n of_o faith_n christian_n reader_n among_o many_o weighty_a and_o soul_n piercing_a sentence_n that_o you_o will_v find_v in_o these_o follow_a sermon_n this_o be_v oneâ—_n that_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o â—ge_n whether_o they_o go_v to_o heaven_n or_o hell_n they_o will_v be_v the_o great_a debtor_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o â—ither_o placeâ—_n the_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o other_o to_o his_o justice_n and_o certain_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o those_o in_o this_o time_n who_o â—lessed_a lot_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n â—hey_n can_v but_o acknowledge_v themselves_o indebt_v to_o his_o love_n above_o all_o that_o have_v go_v â—efore_o they_o for_o wâ—shing_v they_o from_o such_o ugly_a pollution_n â—â—_o this_o generation_n have_v be_v defile_v â—ith_n for_o bring_v they_o through_o so_o great_a triâ—â—ilations_n preserve_v they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o â—â—eat_a tenâ—ations_n and_o dangerous_a sâ—ares_n as_o have_v â—compassed_v they_o yea_o and_o still_o keep_v in_o the_o â—â—ght_n before_o they_o notwithstanding_o of_o so_o 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school_n for_o a_o reprover_n of_o the_o sluggishness_n of_o his_o people_n that_o thereby_o the_o age_a may_v be_v the_o more_o ashamed_a and_o the_o young_a more_o afraid_a neither_o do_v we_o think_v that_o this_o be_v all_o but_o true_o when_o we_o consider_v what_o measure_n of_o grace_n gift_n and_o experience_n the_o lord_n do_v bestow_v upon_o so_o young_a a_o person_n and_o then_o with_o what_o humility_n self-denial_n gravity_n prudence_n diligence_n authority_n and_o moderation_n he_o be_v help_v to_o manage_v these_o talent_n during_o that_o short_a time_n of_o his_o ministry_n it_o may_v be_v just_o conceive_v that_o the_o lord_n bring_v he_o forth_o to_o be_v a_o great_a conviction_n even_o to_o many_o of_o we_o in_o the_o ministry_n who_o come_v into_o our_o master_n vineyard_n long_o before_o he_o and_o will_v go_v out_o behind_o he_o and_o indeed_o to_o we_o it_o look_v somewhat_o like_o the_o lord_n take_v up_o of_o the_o little_a child_n and_o set_v he_o among_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o contend_a disciple_n in_o these_o time_n that_o even_o they_o who_o will_v be_v great_a among_o we_o may_v be_v least_o and_o see_v somewhat_o of_o their_o own_o weakness_n as_o to_o this_o little_a piece_n whatever_o you_o shall_v find_v in_o it_o it_o have_v this_o to_o say_v for_o its_o self_n that_o whereas_o many_o write_n in_o the_o world_n do_v intrude_v themselves_o upon_o the_o press_n yet_o this_o the_o press_n have_v violent_o thrust_v into_o the_o world_n for_o some_o young_a student_n from_o his_o good_a affection_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n and_o no_o doubt_n from_o his_o high_a esteem_n of_o the_o precious_a author_n his_o memory_n have_v give_v in_o to_o the_o press_n a_o copy_n of_o some_o of_o these_o sermon_n be_v only_a note_n take_v from_o his_o mouth_n when_o he_o preach_v they_o no_o soon_o be_v they_o see_v abroad_o but_o all_o the_o press_v in_o the_o nation_n fall_v a_o labour_a about_o they_o so_o that_o if_o 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the_o author_n name_n may_v â—ly_o under_o by_o these_o uncorrect_a impression_n may_v be_v take_v off_o and_o find_v that_o the_o copy_n which_o by_o providence_n the_o worthy_a young_a gentlewoman_n who_o be_v his_o wife_n have_v lie_v by_o she_o though_o it_o be_v but_o note_n take_v from_o his_o mouth_n yet_o be_v the_o most_o correct_a that_o can_v be_v find_v and_o that_o it_o also_o do_v contain_v the_o whole_a purpose_n that_o he_o have_v preach_v upon_o these_o text_n yea_o the_o whole_a purpose_n concern_v faith_n that_o he_o have_v preach_v according_a to_o that_o method_n propose_v in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o sermon_n former_o publish_v this_o be_v undertake_v to_o be_v revise_v by_o some_o who_o albeit_o none_o of_o the_o fit_a for_o these_o employment_n yet_o rather_o or_o nothing_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o the_o business_n be_v conâ—tent_a to_o bestow_v
some_o hour_n upon_o it_o according_a aâ—_n other_o necessary_a employment_n will_v permit_v and_o now_o have_v seek_v out_o all_o the_o note_n of_o these_o sermon_n which_o we_o can_v find_v from_o other_o hand_n and_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o copy_n abovemention_v we_o do_v again_o present_v they_o unto_o the_o lord_n people_n not_o with_o any_o confidence_n that_o our_o pain_n have_v put_v any_o new_a lustre_n upon_o they_o only_o we_o have_v some_o hope_n that_o the_o whole_a subject_n be_v now_o before_o they_o and_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o way_n of_o expression_n help_v which_o either_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o unpleasant_a or_o liable_a to_o mistake_n they_o shall_v not_o nâ—w_o be_v less_o edify_v nor_o less_o acceptable_a than_o former_o they_o be_v we_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o make_v any_o considerable_a alteration_n â—â—â—o_v the_o method_n or_o other_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n lose_v â—aply_o by_o strain_v his_o excellent_a purpose_n too_o much_o to_o shape_v they_o to_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n or_o to_o reduce_v they_o to_o that_o order_n which_o may_v best_o have_v please_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v have_v wrong_v the_o matter_n itself_o at_o least_o have_v put_v these_o to_o a_o loss_n who_o do_v hear_v he_o preach_v and_o it_o may_v be_v â—ow_o upon_o their_o read_a thing_n in_o that_o same_o order_n as_o they_o hear_v they_o will_v be_v the_o more_o ready_o bring_v under_o the_o impression_n of_o that_o liveliness_n power_n and_o weight_n which_o it_o may_v be_v former_o they_o feel_v upon_o their_o heart_n when_o he_o be_v speak_v if_o the_o method_n do_v not_o altogether_o satisfy_v some_o spirit_n or_o the_o explication_n seem_v not_o so_o fult_n or_o â—f_o they_o find_v some_o introduction_n which_o possible_o â—ead_a not_o in_o so_o close_o or_o seem_v not_o so_o sib_a to_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o sermon_n or_o haply_o now_o and_o then_o there_o be_v some_o little_a digression_n from_o the_o main_a purpose_n we_o shall_v desire_v that_o this_o may_v not_o at_o all_o be_v construct_v to_o be_v the_o author_n ignorance_n of_o rule_n and_o method_n or_o his_o want_n of_o ability_n in_o humane_a learning_n it_o be_v know_v to_o these_o who_o be_v best_a acquaint_v with_o he_o that_o he_o have_v indeed_o a_o scholastic_a spirit_n and_o be_v in_o read_v far_o beyond_o his_o age_n and_o opportunity_n for_o study_v but_o as_o to_o all_o these_o we_o shall_v entreat_v you_o rather_o to_o consider_v 1._o his_o age_n and_o that_o his_o gift_n be_v but_o in_o the_o very_o mould_v and_o break_v as_o we_o speak_v in_o the_o point_n of_o order_n and_o method_n when_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o call_v he_o home_o from_o his_o work_n 2._o that_o every_o man_n have_v his_o proper_a gift_n of_o god_n whâ—_n in_o his_o great_a wisdom_n and_o certain_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n do_v so_o order_n that_o there_o be_v somewhat_o singular_a and_o peculiar_a almost_o in_o every_o man_n way_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n 3._o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v he_o have_v never_o that_o high_a esteem_n of_o this_o or_o any_o other_o of_o his_o labour_n as_o to_o design_n anâ—_n of_o they_o for_o public_a view_n and_o these_o be_v buâ—_n note_n take_v from_o his_o mouth_n 4._o we_o be_v persuade_v he_o study_v more_o his_o hearer_n than_o himself_o you_o will_v easy_o perceive_v when_o you_o have_v buâ—_n read_v a_o little_a that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o verâ—_n zealous_a temper_n that_o the_o great_a pencil_n of_o hiâ—_n spirit_n and_o that_o which_o he_o do_v whole_o spend_v himself_o about_o be_v to_o make_v people_n know_v their_o dangerous_a condition_n by_o nature_n and_o by_o all_o mean_v tâ—_n persuade_v they_o to_o believe_v and_o lie_v hold_v upoâ—_n the_o great_a salvation_n and_o true_o that_o a_o maâ—_n in_o such_o a_o frame_n shall_v less_o attend_v to_o these_o less_o thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o and_o indeed_o though_o these_o thing_n be_v good_a in_o themselves_o and_o worthy_a to_o be_v look_v to_o in_o their_o own_o place_n yet_o for_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o all_o auditory_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o pin_v up_o every_o purpose_n to_o such_o a_o method_n and_o insist_v into_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o explication_n and_o criticism_n upon_o word_n it_o be_v but_o to_o â—etter_n himself_o and_o to_o starve_v his_o people_n 5._o consider_v the_o dulness_n of_o the_o most_o part_n of_o hearer_n in_o this_o age_n and_o how_o hard_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o awake_v a_o sleep_a world_n and_o to_o get_v they_o but_o to_o think_v that_o it_o do_v concern_v they_o to_o hear_v in_o earnest_n and_o possible_o it_o be_v not_o a_o small_a piece_n of_o spiritual_a wisdom_n in_o he_o and_o it_o may_v be_v not_o unfit_a to_o be_v imitate_v by_o other_o to_o begin_v or_o end_v all_o his_o sermon_n with_o a_o awaken_n word_n concern_v heaven_n or_o hell_n or_o judgement_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o choise_v the_o evil_a and_o refuse_v the_o good_a 6._o for_o digression_n the_o truth_n be_v that_o his_o soul_n be_v so_o fill_v with_o such_o long_n after_o heaven_n and_o glory_n and_o so_o inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n especial_o towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o his_o race_n that_o when_o he_o fall_v upon_o these_o subject_n upon_o which_o you_o will_v see_v most_o of_o these_o digression_n be_v he_o can_v not_o well_o contain_v himself_o nor_o easy_o bring_v off_o his_o own_o spirit_n a_o thing_n not_o unusual_a to_o the_o saint_n in_o scripture_n and_o howbeit_o such_o thing_n may_v seem_v somewhat_o singular_a in_o the_o time_n and_o not_o so_o coherent_a yet_o now_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o apprehend_v that_o they_o be_v often_o strong_a influence_n of_o the_o lord_n spirit_n stir_v up_o a_o lamp_n as_o it_o be_v into_o a_o sudden_a blaze_n that_o be_v not_o to_o burn_v long_o in_o his_o church_n but_o now_o we_o shall_v detain_v you_o no_o long_o only_o this_o we_o may_v assure_v you_o of_o that_o although_o these_o sermon_n be_v neither_o so_o exact_a nor_o so_o full_a as_o doubtless_o they_o will_v have_v be_v if_o they_o have_v come_v from_o the_o author_n own_o pen_n yet_o as_o we_o dare_v say_v they_o be_v study_v with_o prayer_n preach_v with_o power_n and_o back_v with_o success_n so_o also_o if_o you_o shall_v read_v they_o with_o consideration_n meditate_v with_o prayer_n and_o practise_v with_o diligence_n you_o shall_v neither_o find_v your_o time_n nor_o pain_n ill_o bestow_v but_o shall_v have_v cause_n to_o bless_v the_o lord_n for_o this_o among_o other_o help_n that_o he_o have_v give_v for_o make_v you_o meet_v for_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n that_o it_o may_v be_v blessed_v to_o this_o end_n be_v the_o earnest_a desire_n and_o prayer_n of_o your_o servant_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n ro._n trail_n jo._n stirling_n the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n open_v up_o sermon_n i._n 1_o joh._n 3._o 23._o this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o you_o shall_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n this_o everlasting_a gospel_n in_o which_o there_o be_v draw_v so_o many_o precious_a draught_n and_o divine_a lineament_n of_o the_o transcendent_a beauty_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o unsearchable_a grace_n be_v a_o most_o precious_a and_o excellent_a thing_n not_o only_o because_o it_o do_v contain_v most_o absolute_a and_o sublime_a precept_n and_o command_n in_o the_o exercise_n and_o obedience_n of_o which_o we_o do_v not_o only_o attain_v unto_o the_o high_a pitch_n in_o holiness_n but_o likewise_o because_o it_o contain_v most_o rich_a and_o precious_a promise_n in_o the_o possession_n and_o fruition_n of_o which_o we_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o high_a pinnacle_n of_o eternal_a blessedness_n this_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n for_o what_o do_v more_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o stamp_n it_o with_o the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n than_o this_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o what_o rich_a promise_n be_v annex_v to_o any_o duty_n then_o to_o this_o duty_n of_o believe_v to_o wit_n everlasting_a life_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v dwell_v forty_o day_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o mount_n sinai_n and_o have_v be_v under_o the_o great_a discover_v and_o condemn_v power_n of_o the_o law_n we_o may_v yet_o come_v with_o boldness_n to_o mount_v zion_n and_o there_o embrace_v jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n for_o righteousness_n to_o such_o as_o believe_v upon_o which_o mount_n he_o stand_v hold_v forth_o the_o golden_a sceptre_n of_o his_o peace_n desire_v we_o to_o embrace_v he_o and_o be_v cry_v
of_o sin_n which_o be_v death_n and_o be_v constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o woe_n be_v i_o for_o i_o be_o undo_v and_o with_o the_o other_o eye_n to_o ascend_v and_o look_v to_o that_o help_n that_o be_v lay_v upon_o one_o that_o iâ—_n mighty_a and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n that_o so_o what_o we_o want_v in_o ourselves_o we_o may_v get_v it_o abundant_o make_v up_o in_o he_o iii_o there_o be_v this_o likewise_o that_o obstruct_v our_o close_n with_o christ_n our_o too_o much_o addictednesse_n to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o carnal_a delight_n of_o a_o pass_a world_n which_o be_v cleaâ—_n from_o luk._n 14._o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o matth._n 22_o 5_o 6._o where_o these_o that_o be_v invite_v to_o comâ—_n to_o the_o feast_n of_o this_o gospel_n they_o do_v makâ—_n their_o apology_n and_o with_o one_o consent_n do_v refuse_v it_o some_o pretend_v a_o impossibility_n tâ—_n come_v and_o some_o pretend_v a_o unavoidable_a inconveniency_n in_o come_v and_o o_o what_o a_o ridiculous_a thing_n be_v that_o poor_a compliment_n that_o these_o delude_a sinner_n use_v to_o christ_n i_o pray_v you_o have_v we_o excuse_v and_o be_v it_o not_o the_o world_n the_o great_a plea_n and_o argoment_n that_o they_o make_v use_v of_o when_o they_o will_v not_o come_v and_o make_v use_n of_o christ_n iv._o there_o be_v this_o last_o which_o do_v obstruct_v one_o come_v to_o christ_n their_o unwillingness_n to_o be_v deny_v to_o their_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v clear_a from_o rom._n 10._o 23._o and_o we_o conceive_v if_o once_o these_o two_o be_v believe_v which_o be_v the_o great_a tropic_n out_o of_o which_o all_o these_o argument_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o persuade_v you_o to_o embrace_v christ_n to_o wit_n the_o infinite_a excellency_n of_o his_o person_n on_o who_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o the_o infinite_a loss_n that_o these_o do_v sustain_v who_o shall_v be_v eternal_o reject_v of_o he_o we_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o entertain_v a_o divine_a abstractednesse_n and_o holy_a retirement_n from_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v here_o below_o and_o to_o pitch_v our_o desire_n alone_o upon_o he_o who_o be_v the_o everlasting_a wonder_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o high_a house_n o_o do_v we_o once_o suppose_v the_o unspeakable_a happiness_n of_o these_o who_o faith_n be_v now_o advance_v unto_o everlasting_a felicity_n and_o fruition_n and_o have_v enter_v into_o that_o eternal_a possession_n of_o the_o promise_n may_v we_o not_o he_o constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o once_o to_o be_v there_o christ_n weep_v to_o we_o in_o the_o law_n but_o we_o do_v not_o lament_v and_o he_o pipe_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n but_o we_o do_v not_o dance_v he_o be_v willing_a to_o draw_v we_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o man_n and_o with_o the_o bond_n of_o love_n and_o yet_o we_o will_v not_o have_v he_o to_o reign_v over_o we_o may_v not_o angel_n laugh_v at_o our_o folly_n that_o we_o shall_v so_o undervalue_v this_o prince_n of_o love_n and_o shall_v contemn_v he_o who_o be_v hold_v in_o so_o high_a esteem_n and_o reverence_n in_o these_o two_o great_a assembly_n that_o be_v above_o of_o angel_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a christ_n have_v now_o give_v we_o the_o first_o and_o second_o summons_n the_o day_n be_v approach_v when_o the_o sad_a and_o woeful_a summons_n shall_v be_v send_v against_o we_o of_o depart_v from_o he_o into_o these_o everlasting_a flame_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o redemption_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o capestone_n of_o our_o misery_n that_o we_o have_v once_o life_n in_o offer_n but_o do_v refuse_v it_o and_o though_o there_o be_v four_o gate_n stand_v open_a towards_o the_o north_n by_o which_o we_o may_v have_v enter_v into_o that_o everlasting_a rest_n yet_o we_o choose_v rather_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o path_n that_o lead_v down_o to_o death_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o chamber_n of_o hell_n o_o but_o there_o be_v many_o that_o think_v the_o gospel_n cunning_o devise_v fable_n and_o foolishness_n they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o believe_v that_o which_o sense_n can_v comprehend_v nor_o reason_n reach_v and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o embrace_v but_o be_v reject_v as_o a_o humane_a invention_n and_o as_o a_o morning_n dream_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n ii_o 1_o joh._n 3._o 23._o this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o you_o shall_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v three_o great_a and_o cardinal_a mystery_n in_o the_o unfolding_n of_o which_o all_o a_o christian_n time_n ought_v to_o be_v spend_v first_o there_o be_v that_o precious_a and_o everlasting_a mystery_n of_o christ_n love_n and_o condiscendency_n which_o those_o intellectual_a spirit_n the_o angel_n be_v not_o able_a full_o to_o comprehend_v second_o there_o be_v that_o woeful_a mystery_n of_o the_o desperate_a deceitfulness_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o yet_o able_a full_o to_o fathom_n and_o comprehend_v and_o three_o there_o be_v that_o precious_a mystery_n of_o that_o eternal_a felicity_n and_o blessedness_n that_o be_v purchase_v unto_o the_o saint_n that_o once_o they_o shall_v reign_v with_o christ_n not_o a_o thousand_o year_n only_o but_o throughout_o all_o the_o age_n of_o everlasting_a and_o endless_a eternity_n so_o that_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o garden_n of_o everlasting_a delight_n that_o christ_n have_v purchase_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o that_o first_o paradise_n and_o eden_n wherein_o man_n be_v place_v there_o be_v a_o secret_a gate_n in_o the_o first_o through_o which_o a_o man_n that_o have_v once_o enter_v in_o may_v go_v out_o again_o but_o in_o this_o second_o and_o precious_a eden_n there_o be_v no_o access_n for_o go_v out_o and_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v know_v of_o these_o three_o mystery_n be_v much_o comprehend_v in_o this_o to_o know_v that_o they_o can_v full_o be_v know_v paul_n be_v a_o bless_a proficient_a in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o first_o mystery_n and_o have_v almost_o attain_v to_o the_o high_a class_n of_o knowledge_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v constrain_v to_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o hence_o be_v that_o word_n eph._n 3._o 19_o that_o you_o may_v know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o mysterious_a command_n to_o desire_v people_n to_o know_v that_o which_o can_v be_v know_v the_o meaning_n whereof_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v this_o in_o part_n that_o paul_n press_v this_o upon_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v study_v to_o know_v that_o this_o mystery_n of_o christ_n love_n can_v not_o be_v know_v jeremiah_n be_v a_o bless_a proficient_a in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o study_n of_o the_o second_o mystery_n he_o have_v some_o morning_n and_o twilight_n discovery_n of_o that_o and_o yet_o though_o in_o some_o measure_n he_o have_v fat_a home_v that_o deep_a yet_o he_o be_v constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o chap._n 17._o vers_fw-la 9_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o and_o indeed_o that_o which_o solomon_n say_v of_o king_n prov._n 25._o 3._o may_v well_o be_v say_v of_o all_o man_n in_o this_o respect_n the_o heaven_n for_o height_n and_o the_o earth_n for_o depth_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v unsearchable_a the_o apostle_n paul_n also_o be_v a_o bless_a proficient_a in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o three_o mystery_n have_v some_o morning_n and_o twilight_n discovery_n of_o that_o promise_a rest_n and_o be_v once_o catch_v up_o to_o the_o three_o heaven_n and_o yet_o when_o he_o be_v beginning_n to_o speak_v of_o it_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o he_o declare_v all_o man_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o profound_a mystery_n of_o man_n blessedness_n and_o cry_v out_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n further_o to_o be_v know_v of_o these_o mystery_n the_o grace_n of_o faith_n be_v find_v worthy_a among_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o open_v the_o seven_o seal_n of_o these_o great_a deep_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n that_o whereby_o a_o christian_a do_v take_v up_o the_o invisible_a excellency_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o die_a christ_n be_v not_o faith_n that_o precious_a grace_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a must_v take_v up_o the_o sport_n and_o blemish_n that_o be_v within_o himself_o and_o be_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n that_o precious_a grace_n that_o
place_v a_o christian_a upon_o the_o top_n of_o mount_n pisga_n and_o there_o let_v he_o see_v a_o sight_n of_o the_o promise_a land_n and_o do_v open_v a_o door_n in_o heaven_n through_o which_o a_o christian_a be_v admit_v to_o see_v christ_n sit_v upon_o his_o throne_n and_o faith_n have_v not_o only_o a_o kind_n of_o omnipotency_n as_o be_v clear_a that_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o they_o that_o believe_v but_o it_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o omnisciency_n and_o all_o knowledge_n that_o it_o can_v take_v up_o and_o comprehend_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o heaven_n according_a to_o that_o word_n prov._n 28._o 5._o he_o that_o seek_v the_o lord_n shall_v understand_v all_o thing_n as_o if_o he_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o dark_a to_o a_o believe_a christian_a as_o there_o be_v nothing_o impossible_a to_o â—_o believe_v christian._n as_o likewise_o faith_n â—s_v that_o grace_n that_o must_v take_v aside_o the_o vail_n that_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o face_n of_o a_o crucify_a christ._n and_o faith_n be_v that_o precious_a spy_n that_o go_v forth_o and_o take_v up_o these_o wonderful_a excellency_n that_o be_v in_o he_o the_o grace_n of_o love_n as_o it_o be_v be_v bear_v blind_a and_o it_o have_v nothing_o wherewith_o to_o solace_v itself_o but_o that_o which_o be_v present_v unto_o it_o by_o this_o noble_a and_o excellent_a grace_n of_o faith_n now_o before_o we_o shall_v speak_v any_o thing_n to_o these_o thing_n that_o we_o do_v propose_v to_o speak_v of_o it_o at_o the_o last_o occasion_n we_o shall_v yet_o speak_v a_o little_a unto_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v for_o the_o distinct_a up_o take_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o justify_v faith_n which_o be_v the_o great_a commandment_n of_o this_o everlasting_a gospel_n and_o that_o which_o we_o will_v first_o speak_v to_o shall_v be_v this_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n and_o ground_n that_o the_o gospel_n conveyance_n of_o righteousness_n and_o life_n and_o of_o the_o excellent_a thing_n of_o this_o everlasting_a covenant_n shall_v be_v through_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v not_o say_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o repentance_n justify_v that_o love_n justify_v or_o that_o mortification_n justify_v but_o it_o be_v faith_n only_o that_o justify_v and_o it_o be_v faith_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a inherit_v the_o promise_n so_o that_o be_v clear_a that_o faith_n be_v that_o conduit-pype_n through_o which_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o the_o great_a blessing_n of_o this_o everlasting_a covenant_n i._o and_o the_o first_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v this_o it_o be_v through_o faith_n that_o all_o our_o blessing_n may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v by_o love_n and_o by_o free_a and_o unsearchable_a grace_n as_o be_v clear_a rom._n 4._o 16._o while_o the_o apostle_n be_v give_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o inheritance_n be_v convey_v to_o a_o christian_a through_o faith_n it_o be_v of_o faith_n say_v he_o that_o it_o may_v be_v of_o grace_n for_o if_o the_o inheritance_n be_v convey_v to_o a_o christian_a through_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n than_o these_o spotless_a draught_n of_o infinite_a love_n and_o of_o unsearchable_a grace_n shall_v not_o be_v write_v on_o our_o inheritance_n as_o be_v clear_a rom._n 4._o 25._o and_o it_o be_v that_o great_a design_n of_o christ_n to_o make_v his_o grace_n conspicuous_a in_o convey_v salvation_n to_o we_o through_o faith_n ii_o there_o be_v this_o second_o ground_n likewise_o of_o it_o that_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o blessing_n of_o this_o everlasting_a covenant_n may_v be_v sure_a and_o steadfast_a to_o we_o therefore_o they_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o through_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v clear_a rom._n 4._o 16._o they_o be_v of_o faith_n say_v he_o that_o they_o may_v be_v sure_a or_o as_o the_o word_n be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v settle_v when_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o of_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o through_o man_n obedience_n be_v they_o not_o than_o most_o uncertain_a and_o unstable_a but_o be_v not_o heaven_n your_o everlasting_a crown_n now_o steadfast_a unto_o you_o see_v you_o have_v that_o golden_a pillar_n of_o christ_n everlasting_a righteousness_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o your_o faith_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o your_o confidence_n in_o the_o day_n of_o need_n iii_o there_o be_v this_o three_o ground_n why_o the_o promise_n and_o excellent_a thing_n of_o this_o gospel_n be_v convey_v to_o a_o christian_a through_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n that_o all_o boast_n and_o gloriation_n may_v be_v exclude_v according_a to_o that_o word_n rom._n 3._o 27._o by_o what_o law_n be_v boast_v exclude_v not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o work_n but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o certain_o see_v christian_n have_v all_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o heaven_n convey_v to_o they_o through_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n think_v you_o not_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v your_o first_o song_n when_o you_o shall_v be_v within_o the_o gate_n of_o that_o new_a jerusalem_n not_o unto_o we_o not_o unto_o we_o but_o unto_o thou_o do_v belong_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o salvation_n o_o what_o a_o precious_a dignity_n be_v it_o but_o for_o one_o half_a hour_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o hear_v these_o spotless_a song_n that_o be_v sing_v by_o these_o thousand_o time_n ten_o thousand_o and_o thousand_o of_o thousand_o of_o holy_a angel_n that_o be_v round_o about_o his_o throne_n do_v not_o david_n that_o sweet_a singer_n of_o israel_n now_o sing_v more_o sweet_o noâ—_n he_o do_v while_o he_o be_v here_o below_o do_v not_o desert_v heman_n now_o chant_v forth_o the_o praise_n and_o everlasting_a song_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o do_v not_o afflict_v job_n now_o sing_v sweet_o after_o his_o captivity_n be_v reduce_v and_o he_o enter_v within_o that_o land_n where_o the_o voice_n of_o joy_n and_o gladness_n be_v continual_o hear_v will_v you_o have_v a_o description_n of_o heaven_n i_o can_v give_v it_o no_o term_n so_o suitable_a as_o this_o heaven_n be_v a_o rest_n without_o a_o rest_n for_o though_o there_o remain_v a_o rest_n for_o the_o righteous_a yet_o rev._n 4._o 8._o these_o four_o beast_n that_o stand_v before_o the_o throne_n they_o rest_v not_o night_n nor_o day_n cry_v holy_a holy_a holy_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n almighty_a yet_o there_o be_v much_o divine_a quietness_n in_o that_o holy_a unquietness_n that_o be_v above_o iv._o there_o be_v this_o last_o ground_n why_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o life_n and_o righteousness_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o through_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v to_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v pleasant_a and_o easy_a we_o be_v certain_o persuade_v that_o the_o way_n of_o win_v to_o heaven_n by_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v much_o more_o unpleasant_a and_o difficult_a but_o be_v it_o not_o a_o easy_a way_n of_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n to_o win_v unto_o it_o through_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o all_o wisdom_n way_n pleasantness_n and_o be_v not_o all_o her_o path_n peace_n be_v not_o that_o just_a self-denial_n in_o one_o that_o say_v he_o will_v not_o take_v up_o a_o crown_n though_o it_o be_v lie_v at_o his_o foot_n but_o oh_o that_o curse_a self-denial_n do_v possess_v the_o breast_n of_o many_o so_o that_o though_o that_o crown_n of_o immortal_a glory_n and_o eternal_a blessedness_n be_v lie_v at_o your_o foot_n yet_o you_o will_v not_o embrace_v it_o nor_o take_v it_o up_o be_v not_o the_o hatred_n of_o many_o to_o christ_n cover_v with_o deceit_n and_o therefore_o your_o iniquity_n shall_v be_v declare_v before_o the_o congregation_n now_o that_o what_o we_o have_v speak_v upon_o this_o may_v be_v more_o clear_a and_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o â—ustifying_a faith_n be_v not_o mistake_v we_o will_v have_v you_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o justify_v christian_a as_o it_o be_v a_o work_n or_o because_o of_o any_o inherent_a excellency_n and_o dignity_n that_o be_v in_o this_o grace_n above_o any_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n â—ut_v faith_n do_v alone_o justify_v a_o christian_n instrumental_o and_o objective_o that_o be_v it_o be_v â—hat_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a be_v just_a by_o lay_v hold_n â—n_o the_o precious_a object_n of_o it_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ._n and_o to_o clear_v this_o we_o will_v only_o have_v you_o know_v this_o that_o faith_n do_v juifie_v as_o it_o close_v with_o christ_n but_o not_o because_o 〈◊〉_d close_v with_o christ_n which_o some_o vain_o be_v â—old_a to_o assert_v because_o there_o be_v not_o any_o dignity_n or_o worth_n in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o close_v with_o christ_n
bond_n and_o yoke_n of_o our_o iniquity_n and_o have_v give_v to_o we_o that_o unweariable_a easy_a and_o portable_a yoke_n of_o his_o commandment_n among_o which_o this_o be_v â—ne_a that_o we_o shall_v believe_v on_o he_o spotless_a christ_n be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o that_o sinful_a we_o may_v be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o and_o be_v not_o this_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o we_o will_v not_o delight_v ourselves_o in_o love_v of_o he_o and_o i_o will_v say_v this_o to_o you_o that_o though_o you_o shall_v weep_v the_o one_o half_a of_o your_o day_n and_o pray_v the_o other_o half_a yet_o if_o you_o want_v this_o noble_a grace_n of_o faith_n your_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v but_o like_o a_o menstruous_a cloth_n and_o filthy_a rag_n before_o he_o for_o what_o be_v pray_v without_o believe_v but_o a_o take_n of_o his_o â—lessed_a name_n in_o vain_a what_o be_v our_o confer_v upon_o the_o most_o divine_a and_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n without_o believe_v be_v it_o not_o â—_o lie_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o a_o flatter_a of_o god_n with_o our_o mouth_n and_o we_o will_v have_v you_o know_v this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o sweet_a harmony_n that_o be_v now_o madeup_n betwixt_o moses_n and_o christ_n betwixt_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o law_n bring_v we_o to_o christ_n as_o a_o saviour_n and_o christ_n bring_v we_o back_o again_o â—o_o the_o law_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o our_o walk_n to_o which_o we_o must_v subject_v ourselves_o so_o then_o will_v you_o know_v the_o compend_n of_o a_o christianâ—_n walk_v it_o be_v a_o sweet_a travel_v betwixt_o mount_n sinai_n and_o mount_n zion_n betwixt_o moses_n and_o christ_n betwixt_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o we_o conceive_v that_o the_o more_o deep_a that_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o law_n be_v in_o a_o christian_n conscience_n before_o his_o close_n with_o christ_n there_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o precious_a and_o excellent_a advantage_n wait_v for_o he_o i._o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n that_o wait_v on_o the_o deep_a exercise_n of_o the_o law_n that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o win_v to_o much_o establishment_n in_o the_o faith_n when_o once_o we_o begin_v to_o close_v with_o christ._n o_o christian_n will_v you_o know_v that_o which_o make_v the_o superstructure_n and_o build_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v within_o you_o as_o a_o bowing_z wall_n and_o as_o a_o totter_a fence_n so_o that_o oftentimes_o yâ—_n be_v in_o hazard_n to_o raze_v the_o foundation_n it_o be_v this_o you_o be_v not_o under_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o law_n before_o your_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ._n there_o be_v some_o who_o do_v not_o abide_v three_o day_n at_o mount_n sinai_n and_o these_o shall_v not_o dwelâ—_n many_o day_n at_o mount_n zion_n ii_o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n that_o wait_v on_o the_o deep_a exercise_n of_o the_o law_n it_o make_v christ_n precious_a to_o a_o man_n soul._n what_o be_v that_o which_o fill_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o christianâ—_n with_o many_o high_a and_o excellent_a thought_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o not_o this_o to_o have_v the_o law_n registrate_v our_o band_n and_o put_v we_o as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o horn_n that_o be_v to_o have_v the_o law_n curse_v we_o and_o use_v the_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n against_o we_o that_o which_o make_v we_o have_v such_o low_a and_o undervalue_a thought_n of_o precious_a christ_n be_v because_o the_o most_o part_n of_o we_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o deep_a and_o serious_a exercise_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v a_o mystery_n to_o the_o most_o part_n of_o christian_n practice_n you_o know_v that_o there_o be_v four_o stream_n which_o go_v out_o from_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n into_o which_o man_n be_v first_o place_v and_o so_o we_o may_v say_v that_o there_o be_v four_o golden_a stream_n by_o which_o lose_v and_o destroy_v man_n be_v bring_v back_o again_o to_o this_o eden_n and_o paradise_n of_o everlasting_a delight_n first_o there_o be_v the_o precious_a stream_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v justify_v and_o second_o there_o be_v that_o stream_n of_o his_o sanctification_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v purify_v three_o there_o be_v that_o stream_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v conduct_v through_o this_o wilderness_n wherein_o we_o have_v lose_v our_o way_n and_o four_a there_o be_v that_o stream_n of_o christ_n redemption_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o power_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o must_v turn_v the_o battle_n in_o the_o gate_n it_o be_v by_o the_o redemption_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o shall_v once_o sing_v that_o triumphant_a song_n o_o death_n where_o be_v thy_o sting_n o_o grave_a where_o be_v thy_o victory_n o_o but_o all_o these_o stream_n will_v be_v sweat_n and_o refresh_n to_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v hot_o pursue_v by_o the_o law_n so_o long_o as_o we_o see_v not_o the_o ugliness_n of_o our_o leprosy_n in_o the_o glass_n of_o the_o law_n we_o have_v our_o own_o abana_n and_o parphar_n that_o we_o think_v may_v do_v our_o turn_n but_o when_o once_o our_o case_n be_v true_o lay_v open_a to_o we_o then_o will_v we_o be_v content_a to_o wash_v ourselves_o in_o jordan_n seven_o time_n iii_o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n that_o wait_v on_o the_o deep_a exercise_n of_o the_o law_n that_o it_o make_v a_o christian_a live_v constant_o under_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o sin_n what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v sin_n exceed_v sinful_a to_o a_o christian_a be_v it_o not_o this_o he_o have_v be_v forty_o day_n in_o moses_n school_n and_o we_o conceive_v that_o the_o ground_n why_o such_o fool_n as_o we_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o sin_n be_v because_o we_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o indignation_n of_o god_n but_o now_o to_o come_v to_o that_o which_o we_o intend_v to_o speak_v of_o we_o tell_v you_o at_o the_o first_o occasion_n that_o we_o speak_v upon_o these_o word_n that_o there_o be_v many_o excellent_a thing_n concern_v the_o grace_n of_o faith_n hold_v forth_o in_o they_o the_o first_o thing_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o concern_v this_o radical_a grace_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o infinite_a advantage_n that_o redound_v to_o a_o christian_a through_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o give_v obedience_n to_o this_o command_n which_o we_o clear_v to_o be_v hold_v forth_o not_o only_o from_o the_o scope_n but_o also_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o command_n and_o now_o to_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o the_o point_n we_o shall_v propose_v these_o consideration_n that_o may_v abundant_o show_v how_o advantageous_a â—_o thing_n this_o excellent_a grace_n of_o faith_n be_v i._o the_o first_o consideration_n that_o speak_v it_o be_v this_o that_o faith_n make_v christ_n precious_a to_o a_o soul_n according_a to_o that_o word_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 7._o to_o you_o that_o believe_v christ_n be_v precious_a and_o we_o will_v have_v you_o know_v this_o that_o faith_n make_v christ_n more_o precious_a to_o a_o soul_n nor_o sense_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n can_v make_v he_o and_o first_o faith_n make_v christ_n more_o precious_a nor_o sense_n because_o the_o estimation_n which_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n have_v of_o christ_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o person_n but_o the_o estimation_n of_o sense_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o act_n so_o that_o because_o he_o be_v such_o to_o they_o therefore_o they_o love_v and_o esteem_v he_o but_o that_o heroic_a grace_n of_o faith_n it_o take_v up_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n person_n and_o that_o make_v he_o precious_a to_o they_o second_o faith_n make_v christ_n more_o precious_a than_o sense_n because_o sense_n look_v to_o that_o love_n which_o christ_n manifest_v in_o his_o face_n and_o in_o his_o hand_n and_o in_o his_o foot_n but_o faith_n look_v to_o that_o love_n which_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n sense_n will_v cry_v forth_o who_o be_v like_a to_o thou_o who_o countenance_n be_v like_o lebanon_n excellent_a as_o the_o cedar_n who_o hand_n be_v as_o gold_n ring_v set_v with_o beryl_n and_o who_o leg_n be_v like_o pillar_n of_o marble_n set_v in_o soket_n of_o gold_n sense_n will_v look_v to_o the_o smyling_n of_o christ_n and_o will_v wonder_v it_o will_v look_v to_o his_o dispensation_n and_o act_n and_o will_v be_v constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o who_o be_v like_a unto_o thou_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n solace_v itself_o in_o the_o fountain_n from_o whence_o all_o these_o spring_n and_o sweet_a inundation_n of_o
love_n do_v flow_v three_o faith_n make_v christ_n more_o precious_a than_o sense_n because_o faith_n look_v not_o only_o to_o what_o christ_n be_v present_o but_o unto_o what_o christ_n be_v from_o eternity_n before_o time_n and_o what_o christ_n shall_v be_v unto_o eternity_n after_o time_n but_o sense_n only_o do_v look_v to_o what_o christ_n be_v present_o and_o you_o must_v conceive_v that_o the_o sweet_a travel_v of_o faith_n betwixt_o infinite_a love_n from_o eternity_n before_o and_o infinite_a love_n unto_o eternity_n after_o must_v make_v faith_n to_o fall_v in_o a_o sea_n of_o wonder_v and_o raise_v the_o thought_n to_o the_o high_a pitoâ—_n of_o desire_n and_o estimation_n four_o we_o may_v likewise_o add_v that_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o preciousness_n of_o christ_n which_o sense_n make_v upon_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v not_o so_o constant_a not_o so_o single_a as_o that_o which_o faith_n do_v make_v o_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n give_v the_o christian_a a_o broad_a look_n of_o christ_n and_o let_v he_o see_v christ_n clothe_v with_o ornament_n of_o glory_n and_o divine_a majesty_n sense_n follow_v christ_n rather_o that_o it_o may_v see_v his_o miracle_n and_o love_n that_o it_o may_v be_v feed_v with_o loaf_n but_o faith_n follow_v christ_n for_o himself_o above_o all_o ii_o the_o second_o consideration_n to_o speak_v the_o advantage_n of_o it_o be_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n it_o have_v as_o it_o be_v a_o arbitrary_a power_n with_o god_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o a_o christian_a shall_v seek_v in_o faith_n he_o shall_v receive_v it_o it_o be_v the_o noble_a gift_n that_o be_v once_o give_v to_o faith_n that_o it_o shall_v never_o seek_v any_o thing_n and_o be_v deny_v according_a to_o that_o word_n in_o matth._n 21._o 22._o and_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o prayer_n believe_v you_o shall_v receive_v it_o and_o that_o word_n in_o joh._n 15._o 7._o abide_v in_o i_o that_o be_v believe_v and_o the_o promise_n be_v annex_v to_o this_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v you_o shall_v receive_v and_o it_o be_v clear_a likewise_o from_o the_o precede_a verse_n to_o our_o text_n that_o if_o we_o obey_v this_o command_n of_o faith_n whatsoever_o we_o shall_v ask_v of_o god_n we_o shall_v receive_v it_o and_o i_o will_v speak_v these_o two_o thing_n to_o you_o from_o this_o first_o that_o oftentimes_o christ_n put_v a_o blank_a in_o a_o christian_n hand_n who_o be_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o that_o in_o matth._n 20._o 32._o be_v there_o not_o a_o ample_a blank_n put_v into_o that_o man_n hand_n what_o will_v thou_o that_o i_o shall_v do_v unto_o thou_o christ_n desire_v he_o to_o fill_v up_o that_o blank_a with_o what_o he_o will_v and_o second_o there_o be_v this_o which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a step_n of_o christ_n matchless_a condescendency_n that_o oftentimes_o when_o his_o own_o have_v seek_v in_o their_o presumption_n a_o blank_a to_o be_v put_v in_o their_o hand_n christ_n condescend_v to_o give_v it_o according_a to_o that_o strange_a passage_n in_o mark_n 10._o 35_o 36._o the_o two_o disciple_n who_o present_v this_o desire_n to_o christ_n we_o desire_v say_v they_o that_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v thou_o shall_v give_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o present_o that_o be_v answer_v what_o will_v you_o that_o i_o shall_v do_v for_o you_o christ_n have_v a_o infinite_a good_a will_n to_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o his_o own_o and_o that_o which_o yet_o more_o speak_v out_o christ_n boundless_a good_a will_n to_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o he_o it_o may_v be_v clear_v in_o that_o word_n joh._n 16._o 24._o where_o he_o charge_v his_o disciple_n with_o this_o hitherto_o say_v he_o have_v you_o ask_v i_o nothing_o you_o must_v not_o suppose_v that_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n never_o seek_v a_o suiâ—_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n be_v this_o you_o seek_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o which_o i_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v and_o which_o your_o necessity_n do_v call_v for_o at_o my_o hand_n which_o you_o shall_v have_v seek_v iii_o there_o be_v this_o three_o consideration_n to_o point_n out_o the_o advantage_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o grace_n that_o keep_v all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o life_n and_o exercise_n faith_n be_v that_o high_a wheel_n at_o the_o motion_n of_o which_o all_o the_o low_a wheel_n do_v move_v if_o so_o we_o may_v speak_v faith_n be_v that_o primum_fw-la mobile_a that_o first_o move_v and_o turn_v about_o all_o these_o low_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n according_a to_o that_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 5._o add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o your_o virtue_n patience_n and_o to_o your_o patience_n brotherly_a kindness_n first_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n keep_v in_o exercise_n the_o grace_n of_o love_n as_o be_v clear_a eph._n 3_o 17._o where_o these_o two_o grace_n be_v conjoin_v as_o likewise_o from_o rom._n 5._o 1._o compare_v with_o verse_n 5._o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n then_o this_o effect_n follow_v upon_o it_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o so_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o faith_n keep_v love_n in_o life_n faith_n be_v the_o spy_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o intelligencer_n and_o precious_a messenger_n it_o go_v out_o and_o bring_v in_o object_n unto_o love_n faith_n draw_v aside_o the_o vail_n and_o love_n sit_v down_o and_o solace_v itself_o in_o the_o discovery_n of_o faith_n second_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n likewise_o it_o keep_v the_o grace_n of_o mortification_n in_o exercise_n as_o be_v clear_v not_o only_o from_o ephes._n 6._o 6._o but_o from_o 1_o joh._n 5._o 4._o this_o be_v our_o victory_n whereby_o we_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o faith_n keep_v mortification_n in_o exercise_n and_o advance_v holiness_n not_o only_o because_o of_o this_o that_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n that_o present_v to_o a_o christian_a the_o absolute_a purity_n and_o spotless_a holiness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o also_o because_o it_o make_v they_o esteem_v their_o idol_n tastlesse_a as_o the_o white_a of_o a_o egg_n and_o they_o become_v unto_o they_o as_o their_o sorrowful_a meat_n the_o best_a principle_n of_o mortification_n be_v this_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o invisible_a virtue_n of_o jesus_n christ._n that_o mortification_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o lovely_a discovery_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v most_o real_a and_o abide_v as_o these_o water_n which_o rise_v from_o the_o high_a spring_n be_v not_o only_o constant_a but_o likewise_o most_o deep_a and_o excellent_a three_o faith_n likewise_o have_v influence_n upon_o mortification_n as_o it_o do_v take_v hold_n of_o that_o infinite_a strength_n that_o be_v to_o christ_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a be_v enable_v to_o moâ—â—ifie_v his_o corruption_n four_o i'faith_o likewise_o make_v application_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v by_o which_o we_o be_v purify_v from_o dead_a work_n five_o likewise_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n keep_v in_o exercise_n the_o grace_n of_o humility_n as_o be_v clear_a rom._n 3._o 27._o by_o what_o law_n say_v he_o be_v boast_v exclude_v it_o be_v not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o work_n but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n sixthly_a faith_n keep_v in_o exercise_n the_o grace_n of_o joy_n as_o be_v clear_a rom._n 15._o 13._o now_o the_o god_n of_o hope_n fill_v you_o with_o all_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v so_o that_o you_o see_v the_o proper_a fruit_n of_o faith_n be_v joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o certain_o do_v we_o believe_v more_o we_o shall_v rejoice_v more_o seven_o and_o last_o faith_n keep_v in_o exercise_n the_o grace_n of_o hope_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o hope_n to_o be_v in_o lively_a exercise_n except_o faith_n once_o be_v exercise_v which_o may_v be_v a_o shame_n unto_o you_o for_o how_o can_v we_o hope_v to_o attain_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v promise_v except_o our_o faith_n first_o close_v with_o the_o promise_n so_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o hope_n the_o grace_n of_o faith_n close_v with_o the_o promise_n but_o the_o grace_n of_o hope_n it_o close_v with_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v promise_v iv._o there_o be_v this_o four_o consideration_n that_o may_v speak_v out_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o grace_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a do_v attain_v to_o most_o divine_a fellowship_n and_o constant_a correspondency_n with_o heaven_n will_v you_o have_v that_o question_n resolve_v and_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o best_a way_n not_o to_o stir_v up_o our_o belove_a nor_o awake_v he_o until_o
he_o please_v it_o be_v this_o be_v much_o in_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o eph._n 3._o 17._o that_o christ_n may_v dwell_v in_o your_o heart_n by_o faith_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o other_o grace_n christ_n be_v but_o a_o sojourner_n that_o turn_v aside_o to_o tarry_v but_o for_o a_o night_n but_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o grace_n he_o come_v to_o take_v up_o house_n with_o we_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o faith_n be_v it_o be_v a_o ladder_n that_o reach_v betwixt_o heaven_n and_o earth_n by_o the_o step_n of_o which_o a_o christian_n do_v daily_o go_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o converse_v with_o the_o high_a house_n faith_n be_v that_o grace_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v by_o which_o we_o have_v access_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o grace_n faith_n usher_v in_o the_o believer_n to_o the_o throne_n and_o without_o it_o he_o can_v have_v access_n there_o nor_o joy_n when_o he_o be_v there_o v._o here_o be_v this_o advantage_n that_o attend_v the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n a_o believe_a christian_n be_v a_o pray_v christian_a according_a to_o that_o word_n in_o mark_n 9_o 24._o where_o these_o two_o be_v conjoin_v together_o lord_n i_o believe_v and_o then_o he_o fall_v to_o his_o prayer_n present_o after_o that_o confession_n help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n and_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o psal._n 63._o 1._o o_o god_n thou_o be_v my_o god_n early_o will_v i_o seek_v thou_o my_o soul_n thirst_v for_o thou_o and_o sometime_o faith_n be_v a_o most_o impatient_a grace_n but_o we_o may_v always_o say_v of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o diligent_a grace_n oh_o be_v it_o not_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o precious_a exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n that_o make_v our_o leanness_n testisie_n to_o our_o face_n and_o make_v our_o soul_n as_o a_o barren_a wilderness_n i_o be_o persuade_v of_o this_o that_o since_o christ_n have_v any_o follower_n and_o since_o ever_o this_o everlasting_a goâ—pel_n be_v preach_v in_o paradise_n the_o exercise_n of_o secret_a prayer_n be_v never_o so_o much_o neglect_v we_o have_v turn_v over_o all_o our_o prayer_n into_o compliment_n with_o god_n we_o know_v not_o what_o â—t_a be_v to_o rise_v at_o midnight_n and_o call_v upon_o god_n and_o to_o inquire_v after_o our_o maker_n under_o the_o silent_a watch_n of_o the_o night_n o_o but_o it_o be_v a_o sweet_a diversion_n from_o sleep_n to_o retire_v ourselves_o in_o the_o silent_a season_n of_o the_o night_n from_o all_o thought_n â—bout_o worldly_a matter_n and_o to_o converse_v with_o â—hat_n invisible_a majesty_n vi_o there_o be_v this_o six_o consideration_n to_o â—oint_v out_o the_o advantage_n of_o faith_n that_o faith_n â—s_v that_o grace_n that_o do_v facilitate_v a_o christian_n obedience_n and_o make_v it_o most_o pleasant_a and_o â—asie_a this_o be_v clear_a from_o heb._n 11._o 8._o by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o command_v to_o go_v to_o a_o strange_a land_n obey_v and_o go_v out_o not_o know_v whether_o â—e_n go_v the_o word_n may_v be_v render_v he_o do_v cheerful_o obey_v and_o ver_fw-la 17._o by_o faith_n he_o offer_v up_o his_o only_a son_n will_v you_o know_v the_o reaâ—on_n why_o his_o command_n be_v your_o burden_n and_o why_o his_o precept_n be_v your_o cross_n it_o be_v because_o of_o this_o you_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o so_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o chriâ—tian_n to_o attain_v to_o a_o pleasant_a way_n of_o obedience_n without_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n faith_n hold_v â—p_v the_o crown_n to_o a_o christian_a and_o this_o crown_n take_v he_o to_o obey_v faith_n gather_v strength_n â—rom_o christ_n and_o that_o strength_n make_v obedience_n very_o easy_a faith_n take_v up_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o make_v a_o christian_n to_o look_v upon_o his_o duty_n more_o as_o his_o dignity_n than_o his_o duty_n and_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o this_o that_o our_o chariot_n wheel_n shall_v move_v more_o swift_o like_o the_o chariot_n of_o aminadab_n if_o we_o be_v more_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n will_v you_o know_v a_o answer_n to_o that_o question_n what_o be_v the_o first_o most_o requisite_a for_o a_o christian_a while_n here_o below_o i'faith_o and_o what_o second_o be_v most_o requisite_a i'faith_o and_o what_o three_o be_v most_o requisite_a for_o a_o christian_a even_o faith_n faith_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n faith_n vii_o there_o be_v another_o advantage_n of_o it_o that_o by_o faith_n our_o service_n and_o prayer_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n will_v you_o know_v what_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o a_o christian_n that_o be_v not_o in_o faith_n iâ—_n be_v a_o smoke_n in_o his_o nostril_n and_o a_o fire_n that_o burn_v all_o the_o day_n the_o unbeliever_n sacrifice_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o heb._n 11._o 4._o by_o faith_n abel_n offer_v up_o unto_o god_n a_o more_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n than_o cain_n and_o we_o conceive_v that_o there_o be_v many_o unanswered_a prayer_n which_o we_o do_v put_v up_o because_o we_o want_v that_o noble_a exercise_n of_o faith_n viii_o and_o last_o we_o shall_v likewise_o addâ—_n this_o that_o faith_n be_v the_o graâ—e_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a have_v that_o perfect_a and_o immediate_a sight_n as_o it_o be_v of_o great_a thing_n that_o be_v promise_v to_o he_o faith_n bring_v a_o christian_a within_o sight_n of_o heaven_n and_o faith_n bring_v a_o christian_a within_o sight_n of_o god_n according_a to_o thaâ—_n word_n heb._n 11._o 1._o faith_n be_v the_o evidence_n â—_o thing_n not_o see_v and_o that_o noble_a paradox_n thâ—â—_n be_v say_v of_o faith_n heb._n 11._o 27_o by_o faith_n mosâ—â—_n see_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a be_v it_o not_o a_o impossible_a thing_n to_o see_v that_o which_o can_v be_v see_v but_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o faith_n discovery_n of_o god_n be_v as_o certain_a and_o sure_a as_o the_o discovery_n of_o our_o bodily_a eye_n be_v faith_n be_v a_o intelligent_a grace_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o most_o sure_a and_o infallible_a grace_n what_o will_v faith_n not_o do_v and_o what_o can_v you_o do_v who_o want_n faith_n now_o to_o enforce_v the_o advantage_n and_o excellency_n of_o faith_n a_o little_a more_o we_o shall_v propose_v to_o you_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o that_o woeful_a sin_n of_o unbelief_n i._o there_o be_v this_o disadvantage_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n that_o all_o the_o action_n that_o proceed_v from_o a_o unbeliever_n they_o be_v impure_a and_o defile_v according_a to_o that_o in_o tit._n 1._o 15._o but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v defile_v and_o unbelieving_a be_v nothing_o pure_a but_o even_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v defile_v their_o prayer_n be_v unclean_a yea_o as_o solomon_n speak_v their_o plow_a be_v sin_n yea_o their_o go_n about_o the_o most_o excellent_a duty_n for_o matter_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o god_n according_a to_o that_o word_n rom._n 14._o 23._o what_o ever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n so_o the_o want_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o great_a polluter_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o of_o all_o our_o performance_n ii_o there_o be_v this_o second_o disadvantage_n of_o misbelief_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o one_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o unbelief_n to_o mortify_v a_o lust_n or_o idol_n and_o we_o may_v allude_v unto_o these_o word_n in_o matth._n 17._o 20._o when_o his_o disciple_n come_v to_o he_o and_o ask_v this_o question_n why_o can_v we_o not_o cast_v out_o this_o devil_n that_o be_v give_v as_o a_o answer_n because_o of_o your_o unbelief_n unbelief_n be_v that_o which_o take_v up_o arm_n for_o our_o idol_n and_o do_v most_o strong_o defend_v they_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o will_v kill_v corruption_n so_o much_o as_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o when_o that_o be_v lay_v aside_o we_o have_v lay_v by_o our_o weapon_n and_o have_v in_o a_o manner_n conclude_v â—_o treaty_n of_o peace_n with_o our_o idol_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o offend_v they_o if_o they_o offend_v not_o we_o iii_o there_o be_v this_o disadvantage_n that_o wait_v upon_o the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n that_o such_o a_o one_o can_v win_v nor_o attain_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o establishment_n but_o be_v always_o as_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o until_o once_o he_o win_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o isa._n 7._o 9_o except_o you_o believe_v you_o shall_v not_o be_v establish_v iv._o there_o be_v this_o disadvantage_n that_o wait_v on_o it_o it_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o hardness_n and_o stupidity_n of_o heart_n according_a to_o that_o word_n in_o mark_n 16._o 14._o where_o he_o
he_o not_o yet_o believe_v etc._n etc._n i_o pose_v the_o great_a part_n of_o you_o who_o be_v here_o whether_o or_o not_o these_o be_v two_o of_o the_o great_a paradox_n and_o mystery_n unto_o you_o for_o be_v not_o this_o a_o mystery_n to_o love_v he_o who_o we_o never_o see_v who_o have_v not_o see_v yet_o you_o love_v to_o love_v a_o absent_a and_o unseen_a christ_n be_v a_o mystery_n to_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o mystery_n to_o believe_v on_o he_o who_o we_o never_o see_v in_o who_o though_o you_o see_v he_o not_o yet_o believe_v and_o i_o shall_v add_v this_o that_o faith_n can_v hold_v fast_o its_o interest_n with_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o most_o precious_a christian_n shall_v call_v we_o hypocrite_n and_o not_o acknowledge_v we_o this_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o job_n and_o most_o clear_a from_o that_o word_n isa._n 63._o 16._o doubtless_o thou_o be_v our_o father_n though_o abraham_n be_v ignorant_a of_o we_o and_o israel_n acknowledge_v we_o not_o iii_o three_o this_o point_v out_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n that_o faith_n when_o it_o be_v in_o exercise_n be_v that_o grace_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a do_v atâ—ain_o unto_o most_o sensible_a enjoyment_n there_o be_v a_o great_a question_n that_o be_v much_o debate_v among_o christian_n what_o be_v the_o way_n to_o win_v this_o happy_a length_n to_o be_v always_o under_o the_o sweet_a and_o refresh_a influence_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o have_v his_o dew_n always_o come_v down_o upon_o our_o branch_n i_o can_v give_v no_o answer_n to_o it_o but_o this_o be_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o that_o notion_n and_o name_n put_v upon_o faith_n isa._n 45._o 22._o it_o be_v call_v a_o look_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o most_o sensible_a act_n if_o you_o will_v know_v a_o description_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v this_o the_o divine_a contemplation_n of_o the_o immortal_a soul_n upon_o that_o divine_a excellent_a and_o precious_a object_n jesus_n christ._n for_o god_n never_o make_v faith_n a_o liar_n and_o therefore_o its_o eve_n be_v never_o off_o he_o that_o be_v the_o noble_a object_n of_o faith_n jesus_n christ_n manifest_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v clear_a ephes._n 1._o 13._o after_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o preach_v out_o the_o excellent_a enjoyment_n these_o have_v after_o their_o close_n with_o christ_n who_o be_v invisible_a our_o faith_n be_v call_v a_o see_v which_o speak_v out_o this_o that_o faith_n sight_n of_o god_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o if_o we_o do_v behold_v he_o with_o our_o eye_n as_o be_v clear_a heb._n 11._o 27._o moses_n see_v he_o by_o faith_n who_o be_v invisible_a and_o we_o conceive_v that_o the_o ground_n which_o make_v the_o most_o part_n of_o we_o have_v such_o complaint_n how_o long_o will_v thou_o forget_v we_o for_o ever_o it_o be_v this_o the_o want_n of_o the_o spiritual_a exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v there_o not_o some_o here_o who_o may_v cry_v out_o it_o be_v more_o than_o thirty_o day_n since_o i_o do_v behold_v the_o king_n yea_o there_o be_v some_o who_o may_v go_v a_o great_a length_n and_o cry_v out_o i_o have_v live_v these_o two_o year_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o i_o have_v not_o see_v the_o king_n face_n yea_o there_o be_v some_o here_o who_o complaint_n may_v go_v a_o little_a high_o and_o cry_v forth_o these_o three_o year_n and_o six_o month_n it_o have_v not_o rain_v on_o i_o but_o the_o cloud_n have_v be_v restrain_v and_o bind_v up_o and_o the_o heaven_n have_v become_v brass_n and_o will_v you_o know_v the_o rise_n of_o these_o complaint_n it_o be_v this_o you_o be_v not_o much_o in_o the_o spiritual_a exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o you_o i_o will_v only_o say_v these_o two_o word_n first_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o persuade_v a_o reprobate_n that_o he_o be_v defective_a in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o in_o his_o love_n to_o god_n then_o to_o persuade_v some_o such_o that_o they_o be_v want_v to_o god_n in_o their_o faith_n for_o they_o hold_v fast_o that_o piece_n of_o desperate_a iniquity_n till_o they_o die_v second_o we_o will_v say_v to_o these_o of_o you_o who_o have_v the_o valley_n of_o anchor_n for_o a_o door_n of_o hope_n and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o christ_n some_o of_o you_o will_v be_v less_o convince_v for_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o faith_n then_o for_o neglect_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n or_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n day_n but_o i_o be_o persuade_v of_o this_o that_o if_o the_o noble_a worth_n of_o that_o transcendent_a object_n be_v know_v we_o will_v have_v a_o holy_a impatience_n until_o once_o we_o do_v believe_v iu._n four_o this_o also_o point_v out_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o grace_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a be_v advance_v to_o the_o high_a and_o most_o inconceivable_a pitch_n of_o dignity_n and_o that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o live_a god_n as_o be_v clear_a joh._n 1._o 12._o to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v or_o believe_v in_o he_o he_o give_v power_n or_o prerogative_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o certain_o that_o noble_a prerogative_n of_o adoption_n be_v much_o undervalue_v by_o many_o and_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o two_o ground_n whereon_o the_o most_o part_n of_o man_n undervalue_v that_o excellent_a gift_n of_o adoption_n first_o they_o do_v not_o take_v up_o the_o infinite_a highness_n of_o god_n and_o what_o a_o one_o he_o be_v otherwise_o they_o will_v cry_v out_o with_o david_n seem_v it_o a_o small_a thing_n in_o your_o eye_n to_o be_v a_o son_n to_o the_o king_n of_o king_n second_o we_o do_v not_o take_v up_o nor_o understand_v these_o matchless_a privilege_n which_o be_v give_v to_o they_o who_o be_v once_o in_o this_o estate_n i_o be_o persuade_v if_o this_o be_v believe_v that_o he_o who_o be_v a_o servant_n do_v not_o abide_v in_o the_o house_n for_o ever_o though_o he_o that_o be_v a_o son_n do_v it_o will_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o more_o divine_a zeal_n in_o our_o pursuit_n after_o faith_n v._n five_o this_o likewise_o point_v out_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o grace_n by_o which_o all_o other_o action_n be_v pleasant_a to_o god_n and_o be_v take_v off_o our_o hand_n as_o be_v clear_a heb._n 11._o 4._o by_o faith_n abel_n offer_v unto_o god_n a_o more_o excellent_a sacrifice_n than_o cain_n which_o must_v be_v understand_v even_o of_o all_o other_o duty_n and_o that_o word_n vers_fw-la 6._o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n speak_v this_o also_o that_o by_o faith_n we_o do_v exceed_o please_v he_o and_o this_o be_v a_o most_o sad_a and_o lamentable_a repoof_n unto_o many_o who_o be_v here_o that_o their_o action_n do_v not_o please_v god_n because_o they_o be_v not_o in_o faith_n will_v you_o know_v a_o description_n of_o your_o prayer_n you_o who_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n it_o be_v this_o your_o prayer_n be_v the_o breach_n of_o the_o three_o command_n in_o take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o vain_a for_o which_o he_o will_v not_o hold_v you_o guiltless_a and_o will_v you_o know_v what_o be_v your_o hear_n of_o sermon_n it_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o that_o word_n in_o tit._n 1._o 15._o to_o the_o unbelieving_a and_o impure_a nothing_o be_v clean_a and_o as_o solomon_n do_v speak_v the_o plough_v of_o the_o wicked_a be_v sin_n so_o that_o all_o your_o action_n that_o you_o go_v about_o be_v but_o a_o offence_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o we_o will_v speak_v to_o these_o two_o thing_n before_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n to_o wit_n first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o reflect_a act_n of_o faith_n for_o there_o may_v be_v a_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o christian_a when_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v but_o the_o reflect_a act_n of_o faith_n be_v these_o which_o a_o christian_a have_v when_o he_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o do_v believe_v and_o we_o will_v second_o say_v that_o there_o be_v many_o that_o go_v down_o to_o there_o grave_a under_o that_o soul_n destroy_v delusion_n that_o they_o be_v in_o faith_n and_o yet_o never_o do_v know_v what_o faith_n be_v i_o be_o persuade_v there_o be_v many_o who_o all_o the_o preach_n in_o the_o world_n will_v never_o persuade_v that_o they_o do_v
overcome_v temptation_n hope_v it_o overcome_v difficulty_n but_o love_n stay_v at_o home_n and_o divide_v the_o spoil_n there_o be_v a_o sweet_a correspondence_n between_o those_o grace_n in_o this_o faith_n it_o fight_v and_o conquer_v and_o hope_v it_o fight_v and_o conquer_v but_o love_v it_o do_v enjoy_v the_o trophy_n of_o the_o victory_n and_o four_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n the_o noble_a grace_n of_o faith_n it_o shall_v once_o evanish_v into_o sight_n that_o noble_a grace_n of_o hope_n it_o shall_v once_o evanish_v into_o possession_n and_o enjoyment_n but_o that_o constant_a grace_n of_o love_n it_o shall_v be_v the_o eternal_a companion_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o shall_v walk_v in_o with_o he_o unto_o the_o street_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o i_o will_v ask_v you_o that_o question_n what_o a_o day_n shall_v it_o be_v when_o faith_n shall_v cedâ—_n to_o sight_n what_o a_o day_n shall_v it_o be_v when_o hope_n shall_v yield_v its_o place_n to_o love_n and_o love_n and_o sight_n shall_v eternal_o sit_v down_o and_o solace_v themselves_o in_o these_o bless_a mystery_n these_o everlasting_a consolation_n of_o heaven_n world_n without_o end_n and_o five_o there_o iâ—_n this_o difference_n less_o will_v satisfy_v the_o gracâ—_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o hope_n thaâ—_n will_v satisfy_v the_o grace_n of_o love_n faith_n iâ—_n will_v be_v content_a with_o the_o promise_n and_o hopâ—_n will_v be_v content_a with_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v promise_v but_o that_o ambitious_a grace_n of_o love_n iâ—_n will_v be_v only_o content_a with_o the_o promiser_n love_n glasp_v its_o arm_n about_o that_o precious_a and_o noble_a object_n jesus_n christ_n love_n be_v a_o â—â—_o spicious_a grace_n it_o oftentimes_o cry_v forthâ—_n they_o have_v take_v away_o my_o lord_n and_o i_o knoâ—_n not_o where_o they_o have_v lay_v he_o so_o that_o faiâ—â—_n be_v oftentimes_o put_v to_o resolve_v the_o suspicion_n â—â—_o love_n i_o can_v compare_v these_o three_o grace_n to_o nothing_o so_o fit_o as_o to_o those_o three_o great_a worthy_n that_o david_n have_v these_o three_o grace_n they_o will_v break_v through_o all_o difficulty_n be_v it_o a_o host_n of_o philistine_n that_o so_o they_o may_v pleasure_n christ_n and_o may_v drink_v of_o that_o well_o of_o bethlehem_n that_o well_o of_o everlasting_a consolation_n that_o â—loweth_v from_o beneath_o the_o â—hrone_n of_o god_n love_n be_v like_o noah_n dove_n â—t_z never_o find_v rest_n for_o the_o sole_a of_o its_o foot_n â—ntill_a once_o it_o be_v within_o that_o ark_n that_o place_n â—f_a repose_n jesus_n christ._n and_o sixthly_a there_o be_v this_o last_o difference_n between_o they_o faith_n take_v hold_v upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o christ_n hope_n take_v hold_v â—pon_o the_o goodness_n of_o christ_n but_o love_n it_o â—â—keth_v hold_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o christ._n and_o â—hink_v you_o not_o it_o must_v be_v a_o pleasant_a and_o soulâ—â—freshing_a exercise_n to_o be_v continual_o take_v â—â—_o in_o embrace_v he_o that_o be_v that_o eternal_a admiration_n of_o angel_n must_v it_o not_o be_v a_o excellent_a life_n daily_o to_o be_v feed_v on_o the_o fine_a the_o wheat_n and_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o honey_n â—â—_o of_o the_o rock_n o_o but_o heaven_n must_v be_v a_o pleaâ—â—nâ—_n place_n and_o if_o once_o we_o will_v but_o taste_v â—â—_o the_o first_o ripe_a grape_n and_o a_o cluster_n of_o wine_n â—â—aâ—_n grow_v in_o that_o pleasant_a land_n may_v not_o â—â—e_v be_v constrain_v to_o bring_v up_o a_o good_a report_n it_o but_o now_o to_o come_v to_o that_o which_o we_o purpose_v main_o to_o speak_v of_o at_o this_o time_n the_o 〈◊〉_d thing_n concern_v faith_n that_o we_o proâ—â—sed_v from_o the_o word_n be_v the_o object_n upâ—â—_n which_o faith_n exercise_v itself_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d set_v down_o to_o be_v the_o mame_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n and_o that_o we_o may_v speak_v to_o this_o more_o clear_o we_o shall_v first_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o the_o negative_a what_o thing_n be_v not_o the_o fit_a object_n of_o faith_n and_o then_o to_o the_o positive_a show_v you_o how_o this_o name_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o son_n christ_n be_v the_o sure_a ground_n upon_o which_o a_o christian_a may_v pitch_v his_o faith_n for_o the_o first_o you_o must_v know_v that_o a_o christian_n be_v not_o to_o build_v his_o faith_n upon_o sense_n nor_o sensible_a enjoy_v ment_n sense_n may_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o faith_n but_o it_o must_v not_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o that_o oftentimes_o cry_v out_o except_o i_o put_v my_o finger_n into_o the_o print_n â—â—_o the_o nail_n and_o thrust_v my_o hand_n into_o the_o hole_n â—â—_o his_o side_n i_o will_v not_o believe_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d mystery_n unto_o the_o most_o part_n of_o we_o to_o be_v exercise_v faith_n upon_o a_o naked_a word_n of_o promise_n abstract_v from_o sense_n to_o love_v a_o absent_a christ_n and_o to_o believe_v on_o a_o absent_a christ_n be_v the_o two_o great_a mystery_n of_o christianity_n but_o that_o sense_n be_v no_o good_a foundation_n for_o faith_n may_v appear_v 1._o that_o faitâ—_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o sense_n be_v a_o most_o unconstant_a a_o most_o fluctuate_a and_o transient_a faitâ—_n i_o know_v sense_n have_v its_o fit_n of_o love_n and_o as_o be_v have_v its_o fit_n of_o faith_n sometimes_o sense_n be_v sick_a of_o love_n and_o sometime_o sense_n 〈◊〉_d strong_a in_o faith_n but_o ere_o six_o hour_n go_v about_o sense_n may_v be_v sick_a of_o jealousy_n and_o sick_a 〈◊〉_d misbelief_n as_o you_o will_v see_v from_o psal._n 30._o 6_o 〈◊〉_d sense_n that_o bold_a thing_n it_o will_v instant_o 〈◊〉_d out_o my_o mountain_n stand_v strong_a i_o will_v â—â—ver_o be_v move_v but_o behold_v how_o soon_o it_o chanâ—eth_v its_o note_n thou_o hide_v thy_o face_n and_o i_o 〈◊〉_d trouble_v at_o one_o time_n it_o will_v cry_v forâ—â—â—_n who_o be_v like_a unto_o he_o that_o pardon_v iniquity_n and_o that_o pass_v over_o transgression_n but_o ere_o many_o hour_n go_v about_o it_o will_v sing_v a_o song_n upon_o another_o key_n and_o cry_v out_o why_o be_v thou_o become_v unto_o i_o as_o a_o liar_n and_o as_o water_n that_o â—ail_v 2._o that_o faith_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o â—ense_n it_o want_v the_o promise_n of_o blessedness_n â—â—_o this_o be_v annex_v to_o believe_v that_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o word_n according_a to_o that_o in_o â—oh_o 20._o 29._o bless_a be_v these_o that_o have_v not_o â—en_o and_o yet_o have_v believe_v nor_o have_v that_o â—ith_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o sense_n such_o a_o solid_a â—y_a wait_a on_o it_o as_o faith_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o â—he_n naked_a word_n of_o promise_n as_o may_v be_v clear_v from_o that_o word_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 8._o where_o faith_n exercise_v itself_o upon_o christ_n not_o see_v make_v a_o christian_n to_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n a_o joy_n that_o do_v not_o attend_v believe_v found_v upon_o sense_n 3._o that_o â—ith_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o sense_n it_o give_v not_o â—uch_o glory_n to_o god_n for_o faith_n that_o be_v build_v â—â—on_n sense_n it_o exalt_v not_o the_o faithfulness_n 〈◊〉_d god_n it_o exalt_v not_o the_o omnipotency_n of_o â—od_a i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o be_v the_o divinity_n 〈◊〉_d sense_n let_v i_o see_v and_o then_o i_o will_v believe_v 〈◊〉_d it_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v â—â—on_n trust_v and_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v 〈◊〉_d his_o holiness_n and_o in_o effect_n faith_n that_o be_v â—â—ilt_v upon_o sense_n be_v no_o faith_n even_o as_o â—â—m_fw-la 8._o hope_v that_o be_v see_v be_v no_o hope_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o lord_n see_v a_o christian_a â—â—king_v sense_n a_o idol_n that_o he_o will_v not_o beâ—â—ve_v but_o when_o he_o see_v or_o feel_v this_o do_v â—â—en_o provoke_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o that_o christian_a and_o to_o deny_v he_o the_o sweet_a influence_n of_o heaven_n and_o these_o consolation_n that_o be_v above_o so_o that_o in_o a_o instant_n he_o have_v both_o his_o sense_n and_o hiâ—_n faith_n to_o seek_v 2._o a_o christian_a be_v not_o to_o make_v his_o grace_n the_o object_n of_o his_o faith_n that_o be_v when_o a_o christian_a do_v behold_v love_n burn_v within_o he_o when_o he_o do_v behold_v influence_n to_o pâ—ayâ—â—_n increase_a and_o mortification_n wax_a stroâ—â—_n he_o be_v not_o to_o build_v his_o faith_n upon_o they_o thiâ—_n be_v condemn_v in_o the_o church_n in_o ezek._n 16_o 14._o compare_v with_o the_o 15_o verse_n i_o mâ—â—_n thou_o perfect_a with_o my_o comeliness_n but_o the_o usâ—_n that_o thou_o do_v make_v of_o it_o thou_o do_v put_v 〈◊〉_d trust_n in_o thy_o beauty_n and_o then_o thou_o do_v plaâ—_n
the_o harlot_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o grace_n when_o 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o do_v provoke_v god_n to_o blast_v the_o lively_a exercise_n thereof_o and_o to_o make_v a_o christian_a oftentimes_o have_v thâ—â—_n complaint_n woe_n to_o i_o my_o leanness_n my_o leanness_n testify_v to_o my_o face_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o thrâ—â—_n great_a mystery_n of_o christianity_n about_o grace_n the_o first_o be_v to_o ride_v march_n between_o theâ—â—_n two_o not_o to_o deny_v what_o they_o have_v anâ—_n yet_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o what_o they_o have_v maâ—â—_n time_n there_o be_v grace-denying_a and_o not_o selâ—_n deny_v but_o this_o be_v that_o we_o will_v presâ—â—_n upon_o you_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o grace_n according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v record_v of_o moses_n his_o faâ—â—_n do_v shine_v and_o he_o know_v it_o not_o he_o do_v misâ—eâ—â—_n as_o it_o be_v and_o do_v not_o at_o all_o be_v puff_a â—â—_o with_o it_o for_o so_o the_o word_n we_o conceive_v mâ—â—_n run_v second_o it_o be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n fâ—â—_n a_o christian_n to_o be_v deny_v to_o his_o self_n denial_n 〈◊〉_d â—ee_o humble_a in_o â—his_n be_v humble_a for_o if_o priâ—â—_n â—â—n_fw-la have_v no_o other_o foundation_n it_o will_v build_v â—â—_o self_n upon_o humility_n and_o a_o christian_a will_v â—â—ow_o proud_a in_o this_o that_o he_o be_v grow_v humble_a three_o it_o be_v a_o difficulty_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o examine_v his_o grow_n in_o grace_n and_o not_o be_v puff_v up_o it_o be_v certain_a a_o christian_n ought_v to_o examine_v his_o growth_n in_o grace_n humble_o according_a to_o that_o psal._n 63._o 8._o my_o â—â—ul_n follow_v hard_a after_o thou_o thy_o right_a hand_n uphold_v i_o he_o do_v not_o only_o take_v notice_n â—f_o this_o that_o his_o soul_n do_v follow_v after_o god_n â—ut_v of_o the_o measure_n of_o that_o pursuit_n my_o soul_n â—â—lloweth_v hard_a after_o thou_o and_o yet_o sweet_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v not_o his_o own_o foot_n which_o â—â—rried_v he_o nor_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o keep_v he_o â—â—om_o fall_v 3._o you_o be_v not_o to_o build_v your_o faith_n upon_o â—our_n work_n and_o upon_o the_o righteousness_n â—f_n the_o law_n i_o need_v not_o stand_v long_o to_o reâ—ure_v â—â—at_a practical_a popery_n that_o be_v among_o we_o â—â—at_fw-mi think_v we_o can_v go_v to_o heaven_n through_o 〈◊〉_d covenant_n of_o work_n i_o tell_v you_o not_o long_o â—â—â—e_a what_o your_o go_v to_o heaven_n through_o covenant_n of_o work_n speak_v even_o this_o â—â—râ—id_a blasphemy_n that_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o monstruous_a folly_n to_o send_v christ_n to_o die_v for_o â—â—ers_n for_o if_o you_o can_v go_v to_o heaven_n withâ—â—t_v he_o be_v not_o christ_n then_o crucify_v in_o 〈◊〉_d and_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o now_o that_o â—â—_o be_v speak_v out_o your_o damnable_a ignorance_n 〈◊〉_d the_o weakness_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o your_o â—â—n_fw-la heart_n o_o you_o that_o be_v so_o great_a derider_n of_o salvation_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o â—orks_n i_o beseech_v you_o what_o be_v the_o reaâ—â—â—_n that_o you_o break_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n often_o than_o any_o for_o there_o be_v none_o thâ—_n think_v they_o will_v go_v to_o heaven_n this_o way_n but_o these_o that_o be_v the_o great_a breaker_n of_o thâ—_n covenant_n of_o work_n and_o be_v not_o that_o inconsistent_a and_o most_o contradictory_n divinity_n yoâ—â—_n faith_n contradict_v your_o practice_n and_o youâ—_n practice_n tell_v you_o that_o your_o faith_n be_v a_o lie_n four_o we_o must_v not_o mix_v our_o owâ—_n righteousness_n with_o christ_n as_o the_o object_n oâ—_n our_o believe_a this_o be_v indeed_o a_o evil_a thaâ—_n often_o lodge_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o most_o refine_a hypocrite_n when_o satan_n can_v prevaâ—â—_n to_o exclude_v christ_n altogether_o than_o he_o be_v content_a with_o that_o whorish_a woman_n to_o divide_v thâ—_n child_n and_o let_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v haâ—_n christ_n and_o half_a of_o self_n and_o the_o truth_n iâ—_n many_o of_o these_o poor_a unwise_a son_n who_o stâ—â—_n long_o in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o break_n forth_o â—â—_o child_n do_v willing_o hearken_v to_o this_o overture_n for_o fear_v it_o be_v presumption_n for_o such_o poâ—â—_n wretch_n to_o meddle_v too_o bold_o with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o be_v good_a sucâ—_n weak_a one_o will_v consider_v that_o word_n râ—â—_n 10._o 2._o where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n call_v thâ—_n make_v use_n of_o his_o righteousness_n a_o act_n â—â—_o submission_n they_o have_v not_o submit_v say_v hâ—â—_n unto_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ._n o_o will_v yâ—â—_n not_o lay_v this_o to_o heart_n that_o our_o lord_n will_v taâ—â—_n your_o believe_a or_o your_o put_n on_o his_o righteousness_n for_o a_o act_n of_o great_a humility_n aâ—â—_n will_v take_v your_o misbelief_n as_o a_o marvellous_a act_n 〈◊〉_d the_o high_a pride_n and_o presumption_n five_o we_o be_v not_o to_o make_v providence_n the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n i_o know_v there_o â—â—_o some_o that_o ask_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o right_a 〈◊〉_d heaven_n they_o will_v tell_v we_o that_o god_n have_v be_v â—ind_n to_o they_o all_o their_o day_n i_o will_v only_o â—ay_n to_o such_o he_o may_v be_v feed_v you_o unto_o the_o day_n â—f_a slaughter_n and_o no_o man_n know_v love_n or_o hatred_n â—â—y_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o he_o this_o much_o of_o â—he_n object_n of_o faith_n negative_o and_o now_o to_o speak_v to_o it_o positive_o we_o see_v â—he_v text_n hold_v out_o christ_n himself_o as_o that_o excellent_a and_o complete_a object_n of_o faith_n this_o â—s_v his_o commandment_n that_o we_o believe_v on_o the_o â—ame_n of_o his_o son_n and_o thus_o faith_n close_v with_o christ_n in_o a_o fourfold_a consideration_n first_o it_o â—oseth_v with_o god_n in_o christ_n not_o with_o god_n immediate_o and_o naked_o for_o he_o dwell_v in_o â—â—ght_n inaccessible_a that_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v unto_o he_o be_v high_a than_o the_o heaven_n what_o can_v we_o do_v â—nd_v deep_o than_o hell_n what_o can_v we_o know_v job_n 11._o â—herefore_o we_o must_v approach_v unto_o he_o through_o a_o vail_n even_o the_o vail_n of_o christ_n his_o â—esh_n heb._n 10_o god_n be_v a_o consume_a fire_n and_o of_o â—â—rer_a eye_n than_o that_o he_o can_v behold_v iniquity_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v first_o cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o that_o â—essed_a days-man_n that_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o we_o â—â—th_o and_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o in_o christ_n reconâ—ling_v the_o world_n to_o himself_o and_o so_o draw_v near_o â—nto_n he_o through_o a_o mediator_n who_o be_v the_o first_o use_v the_o last_o and_o he_o that_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a use_v be_v alive_a for_o evermore_o able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o â—termost_a all_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o â—eing_v he_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o second_o faith_n close_v with_o â—hrist_n as_o tender_v free_o in_o a_o covenant_n of_o comise_n we_o can_v have_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v â—â—th_n christ_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v give_v of_o the_o â—ther_n and_o offer_v himself_o in_o a_o free_a covenant_n of_o promise_n but_o he_o be_v thus_o holdeâ—_n forth_o upon_o term_n of_o free_a love_n which_o dotâ—_n utter_o abominat_fw-la hire_n and_o so_o noddle_n a_o proclamation_n issue_v forth_o under_o the_o great_a seâ—_n of_o heaven_n that_o whosoever_o will_v may_v come_v anâ—_n drink_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o upon_o thâ—â—_n the_o poor_a creature_n draw_v near_o by_o virtue_n 〈◊〉_d a_o right_a and_o stretch_v out_o the_o arm_n of_o moâ—â—_n enlarge_v affection_n do_v run_v upon_o he_o witâ—_n that_o joyful_a shout_n my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n anâ—_n then_o make_v a_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o it_o seâ—_n unto_o he_o which_o be_v hold_v out_o in_o the_o scripture_n by_o that_o sweet_a expression_n of_o kiss_v 〈◊〉_d the_o son_n and_o there_o be_v three_o part_n of_o chrisâ—_n bless_a body_n that_o the_o christian_n must_v endeavour_v to_o kiss_v and_o embrace_v the_o mouth_n â—â—_o christ_n the_o hand_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o foot_n â—â—_o christ_n the_o kiss_n of_o his_o foot_n import_v thâ—_n exercise_v of_o love_n the_o kiss_n of_o his_o hand_n thâ—_n exercise_v of_o subjection_n and_o the_o kiss_n of_o hâ—â—_n mouth_n the_o exercise_n of_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o three_o faith_n closeâ—_n with_o christ_n as_o the_o purchaser_n and_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o good_a we_o receive_v he_o be_v the_o person_n that_o have_v purchase_v all_o these_o thiâ—â—_n unto_o we_o and_o there_o be_v not_o one_o blink_n of_o louâ—_n there_o be_v not_o the_o small_a enjoyment_n that_o christian_n meet_v with_o but_o it_o be_v the_o price_n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n christ_n precious_a bloâ—_n be_v lay_v down_o
for_o it_o four_o faith_n â—â—seth_v with_o christ_n as_o the_o efficient_a and_o workâ—_n of_o all_o our_o mercy_n all_o our_o enjoyment_n thâ—â—_n be_v far_o from_o he_o as_o the_o efficient_a cause_n that_o he_o be_v the_o worker_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v his_o precious_a finger_n that_o must_v accomplish_v that_o bless_a work_n of_o grace_n and_o they_o be_v from_o christ_n as_o the_o dispenser_n of_o these_o thing_n christ_n be_v the_o great_a steward_n of_o heaven_n that_o do_v communicate_v unto_o believer_n all_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o high_a house_n for_o he_o have_v god_n the_o father_n seal_v o_o but_o that_o word_n that_o christ_n once_o speak_v be_v much_o verify_v by_o himself_o it_o be_v more_o bless_a to_o give_v then_o to_o â—eciâ—ve_v christ_n be_v that_o fountain_n and_o treasure_n 〈◊〉_d who_o all_o our_o gift_n and_o grace_n be_v treasure_v â—p_n for_o before_o the_o blessing_n come_v to_o believer_n â—hey_v come_v to_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n according_a â—o_o that_o word_n 2_o tim._n 1_o 9_o which_o grace_n be_v â—iven_v to_o we_o in_o he_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o â—orld_n be_v lay_v it_o be_v give_v to_o christ_n beâ—â—e_v the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o for_o that_o end_n â—â—at_v it_o may_v be_v communicate_v unto_o all_o his_o member_n and_o so_o out_o of_o his_o fullness_n we_o all_o â—eive_v and_o grace_n for_o grace_n but_o second_o the_o text_n hold_v forth_o â—ore_o particular_o this_o excellent_a object_n of_o â—â—th_n to_o be_v the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n that_o you_o â—â—ieve_v in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n and_o here_o â—â—eed_o we_o may_v be_v at_o a_o stand_n it_o be_v long_a â—â—ce_n agur_n do_v non_fw-la plus_fw-la all_o the_o world_n â—â—th_v that_o question_n what_o be_v his_o name_n and_o â—â—at_n be_v his_o son_n name_v if_o thou_o can_v tell_v â—â—ow_o little_a a_o thing_n can_v be_v know_v of_o he_o use_v o_o how_o brutish_a be_v this_o generation_n that_o â—â—w_o so_o much_o less_o than_o may_v be_v know_v he_o in_o such_o a_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o â—t_a we_o may_v speak_v a_o little_a according_a to_o our_o â—â—k_a measure_n of_o faith_n as_o close_v with_o the_o â—â—e_z of_o christ._n his_o name_n be_v his_o glorious_a â—â—â—uâ—es_n by_o which_o he_o reveal_v so_o much_o of_o himself_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o poor_a mortal_n can_v take_v up_o we_o do_v show_v you_o before_o that_o there_o be_v three_o of_o these_o that_o be_v the_o main_a pillar_n of_o justify_v faith_n faithfulness_n omnipotency_n and_o his_o infinite_a love_n and_o mercy_n and_o how_o from_o these_o may_v be_v answer_v all_o the_o objection_n of_o sense_n of_o carnal_a reason_n and_o of_o misbelief_n arise_v from_o conviction_n of_o unworthiness_n and_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o faith_n in_o all_o its_o conflict_n make_v much_o use_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n and_o there_o be_v not_o a_o objection_n that_o a_o poor_a tempt_v soul_n can_v make_v but_o faith_n can_v frame_v a_o answer_n to_o it_o out_o of_o some_o of_o these_o excellent_a nameâ—_n of_o god_n or_o of_o his_o son_n christ._n it_o will_v be_v a_o more_o longsome_a work_n than_o i_o intend_v to_o let_v you_o see_v this_o in_o all_o but_o i_o shall_v only_o instance_n in_o that_o one_o glorious_a name_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o proclaim_v his_o glory_n exod._n 34._o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long_o suffer_v and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truthâ—_n keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o that_o will_v by_o no_o meanâ—_n clear_v the_o guilty_a etc._n etc._n i_o think_v there_o be_v seveâ—_n ordinary_a objection_n which_o may_v be_v answereâ—_n from_o that_o place_n first_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a objection_n which_o misbeliever_n do_v make_v thâ—â—_n they_o be_v under_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o corruption_n that_o they_o be_v black_a as_o the_o tent_n of_o kedaâ—_n and_o not_o beautiful_a aâ—_n the_o curtain_n of_o solomon_n and_o do_v not_o the_o first_o letter_n of_o that_o namâ—_n answer_v this_o that_o he_o be_v a_o merciful_a lord_n thâ—_n one_o import_v his_o ability_n to_o save_v and_o 〈◊〉_d bring_v down_o every_o high_a imagination_n thâ—_n other_o import_v his_o infinite_a delight_n to_o hâ—â—_n those_o who_o have_v no_o strength_n and_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o adversary_n the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v of_o no_o large_a extent_n than_o his_o love_n there_o be_v that_o second_o objection_n of_o misbelief_n that_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o commend_v we_o to_o christ_n but_o all_o that_o we_o have_v to_o boast_v of_o be_v infirmity_n and_o imperfection_n and_o this_o be_v abundant_o answer_v from_o that_o second_o letter_n of_o his_o name_n that_o he_o be_v gracious_a which_o import_v the_o freedom_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o love_n that_o he_o walk_v nor_o with_o we_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n of_o merit_n but_o according_a to_o that_o golden_a and_o excellent_a rule_n of_o love_n it_o be_v a_o great_a dispute_n whether_o mercy_n or_o grace_n be_v the_o great_a wonder_n whether_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o freedom_n of_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mystery_n sure_o both_o these_o put_v together_o make_v up_o a_o matchless_a wonder_n three_o misbelief_n will_v object_v that_o we_o have_v forsake_v he_o day_n without_o number_n and_o that_o we_o can_v trace_v back_o our_o apostasy_n unto_o the_o first_o day_n of_o its_o rise_n and_o be_v not_o that_o abundant_o answer_v from_o that_o letter_n of_o his_o name_n that_o he_o be_v long_o suffer_v this_o be_v that_o glorious_a attribute_n in_o god_n the_o glory_n of_o which_o he_o desire_v to_o magnify_v above_o all_o his_o name_n four_o misbelief_n do_v ordinary_o propose_v this_o objection_n that_o we_o have_v multiply_v our_o transgression_n and_o have_v commit_v whoredom_n under_o every_o green_a tree_n and_o have_v give_v gift_n to_o our_o lover_n even_o hire_v our_o idol_n so_o that_o we_o may_v take_v up_o that_o lamentation_n be_v not_o our_o sin_n great_a and_o our_o transgression_n infinite_a and_o be_v not_o that_o also_o answer_v from_o that_o letter_n of_o his_o name_n that_o he_o be_v abundant_a in_o goodness_n that_o though_o sin_n abound_v in_o we_o yet_o grace_n do_v much_o more_o superabound_a in_o he_o we_o confess_v indeed_o that_o there_o be_v some_o that_o may_v walk_v under_o that_o condition_n that_o if_o they_o have_v no_o other_o exercise_n throughout_o eternity_n but_o to_o make_v confession_n they_o may_v confess_v and_o never_o make_v any_o needless_a repetition_n and_o true_o in_o some_o respect_n it_o be_v a_o mercy_n that_o we_o be_v mystery_n unto_o ourselves_o for_o if_o we_o do_v know_v complete_o the_o seven_o abomination_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o those_o mysterious_a act_n of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n we_o will_v be_v in_o hazard_n to_o choice_n strangle_v and_o death_n rather_o than_o life_n yet_o may_v not_o one_o glimpse_n of_o that_o abundant_a goodness_n satisfy_v we_o and_o calm_v the_o storm_n five_o say_v misbelief_n we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v break_v our_o vow_n and_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v take_v on_o have_v be_v but_o as_o flax_n before_o the_o fire_n of_o tentation_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o hope_n that_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o these_o that_o have_v break_v wedlock_n and_o have_v not_o be_v steadfast_a in_o his_o covenant_n but_o be_v not_o that_o abundant_o answer_v from_o that_o letter_n of_o his_o name_n that_o he_o be_v abundant_a in_o truth_n which_o speak_v that_o though_o we_o deny_v ourselves_o yet_o he_o abide_v faithful_a and_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o word_n that_o have_v go_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n it_o be_v the_o infinite_a blessedness_n of_o man_n that_o though_o he_o be_v changeable_a yet_o they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o one_o that_o be_v a_o unchangeable_a be_v sixthly_a there_o be_v that_o objection_n that_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v matter_n of_o encouragement_n to_o some_o yet_o they_o know_v not_o whether_o or_o not_o the_o lot_n of_o everlasting_a love_n have_v fall_v upon_o they_o and_o whether_o their_o name_n be_v in_o the_o ancient_a record_n of_o heaven_n but_o this_o be_v answer_v from_o that_o letter_n of_o his_o name_n he_o keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o which_o show_v we_o that_o great_a number_n of_o those_o upon_o who_o the_o lot_n of_o everlasting_a love_n shall_v fall_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o sentence_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n â—his_n may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a matter_n of_o a_o song_n and_o may_v make_v we_o cry_v out_o who_o be_v like_o unâ—o_v he_o who_o compassion_n have_v no_o end_n and_o who_o desire_v to_o
if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o this_o everlasting_a gospel_n which_o be_v preach_v unto_o you_o be_v that_o glorious_a star_n which_o must_v lead_v we_o to_o the_o place_n where_o bless_a christ_n do_v â—ly_o this_o gospel_n and_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o great_a salvation_n be_v come_v near_o unto_o you_o and_o christ_n be_v stand_v at_o the_o everlasting_a door_n of_o your_o heart_n desire_v that_o you_o will_v open_v unto_o he_o there_o be_v that_o one_o great_a request_n which_o heaven_n this_o day_n have_v to_o present_v unto_o you_o and_o it_o be_v that_o you_o will_v at_o last_o embrace_v this_o great_a salvation_n free_o offer_v by_o he_o it_o be_v the_o thing_n for_o which_o you_o be_v call_v to_o mourn_v this_o day_n that_o since_o the_o day_n of_o your_o father_n and_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o your_o own_o day_n â—e_v have_v stop_v your_o ear_n from_o that_o sweet_a and_o chant_a voice_n of_o this_o bless_a charmer_n you_o will_v never_o dance_v to_o christ_n when_o he_o pype_v neither_o will_v you_o weep_v to_o he_o when_o he_o lament_v but_o to_o come_v to_o the_o word_n which_o we_o have_v read_v unto_o you_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o formeâ—_n chapter_n have_v be_v discourse_v most_o divine_o of_o the_o matchless_a and_o incomparable_a excellency_n which_o be_v in_o our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n and_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o second_o chapter_n hâ—_n draw_v forth_o a_o exhortation_n from_o his_o former_a doctrine_n which_o in_o short_a be_v this_o that_o they_o will_v take_v heed_n to_o the_o bless_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o not_o at_o any_o time_n to_o let_v it_o slip_v out_o of_o our_o mind_n and_o that_o they_o will_v keep_v thiâ—_n gospel_n as_o a_o jewel_n of_o great_a price_n and_o will_v not_o sell_v it_o but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v induce_v to_o buy_v it_o and_o this_o exhortation_n he_o press_v by_o two_o argument_n the_o first_o argument_n be_v in_o the_o second_o verse_n where_o he_o say_v if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angelâ—_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v if_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v deliver_v but_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n and_o every_o disobedience_n to_o iâ—_n be_v so_o severe_o punish_v let_v that_o provoke_v you_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o transgress_v noâ—_n the_o precious_a gospel_n which_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n himself_o the_o second_o argument_n be_v in_o the_o word_n which_o we_o have_v read_v unto_o you_o and_o it_o iâ—_n take_v from_o the_o certain_a and_o infallible_a stroaâ—_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v comâ—_n upon_o those_o who_o slight_a this_o great_a salvation_n â—t_z be_v impossible_a say_v he_o that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o â—â—ity_n of_o refuge_n for_o these_o who_o slight_a this_o great_a salvation_n now_o in_o the_o word_n which_o we_o have_v read_v here_o be_v these_o six_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v i._n first_o that_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a incident_a to_o the_o â—â—earers_n of_o this_o precious_a gospel_n and_o great_a â—â—lvation_n to_o slight_a and_o undervalue_v it_o this_o be_v early_o presuppose_v in_o the_o word_n otherwise_o here_o have_v be_v no_o ground_n or_o access_n for_o the_o postle_n to_o threaten_v so_o terrible_a thing_n against_o â—â—e_z slighter_n of_o it_o ii_o the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o 〈◊〉_d word_n be_v that_o the_o stroke_n and_o ruin_n of_o â—â—ose_n who_o slight_a this_o great_a salvation_n be_v â—â—â—tain_n and_o infallible_a it_o will_v sure_o come_v â—â—on_v they_o this_o be_v clear_a from_o these_o word_n â—â—w_o shall_v we_o escape_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v there_o â—â—no_v imaginable_a way_n for_o we_o to_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v this_o so_o great_a salvation_n we_o may_v â—â—â—e_z a_o city_n of_o refuge_n when_o we_o be_v pursue_v the_o law_n or_o when_o we_o be_v pursue_v by_o eviction_n and_o we_o may_v escape_v when_o we_o 〈◊〉_d pursue_v otherways_o by_o the_o justice_n of_o use_v but_o if_o once_o we_o slight_a this_o great_a â—â—â—vation_n there_o remain_v no_o city_n of_o refuge_n â—â—o_o door_n of_o escape_n leave_v open_a unto_o we_o for_o â—ere_z will_v the_o person_n flee_v that_o slight_v this_o â—â—at_a salvation_n ii_o there_o be_v this_o three_o thing_n whereof_o we_o â—â—â—l_v take_v notice_n from_o the_o word_n that_o the_o â—â—ak_v of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n come_v just_o â—n_v they_o who_o slight_a this_o great_a salvation_n true_o it_o be_v a_o most_o equal_a and_o reasonable_a â—â—â—k_n which_o be_v also_o clear_a from_o the_o word_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n where_o he_o put_v it_o home_o to_o their_o conscience_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v think_v you_o not_o thaâ—_n it_o be_v just_a and_o righteous_a that_o if_o you_o slight_a the_o great-salvation_n there_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o dooâ—_n of_o escape_n leave_v open_a unto_o you_o he_o put_v the_o question_n home_o to_o their_o conscience_n to_o answer_v yea_o or_o no._n iv._o the_o four_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v iâ—_n the_o word_n be_v this_o that_o the_o slight_a thiâ—_n great-salvation_n be_v a_o sin_n that_o have_v many_o aggravation_n which_o attend_v and_o wait_v upon_o iâ—_n and_o it_o have_v two_o great_a aggravation_n from_o thâ—_n word_n which_o i_o have_v read_v the_o first_o great_a aggravation_n in_o that_o word_n of_o the_o text_n great_a salvation_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v if_o it_o be_v not_o great_a salvation_n you_o may_v have_v some_o cloâ—â—_n or_o excuse_n for_o your_o slight_n of_o it_o but_o seâ—ing_v it_o be_v such_o a_o great_a and_o eternal_a salvation_n there_o be_v now_o no_o cloak_n leave_v for_o your_o sin_n the_o second_o aggravation_n be_v from_o the_o certainty_n 〈◊〉_d this_o salvation_n in_o these_o word_n which_o at_o fiâ—â—_n begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confâ—â—med_v unto_o we_o by_o those_o that_o hear_v he_o viz._n 〈◊〉_d apostle_n whereby_o he_o tell_v they_o this_o great_a salvation_n be_v no_o notion_n noâ—_n fancy_n but_o a_o mâ—â—_n certain_a sure_a and_o real_a salvation_n which_o yâ—â—_n they_o slight_a v._o the_o five_o thing_n whereof_o we_o shall_v â—aâ—â—_n notice_n from_o the_o word_n be_v this_o that_o theâ—_n be_v no_o person_n be_v who_o they_o will_v minister_n 〈◊〉_d people_n who_o slight_a this_o great-salvatioâ—_a that_o shall_v have_v a_o door_n of_o escape_n hence_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n put_v himself_o amoâ—â—_n the_o rest_n say_v how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o 〈◊〉_d neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n that_o be_v how_o shall_v paul_n escape_n if_o i_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n â—nd_v so_o frustrate_a the_o grace_n of_o god_n vi_o sixthly_a we_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o this_o â—â—om_n the_o word_n that_o not_o only_a heart_n despiâ—â—ng_v of_o this_o great_a salvation_n but_o even_o also_o â—he_v very_o neglect_v of_o it_o have_v a_o certain_a infallible_a and_o unspeakable_a ruin_n attend_v upon_o it_o 〈◊〉_d now_o before_o we_o begin_v to_o speak_v to_o any_o of_o â—hese_fw-mi six_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v observe_v from_o â—â—e_z word_n there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n whereâ—â—to_o we_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a for_o clear_v of_o the_o â—ords_n first_o what_o be_v mean_v here_o by_o great_a salvation_n second_o how_o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o first_o preacher_n of_o it_o first_o we_o conceive_v that_o by_o the_o great-salâ—ation_a be_v understand_v the_o gospel_n as_o be_v clear_a â—ph_n 1._o 13._o where_o it_o be_v call_v the_o gospel_n of_o â—â—r_a salvation_n and_o act._n 13._o 26._o it_o it_o call_v the_o â—ord_n of_o this_o salvation_n so_o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o this_o salvation_n be_v understand_v the_o gospel_n use_v these_o precious_a offer_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o and_o we_o conceive_v it_o may_v be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d great-salvation_n in_o these_o eight_o respect_n i._n first_o it_o be_v call_v the_o great-salvation_n â—â—_o respect_n of_o the_o price_n that_o be_v lay_v down_o â—or_a it_o there_o be_v no_o less_o price_n lay_v down_o â—â—_o purchase_v this_o great-salvation_n than_o the_o â—loud_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o then_o â—oth_v salvation_n flow_v unto_o you_o it_o come_v â—â—nning_a to_o you_o in_o a_o stream_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o god_n this_o be_v clear_a heb._n 9_o 12._o neiâ—â—er_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o goat_n and_o calf_n but_o by_o â—is_n own_o blood_n he_o enter_v in_o once_o into_o the_o holy_a â—lace_n have_v obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o ii_o second_o it_o
be_v call_v a_o great_a salvation_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o many_o difficulty_n and_o opposition_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o bring_v it_o about_o what_o great_a impediment_n suppose_v you_o lie_v in_o christ_n way_n before_o he_o can_v accomplish_v and_o bring_v about_o this_o great_a salvation_n be_v not_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o be_v satisfy_v be_v he_o not_o to_o die_v and_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o one_o of_o we_o be_v he_o not_o toâ—ly_o in_o the_o grave_n and_o be_v he_o not_o to_o bear_v the_o â—_z of_o hell_n before_o this_o great-salvatioâ—_a can_v be_v accomplish_v and_o bring_v to_o pass_v 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v such_o impediment_n in_o the_o way_n oâ—_n bring_v about_o this_o great_a salvation_n that_o â—â—_o all_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n have_v be_v set_v to_o the_o work_n they_o have_v be_v all_o crush_v under_o 〈◊〉_d have_v it_o be_v but_o that_o one_o great_a impedimentâ—_n to_o satisfy_v the_o justice_n and_o pacify_v the_o wraâ—â—â—_n of_o god_n even_o that_o be_v a_o pass_n through_o which_o none_o can_v go_v but_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n it_o be_v so_o guard_v that_o none_o dare_v adventure_v to_o enter_v it_o much_o less_o can_v any_o win_v through_o it_o save_v he_o only_o who_o be_v mighty_a to_o save_v iii_o three_o it_o be_v call_v a_o great_a salvation_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o high_a estimation_n which_o the_o saint_n have_v of_o it_o o_o what_o a_o high_a estimation_n have_v the_o saint_n of_o this_o gospel_n salvation_n there_o be_v no_o mercy_n which_o they_o think_v comparable_a to_o this_o all_o other_o mercy_n be_v but_o little_a zoar_n in_o comparison_n of_o this_o great_a mercy_n and_o gospel_n salvation_n iu._n four_o it_o be_v call_v a_o great_a salvation_n in_o respect_n of_o these_o noble_a effect_n which_o this_o salvation_n bring_v about_o and_o producethâ—_n some_o of_o the_o great_a effect_n of_o the_o gospel_n david_n have_v clear_v psal._n 19_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o be_v not_o this_o â—_o great_a effect_n of_o this_o gospel_n salvation_n to_o â—ring_v we_o out_o of_o nature_n into_o a_o estate_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o this_o great_a salvation_n â—s_v not_o this_o a_o great_a effect_n to_o make_v we_o who_o be_v enemy_n become_v friend_n and_o that_o be_v â—â—_o effect_n of_o this_o great_a salvation_n be_v not_o this_o â—_o great_a effect_n to_o make_v we_o who_o be_v move_v â—â—_o the_o way_n to_o hell_n move_v in_o the_o way_n to_o heaâ—â—n_v and_o that_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o this_o great_a salvation_n be_v not_o this_o a_o great_a effect_n to_o make_v we_o who_o be_v far_o off_o to_o be_v now_o make_v near_o and_o â—â—t_v that_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o this_o great_a salvation_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o great_a effect_n to_o make_v we_o who_o be_v darkness_n become_v light_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o â—â—at_n be_v the_o great_a effect_n of_o this_o gospel_n salvation_n yea_o i_o may_v say_v time_n will_v fail_v i_o to_o tell_v â—f_o all_o the_o great_a effect_n of_o this_o great_a salvation_n â—ut_fw-la o_fw-la will_v you_o come_v and_o see_v and_o that_o will_v â—est_n resolve_v the_o question_n unto_o you_o what_o the_o â—ble_n effect_n of_o this_o great_a salvation_n be_v v._n five_o it_o be_v call_v a_o great_a salvation_n 〈◊〉_d respect_n of_o the_o great_a advantage_n which_o â—oth_v redound_v to_o the_o person_n who_o embrace_v 〈◊〉_d first_o be_v not_o heaven_n a_o noble_a advantage_n use_v that_o be_v the_o gain_n which_o attend_v the_o â—â—bracers_n of_o this_o great_a salvation_n second_o 〈◊〉_d not_o jesus_n christ_n a_o notable_a advantage_n use_v yet_o he_o be_v the_o advantage_n which_o attend_v â—â—_o imbracer_n of_o this_o great_a salvation_n â—â—irdly_o be_v not_o eternal_a communion_n with_o use_v a_o notable_a advantage_n and_o that_o advantage_n attend_v the_o imbracer_n of_o this_o great_a â—â—vation_n four_o be_v not_o eternal_a liberation_n from_o the_o body_n of_o death_n a_o great_a advantage_n and_o that_o attend_v the_o imbracer_n oâ—_n this_o great_a salvation_n five_o be_v not_o eternal_a sing_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n a_o greaâ—_n advantage_n and_o that_o attend_v the_o imbracery_n of_o this_o salvation_n six_o be_v not_o eternal_a see_v of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v a_o great_a and_o noble_a advantage_n and_o yet_o this_o as_o all_o the_o former_a attend_v the_o imbracer_n of_o this_o great_a salvation_n yeâ—_n will_v you_o be_v rich_a o_o then_o embrace_v thiâ—_n great_a salvation_n will_v you_o be_v honourable_a come_v and_o embrace_v this_o great_a salvation_n will_v you_o be_v eternal_o happy_a o_o than_o comâ—_n and_o partake_v of_o this_o great_a salvation_n vi_o sixthly_a it_o be_v call_v a_o great_a salvation_n in_o respect_n of_o all_o other_o salvation_n that_o eveâ—_n be_v accomplish_v there_o be_v never_o a_o salvation_n or_o victory_n obtain_v by_o any_o general_n 〈◊〉_d captain_n unto_o a_o land_n or_o people_n that_o coulâ—_n have_v the_o name_n of_o great_a salvation_n in_o comparison_n of_o this_o vii_o seven_o it_o be_v call_v a_o great-salvation_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o wâ—_n have_v speak_v of_o the_o greatness_n as_o to_o the_o mâ—ritorious_a cause_n of_o it_o and_o how_o great_a thing_n do_v effectuate_v and_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o tâ—â—_n authority_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o great-salvatioâ—_a will_v you_o know_v who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o thâ—_n great-salvation_n it_o be_v christ_n heb._n 5._o 9_o 〈◊〉_d become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o 〈◊〉_d they_o that_o obey_v he_o and_o must_v not_o this_o salvation_n be_v suitable_a to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n it_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o irradiant_a beam_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o gâ—â—_n the_o mediator_n that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o 〈◊〉_d great_a salvation_n viii_o eight_o it_o be_v call_v a_o great_a salvation_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o continuance_n and_o duration_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o a_o salvation_n which_o be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d a_o day_n but_o it_o be_v a_o eternal_a salvation_n heb._n 〈◊〉_d 12._o he_o obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o now_o the_o second_o thing_n whereunto_o we_o shall_v â—peak_v for_o clear_v of_o the_o word_n be_v this_o viz._n how_o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o first_o â—reacher_n of_o this_o eternal_a salvation_n we_o do_v â—ot_n think_v that_o the_o word_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v understand_v that_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o great_a salvation_n be_v never_o preach_v before_o christ_n come_v â—â—_o the_o flesh_n but_o we_o think_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o â—ords_n may_v be_v one_o of_o these_o three_o if_o not_o all_o â—f_n they_o i._n first_o that_o all_o the_o preach_n of_o this_o great_a salvation_n under_o the_o law_n do_v come_v â—ery_o far_o short_a in_o the_o point_n of_o fullness_n in_o comparison_n of_o christ_n preach_v of_o it_o therefore_o be_v christ_n say_v to_o be_v the_o first_o preacher_n of_o his_o great_a salvation_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o â—now_v adam_n he_o preach_v of_o this_o great_a salvation_n and_o enoch_n he_o preach_v of_o this_o great_a salvation_n and_o the_o twelve_o patriarch_n they_o â—reached_v of_o this_o great_a salvation_n and_o all_o â—he_n prophet_n who_o go_v before_o christ_n and_o 〈◊〉_d now_o in_o heaven_n they_o preach_v of_o this_o great_a salvation_n but_o all_o their_o preach_n deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o preach_v in_o comparison_n of_o christ_n for_o never_o man_n speak_v as_o he_o â—pake_v thus_o christ_n be_v the_o first_o great_a preacher_n of_o this_o great_a salvation_n ii_o second_o this_o may_v be_v the_o meaning_n â—f_n it_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o first_o preacher_n of_o â—â—is_n great_a salvation_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o clear_a way_n of_o preach_v of_o it_o for_o he_o be_v the_o first_o preacher_n of_o it_o without_o type_n and_o shadow_n he_o be_v the_o first_o preacher_n of_o it_o clear_o and_o full_o with_o so_o much_o demonstration_n and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n iii_o three_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o first_o preacher_n of_o this_o great_a salvation_n may_v relate_v to_o his_o appear_v to_o adam_n in_o paradise_n when_o he_o become_v the_o first_o and_o great_a preacher_n of_o this_o salvation_n wheâ—_n he_o do_v speak_v that_o word_n unto_o he_o the_o seeâ—_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v tread_v down_o the_o head_n of_o the_o serpent_n the_o first_o glorious_a preach_v of_o thiâ—_n great_a salvation_n be_v when_o christ_n preach_v iâ—_n to_o adam_n in_o paradise_n and_o that_o be_v the_o firsâ—_o and_o glorious_a morning_n of_o this_o bless_a gospel_n now_o we_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a to_o the_o first_o oâ—_n these_o six_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v observe_v froâ—_n the_o
word_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v many_o within_o the_o visiblâ—_n church_n who_o be_v neglecter_n and_o slighter_n oâ—_n this_o great_a salvation_n do_v you_o not_o all_o takâ—_n with_o it_o it_o be_v clear_a matth._n 23._o towards_o the_o close_a and_o chap._n 22._o 5._o where_o these_o person_n be_v invite_v to_o come_v to_o the_o marriage_n or_o feast_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v say_v of_o they_o they_o make_v light_a of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o samâ—_n word_n in_o our_o text._n and_o luke_n 14._o 18_o when_o they_o be_v invite_v to_o come_v it_o be_v say_v they_o all_o with_o one_o consent_n begin_v to_o make_v theiâ—_n excuse_v and_o isa._n 28._o 2._o this_o be_v the_o rest_n where_o with_o you_o shall_v make_v they_o weary_a to_o rest_v this_o iâ—_n the_o refresh_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v noâ—_n be_v there_o a_o person_n here_o who_o dare_v deny_v thiâ—_n charge_n that_o he_o be_v a_o slight_a of_o thiâ—_n greaâ—_n salvation_n i_o confess_v i_o be_o afraid_a that_o you_o will_v â—ot_n take_v with_o it_o therefore_o i_o shall_v propose_v eight_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o be_v slighter_n of_o this_o great_a salvation_n and_o i_o charge_v you_o as_o you_o will_v answer_v to_o god_n one_o day_n that_o you_o search_v your_o heart_n whether_o you_o be_v among_o the_o number_n in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o slighter_n of_o this_o great_a salvation_n ay_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o be_v slighter_n of_o this_o great_a salvation_n be_v these_o person_n who_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v â—hat_n sort_n of_o person_n who_o think_v they_o may_v win_v to_o heaven_n by_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o will_v not_o take_v the_o gospel_n way_n of_o travel_v â—o_o heaven_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o â—orely_o there_o be_v not_o a_o person_n here_o who_o have_v â—ot_n that_o curse_a inclination_n to_o be_v as_o little_o oblige_v to_o christ_n for_o his_o salvation_n as_o he_o can_v we_o will_v go_v to_o heaven_n without_o the_o way_n which_o be_v christ._n and_o believe_v i_o there_o be_v â—any_n in_o this_o congregation_n who_o go_v thus_o aâ—out_a to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o i_o shall_v propose_v six_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o â—â—ll_v under_o the_o first_o rank_n 1._o the_o first_o sort_n be_v these_o who_o trust_v on_o â—heir_o own_o civility_n and_o think_v these_o will_v carâ—y_v they_o to_o heaven_n these_o be_v the_o person_n â—ho_fw-mi go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n say_v they_o i_o defy_v the_o world_n to_o â—â—y_v any_o thing_n to_o i_o i_o be_v evermore_o a_o hoâ—est_a man_n and_o i_o trust_v therefore_o that_o i_o shall_v â—o_o to_o heaven_n but_o i_o say_v to_o thou_o o_o atheist_n â—â—at_fw-mi thou_o be_v thou_o shalâ—_n never_o win_v to_o heaven_n by_o these_o mean_n till_o thou_o come_v to_o christ_n with_o this_o all_z my_o righteousness_n be_v like_o filthy_a rag_n 2._o the_o second_o sort_n be_v these_o who_o builâ—_n their_o confidence_n upon_o their_o denial_n of_o theiâ—_n good_a work_n but_o yet_o come_v never_o this_o length_n to_o make_v use_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 3._o the_o three_o â—ort_n be_v these_o who_o builâ—_n their_o confidence_n upon_o their_o duty_n theâ—_n think_v they_o will_v come_v to_o heaven_n by_o their_o gooâ—_n prayer_n by_o their_o read_n and_o by_o their_o fast_n like_o unto_o that_o pharisee_fw-mi luk_n 18._o 11_o i_o thanâ—_n god_n i_o be_o not_o like_o other_o man_n for_o i_o fast_o twiâ—â—_n in_o the_o week_n i_o pay_v tithe_n of_o all_o that_o i_o possess_v but_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o thy_o duty_n will_v neveâ—_n bring_v thou_o to_o heaven_n if_o christ_n be_v not_o thâ—_n end_v of_o all_o thy_o duty_n nor_o can_v you_o perform_v anâ—_n duty_n without_o he_o 4._o the_o four_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o â—aâ—_n under_o this_o first_o rank_n of_o slighter_n of_o the_o greâ—â—_n salvation_n be_v those_o who_o trust_v on_o their_o conviction_n if_o they_o have_v once_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o miserable_a estate_n they_o thiâ—_n their_o be_v no_o more_o to_o do_v christ_n will_v never_o â—â—ject_v they_o so_o they_o sit_v down_o and_o build_v the_o hope_n upon_o these_o conviction_n 5._o the_o five_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v these_o wâ—_n build_v their_o confidence_n upon_o their_o resolution_n say_v they_o oftentimes_o i_o have_v resolve_v to_o be_v better_a man_n than_o i_o be_o therefore_o i_o thiâ—â—_n which_o be_v the_o fearful_a delusion_n of_o many_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n bâ—â—_n it_o have_v be_v good_a for_o many_o such_o a_o word_n hâ—â—_n not_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n or_o that_o their_o cuâ—sâ—â—_n eye_n have_v never_o read_v it_o but_o know_v this_o tâ—â—_n though_o thou_o have_v as_o strong_a resolution_n as_o peter_n or_o as_o good_a wish_n as_o balaam_n have_v if_o thou_o never_o labour_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o practice_n god_n shall_v say_v to_o thou_o depart_v from_o i_o i_o know_v you_o not_o and_o of_o you_o who_o build_v upon_o your_o resolution_n you_o build_v upon_o a_o sandy_a foundation_n these_o be_v many_o time_n a_o goodness_n but_o like_o the_o morning_n dew_n 6._o and_o the_o six_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o fall_v under_o this_o first_o rank_n of_o slighter_n of_o the_o great_a salvation_n and_o wherein_o the_o evil_n be_v most_o subtle_a be_v these_o who_o build_v their_o salvation_n upon_o their_o grace_n these_o also_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n but_o i_o say_v to_o thou_o thy_o grace_n can_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o thy_o hope_n though_o they_o may_v be_v as_o evidence_n to_o strengthen_v thy_o hope_n now_o be_v there_o none_o here_o who_o fall_n under_o this_o first_o rank_n of_o slighter_n of_o the_o great_a salvation_n or_o be_v there_o none_o here_o who_o will_v confess_v that_o they_o have_v go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n i_o say_v to_o thou_o who_o will_v confess_v put_v a_o rope_n about_o thy_o neck_n and_o come_v to_o christ_n for_o he_o be_v a_o merciful_a king_n i_o say_v to_o thou_o come_v to_o christ_n with_o this_o all_z my_o righteousness_n be_v like_o filthy_a rag_n and_o if_o thou_o will_v come_v with_o this_o in_o sincerity_n he_o shall_v say_v bring_v forth_o the_o white_a robe_n and_o put_v it_o upon_o he_o if_o thou_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o speak_v that_o in_o sincerity_n to_o christ_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o betwixt_o christ_n and_o thou_o but_o come_v and_o clothe_v he_o with_o the_o white_a robe_n ii_o second_o these_o person_n slight_a the_o great_a salvation_n who_o delay_n their_o take_a hold_n of_o the_o precious_a offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o there_o be_v many_o when_o we_o preach_v thiâ—_n gospel_n and_o when_o we_o hold_v out_o the_o great_a salvation_n to_o they_o who_o say_v i_o will_v follow_v christ_n but_o i_o must_v first_o go_v home_o and_o bury_v mâ—_n father_n and_o so_o they_o delay_v to_o take_v hold_n oâ—â—his_v great_a salvation_n but_o i_o say_v to_o you_o thaâ—_n who_o ever_o you_o be_v that_o thus_o delay_v to_o takâ—_n hold_v on_o this_o great_a salvation_n you_o be_v the_o slight_a of_o it_o be_v there_o a_o person_n within_o these_o door_n who_o dare_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o have_v slight_v this_o great_a salvation_n and_o delay_v to_o embrace_v it_o o_o tell_v i_o what_o dâ—_n your_o conscience_n speak_v be_v there_o any_o buâ—_n they_o must_v acknowledge_v they_o come_v undeâ—_n this_o second_o rank_n and_o i_o say_v to_o you_o who_o have_v thus_o delay_v will_v you_o yet_o embrace_v it_o 〈◊〉_d say_v even_o unto_o you_o who_o be_v old_a man_n now_o past_o sixty_o year_n and_o have_v slight_v this_o great_a salvation_n so_o long_o yet_o this_o day_n this_o greaâ—_n great_a salvation_n be_v offer_v unto_o you_o whaâ—_n say_v you_o to_o it_o o_o what_o do_v you_o say_v to_o this_o offer_n be_v you_o say_v i_o must_v now_o delay_v and_o not_o receive_v this_o great_a salvation_n till_o my_o harvest_n bâ—_n by_o and_o over_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o that_o the_o harvest_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v ripe_a and_o he_o shalâ—_n put_v in_o his_o sickle_n and_o cut_v thou_o down_o i_o wilâ—_n say_v no_o more_o to_o these_o who_o thus_o slight_a thiâ—_n great_a salvation_n but_o this_o why_o stand_v you_o all_o thâ—_n day_n in_o the_o market_n place_n idle_a and_o do_v nothing_o o_o will_v you_o at_o last_o be_v induce_v to_o takâ—_n and_o embrace_v this_o great_a salvation_n before_o â—â—_o be_v hide_v from_o your_o eye_n iii_o three_o these_o person_n be_v thâ—_n slighter_n of_o this_o great_a salvation_n who_o compliment_n
precious_a excellency_n of_o this_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o we_o shall_v only_o â—peak_v to_o these_o thing_n i._o the_o first_o thing_n that_o speak_v out_o the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n be_v this_o it_o exercise_v it_o â—elf_n upon_o a_o most_o noble_a object_n to_o wit_n jesus_n christ_n faith_n and_o love_n be_v the_o two_o arm_n â—f_o the_o immortal_a soul_n by_o which_o we_o do_v embrace_v a_o crucify_a saviour_n which_o be_v often_o â—ointed_v at_o in_o scripture_n and_o we_o shall_v point_v â—t_z these_o three_o principal_a act_n of_o faith_n which_o â—t_a exercise_v on_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o object_n fit_a 1._o the_o first_o be_v to_o make_v up_o a_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o believer_n faith_n be_v â—ndeed_o a_o unite_n grace_n and_o that_o which_o â—nitteth_v the_o member_n to_o the_o head_n and_o to_o â—ake_v this_o more_o full_o appear_v we_o will_v point_v â—ut_v a_o little_a what_o sweet_a harmony_n and_o correspondency_n there_o be_v betwixt_o these_o two_o sister_n grace_n to_o wit_n faith_n and_o love_n i'faith_o iâ—_n that_o nail_n which_o fasten_v the_o soul_n to_o chriâ—â—_n and_o love_n be_v that_o grace_n which_o drive_v that_o naiâ—_n to_o the_o head_n faith_n at_o first_o take_v but_o a_o tender_a grip_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o love_n come_v iâ—_n and_o make_v the_o soul_n take_v a_o more_o sure_a grip_n oâ—_n he_o second_o you_o may_v see_v that_o harmonâ—_n in_o this_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n which_o takeâ—_n hold_v as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o garment_n of_o chrisâ—_n and_o of_o his_o word_n but_o love_n that_o ambitioâ—â—_n grace_n it_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o heart_n of_o chrisâ—_n and_o as_o it_o be_v his_o heart_n do_v melt_v in_o thâ—_n hand_n of_o love_n three_o it_o may_v be_v see_v iâ—_n this_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n which_o draw_v thâ—_n first_o draught_n of_o the_o likeness_n and_o image_n christ_n upon_o a_o soul_n but_o that_o accomplish_v grace_n of_o love_n it_o do_v complete_a these_o fiâ—…_n draught_n and_o these_o imperfect_a lineament_n 〈◊〉_d christ_n image_n which_o be_v first_o draw_v on_o thâ—_n soul._n four_o by_o faith_n and_o love_v the_o heaâ—â—_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o believer_n be_v so_o uniteâ—_n that_o they_o be_v no_o more_o two_o but_o one_o spirit_n 2._o there_o be_v this_o second_o act_n that_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d excise_v on_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v in_o discover_v tâ—â—_n matchless_a excellency_n and_o the_o transcendent_a property_n of_o jesus_n christ_n o_o whâ—â—_n large_a and_o precious_a commentary_n do_v faiâ—â—_n make_v upon_o christ_n it_o be_v indeed_o that_o faith_n â—â—spy_v which_o do_v always_o bring_v up_o a_o goâ—â—_n report_n of_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o faith_n be_v câ—â—led_v understanding_n colos._n 2._o 2._o because_o it_o â—â—_o that_o grace_n which_o reveal_v much_o of_o the_o precious_a truth_n of_o that_o noble_a object_n 3._o and_o there_o be_v this_o three_o noble_a act_n 〈◊〉_d faith_n exercise_v itself_o upon_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d make_v christ_n precious_a to_o the_o soul_n accord_v to_o that_o word_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 7._o unto_o you_o which_o â—elieve_v he_o be_v precious_a and_o if_o there_o be_v â—o_o other_o thing_n to_o speak_v forth_o its_o worth_n but_o â—â—at_a it_o be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a for_o no_o doubt_n â—â—is_n be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o high_a house_n to_o be_v â—welling_v on_o the_o contemplation_n of_o christ_n beauty_n and_o to_o have_v their_o â—ouls_n transport_v â—ith_n love_n towards_o he_o and_o with_o joy_n in_o â—im_n reason_n and_o amazement_n be_v seldom_o companion_n but_o here_o they_o do_v sweet_o join_v together_o first_o a_o christian_n love_v christ_n because_o of_o christ_n act_n and_o then_o he_o loâ—eth_v all_o these_o act_n because_o they_o come_v from_o christ._n ii_o now_o second_o this_o point_v out_o the_o precious_a excellency_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n it_o â—â—_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v most_o mysterious_a and_o sublime_a in_o its_o act_n it_o have_v a_o more_o divine_a â—nd_n sublime_a way_n of_o act_v then_o any_o other_o â—race_n hence_o it_o call_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n â—hich_v speak_v this_o that_o the_o act_n of_o â—aith_n be_v mystery_n to_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o i_o shall_v only_o point_v at_o these_o thing_n which_o may_v speak_v out_o the_o mysterious_a act_n â—f_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n 1._o faith_n can_v believe_v and_o fix_v itself_o on_o a_o word_n of_o promise_n although_o sense_n reason_n and_o probability_n seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o promise_n i'faith_o it_o walk_v â—ot_n by_o the_o low_a dictate_v of_o sense_n and_o reason_n â—ut_v by_o a_o high_a rule_n to_o wit_n the_o sure_a word_n â—f_a prophecy_n which_o be_v clear_a from_o rom._n 4._o 19_o â—here_o abraham_n believe_v the_o promise_n notwithâ—anding_v that_o sense_n &_o reason_n seem_v to_o contradict_v it_o he_o consider_v not_o the_o deadness_n of_o his_o own_o body_n neither_o the_o barrenness_n of_o sarahs_n womb_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n as_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o heb._n 11._o 29_o 34._o where_o faith_n believe_v their_o pass_n through_o the_o red_a sea_n as_o through_o dry_a ground_n which_o waâ—_n most_o contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n faith_n believe_v the_o fall_n down_o of_o the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n by_o the_o blow_n of_o ram_n horn_n which_o thing_n be_v most_o impossible_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n for_o sense_n will_v oftentimes_o cry_v out_o all_o man_n be_v â—iars_n and_o reason_n will_v say_v how_o can_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v and_o yet_o that_o heroic_a grace_n of_o faith_n cry_v out_o have_v he_o speak_v it_o he_o will_v also_o do_v it_o have_v he_o say_v it_o then_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v 2._o faith_n can_v believe_v a_o word_n of_o promise_n notwithstanding_o that_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o contradict_v it_o as_o be_v clear_a in_o job_n who_o profess_v he_o will_v trust_v in_o god_n though_o he_o shall_v kill_v he_o and_o no_o doubt_n but_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o believe_v jacob_n he_o trust_v that_o that_o promise_n shall_v be_v accomplish_v that_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a though_o all_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n which_o he_o do_v meet_v with_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o promise_n shall_v not_o be_v accomplish_v 3._o faith_n can_v believe_v a_o word_n of_o promise_n even_o when_o the_o command_v of_o god_n seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o promise_n this_o be_v clear_a in_o that_o singular_a instance_n of_o abraham_n faith_n that_o notwithstanding_o he_o be_v command_v to_o kill_v his_o promise_a seed_n upon_o who_o he_o do_v depend_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n yet_o he_o believe_v that_o â—e_a promise_n shall_v be_v perform_v and_o â—â—ough_o there_o be_v indeed_o extraordinary_a and_o â—range_a trial_n of_o his_o faith_n as_o he_o have_v natural_a â—_z to_o wrestle_v with_o yet_o over_o the_o belâ—_n of_o all_o these_o believe_v abraham_n he_o give_v â—aith_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o bring_v he_o isaacâ—o_o â—o_z the_o altar_n though_o he_o do_v receive_v he_o â—ack_o again_o this_o be_v clear_a from_o heb._n 11._o 17_o â—8_o 19_o 4._o faith_n can_v exercise_v itself_o upon_o the_o promise_n notwithstanding_o that_o challenge_v and_o conviction_n of_o worthiness_n and_o guilt_n do_v wait_v on_o the_o christian_a this_o be_v clear_a 2_o sam._n 23._o 5._o that_o although_o his_o house_n be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n as_o do_v become_v yet_o he_o believe_v the_o promise_n as_o likewise_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o psal._n 65._o 3._o iniquity_n prevail_v against_o i_o and_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o interupt_v his_o faith_n but_o he_o say_v as_o for_o our_o transgression_n thou_o shall_v purge_v they_o away_o and_o certain_o iâ—_n be_v a_o noble_a and_o precious_a act_n of_o faith_n to_o believe_v notwithstanding_o of_o unanswerable_a challenge_n of_o guilt_n the_o best_a way_n â—oth_o to_o crucify_v our_o idol_n and_o to_o answer_v â—hese_fw-mi challenge_n be_v believe_v and_o hope_v against_o hope_n and_o close_v with_o christ_n this_o be_v most_o clear_a from_o isa._n 64._o 6_o 7._o compare_v with_o â—ers_n 8._o where_o after_o strange_a challenge_n the_o prophet_n have_v a_o strange_a word_n but_o now_o o_o lord_n â—hou_fw-mi be_v our_o father_n there_o be_v a_o emphasis_n in_o â—he_n word_n now_o for_o all_o this_o yet_o thou_o be_v now_o our_o father_n 5._o and_o last_o this_o point_v out_o the_o mysterious_a act_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n that_o it_o exercise_v itself_o upon_o a_o invisible_a object_n even_o upon_o christ_n not_o yet_o see_v according_a to_o that_o word_n 1_o pet._n 5._o 8._o who_o have_v not_o see_v yet_o you_o love_v in_o who_o though_o now_o you_o see_v