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and_o perfire_n they_o now_o faith_n take_v hold_v not_o only_o on_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o in_o he_o there_o be_v no_o lie_n but_o likewise_o it_o take_v hold_v on_o the_o omnipotency_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v one_o to_o who_o nothing_o be_v too_o hard_a and_o on_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o love_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v one_o who_o do_v delight_n to_o magnify_v this_o attribute_n above_o all_o his_o work_n and_o these_o be_v the_o three_o great_a pillar_n of_o justify_v faith_n from_o the_o first_o it_o answer_v all_o these_o objection_n of_o sense_n which_o do_v ordinary_o cry_v forth_o do_v his_o promise_n fail_v for_o evermore_o and_o that_o with_o this_o one_o word_n if_o he_o have_v once_o purpose_v it_o he_o will_v also_o do_v it_o and_o if_o he_o have_v once_o speak_v it_o he_o will_v also_o make_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v from_o the_o second_o it_o answer_v all_o these_o objection_n that_o may_v arise_v 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she_o cry_v out_o have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o o_o son_n of_o david_n and_o from_o the_o last_o a_o christian_n do_v answer_v all_o the_o argument_n of_o misbelief_n which_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o conviction_n of_o our_o unworthiness_n and_o sinfulness_n which_o make_v we_o oftentimes_o embrace_v that_o divinity_n of_o peter_n luk._n 5_o 8._o depart_v from_o i_o for_o i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man_n but_o faith_n take_v hold_n on_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n it_o answer_v all_o with_o this_o he_o walk_v not_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 precious_a and_o golden_a rule_n of_o love_n and_o boundless_a compassion_n but_o before_o we_o shall_v speak_v any_o thing_n unto_o you_o of_o these_o thing_n we_o will_v a_o little_a point_n out_o some_o few_o thing_n to_o be_v know_v as_o previous_a to_o these_o we_o shall_v not_o dwell_v long_o in_o point_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o justify_v faith_n it_o be_v that_o grace_n whereby_o a_o christian_a be_v convince_v of_o his_o lose_a estate_n and_o of_o a_o utter_a impossibility_n to_o save_v himself_o he_o do_v flee_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o unto_o he_o who_o be_v that_o precious_a city_n of_o refuge_n and_o there_o do_v abide_v till_o our_o high_a priest_n shall_v die_v which_o shall_v not_o be_v for_o ever_o or_o if_o you_o will_v it_o be_v a_o sweet_a travel_v of_o the_o immortal_a soul_n betwixt_o infinite_a misery_n and_o infinite_a mercy_n betwixt_o a_o utter_a impossibility_n to_o save_v ourselves_o and_o a_o complete_a ability_n in_o he_o to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a betwixt_o abound_a sin_n and_o superabounding_a mercy_n hence_o faith_n be_v often_o hold_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n under_o that_o notion_n of_o come_v isa._n 55._o 1._o ho_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n rev._n 22._o 17._o whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o heb._n 7._o 25._o wherefore_o he_o be_v able_a also_o to_o save_v they_o to_o the_o uttermost_a that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o and_o we_o may_v say_v by_o the_o way_n that_o if_o once_o a_o sinner_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o this_o to_o count_v all_o his_o own_o righteousness_n but_o filthy_a rag_n and_o to_o believe_v that_o a_o man_n be_v as_o real_o justify_v before_o god_n by_o impute_a righteousness_n as_o if_o it_o be_v by_o inherent_a holiness_n sure_o such_o a_o one_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n neither_o shall_v we_o stand_v long_o to_o point_v out_o this_o unto_o you_o that_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o believe_v for_o it_o be_v clear_a not_o only_o from_o this_o place_n but_o likewise_o from_o isa._n 45._o 22._o look_v unto_o i_o and_o be_v you_o save_v all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n matth._n 11._o 28._o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n joh._n 14._o 1._o you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o isa._n 55._o 1._o ho_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n and_o he_o that_o have_v no_o money_n come_v buy_v without_o money_n and_o without_o price_n but_o oh_o it_o be_v a_o great_a misery_n of_o many_o and_o that_o which_o may_v be_v a_o subject_n of_o perpetual_a lamentation_n that_o we_o can_v neither_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n as_o command_v to_o obey_v it_o or_o as_o threaten_v to_o believe_v it_o nor_o to_o the_o gospel_n as_o promise_v to_o embrace_v it_o and_o sweet_o to_o receive_v it_o o_o but_o that_o primitive_a temptation_n and_o delusion_n whereby_o satan_n do_v deceive_v our_o first_o father_n be_v that_o whereby_o he_o yet_o seek_v to_o catch_v and_o delude_v many_o soul_n viz._n that_o though_o we_o eat_v of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o vain_a imagination_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n yet_o he_o do_v suggest_v this_o to_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o die_v but_o shall_v once_o be_v as_o god_n this_o be_v satan_n great_a and_o deâ—â—ding_a divinity_n and_o therefore_o to_o enforce_v his_o great_a and_o precious_a command_n a_o little_a further_o we_o shall_v propose_v these_o consideration_n first_o that_o the_o gospel_n have_v lay_v no_o obstruction_n in_o our_o way_n of_o close_v with_o christ_n and_o partake_a of_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a show_v that_o the_o great_a impediment_n be_v our_o want_n of_o willingness_n which_o we_o lie_v in_o our_o own_o way_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o joh._n 5._o 40._o you_o will_v not_o come_v to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v get_v life_n as_o likewise_o from_o rev._n 22._o 17._o where_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v cast_v open_a and_o whosoever_o will_v be_v command_v to_o enter_v in_o so_o that_o although_o you_o may_v father_n your_o misbelief_n upon_o your_o inability_n or_o that_o your_o spot_n be_v not_o the_o spot_n of_o his_o people_n yet_o know_v that_o the_o rise_v and_o original_n of_o it_o be_v the_o want_n of_o willingness_n but_o to_o make_v this_o more_o clear_a we_o will_v have_v you_o know_v this_o that_o all_o the_o qualification_n annex_v to_o this_o commandment_n of_o faith_n as_o that_o in_o matth._n 11._o 28._o speak_v out_o the_o qualification_n rather_o of_o these_o that_o will_v come_v than_o of_o all_o these_o that_o aught_o to_o come_v oâ—_n he_o invit_v these_o that_o through_o the_o spiriâ—_n of_o discouragement_n and_o misbelief_n have_v the_o great_a reluctancy_n to_o come_v and_o may_v noâ—_n that_o cardinal_a and_o soul-refreshing_a promise_n joh._n 6._o 37._o stop_n the_o mouth_n of_o misbelief_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v have_v nothing_o to_o say_v hâ—_n that_o come_v unto_o i_o i_o will_v in_o no_o way_n casâ—_n out_o you_o may_v reduce_v your_o misbelief_n rather_o to_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o your_o will_n than_o to_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o your_o walk_n and_o if_o once_o you_o can_v come_v the_o length_n of_o willingness_n to_o embrace_v jesus_n christ_n all_o other_o objection_n and_o knot_n shall_v be_v sweet_o loose_v and_o dissolve_v second_o consider_v that_o though_o we_o shall_v pray_v the_o on_o half_a of_o our_o time_n and_o weep_v the_o other_o yet_o if_o we_o want_v this_o noble_a grace_n of_o faith_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n shall_v abide_v on_o we_o what_o be_v all_o the_o work_n of_o these_o hypocrite_n and_o these_o gâ—â—string_a act_n of_o law-sanctification_a but_o a_o plunge_a of_o ourselves_o in_o the_o ditch_n until_o our_o own_o clothes_n abhor_v we_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o after_o the_o prophet_n zachary_n have_v make_v mention_n in_o the_o 12._o chapter_n of_o his_o prophecy_n of_o make_v bitter_a lamentation_n for_o he_o who_o we_o have_v
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
at_o â—eath_n and_o destruction_n when_o assail_a he_o â—here_o be_v that_o five_o property_n of_o faith_n that_o â—â—s_o the_o grace_n that_o bring_v satisfaction_n unâ—â—_n the_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o a_o christian_a by_o a_o â—ose_n and_o particular_a application_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d the_o nouâ—â—ishment_n of_o the_o soul._n hence_o it_o be_v â—lled_v a_o eat_n of_o the_o flâ—sh_n of_o christ._n there_o be_v â—ree_a sense_n that_o faith_n satisfy_v faith_n satisfy_v the_o sense_n of_o sight_n it_o satisfy_v the_o sense_n of_o taste_n and_o it_o satisfy_v the_o sense_n of_o touch_n faith_n will_v make_v a_o christian_a handle_n that_o eternal_a word_n of_o life_n faith_n will_v make_v a_o christian_a see_v that_o noble_a plant_n of_o renown_n and_o faith_n will_v make_v a_o christian_a taste_n and_o see_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v and_o no_o doubt_n these_o thaâ—_n have_v once_o satisfy_v their_o sight_n they_o will_v bâ—_n long_v to_o satisfy_v their_o taste_n there_o be_v thaâ—_n six_o property_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o give_v rest_n unto_o a_o christian_a hence_o iâ—_n be_v call_v a_o cast_n of_o our_o burden_n upon_o he_o iâ—_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n give_v unto_o christ_n thaâ—_n unsupportable_a yoke_n of_o our_o iniquity_n anâ—_n take_v from_o christ_n that_o easy_a and_o portable_a yoke_n of_o his_o commandment_n and_o seventh_o there_o be_v that_o last_o property_n of_o faith_n iâ—_n be_v that_o grace_n by_o which_o sanctification_n be_v pro_fw-la move_v hence_o it_o be_v call_v a_o come_n to_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o divine_a motion_n and_o travel_v from_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n unto_o the_o land_n oâ—_n canaan_n faith_n it_o be_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o pleasant_a motion_n from_o the_o land_n of_o the_o north_n the_o land_n oâ—_n our_o captivity_n unto_o that_o land_n of_o perfect_a liberty_n all_o along_o go_v out_o by_o the_o footstep_n of_o tâ—â—_n flock_n and_o walk_v in_o that_o new_a and_o live_a waâ—_n even_o in_o he_o who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o tâ—â—_n life_n and_o now_o for_o a_o more_o full_a application_n 〈◊〉_d this_o we_o shall_v speak_v but_o to_o two_o thing_n further_o 1._o we_o will_v have_v it_o consider_v thâ—_n there_o be_v some_o that_o come_v unto_o the_o covenaâ—_n of_o promise_n with_o less_o difficulty_n and_o after_o more_o divine_a and_o evangelic_n way_n and_o theâ—_n be_v some_o that_o close_a with_o christ_n in_o a_o moâ—â—_n difficult_a and_o legal_a way_n there_o be_v some_o that_o before_o they_o can_v come_v to_o mount_v zion_n they_o must_v dwell_v forty_o day_n at_o mount_n sinai_n there_o be_v some_o before_o the_o decreet_a of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o they_o they_o must_v roaâ—_n as_o a_o ox_n and_o must_v cover_v themselves_o with_o sackcloth_n have_v ash_n upon_o their_o head_n we_o must_v be_v a_o benoni_n before_o we_o be_v benjamin_n that_o be_v we_o must_v be_v a_o son_n of_o sorrow_n before_o we_o can_v be_v a_o son_n of_o consolation_n but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o christ_n lead_v sometime_o some_o to_o himself_o through_o a_o valley_n of_o rose_n and_o i_o will_v only_o have_v you_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o two_o which_o though_o we_o conceive_v they_o bâ—_n not_o infallible_a in_o the_o rule_n yet_o oftentimes_o experience_n make_v they_o out_o to_o be_v truth_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o be_v most_o ordinary_o bring_v under_o great_a terror_n â—ere_z they_o close_v with_o christ._n first_o these_o who_o have_v commit_v some_o gross_a and_o abominable_a sin_n that_o be_v most_o contradict_v unto_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n second_o that_o person_n that_o sin_v much_o against_o light_n before_o conversion_n hence_o it_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o act_n there_o be_v a_o more_o gospel_n and_o love_n way_n of_o convert_v the_o gentile_n than_o be_v of_o convert_v the_o jew_n see_v act._n 2._o 37._o there_o be_v a_o sharp_a law_n exercise_n among_o they_o who_o have_v crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o act._n 9_o paul_n that_o have_v be_v a_o grievous_a persecuter_n at_o his_o conversion_n he_o be_v first_o strike_v dead_a to_o the_o ground_n before_o he_o be_v make_v a_o captive_a of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v but_o look_v to_o act._n 8._o and_o chap._n 19_o and_o there_o you_o will_v find_v a_o more_o fair_a and_o smooth_a way_n of_o beget_v son_n to_o christ._n and_o three_o that_o person_n that_o be_v much_o in_o conceit_n of_o his_o own_o righteousness_n he_o use_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o christ_n through_o much_o terror_n and_o exercise_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v clear_a in_o paul_n his_o condition_n also_o phil._n 3._o and_o act._n 9_o compare_v and_o certain_o who_o ever_o think_v to_o come_v that_o length_n in_o self_n abasement_n and_o will_v count_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o that_o chapter_n must_v dwell_v many_o day_n at_o mount_n sinai_n and_o learn_v his_o arithmethick_n there_o 2._o we_o will_v have_v you_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o that_o though_o the_o person_n that_o be_v bring_v in_o to_o christ_n in_o a_o more_o smooth_a and_o evangelic_n way_n may_v have_v the_o preeminency_n of_o the_o person_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o christ_n after_o a_o more_o legal_a and_o terrible_a way_n in_o some_o thing_n yet_o we_o conceive_v that_o a_o christian_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o christ_n through_o much_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o law_n and_o through_o many_o of_o the_o thundering_n of_o mount_n sinai_n after_o he_o have_v win_v to_o see_v his_o right_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v more_o constant_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v because_o that_o a_o ordinary_a ground_n of_o misbelief_n be_v our_o not_o distinct_a uptaking_n either_o of_o the_o time_n of_o our_o conversion_n which_o be_v oftentimes_o hide_v from_o these_o person_n that_o be_v convert_v in_o a_o more_o evangelic_n way_n as_o likewise_o this_o that_o those_o person_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o christ_n in_o a_o more_o gospelchariot_n be_v sometime_o put_v to_o debate_n whether_o ever_o they_o be_v under_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o law_n and_o this_o make_v they_o often_o as_o it_o be_v to_o raze_v the_o foundation_n and_o to_o cry_v forth_o my_o hope_n and_o my_o strength_n be_v perish_v from_o the_o lord_n and_o now_o to_o shut_v up_o our_o discourse_n we_o shall_v add_v this_o one_o word_n of_o exhortation_n that_o you_o will_v careful_o lay_v hold_n upon_o that_o noble_a object_n and_o exercise_v your_o faith_n upon_o he_o and_o i_o shall_v say_v but_o this_o that_o all_o these_o that_o have_v this_o noble_a grace_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o be_v heâ—â—s_n of_o that_o everlasting_a inheritance_n there_o be_v a_o fourfold_a crown_n prepare_v for_o you_o there_o be_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o he_o that_o shall_v sight_n the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n â—ut_fw-la what_o may_v you_o say_v be_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n except_o we_o have_v joy_n wait_v upon_o that_o life_n â—or_a what_o be_v life_n without_o joy_n but_o a_o bitterness_n and_o a_o burden_n to_o itself_o therefore_o â—e_n shall_v have_v a_o crown_n of_o joy_n but_o what_o be_v â—_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o a_o crown_n of_o â—oy_n except_o we_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o holiness_n and_o be_v complete_a in_o that_o therefore_o you_o shall_v have_v also_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n but_o what_o be_v life_n joy_n and_o righteousness_n without_o glory_n therefore_o you_o â—hall_v have_v likewise_o a_o â—â—own_n of_o glory_n but_o what_o of_o all_o these_o if_o that_o crown_n shall_v once_o fall_v from_o our_o head_n 〈◊〉_d we_o shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o our_o kingdom_n therefore_o take_v this_o to_o make_v up_o all_o â—he_v rest_n it_o be_v a_o eternal_a crown_n of_o glory_n â—hat_n word_n in_o prov._n 27._o nâ—aâ—_n the_o close_a the_o â—â—own_n say_v solomon_n do_v not_o endure_v for_o ever_o â—ut_fw-la this_o precious_a crown_n that_o the_o hand_n of_o â—hrist_n shall_v fix_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o a_o overcome_a christian_a this_o be_v the_o motâ—o_o that_o be_v â—â—grauâ—n_v upon_o it_o unchangeable_a and_o eternal_a eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a and_o o_o what_o a_o day_n suppose_v you_o shall_v that_o be_v when_o thaâ—_n precious_a crown_n shall_v be_v put_v upon_o our_o head_n what_o think_v you_o will_v be_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o believer_n in_o heaven_n they_o shall_v have_v these_o four_o crown_n which_o be_v indeed_o one_o but_o christ_n shall_v have_v upon_o hiâ—_n head_n many_o crown_n according_a to_o that_o word_n rev._n 19_o 12._o but_o let_v i_o
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 many_o â—asts_n if_o we_o may_v so_o speak_v from_o all_o the_o four_o â—inds_n of_o hell_n to_o blow_v it_o out_o and_o on_o the_o other_o â—nd_n if_o we_o speak_v of_o these_o who_o in_o this_o generation_n shall_v perish_v assure_o their_o debt_n unto_o divine_a justice_n must_v be_v exceed_o great_a above_o â—â—l_n who_o be_v go_v down_o to_o the_o pit_n before_o they_o â—â—cause_n the_o roll_n of_o their_o mercy_n will_v be_v find_v have_v be_v many_o â—â—bits_n long_o and_o many_o cuâ—s_v broad_a than_o they_o who_o live_v in_o the_o preâ—ding_a age_n and_o the_o great_a thing_n that_o the_o â—â—rd_n have_v wrought_v in_o our_o day_n have_v bear_v a_o great_a testimony_n against_o the_o wickedness_n hardness_n and_o atheism_n of_o this_o time_n then_o of_o many_o former_a but_o above_o all_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o gospel-light_n that_o he_o have_v no_o less_o plentiful_o offer_v then_o wonderful_o preserve_v to_o this_o generation_n beyond_o all_o our_o ancestor_n have_v undoubted_o make_v the_o sin_n of_o these_o who_o shall_v utter_o reject_v their_o own_o mercy_n so_o out_o of_o measure_n sinful_a and_o their_o unbelief_n so_o exceed_o inexcusable_a that_o their_o guilt_n must_v needs_o justify_v corazin_n and_o bethsaida_n or_o sodom_n and_o gommorrah_n in_o that_o day_n when_o every_o man_n shall_v give_v account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n and_o among_o the_o many_o preach_a witness_n that_o all_o as_o we_o be_v afraid_a shall_v compear_v in_o that_o day_n against_o many_o yet_o live_v in_o their_o pleasure_n and_o dead_a while_o they_o live_v this_o now_o glorify_a author_n can_v but_o be_v one_o who_o testimony_n must_v be_v very_o condemn_v especial_o to_o the_o vain_a loose_a negligent_a and_o time-wasting_a youth_n in_o this_o age_n for_o when_o hâ—_n be_v first_o draw_v to_o the_o ministry_n he_o be_v but_o youth_n indeed_o scarce_o twenty_o year_n complete_a fâ—â—_n within_o that_o age_n that_o by_o the_o constitution_n oâ—_n this_o church_n except_o in_o case_n of_o more_o than_o common_a ability_n which_o indeed_o he_o have_v be_v require_v for_o enter_v to_o that_o great_a and_o holy_a call_v and_o for_o the_o space_n of_o two_o year_n after_o whicâ—_n be_v all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o church_n enjoy_v his_o labour_n he_o be_v help_v to_o press_v the_o truth_n anâ—_n threaten_n of_o god_n so_o home_o upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o hearer_n that_o as_o it_o be_v observe_v of_o he_o bâ—_n one_o of_o his_o most_o learned_a and_o pious_a colleague_n master_n durham_n who_o be_v now_o in_o glory_n with_o he_o he_o do_v many_o time_n cause_v the_o hair_n of_o their_o head_n stand_v up_o the_o lord_n not_o only_o hereby_o verify_v his_o word_n that_o he_o can_v take_v the_o weak_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o strong_a and_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o babe_n can_v perfect_v his_o own_o praise_n but_o design_v also_o as_o will_v seem_v of_o purpose_n to_o send_v a_o boy_n out_o of_o the_o 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 we_o mistake_v not_o in_o less_o noâ—_n two_o or_o three_o month_n time_n three_o or_o four_o impression_n be_v cast_v off_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o so_o imperfect_a and_o maim_a that_o howbeit_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o fresh_a remembrance_n of_o the_o worthy_a author_n his_o name_n make_v they_o very_o sweet_a to_o many_o especial_o those_o who_o have_v hear_v he_o preach_v yet_o the_o unsuitable_a dress_n wherein_o they_o appear_v and_o their_o mistake_n of_o the_o first_o writer_n they_o be_v hardly_o able_a to_o take_v up_o every_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v speak_v occasion_v diverse_a material_a fail_n in_o the_o sense_n beside_o lesser_a fault_n can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o trouble_n to_o those_o who_o be_v acquaint_v not_o only_o with_o the_o singular_a grace_n but_o part_n also_o of_o that_o eminent_a youth_n this_o give_v occasion_n to_o some_o friend_n to_o speak_v a_o little_a what_o way_n these_o prejudices_fw-la which_o both_o the_o truth_n and_o 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
pierce_v as_o for_o a_o only_a son_n yet_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 13._o chapter_n he_o make_v mention_n of_o a_o fountain_n open_v to_o the_o house_n of_o david_n for_o sin_n and_o for_o uncleanness_n which_o may_v intimate_v unto_o we_o that_o although_o we_o have_v wash_v ourselves_o with_o our_o own_o tear_n yet_o there_o be_v use_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o we_o must_v be_v wash_v in_o that_o fountain_n even_o from_o our_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v but_o as_o filthy_a rag_n three_o consider_v that_o great_a and_o monstrous_a sinfulness_n that_o be_v in_o this_o sin_n of_o unbeleif_n we_o will_v strain_v at_o a_o gâ—at_n but_o many_o will_v easy_o swallow_v down_o this_o camel_n we_o will_v this_fw-mi mint_n and_o anise_v and_o fast_o twice_o in_o the_o week_n but_o neglect_v faith_n and_o love_n and_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v these_o thing_n which_o speak_v out_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o unbelief_n 1._o that_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v send_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n joh._n 16._o 9_o he_o pitch_v upon_o this_o sin_n as_o though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o sin_n of_o which_o the_o world_n have_v need_v to_o be_v convince_v he_o will_v convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n because_o they_o believe_v not_o on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v more_o sinfulness_n in_o that_o sin_n than_o in_o many_o breach_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o matchless_a love_n and_o against_o that_o which_o be_v the_o remedy_n of_o sin_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v call_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n disobedience_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o heb._n 4._o 11._o lest_o any_o of_o you_o fall_v after_o the_o same_o example_n of_o unbelief_n or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v be_v render_v lest_o any_o of_o you_o fall_v after_o that_o example_n of_o disobedience_n eph._n 2_o 2._o 3._o that_o among_o all_o these_o that_o shall_v be_v eternal_o excommunicate_a from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o from_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n these_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n they_o be_v put_v in_o the_o first_o place_n rev._n 21._o 8._o and_o 4._o that_o unbelief_n do_v contradict_v and_o deny_v these_o three_o precious_a and_o cardinal_a attribute_n of_o god_n 1._o do_v not_o unbelief_n contradict_v his_o faithfulness_n and_o make_v he_o a_o liar_n 1_o joh._n 5._o 10_o 2._o do_v it_o not_o contradict_v the_o infiniteness_n of_o his_o power_n and_o 3_o the_o infiniteness_n of_o his_o love_n and_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v something_o too_o hard_a for_o he_o which_o his_o power_n can_v reach_v nor_o his_o infinite_a love_n overcome_v we_o may_v reduce_v many_o of_o our_o question_n and_o dispute_n of_o his_o good_a will_n to_o this_o original_n viz._n to_o the_o dispute_v of_o his_o power_n no_o doubt_n if_o we_o belong_v to_o he_o we_o shall_v once_o sing_v that_o note_n of_o lamentation_n over_o our_o unbelief_n this_o be_v our_o infirmity_n for_o change_n be_v from_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o last_o to_o enforce_v this_o precious_a command_n of_o faith_n consider_v that_o it_o be_v his_o command_n which_o speak_v forth_o this_o that_o we_o must_v not_o take_v a_o indulgence_n or_o dispensation_n to_o ourselves_o to_o believe_v or_o not_o to_o believe_v at_o our_o pleasure_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o strange_a thing_n that_o christian_n be_v less_o convince_v of_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o faith_n then_o of_o other_o command_n they_o think_v misbelief_n to_o be_v but_o a_o zoar_n a_o little_a sin_n and_o it_o proceed_v either_o from_o this_o that_o the_o conviction_n of_o other_o sin_n as_o the_o neglect_n of_o prayer_n or_o the_o sin_n of_o swear_v or_o commit_v adultery_n do_v arise_v from_o a_o natural_a conscience_n for_o there_o be_v somewhat_o of_o nature_n light_n to_o make_v we_o abominate_a and_o hate_v they_o when_o yet_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n will_v not_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o misbelief_n it_o be_v a_o gospel_n and_o more_o spiritual_a sin_n or_o it_o proceed_v from_o this_o that_o unbelief_n do_v ordinary_o pass_v veil_v under_o the_o vizard_n of_o some_o refine_a virtue_n as_o humility_n and_o tenderness_n though_o that_o rather_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v pride_n and_o ignorance_n clothe_v with_o the_o garment_n of_o humility_n and_o no_o doubt_n christ_n do_v account_v it_o obedience_n to_o this_o commandment_n of_o faith_n the_o great_a act_n of_o humility_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o rom._n 10._o 3._o where_o it_o be_v call_v submission_n they_o submit_v not_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n or_o else_o it_o proceed_v from_o this_o that_o we_o conceive_v that_o the_o commandment_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o of_o so_o large_a extent_n as_o other_o command_n and_o so_o do_v not_o bind_v we_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o â—t_a but_o know_v this_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o no_o doubt_n but_o it_o be_v satan_n great_a design_n and_o cardinal_a project_n to_o keep_v we_o back_o from_o obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o listen_v to_o the_o precious_a promise_n of_o this_o everlasting_a gospel_n but_o shall_v reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o ourselves_o and_o refuse_v his_o precious_a and_o divine_a call_n the_o second_o previous_a consideration_n that_o we_o will_v give_v shall_v be_v to_o show_v you_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o dispute_v of_o our_o interest_n and_o so_o little_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v unstable_a as_o water_n mar_v our_o own_o excellency_n spend_v so_o much_o of_o our_o time_n in_o walk_v under_o a_o cloud_n and_o be_v so_o seldom_o admit_v to_o read_v our_o name_n iâ—_n these_o precious_a and_o eternal_a record_n of_o heaven_n no_o doubt_n these_o thing_n have_v influence_n upon_o it_o viz._n 1_o that_o we_o be_v more_o judge_v of_o god_n by_o his_o dispensation_n then_o by_o hiâ—_n word_n suppose_v ever_o the_o change_n of_o his_o dispensation_n to_o speak_v forth_o the_o change_n of_o ouâ—_n state_n this_o be_v misbelief_n divinity_n that_o wheâ—_n sense_n can_v read_v love_n in_o his_o face_n but_o he_o appear_v to_o frown_v and_o to_o cast_v a_o cloud_n oveâ—_n it_o than_o it_o be_v presumption_n say_v sense_n tâ—_n read_v love_n in_o his_o heart_n or_o in_o his_o word_n buâ—_n know_v it_o be_v a_o self_n deny_v practice_n of_o believe_v job_n to_o cry_v out_o though_o he_o shoulâ—_n kill_v i_o i_o will_v believe_v in_o he_o therefore_o make_v not_o dispensation_n your_o bible_n other_o wise_a you_o will_v stumble_v at_o the_o noon-ride_a of_o thâ—_n day_n and_o shall_v halt_v in_o your_o way_n know_v that_o never_o what_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o this_o mean_v to_o ascend_v in_o overcome_a thought_n of_o his_o love_n notwithstanding_o any_o thing_n that_o his_o dispensation_n may_v preach_v we_o conceive_v that_o if_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v open_v we_o may_v see_v infinite_a love_n engrave_v on_o the_o dark_a act_n and_o most_o dismal-like_a dispensation_n of_o his_o to_o we_o though_o it_o be_v oftentimes_o write_v in_o dark_a and_o â—im_a character_n of_o sense_n 2_o there_o be_v this_o likewise_o which_o have_v influence_n upon_o our_o so_o much_o dispute_v and_o misbelieve_v viz._n a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o the_o â—ntertainment_n of_o some_o predominant_a lust_n which_o oftentimes_o occasion_v our_o walk_n in_o darkness_n and_o have_v no_o light_n this_o be_v â—lear_a from_o 1_o tim._n 1._o 19_o where_o that_o precious_a â—ewel_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v hold_v in_o no_o other_o place_n but_o in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n that_o be_v that_o â—oyal_a palace_n wherein_o it_o must_v dwell_v and_o â—o_o doubt_v if_o once_o we_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o a_o â—ood_a conscience_n we_o will_v err_v concern_v our_o â—aith_n a_o bosom_n idol_n when_o it_o be_v entertain_v â—oth_v exceed_o mar_v the_o vigorous_a exercise_n â—f_o these_o grace_n which_o be_v evidence_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o certain_o grace_n rather_o in_o its_o degree_n than_o in_o its_o sincerity_n or_o simple_a be_v only_o be_v that_o which_o give_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o faith_n therefore_o when_o we_o find_v not_o love_v â—â—_o its_o high_a and_o eminent_a act_n we_o hardly_o win_v to_o make_v it_o any_o clear_o conclude_v demonstration_n of_o our_o faith_n 3._o as_o likewise_o a_o bosom_n idol_n when_o it_o be_v â—ntertained_v make_v use_v to_o lose_v much_o of_o our_o â—igh_a esteem_n and_o reputation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o
do_v exceed_o interrupt_v the_o sweet_a and_o precious_a act_n of_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o once_o the_o immortal_a soul_n be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o bond_n of_o love_n and_o respect_n than_o our_o faith_n will_v increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n our_o entertainment_n of_o a_o bosom_n idol_n be_v ordinary_o punish_v with_o the_o want_n of_o the_o sensible_a intimation_n of_o his_o peace_n and_o of_o our_o interest_n in_o he_o so_o that_o sometime_o his_o own_o be_v constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o god_n have_v depart_v from_o i_o and_o he_o answer_v i_o not_o neither_o by_o dream_n nor_o vision_n 4._o there_o be_v that_o likewise_o that_o have_v influence_n upon_o it_o our_o not_o close_v absolute_o with_o jesus_n christ_n but_o upon_o condition_n and_o supposition_n we_o make_v not_o a_o absolute_a and_o blank_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o over_o unto_o christ_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o covenant_n notwith_o stand_v he_o shall_v dispense_v both_o bitter_a and_o sad_a thing_n to_o we_o but_o we_o conceive_v that_o christ_n covenant_n with_o believer_n be_v like_o thaâ—_n covenant_n that_o god_n make_v with_o noah_n thaâ—_n there_o shall_v be_v summer_n and_o winter_n seedâ—_n time_n and_o harvest_n night_n and_o day_n unto_o christian._n a_o christian_a must_v have_v his_o night_n as_o well_o as_o his_o day_n he_o must_v once_o sow_v iâ—â—_n tear_n before_o he_o reap_v in_o joy_n and_o he_o musâ—_n once_o go_v forth_o bear_v his_o precious_a seed_n bâ—fore_o he_o can_v return_v bear_v his_o sheaf_n in_o hiâ—_n bosom_n and_o that_o this_o have_v influence_n upoâ—_n our_o instability_n may_v be_v see_v from_o this_o thâ—â—_n often_o a_o christian_a after_o his_o first_o close_n witâ—_n christ_n he_o meet_v with_o desertion_n in_o poiâ—â—_n of_o tenderness_n in_o point_n of_o joy_n and_o in_o poiâ—â—_n of_o strength_n so_o that_o his_o corruption_n seeâ—_n now_o to_o be_v awake_v more_o than_o former_o thâ—_n he_o want_v those_o seem_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o which_o former_o he_o have_v and_o that_o much_o of_o â—is_n softness_n of_o heart_n have_v now_o evanished_a which_o be_v clear_a somewhat_o from_o heb._n 10._o 32._o that_o after_o they_o be_v enlighten_v they_o ondure_v great_a fight_n of_o affliction_n for_o the_o word_n that_o â—â—_o there_o render_v affliction_n signify_v inward_a â—_z through_o the_o motion_n of_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o outward_a affliction_n gal._n 5._o 24._o and_o god_n use_v to_o dispense_v this_o way_n to_o his_o own_o â—ot_n only_o to_o take_v trial_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o close_n with_o he_o but_o to_o make_v our_o faith_n â—ore_o steadfast_a and_o sure_a and_o no_o doubt_n if_o we_o â—ose_v not_o absolute_o with_o christ_n when_o â—nder_a these_o temptation_n and_o trial_n we_o will_v â—eject_v our_o confidence_n as_o a_o delusion_n and_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v but_o a_o morning_n dream_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o noble_a and_o divine_a practice_n of_o a_o â—hristian_n to_o close_v with_o christ_n without_o reservation_n see_v he_o do_v dispense_v nothing_o â—â—t_n that_o which_o may_v tend_v to_o our_o advantage_n â—nd_v we_o will_v say_v to_o such_o as_o be_v under_o these_o â—_z that_o if_o you_o endeavour_v to_o resist_v â—â—em_n it_o be_v the_o most_o compendious_a and_o excellent_a way_n to_o make_v your_o heart_n which_o now_o â—â—e_v die_v as_o a_o stone_n to_o be_v as_o a_o water_a garâ—â—n_n and_o as_o spring_n of_o water_n who_o water_n fail_v â—â—t_n and_o to_o make_v you_o strong_a as_o a_o lion_n so_o that_o 〈◊〉_d temptation_n can_v rouse_v you_o up_o but_o you_o all_o be_v enable_v to_o tread_v upon_o the_o high_a place_n the_o earth_n and_o to_o sing_v song_n of_o triumph_n over_o â—â—ur_n idol_n 5._o there_o be_v this_o likewise_o which_o have_v innocence_n on_o it_o or_o build_v of_o our_o faith_n more_o â—â—on_a sense_n then_o upon_o christ_n or_o his_o word_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o faith_n be_v so_o unconstant_a and_o changeable_a as_o the_o moon_n we_o not_o know_v what_o such_o a_o thing_n mean_v to_o hope_v against_o hope_n and_o to_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o we_o will_v only_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o erect_v your_o confidence_n upon_o so_o sandy_a a_o foundation_n that_o when_o the_o storm_n and_o wind_n of_o tentation_n shall_v blow_v that_o house_n shall_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n as_o likewise_o build_v of_o your_o faith_n upon_o sense_n do_v abate_v much_o of_o your_o joy_n and_o much_o of_o your_o precious_a esteem_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v faith_n exercise_v itself_o upon_o a_o invisible_a object_n that_o make_v the_o christian_n to_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n 1_o peâ—_n 1._o 8._o 6._o there_o be_v this_o last_o that_o have_v influence_n upon_o it_o even_o our_o sloathfulnesse_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o spiritual_a duty_n by_o which_o faith_n shall_v be_v entertain_v faith_n be_v a_o tender_a grace_n and_o a_o plant_n that_o must_v not_o be_v ruffle_v buâ—_n nourish_v through_o the_o sap_n of_o other_o precious_a grace_n but_o we_o grow_v remiss_a in_o ouâ—_n spiritual_a duty_n and_o do_v turn_v ourselves_o upoâ—_n the_o bed_n of_o security_n as_o the_o door_n upon_o thâ—_n hinge_n and_o do_v not_o our_o drowsiness_n clothe_v we_o with_o rag_n and_o make_v we_o fall_v into_o a_o deep_a sleep_n while_o as_o if_o we_o be_v diligent_a oâ—_n soul_n shall_v be_v make_v fat_a and_o rich_a yea_o slothfulness_n do_v not_o only_a impede_fw-la assurance_n in_o this_o that_o it_o hinder_v the_o divine_a communication_n of_o his_o love_n and_o respect_n by_o which_o assurance_n may_v be_v keep_v in_o life_n cant._n 5._o 2_o but_o also_o it_o make_v our_o poverty_n come_v on_o we_o a_o arm_a man_n and_o our_o want_n as_o one_o that_o travel_v and_o withal_o it_o let_v loose_a thâ—_n chain_n by_o which_o our_o corruption_n be_v tie_v and_o make_v they_o to_o lift_v up_o their_o head_n by_o which_o our_o assurance_n be_v much_o darken_v and_o impair_v and_o our_o hope_n be_v much_o convert_v into_o diffidence_n and_o despair_n and_o we_o will_v only_o say_v this_o it_o be_v the_o diligent_a christian_n that_o be_v the_o believe_a christian_a and_o it_o be_v the_o believe_a christian_a that_o be_v the_o diligent_a christian_a there_o be_v such_o a_o sweet_a reciprocation_n betwixt_o these_o two_o precious_a grace_n that_o they_o die_v and_o live_v together_o now_o three_o we_o shall_v shut_v up_o our_o discourse_n with_o this_o in_o point_v out_o a_o little_a what_o be_v those_o thing_n that_o do_v obstruct_v a_o christian_n close_v with_o christ_n and_o believe_v in_o his_o precious_a name_n i._o we_o conceive_v that_o this_o woeful_a evil_n do_v spring_n and_o rise_v from_o that_o fundamental_a ignorance_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o â—â—_o clear_a from_o heb._n 11._o 6._o where_o that_o be_v require_v as_o a_o qualification_n of_o a_o comet_n that_o he_o â—hould_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o assure_o â—ill_v once_o this_o precious_a truth_n be_v imprint_v â—pon_o our_o soul_n as_o with_o a_o pen_n of_o iron_n and_o â—oint_n of_o a_o diamond_n we_o will_v look_v upon_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o utopian_a fancy_n and_o a_o delude_a â—otion_n to_o teach_v unstable_a soul_n who_o know_v â—ot_n the_o way_n to_o attain_v unto_o real_a blessedness_n â—nd_v true_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n in_o many_o that_o they_o begin_v to_o dispute_v their_o be_v in_o christ_n before_o â—hey_n know_v there_o be_v a_o christ_n and_o to_o dispute_v â—heir_a interest_n in_o he_o before_o they_o believe_v his_o â—eing_v and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v calâ—â—d_v christ._n ii_o our_o come_a unto_o christ_n be_v obstruct_v from_o the_o want_n of_o the_o real_a and_o spiritual_a conviction_n of_o our_o desperate_a and_o lose_a estate_n without_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o our_o unspeakable_a 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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 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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
that_o can_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o â—ustification_n else_o it_o be_v to_o confound_v that_o precious_a decreet_a of_o free_a grace_n 2._o there_o be_v this_o that_o we_o will_v have_v you_o all_o know_v that_o faith_n be_v not_o the_o instrument_n of_o justification_n as_o justification_n be_v take_v in_o a_o active_a sense_n though_o it_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o justification_n as_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o passive_a sense_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o conclusion_n be_v this_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o action_n in_o man_n can_v be_v a_o instrument_n of_o any_o action_n in_o god_n and_o therefore_o that_o phrase_n that_o you_o have_v so_o ordinary_o speak_v of_o that_o faith_n justify_v it_o be_v thus_o to_o be_v resolve_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n 3._o there_o be_v this_o that_o we_o will_v have_v you_o know_v that_o betwixt_o a_o christian_n close_v by_o faith_n with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o natural_a and_o indispensible_a connexion_n betwixt_o these_o two_o but_o only_o there_o be_v a_o connexion_n of_o divine_a appointment_n and_o of_o free_a grace_n though_o we_o conceive_v there_o be_v a_o natural_a aptitude_n in_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n more_o than_o there_o be_v in_o any_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o you_o may_v see_v there_o be_v a_o more_o natural_a aptitude_n and_o fitness_n in_o the_o hand_n to_o receive_v then_o in_o any_o other_o organ_n of_o the_o body_n 4._o there_o be_v this_o also_o that_o we_o will_v have_v you_o know_v that_o a_o christian_a in_o his_o first_o close_v with_o christ_n christ_n consider_v as_o crucify_v be_v the_o immediate_a object_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o not_o christ_n consider_v in_o his_o personal_a excellency_n hence_o it_o be_v often_o in_o scripture_n that_o christ_n as_o crucify_v be_v hold_v forth_o as_o the_o immediate_a object_n of_o justify_v faith_n as_o be_v clear_a rom._n 3._o 5_o 24_o 25._o and_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o assertion_n be_v this_o because_o that_o it_o be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o justify_v faith_n which_o do_v formal_o justify_v the_o sinneâ—_n and_o on_o which_o faith_n do_v immediate_o lie_v hold_v as_o a_o ransom_n to_o satisfy_v justice_n and_o as_o a_o righteousness_n in_o which_o the_o soul_n dare_v venture_v to_o be_v find_v when_o it_o shall_v stand_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o god_n and_o certain_o this_o be_v christ_n as_o obedient_a to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o it_o be_v likewise_o clear_a that_o the_o thing_n which_o do_v engage_v the_o soul_n to_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o because_o he_o be_v good_a in_o himself_o but_o because_o he_o be_v good_a to_o we_o 5._o and_o there_o be_v this_o last_o that_o we_o will_v have_v you_o know_v that_o though_o faith_n do_v alone_o justify_v yet_o faith_n do_v not_o justify_v be_v alone_o hence_o be_v that_o which_o we_o have_v so_o often_o in_o school_n fides_n justificat_fw-la solum_fw-la licet_fw-la non_fw-la solitariè_fw-la that_o faith_n justify_v alone_o though_o not_o be_v alone_o as_o james_n do_v speak_v faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a and_o be_v of_o no_o effect_n now_o that_o which_o second_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o shall_v be_v this_o to_o point_v out_o to_o you_o some_o difference_n betwixt_o justify_v faith_n which_o be_v in_o a_o real_a believer_n and_o temporary_a faith_n which_o be_v in_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o one_o that_o be_v destitute_a of_o that_o everlasting_a hope_n though_o he_o do_v pretend_v to_o have_v it_o and_o first_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o temporary_a faith_n be_v clear_a from_o luk._n 8._o 13._o it_o be_v say_v there_o of_o some_o that_o they_o believe_v for_o a_o season_n yea_o in_o act_n 8._o 13._o it_o be_v say_v of_o simon_n magus_n who_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n he_o believe_v and_o these_o in_o joh_n 2._o 23._o when_o they_o do_v behold_v the_o miracle_n they_o believe_v on_o jesus_n christ_n and_o yet_o we_o conceive_v that_o their_o faith_n be_v not_o sincere_a and_o so_o this_o be_v not_o save_v faith_n and_o indeed_o you_o may_v see_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o these_o two_o in_o the_o very_a name_n temporary_a for_o this_o be_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o do_v not_o continue_v long_o with_o he_o that_o have_v it_o but_o do_v evanish_v and_o pass_v away_o for_o as_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o hypocrite_n will_v not_o always_o call_v upon_o god_n job_n 27._o 10._o so_o that_o be_v also_o certain_a that_o a_o hypocrite_n will_v not_o always_o believe_v in_o god_n i_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o long_a time_n a_o hypocrite_n do_v keep_v his_o faith_n job_n have_v set_v down_o in_o his_o 18._o chap._n vers_fw-la 14._o their_o hope_n say_v he_o shall_v bring_v they_o to_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n and_o 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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 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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 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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
upbraid_v then_o because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n and_o then_o that_o danger_n follow_v to_o wit_n hardness_n of_o heart_n this_o be_v clear_a also_o from_o act._n 19_o 9_o where_o these_o two_o sister_n devil_n be_v conjoin_v and_o lock_v together_o unbelief_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n because_o it_o be_v unbelief_n indeed_o that_o hinder_v all_o the_o grace_n by_o which_o the_o grace_n of_o tenderness_n must_v be_v maintain_v v._o there_o be_v this_o disadvantage_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n that_o it_o be_v big_a with_o child_n of_o apostasy_n from_o god_n and_o of_o defection_n from_o he_o according_a to_o that_o word_n heb._n 3._o 12._o beware_v lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o you_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n and_o there_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o unbelief_n travel_v in_o birth_n till_o that_o curse_a child_n of_o apostasy_n be_v bring_v forth_o not_o only_o because_o of_o this_o that_o a_o unbelieveâ—_n lose_v the_o thought_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o because_o he_o increase_v in_o his_o thought_n of_o love_n towards_o his_o idol_n for_o christ_n do_v decrease_v in_o those_o who_o misbelieve_v and_o their_o idol_n do_v increase_v in_o their_o love_n and_o in_o their_o desire_n and_o in_o their_o estimation_n vi_o there_o be_v this_o six_o disadvantage_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n it_o hinder_v the_o communication_n of_o many_o signal_n work_n and_o token_n of_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o the_o most_o high_a according_a to_o that_o sad_a word_n that_o be_v in_o mat._n 13._o 58._o at_o the_o close_a he_o can_v not_o do_v many_o mighty_a work_n there_o because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n unbelief_n as_o it_o be_v lay_v a_o restraint_n on_o christ_n that_o he_o can_v not_o effectuate_v these_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o perform_v and_o to_o shut_v up_o our_o discourse_n at_o this_o time_n i_o will_v only_o add_v these_o two_o aggravation_n which_o may_v somewhat_o enforce_v what_o we_o have_v speak_v i_o say_v there_o be_v these_o two_o aggravation_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n even_o in_o his_o own_o who_o have_v a_o right_n and_o also_o his_o call_n to_o believe_v 1._o that_o after_o christ_n have_v give_v most_o sensible_a discovery_n of_o himself_o wherein_o you_o have_v see_v he_o as_o it_o be_v face_n to_o face_n yet_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v this_o be_v clear_a from_o joh._n 6._o 36._o though_o you_o have_v see_v i_o say_v christ_n yet_o you_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o i_o there_o be_v not_o a_o manifestation_n of_o christ_n presence_n but_o it_o be_v a_o witness_n against_o you_o because_o of_o your_o unbelief_n will_v you_o heat_v the_o voice_n of_o sense_n that_o be_v rectify_v it_o be_v this_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n second_o that_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o signal_n demonstration_n of_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n yet_o though_o it_o be_v the_o mortify_n of_o some_o lust_n and_o idol_n within_o they_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v but_o upon_o new_a temptation_n will_v doubt_v of_o his_o love_n to_o they_o christ_n preach_v faith_n by_o his_o word_n he_o preach_v faith_n by_o his_o fuffering_n he_o preach_v faith_n by_o his_o dispensation_n he_o preach_v faith_n by_o his_o promise_n he_o preach_v faith_n by_o his_o rod_n and_o if_o these_o five_o instrument_n will_v not_o engage_v your_o heart_n to_o believe_v what_o can_v move_v they_o do_v not_o his_o two_o wound_n in_o his_o precious_a hand_n preach_v out_o this_o point_n of_o faith_n believe_v he_o do_v not_o that_o hole_n open_v in_o his_o side_n preach_v this_o doctrine_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o these_o two_o wound_n that_o he_o receive_v in_o his_o precious_a foot_n do_v they_o not_o preach_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v on_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o we_o will_v only_o say_v this_o that_o sometime_o it_o be_v the_o case_n of_o his_o own_o that_o after_o the_o conviction_n of_o this_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o believe_v and_o also_o after_o some_o desire_n to_o close_v with_o christ_n yet_o they_o find_v inability_n to_o close_v with_o he_o be_v it_o not_o certain_a that_o to_o will_v to_o believe_v be_v sometime_o present_a with_o you_o but_o how_o to_o perform_v you_o know_v not_o and_o i_o will_v have_v a_o christian_a make_v this_o foursold_v use_n of_o such_o a_o dispensation_n as_o that_o which_o be_v most_o ordinary_o when_o conviction_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o believe_v and_o some_o desire_n to_o close_v with_o christ_n be_v not_o follow_v with_o actual_a performance_n 1._o to_o study_v to_o have_v your_o conviction_n more_o deep_o root_v within_o you_o for_o it_o do_v sometime_o follow_v that_o resolution_n and_o minâ—s_n to_o believe_v be_v not_o blessed_v with_o actual_a believe_v because_o the_o conviction_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o believe_v be_v not_o deep_o imprint_v upon_o your_o conscience_n 2._o be_v convince_v of_o that_o desperate_a enimity_n and_o that_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n that_o be_v within_o you_o that_o you_o can_v have_v some_o will_n to_o do_v without_o ability_n to_o perform_v we_o confess_v it_o be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a disease_n in_o these_o day_n to_o have_v such_o a_o contrariety_n betwixt_o a_o christian_n will_v and_o his_o practice_n our_o will_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v no_o better_o than_o our_o practice_n but_o sometime_o it_o be_v which_o may_v make_v you_o cry_v forth_o o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o this_o body_n of_o death_n 3._o that_o you_o will_v be_v much_o in_o the_o employ_v of_o christ_n that_o as_o he_o have_v give_v you_o to_o will_n so_o also_o he_o may_v make_v you_o to_o do_v christ_n be_v about_o to_o convince_v his_o own_o in_o such_o a_o dispensation_n as_o that_o that_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n faith_n be_v so_o noble_a a_o grace_n that_o it_o can_v be_v spin_v out_o from_o our_o resolution_n nor_o from_o our_o endeavour_n faith_n be_v such_o a_o divine_a plant_n as_o the_o father_n right_a hand_n must_v plant_v in_o our_o soul_n 4._o let_v it_o convince_v you_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o difficulty_n of_o attain_v to_o any_o thing_n may_v speak_v out_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o win_v at_o there_o be_v a_o easiness_n and_o facility_n to_o overtake_v the_o path_n of_o our_o idol_n but_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v so_o excellent_a thing_n that_o we_o must_v fight_v before_o we_o attain_v they_o and_o you_o who_o be_v stranger_n to_o christ_n jesus_n and_o have_v never_o know_v what_o â—t_a be_v to_o close_v with_o he_o we_o will_v request_v you_o in_o christ_n name_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o what_o know_v you_o o_o man_n or_o rather_o atheist_n but_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o last_o summons_n that_o you_o shall_v get_v to_o believe_v and_o that_o because_o you_o disobey_v this_o precious_a summons_n there_o shall_v be_v one_o present_v to_o you_o that_o you_o can_v sit_v i_o remember_v of_o one_o man_n who_o look_v upon_o many_o thousand_o that_o be_v under_o his_o command_n weep_v over_o they_o when_o he_o consider_v how_o that_o within_o a_o few_o year_n all_o these_o shall_v be_v lay_v in_o their_o grave_n and_o shall_v be_v in_o eternity_n o_o but_o it_o be_v much_o of_o our_o concernment_n to_o be_v try_v ourselves_o how_o it_o be_v with_o we_o we_o be_v not_o afraid_a that_o it_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o charity_n to_o wish_v that_o but_o one_o of_o each_o ten_o that_o be_v within_o these_o door_n be_v heir_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o life_n and_o have_v the_o solid_a and_o spiritual_a expectation_n of_o heaven_n i_o think_v if_o christ_n be_v to_o come_v present_o to_o speak_v to_o we_o he_o may_v not_o only_o say_v to_o each_o twelve_o that_o be_v here_o one_o of_o you_o shall_v betray_v i_o but_o we_o be_v afraid_a that_o he_o will_v say_v to_o each_o twelve_o that_o be_v here_o eleven_o of_o you_o shall_v betray_v i_o and_o but_o one_o only_o shall_v pass_v free_a o_o do_v it_o not_o concern_v you_o to_o inquire_v where_o you_o shall_v rest_v at_o night_n when_o the_o long_a shadow_n of_o the_o everlasting_a evening_n shall_v be_v stretch_v out_o upon_o you_o i_o think_v there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v so_o settle_v upon_o their_o lie_n that_o if_o they_o be_v one_o day_n in_o hell_n and_o see_v all_o the_o torment_n that_o be_v there_o and_o be_v bring_v from_o it_o the_o next_o day_n to_o live_v on_o earth_n they_o will_v not_o repent_v and_o more_o there_o be_v some_o that_o take_v they_o up_o
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
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 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a_o expression_n of_o a_o man_n not_o two_o day_n ago_o who_o upoâ—_n his_o death_n bed_n be_v ask_v by_o one_o what_o hâ—_n be_v do_v do_v most_o stupid_o though_o mosâ—_n true_o reply_v that_o he_o be_v fight_v with_o christ_n and_o i_o think_v that_o the_o most_o part_n of_o we_o if_o he_o prevent_v we_o not_o shall_v die_v fight_v with_o christ._n but_o know_v and_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o be_v too_o sore_a a_o party_n for_o we_o to_o fight_v with_o he_o will_v once_o tread_v you_o in_o the_o wine_n press_v of_o his_o fury_n and_o he_o shall_v return_v with_o die_v garment_n from_o tread_v such_o of_o you_o as_o will_v not_o embrace_v he_o he_o shall_v destroy_v you_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n therefore_o be_v instruct_v lest_o his_o soul_n be_v disjoint_v from_o you_o as_o that_o word_n in_o jer._n 6._o 8._o and_o lest_o your_o soul_n eternal_o be_v separt_v from_o he_o be_v instruct_v i_o say_v to_o close_o with_o he_o by_o â—aith_n now_o to_o he_o who_o can_v make_v you_o 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be_v a_o sweet_a and_o refresh_a command_n for_o it_o be_v oftentimes_o record_v in_o scripture_n to_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o unspeakable_a joy_n and_o heavenly_a delight_n be_v the_o handmaid_n that_o wait_v upon_o it_o but_o more_o particular_o to_o make_v it_o out_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o these_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v that_o this_o grace_n give_v a_o christian_a a_o broad_a and_o comprehensive_a sight_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v he_o to_o behold_v not_o only_o the_o beauty_n of_o his_o act_n but_o the_o beauty_n of_o his_o person_n and_o there_o be_v these_o three_o precious_a sight_n that_o faith_n give_v to_o â—_o christian_n of_o christ._n first_o it_o let_v the_o christian_a see_v christ_n in_o his_o absolute_a and_o personals_n excellency_n take_v he_o up_o as_o the_o eternal_a soâ—_n of_o god_n as_o the_o ancient_n of_o day_n as_o the_o father_n of_o eternity_n as_o the_o express_a image_n of_o hiâ—_n father_n person_n and_o the_o brightness_n 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company_n for_o will_v you_o know_v what_o be_v the_o description_n of_o a_o cross_n it_o be_v to_o want_n christ_n in_o any_o estate_n and_o will_v you_o know_v what_o be_v the_o description_n of_o prosperity_n it_o be_v to_o have_v christ_n in_o any_o condition_n or_o estate_n of_o life_n what_o can_v you_o want_v that_o have_v he_o and_o what_o can_v he_o have_v that_o want_v he_o he_o be_v that_o all_o so_o that_o all_o thing_n beside_o he_o be_v buâ—_n vanity_n but_o beside_o this_o faith_n do_v discover_v unto_o a_o christian_a that_o there_o be_v a_o sweet_a period_n of_o all_o his_o trial_n and_o affliction_n that_o he_o can_v be_v expose_v unto_o so_o that_o he_o can_v never_o say_v that_o of_o faith_n which_o ahab_n speak_v of_o micajah_n he_o never_o propehsy_v good_a thing_n to_o i_o but_o rather_o he_o may_v say_v always_o the_o contrary_a faith_n never_o propehsy_v evil_a unto_o i_o it_o be_v a_o grace_n that_o propehsy_v excellent_a thing_n in_o the_o dark_a night_n and_o sweet_o declare_v that_o though_o weep_v do_v endure_v for_o the_o evening_n yet_o joy_n come_v in_o the_o morning_n and_o that_o though_o now_o they_o â—o_o forth_o weep_v bearing_n precious_a seed_n yet_o at_o last_o they_o shall_v return_v rejoice_v have_v sheaf_n in_o their_o bosom_n and_o this_o may_v bring_v in_o the_o four_o consideration_n to_o point_n out_o the_o sweetness_n of_o faith_n that_o it_o give_v a_o christian_a a_o refresh_a sight_n of_o that_o â—and_n that_o be_v a_o far_o off_o and_o make_v he_o to_o behold_v that_o inheritance_n that_o be_v provide_v for_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n it_o go_v forth_o to_o the_o brook_n eshcol_n and_o there_o do_v pluck_v down_o those_o grape_n that_o grow_v in_o emanuels_n land_n to_o bring_v up_o a_o good_a report_n upon_o that_o noble_a country_n we_o be_v sojourn_v towards_o and_o the_o city_n the_o street_n whereof_o be_v pave_v with_o transparent_a gold_n and_o howbeit_o it_o may_v be_v a_o perplex_v debaâ—e_n 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be_v admit_v hereafter_o to_o carry_v these_o palm_n branch_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o lamb_n where_o ever_o he_o go_v and_o whether_o ever_o these_o heart_n that_o have_v be_v indeed_o a_o bethaven_n and_o house_n of_o idol_n may_v yet_o notwithstanding_o be_v a_o dwell_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n though_o these_o thing_n we_o say_v and_o such_o like_a may_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o many_o sad_a debate_n to_o some_o weary_a soul_n and_o cause_v many_o toss_n to_o and_o fro_o till_o the_o morning_n yet_o faith_n can_v bring_v all_o these_o mystery_n to_o light_n and_o look_v within_o the_o vail_n can_v let_v we_o see_v thousand_o of_o thousand_o who_o be_v once_o as_o ugly_a as_o ourselves_o yet_o now_o have_v wash_v their_o robe_n and_o
make_v they_o white_a in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n be_v admit_v to_o stand_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v he_o day_n and_o night_n now_o there_o be_v that_o four_a which_o weâ—_n promise_v to_o speak_v of_o concern_v this_o grace_n of_o faith_n from_o these_o word_n and_o it_o be_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o be_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o grace_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o that_o word_n his_o commandment_n which_o do_v import_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o all_o the_o command_n that_o we_o can_v obey_v without_o this_o commandment_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v but_o a_o pollute_a of_o ourselves_o and_o a_o plunge_a of_o ourselves_o in_o the_o ditch_n till_o our_o own_o clothes_n abhor_v we_o 2._o that_o god_n take_v great_a delight_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o grace_n of_o faith_n then_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o other_o and_o last_o that_o as_o to_o the_o many_o imperfection_n which_o we_o have_v in_o our_o obedience_n there_o be_v a_o sweet_a act_n of_o oblivion_n pass_v of_o they_o all_o if_o we_o make_v conscience_n serious_o to_o obey_v this_o command_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o sweet_a compend_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o these_o thing_n do_v most_o clear_o appear_v in_o that_o believe_a here_o be_v call_v his_o commandment_n by_o way_n of_o excellency_n as_o if_o this_o be_v his_o only_a commandment_n but_o that_o we_o may_v yet_o a_o little_a more_o particular_o point_v out_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v these_o thing_n that_o speak_v it_o forth_o to_o the_o full_a 1._o that_o though_o river_n of_o tear_n shall_v run_v down_o our_o eye_n because_o we_o keep_v not_o his_o law_n though_o we_o shall_v never_o rise_v off_o our_o knee_n from_o prayer_n and_o shall_v all_o our_o life_n time_n speak_v to_o god_n with_o the_o tongue_n of_o angel_n and_o though_o we_o shall_v constant_o obey_v his_o command_n yet_o without_o faith_n we_o shall_v never_o escape_v that_o eternal_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v no_o action_n that_o do_v proceed_v from_o we_o which_o can_v please_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o lord_n unless_o it_o have_v its_o rise_n from_o this_o principle_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o heb._n 11._o 6._o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o though_o we_o shall_v offer_v unto_o he_o ten_o thousand_o river_n of_o oil_n and_o thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o shall_v offer_v up_o in_o a_o burn_a sacrifice_n all_o the_o beast_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o mountain_n and_o the_o tree_n that_o be_v upon_o hill_n this_o shall_v be_v the_o answer_n that_o god_n shall_v return_v to_o we_o who_o have_v require_v these_o thing_n at_o your_o hand_n i_o take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o these_o solemn_a sacrifice_n because_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o attain_v peace_n with_o god_n but_o through_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n make_v use_n of_o the_o spotless_a righteousness_n of_o â—esus_fw-la christ._n 2._o let_v we_o do_v ouâ—_n outmost_a by_o all_o the_o invention_n we_o can_v to_o bring_v down_o our_o body_n and_o let_v we_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n yet_o all_o our_o idol_n shall_v reign_v without_o much_o contradiction_n except_o once_o we_o do_v attain_v unto_o this_o grace_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v that_o victory_n whereby_o we_o must_v overcome_v the_o world_n and_o the_o hand_n that_o make_v use_v of_o infinite_a strength_n for_o subdue_a of_o corruption_n make_v the_o christian_n sweet_o to_o take_v up_o that_o song_n strong_a be_v he_o that_o be_v with_o we_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n from_o all_o this_o that_o we_o have_v say_v both_o of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o necessity_n thereof_o we_o will_v propose_v these_o few_o consideration_n to_o two_o or_o three_o sort_n of_o person_n 1._o there_o be_v some_o who_o live_v in_o that_o vain_a imaginary_a delusion_n of_o attain_v heaven_n through_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o do_v neglect_v to_o seek_v salvation_n by_o faith_n in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ._n and_o to_o these_o who_o build_v upon_o this_o sandy_a foundation_n i_o shall_v say_v but_o these_o two_o word_n first_o how_o long_o shall_v you_o labour_v in_o the_o fire_n of_o very_a vanity_n do_v you_o ever_o think_v to_o put_v on_o the_o capestone_n know_v you_o not_o that_o the_o day_n be_v approach_v when_o your_o house_n shall_v fall_v about_o your_o ear_n your_o confidence_n shall_v be_v reject_v and_o your_o hope_n shall_v evanish_v as_o a_o dream_n and_o flee_v away_o as_o a_o vision_n of_o the_o night_n second_o what_o a_o monstrous_a blindness_n and_o what_o a_o unspeakable_a act_n of_o folly_n must_v it_o â—eâ—â—_n to_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v crucify_v in_o vain_a which_o yet_o you_o do_v practical_o assert_v when_o you_o go_v about_o to_o purchase_v a_o righteousness_n through_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n 2._o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v secure_a in_o their_o own_o thought_n concern_v their_o â—aith_n they_o never_o question_v the_o realty_n of_o it_o they_o never_o examine_v it_o o_o you_o who_o faith_n be_v as_o old_a as_o yourselves_o you_o say_v you_o never_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o dispute_v and_o i_o may_v say_v you_o never_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v thou_o profane_a hypocrite_n let_v i_o tell_v thou_o a_o strong_a faith_n and_o yeâ—_n strong_a idol_n must_v needs_o be_v â—_o strong_a delusion_n thou_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o lord_n thou_o will_v not_o pray_v thou_o will_v not_o believe_v a_o threaten_n in_o all_o the_o word_n thou_o will_v count_v all_o religion_n madness_n and_o foolishness_n and_o yet_o thou_o will_v persuade_v thyself_o thou_o believe_v in_o christ._n o_o be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v and_o why_o will_v you_o mock_v yourselves_o shall_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o reprobate_n have_v a_o saâ—_n religion_n one_o day_n they_o must_v believe_v and_o obey_v and_o pray_v and_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o godliness_n but_o alas_o too_o late_a and_o little_a to_o their_o advantage_n shall_v not_o he_o who_o all_o the_o minister_n on_o earth_n can_v scarce_o ever_o persuade_v to_o believe_v so_o much_o as_o a_o heaven_n oâ—_n hell_n or_o one_o threaten_v in_o all_o the_o book_n oâ—_n god_n at_o last_o be_v force_v to_o believe_v their_o owâ—_n sense_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o ancient_n of_o day_n upon_o the_o throne_n and_o shall_v hear_v the_o cry_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o live_a witness_n come_v ouâ—_n both_o from_o heaven_n and_o hell_n bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o threaten_n and_o promise_n that_o not_o one_o jot_n of_o they_o be_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o he_o who_o will_v never_o be_v persuade_v to_o bow_v a_o knee_n to_o god_n in_o earnest_a all_o his_o life_n shall_v he_o not_o then_o pray_v with_o great_a fervency_n that_o hill_n and_o mountain_n may_v fall_v upon_o he_o to_o cover_v he_o from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o hâ—_n that_o will_v never_o submit_v to_o a_o command_n of_o god_n must_v he_o not_o at_o last_o obey_v that_o dreadful_a command_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a torment_n etc._n etc._n yea_o he_o who_o be_v the_o great_a mocker_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v then_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v blessed_v who_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o the_o lord_n as_o they_o be_v excellent_o bring_v in_o though_o in_o a_o apocryphal_a book_n wisd._n c._n 5._o 4_o cry_v out_o with_o great_a terror_n while_o they_o behold_v that_o unexpected_a sight_n of_o the_o glorious_a condition_n of_o the_o godly_a o_o here_o be_v the_o meâ—_n say_v they_o who_o we_o mock_v who_o life_n wâ—_n account_v madness_n and_o their_o end_n dishonourable_a be_v wise_a therefore_o in_o time_n and_o do_v that_o willing_o which_o you_o must_v do_v by_o constrainâ—_n and_o do_v that_o with_o sweetness_n and_o advantage_n that_o you_o must_v do_v at_o length_n with_o loss_n and_o sorrow_n three_o there_o be_v some_o who_o certain_o have_v some_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o assurance_n and_o these_o i_o will_v beseech_v that_o you_o will_v be_v more_o endeavour_v to_o make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a and_o will_v be_v endeavour_v to_o see_v your_o name_n write_v in_o the_o ancient_a record_n of_o heaven_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v press_v upon_o you_o by_o several_a argument_n 1._o those_o strong_a and_o subtle_a and_o soul_n destroy_v delusion_n that_o be_v among_o many_o who_o conceive_v they_o do_v believe_v as_o we_o be_v say_v and_o be_v pure_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o purge_v from_o their_o iniquity_n
oâ—_n be_v there_o not_o many_o of_o we_o that_o be_v in_o a_o golden_a dream_n that_o suppose_v we_o be_v eat_v but_o when_o we_o awake_v our_o soul_n be_v empty_a who_o faith_n be_v a_o metaphysic_n notion_n that_o have_v no_o foundation_n but_o man_n apprehension_n and_o this_o shall_v never_o bear_v we_o through_o the_o gate_n of_o death_n nor_o convey_v we_o in_o into_o eternity_n of_o joy_n 2._o may_v not_o this_o press_v you_o to_o follow_v after_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v the_o compendious_a way_n to_o sweeten_v all_o your_o cross_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o hab._n 3._o 17_o 18._o where_o the_o conviction_n of_o this_o make_v habbakuk_n to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o god_n of_o his_o salvation_n though_o the_o fig_n tree_n do_v not_o bear_v fruit_n and_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o olive_n do_v fail_v and_o there_o be_v no_o sweetness_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o vine_n and_o from_o heb._n 10._o 34._o where_o they_o take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n know_v within_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v a_o better_a and_o a_o endure_a substance_n this_o be_v indeed_o that_o tree_n which_o if_o we_o cast_v into_o the_o water_n of_o marah_n they_o will_v present_o become_v sweet_a for_o it_o be_v not_o below_o the_o child_n of_o hope_n to_o be_v much_o anxious_a about_o these_o thing_n that_o he_o meet_v with_o here_o when_o he_o sincere_o know_v that_o commandment_n shall_v come_v forth_o lift_v up_o your_o head_n for_o the_o day_n of_o your_o eternal_a redemption_n draw_v near_o even_o the_o day_n when_o all_o the_o river_n of_o his_o sorrow_n shall_v sweet_o run_v into_o the_o ocean_n of_o everlasting_a delight_n 3._o a_o christian_n that_o be_v much_o in_o assurance_n he_o be_v much_o in_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o song_n 1._o 13_o 14._o and_o song_n 2._o 3._o where_o when_o once_o she_o come_v to_o that_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o christ_n be_v she_o belove_v than_o she_o sit_v down_o under_o his_o shadow_n and_o his_o fruit_n be_v pleasant_a â—nto_o her_o taste_n for_o the_o assure_a christian_n do_v taste_v of_o these_o crumb_n that_o â—all_n from_o that_o high_a table_n and_o no_o doubt_n these_o that_o have_v taste_v of_o that_o old_a wine_n will_v not_o straight_o way_n desire_v the_o new_a because_o the_o old_a be_v better_a and_o then_o 4._o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o keep_v you_o from_o apostasy_n and_o make_v defection_n from_o god_n faith_n be_v that_o grace_n that_o will_v make_v you_o continue_v with_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o tentation_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 10._o where_o this_o be_v set_v down_o as_o a_o fruit_n of_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a that_o if_o we_o no_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v never_o fail_v faith_n make_v a_o christian_n to_o live_v a_o dependent_a life_n for_o will_v you_o know_v the_o motto_n of_o a_o christian_a it_o be_v this_o self_n diffidence_n and_o christ_n dependence_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o that_o word_n in_o the_o song_n 8._o 5._o that_o while_n we_o be_v walk_v through_o this_o wilderness_n we_o be_v lean_v upon_o our_o well-beloved_a 5._o this_o assurance_n will_v help_v a_o christian_n to_o overcome_v many_o tentation_n there_o be_v four_o sort_n of_o tentation_n that_o assault_v the_o christian_a there_o be_v temptation_n of_o desire_n temptation_n of_o love_n temptation_n of_o hope_n and_o temptation_n of_o anxiety_n all_o which_o a_o christian_a through_o this_o noble_a grace_n of_o assurance_n may_v sweet_o overcome_v he_o that_o have_v once_o make_v christ_n his_o own_o what_o can_v he_o desire_v but_o he_o as_o psal._n 27._o 4._o one_o thing_n have_v i_o desire_v of_o the_o lord_n what_o can_v he_o love_v more_o than_o christ_n or_o love_n beside_o christ_n all_o his_o love_n be_v drown_v as_o it_o be_v in_o that_o ocean_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o a_o sweet_a complacency_n find_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o as_o to_o hope_v will_v not_o assurance_n make_v a_o christian_a 〈◊〉_d forth_o now_o lord_n what_o wait_v i_o for_o my_o hope_n be_v in_o thou_o and_o when_o the_o heart_n be_v anxious_a do_v not_o assurance_n make_v a_o christian_a content_n to_o bear_v the_o indignation_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o patient_o submit_v unto_o the_o cross_n since_o there_o be_v a_o sweet_a connexion_n betwixt_o his_o cross_n and_o his_o crown_n rom._n 8._o 35_o 36._o if_o he_o suffer_v with_o he_o he_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o and_o last_o there_o be_v this_o argument_n to_o press_v you_o to_o assurance_n that_o it_o sweem_v the_o thought_n of_o death_n it_o make_v death_n unto_o a_o christian_a not_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n but_o the_o king_n of_o desire_n and_o it_o be_v upon_o these_o ground_n that_o assurance_n make_v death_n refreshfull_a unto_o a_o christian._n 1._o he_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o funeral_n of_o all_o his_o misery_n and_o the_o birthday_n of_o all_o his_o bless_a and_o eternal_a enjoyment_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v the_o coronation_n day_n of_o a_o christian_a and-the_a day_n when_o he_o shall_v have_v that_o marriage_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o he_o sweet_o solemnize_v and_o that_o when_o he_o be_v to_o step_v that_o last_o step_n he_o know_v that_o death_n will_v make_v he_o change_v his_o place_n but_o not_o his_o company_n and_o o_o that_o we_o can_v once_o win_v unto_o this_o to_o seal_v that_o conclusion_n without_o presumption_n my_o belove_a be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o he_o we_o may_v without_o presumption_n sing_v one_o of_o the_o song_n of_o zion_n even_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o strange_a land_n and_o take_v christ_n in_o our_o arm_n may_v sweet_o cry_v forth_o now_o let_v thou_o thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v thy_o salvation_n comfort_v yourselves_o in_o this_o that_o all_o your_o cloud_n shall_v once_o pass_v away_o and_o that_o that_o truth_n shall_v once_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o a_o angel_n with_o his_o hand_n lift_v up_o towards_o heaven_n that_o time_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o time_n shall_v once_o sweet_o die_v out_o in_o eternity_n and_o you_o may_v be_v look_v after_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n wherein_o dwell_v righteousness_n o_o long_a to_o be_v with_o he_o for_o christ_n long_v to_o have_v you_o with_o he_o sermon_n vi._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 there_o be_v three_o most_o precious_a and_o cardinal_a grace_n which_o a_o christian_a aught_v main_o to_o pursue_v there_o be_v that_o exalt_v grace_n of_o faith_n that_o comfort_a gracâ—_n of_o hope_n and_o that_o aspire_a grace_n of_o love_n and_o if_o once_o a_o christian_n do_v take_v up_o that_o heavenly_a difference_n that_o be_v between_o those_o sister-grace_n he_o may_v be_v provoke_v to_o move_v after_o they_o most_o swift_o as_o the_o chariot_n of_o aminadab_n and_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n between_o those_o grace_n faith_n be_v a_o sober_a and_o silent_a grace_n hope_n be_v a_o patient_a and_o submissive_a grace_n love_n be_v a_o ambition_n and_o impatient_a grace_n faith_n cry_v out_o o_o my_o soul_n be_v silent_a unto_o god_n hope_n cry_v out_o i_o will_v wait_v patient_o for_o the_o lord_n until_o the_o vision_n shall_v speak_v but_o love_v it_o cry_v out_o how_o long_o be_v thou_o a_o come_n and_o it_o be_v wait_v to_o hear_v the_o sound_n of_o his_o foot_n come_v over_o the_o mountain_n of_o separation_n that_o be_v the_o motto_n of_o hope_n quod_fw-la defertur_fw-la non_fw-la aufertur_fw-la that_o which_o be_v delay_v say_v hope_n be_v not_o altogether_o take_v away_o and_o make_v void_a and_o that_o may_v be_v the_o divine_a emblem_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o love_n it_o be_v sight_n infolding_a desire_n in_o its_o arm_n and_o it_o be_v desire_v clothe_v with_o wing_n â—reading_v upon_o delay_n and_o impediment_n there_o be_v this_o second_o difference_n between_o these_o grace_n the_o grace_n of_o faith_n it_o embrace_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o grace_n of_o hope_n it_o embrace_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v promise_v but_o that_o exalt_v grace_n of_o love_n it_o embrace_v the_o promiser_n faith_n cry_v out_o have_v he_o speak_v it_o he_o will_v also_o do_v it_o hope_n â—ryeth_v out_o good_a be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v â—â—_o unto_o thy_o servant_n according_a to_o thy_o promise_n and_o love_n it_o cry_v out_o in_o a_o high_a note_n as_o be_v the_o apple_n tree_n among_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o â—ood_a so_o be_v my_o well-beloved_a among_o the_o son_n â—hirdly_o there_o be_v that_o difference_n between_o â—hese_n grace_n faith_n it_o
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
magnify_v his_o mercy_n above_o all_o his_o work_n and_o last_o misbelief_n make_v this_o objection_n they_o have_v sin_v not_o only_o against_o light_n not_o only_o against_o vow_n not_o only_o after_o much_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n but_o even_o after_o the_o application_n of_o threaten_n so_o that_o they_o conceive_v that_o their_o maker_n will_v â—ot_n have_v mercy_n upon_o such_o yet_o this_o be_v full_o answer_v likewise_o from_o that_o letter_n of_o his_o name_n he_o forgive_v iniquity_n transgression_n â—nd_v sin_n which_o three_o word_n do_v abundant_o speak_v forth_o that_o there_o be_v no_o transression_n which_o he_o will_v not_o pardon_v there_o be_v but_o one_o particular_a among_o all_o that_o â—â—nuâ—etable_a number_n of_o sin_n which_o lodge_v 〈◊〉_d the_o heart_n of_o fall_a man_n that_o he_o declare_v â—â—pardonable_a and_o there_o be_v none_o of_o our_o disease_n that_n be_v above_o the_o infinite_a aâ—â—e_n of_o love_n â—nd_v concern_v which_o we_o can_v take_v up_o that_o complaint_n there_o be_v no_o balm_n in_o gilead_n and_o â—â—ere_o be_v no_o physician_n there_o and_o though_o proâ—idence_n may_v master_v up_o many_o impossibility_n â—et_o let_v faith_n take_v the_o promise_n in_o the_o one_o â—nd_n and_o impossibility_n in_o the_o other_o and_o desire_v god_n to_o reconcile_v they_o that_o if_o we_o can_v see_v any_o connexion_n between_o providence_n and_o the_o word_n yet_o may_v we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o omnipotency_n of_o god_n that_o can_v make_v thing_n that_o be_v seem_v contrary_a sweet_o to_o agree_v together_o the_o commentary_n will_v never_o destroy_v the_o text_n nor_o providence_n will_v never_o destroy_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o let_v i_o give_v you_o this_o advice_n that_o those_o objection_n of_o misbelief_n which_o you_o can_v answer_v and_o in_o â—_o manner_n put_v you_o to_o a_o non_fw-la plus_fw-la and_o wheâ—_n you_o have_v look_v over_o all_o the_o name_n of_o god_n yâ—_n can_v find_v a_o answer_n to_o they_o sleight_v they_o and_o cover_v they_o as_o we_o have_v often_o tell_v you_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o believe_v abraham_n rome_n 4._o 19_o where_o that_o strong_a objection_n of_o misbelief_n appear_v before_o his_o eye_n the_o deadness_n of_o his_o body_n and_o the_o barrenness_n of_o sarahs_n womb_n it_o be_v record_v of_o he_o he_o consider_v not_o these_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v he_o have_v a_o divine_a transition_n from_o the_o objection_n of_o misbelief_n to_o the_o actinâ—_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v clear_a from_o matth._n 15_o 25_o 26._o where_o that_o strong_a objection_n of_o misbelief_n be_v propose_v against_o that_o woman_n the_o she_o be_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n oâ—_n christ_n commission_n she_o have_v a_o noble_a way_n oâ—_n answer_v with_o this_o lord_n have_v mercy_n upon_o mâ—_n and_o if_o so_o we_o may_v speak_v faith_n have_v a_o kinâ—_n of_o divine_a impertinency_n in_o answer_v the_o objection_n of_o misbelief_n or_o rather_o a_o holy_a slight_v of_o they_o that_o gain_v the_o victory_n wheâ—_n cavil_v with_o tentation_n will_v not_o do_v it_o the_o like_a also_o may_v be_v instance_a in_o his_o soâ—_n name_n o_o how_o glorious_a title_n be_v give_v tâ—_n that_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o 〈◊〉_d that_o plant_n of_o renown_n upon_o which_o the_o weak_a faith_n may_v cast_v anchor_n and_o ride_v out_o the_o great_a storm_n i_o shall_v not_o detain_v you_o long_o on_o this_o subject_n but_o this_o we_o will_v have_v you_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o strait_n nor_o difficulty_n that_o a_o christian_n can_v be_v expose_v unto_o but_o there_o be_v some_o name_n or_o attribute_v of_o christ_n that_o may_v sweet_o answer_v that_o difficulty_n and_o make_v up_o that_o disadvantage_n be_v a_o christian_n expose_v unto_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n in_o a_o present_a world_n let_v he_o comfort_v himself_o in_o this_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o shadow_n of_o a_o great_a rock_n in_o a_o weary_a land_n be_v a_o christian_a under_o inward_a anxiety_n and_o vexation_n of_o mind_n let_v he_o comfort_v himself_o in_o this_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o of_o all_o consolation_n be_v a_o christian_a under_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n of_o spirit_n let_v he_o comfort_v himself_o in_o this_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o be_v the_o eternal_a wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v a_o christian_a under_o the_o conviction_n of_o this_o that_o he_o be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o his_o lust_n let_v he_o comfort_v himself_o in_o this_o that_o christ_n be_v redemption_n yea_o that_o i_o stay_v no_o long_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o christian_n can_v have_v a_o necessity_n that_o he_o can_v not_o find_v a_o name_n in_o christ_n to_o answer_v it_o he_o may_v lawful_o frame_v a_o name_n to_o christ_n out_o of_o any_o promise_n in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o he_o shall_v find_v it_o forthcoming_a for_o the_o relieve_n and_o make_v up_o of_o that_o necessity_n god_n will_v not_o disappoint_v his_o expectation_n there_o be_v yet_o one_o thing_n further_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o shall_v desire_v you_o to_o tale_n notice_n of_o and_o it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o faith_n close_v with_o its_o noble_a object_n and_o its_o test_v on_o he_o and_o this_o we_o conceive_v may_v be_v excellent_o take_v up_o by_o our_o consider_v of_o the_o many_o several_a name_n that_o faith_n get_v in_o scripture_n beyond_o any_o other_o of_o â—he_n grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v call_v look_v isa._n 45_o 22._o look_v unto_o i_o it_o be_v call_v abide_v in_o christ_n joh._n 15._o 4._o abide_v in_o i_o it_o be_v call_v a_o keep_a silence_n unto_o god_n psal._n 37._o 7._o my_o soul_n trust_v in_o god_n or_o as_o the_o word_n be_v in_o the_o original_a my_o soul_n be_v silent_a unto_o god_n and_o that_o in_o psal._n 62._o 1._o my_o soul_n wait_v or_o as_o the_o word_n be_v true_o my_o soul_n be_v silent_a unto_o god_n likewise_o faith_n be_v call_v a_o lean_v psal._n 7._o 15._o i_o have_v lean_v upon_o thou_o from_o my_o mother_n womb_n faith_n be_v call_v a_o eat_n of_o christ_n flesh_n john_n 6._o 53._o faith_n be_v call_v a_o cast_n of_o our_o burden_n upon_o god_n psal._n 55._o 22._o cast_v your_o burden_n upon_o god_n and_o faith_n it_o be_v call_v a_o come_n unto_o god_n matth._n 11._o 28._o and_o according_a to_o these_o different_a name_n there_o be_v these_o seven_o noble_a property_n &_o matchless_a difference_n of_o this_o grace_n of_o faith_n the_o first_o be_v that_o this_o be_v this_o grace_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a do_v enjoy_v much_o communion_n with_o god_n hence_o it_o be_v call_v a_o look_v which_o import_v that_o faith_n be_v a_o continual_a contemplation_n of_o the_o immortal_a soul_n upon_o that_o precious_a and_o excellent_a object_n jesus_n christ._n there_o be_v that_o second_o property_n of_o say_v that_o it_o be_v that_o grace_n by_o which_o a_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v maintain_v hence_o it_o be_v call_v a_o abide_n in_o god_n it_o be_v that_o grace_n whiâ—h_n make_v christ_n and_o the_o believer_n to_o dwell_v together_o the_o three_o property_n of_o faith_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o submissive_a grace_n hence_o it_o be_v call_v a_o keep_a silence_n unto_o god_n faith_n as_o it_o be_v it_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o â—epine_v it_o be_v the_o noble_a excellency_n of_o faith_n it_o never_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o misconstruct_v christ._n it_o be_v the_o noble_a excellency_n of_o faith_n it_o never_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o pass_v a_o evil_a report_n upon_o christ._n faith_n it_o will_v promise_v good_a thing_n to_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o dark_a night_n for_o when_o love_n ask_v faith_n that_o question_n isa._n 21._o 11_o 12._o watchman_z what_o of_o the_o night_n watchman_z what_o of_o the_o night_n or_o when_o shall_v the_o morning_n break_v faith_n answer_v it_o with_o the_o word_n that_o follow_v only_o a_o little_a invert_v the_o order_n the_o night_n come_v and_o also_o the_o morning_n the_o morning_n be_v approach_v that_o admit_v of_o no_o follow_a night_n there_o be_v that_o four_o property_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o grace_n which_o keep_v a_o christian_a in_o â—e_a severance_n by_o its_o â—uilding_n upon_o the_o rock_n hence_o it_o be_v call_v a_o â—eaning_n upon_o god_n for_o a_o christian_a by_o faith_n do_v perpetual_o join_v himself_o to_o christ_n so_o â—hat_n what_o ever_o trouble_v he_o be_v cast_v into_o by_o faith_n he_o come_v up_o out_o of_o that_o wilderness_n â—eaning_v upon_o his_o belove_a and_o by_o faith_n he_o be_v â—ed_v up_o to_o the_o rock_n that_o be_v high_a than_o he_o â—here_o he_o may_v sit_v in_o safety_n and_o even_o â—augh_v
therefore_o study_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o think_v often_o upon_o it_o and_o make_v ready_a for_o it_o for_o believe_v i_o death_n be_v a_o very_a big_a word_n for_o it_o will_v once_o make_v you_o stand_v with_o horror_n in_o your_o soul_n if_o your_o peace_n be_v not_o make_v up_o with_o god_n i_o know_v not_o a_o more_o dreadful_a dispensation_n than_o death_n and_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n meet_v together_o the_o second_o thing_n that_o i_o shall_v speak_v unto_o from_o this_o first_o observation_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a and_o infallible_a truth_n and_o all_o person_n shall_v once_o see_v death_n shall_v be_v to_o give_v you_o some_o consideration_n for_o press_v you_o to_o prepare_v for_o death_n i._o the_o first_o consideration_n be_v this_o that_o to_o die_v well_o and_o in_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o most_o difficult_a work_n therefore_o i_o entreat_v you_o prepare_v for_o death_n it_o be_v a_o difficult_a work_n to_o communicate_v aright_o it_o be_v a_o difficult_a work_n to_o pray_v aright_o and_o it_o be_v a_o difficult_a work_n to_o conâ—er_v aright_o but_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o it_o be_v a_o more_o difficult_a work_n to_o die_v aright_o than_o any_o of_o these_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v more_o difficult_a to_o communicate_v aright_o then_o to_o pray_v aright_o yet_o it_o be_v much_o more_o difficult_a to_o die_v aright_o then_o to_o communicate_v aright_o for_o it_o be_v a_o most_o difficult_a work_n to_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n death_n will_v put_v the_o most_o accurate_a christian_a that_o be_v here_o to_o a_o wonderful_a search_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o nine_o thing_n that_o death_n will_v try_v in_o thou_o 1._o death_n will_v try_v both_o the_o reality_n and_o strength_n of_o thy_o faith_n it_o may_v be_v easy_a for_o thou_o to_o keep_v up_o faith_n under_o many_o difficulty_n but_o death_n shall_v put_v thy_o faith_n to_o the_o great_a stress_n that_o ever_o it_o do_v meet_v with_o yea_o know_v this_o that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o strong_a believer_n may_v get_v and_o ordinary_o do_v get_v a_o set_v at_o death_n the_o like_a whereof_o it_o never_o get_v before_o therefore_o prepare_v for_o death_n 2._o death_n will_v try_v thy_o love_n to_o god_n some_o person_n pretend_v much_o love_n to_o he_o but_o death_n will_v propose_v this_o question_n to_o such_o a_o person_n love_v thou_o he_o more_o than_o these_o love_v thou_o he_o more_o than_o thy_o wife_n more_o than_o thy_o house_n more_o than_o thy_o friend_n but_o your_o unwillingness_n to_o die_v give_v we_o much_o ground_n to_o fear_v that_o many_o have_v little_a love_n to_o christ_n but_o much_o to_o the_o world_n and_o so_o dare_v not_o answer_v the_o question_n lord_n thou_o know_v i_o love_v thou_o 3._o death_n will_v try_v thy_o enjoyment_n some_o of_o you_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o you_o meet_v with_o many_o enjoyment_n so_o that_o you_o may_v reckon_v as_o you_o think_v to_o forty_o enjoyment_n and_o sweet_a out_n let_n but_o beware_v that_o death_n bring_v they_o not_o down_o to_o twenty_o i_o have_v know_v some_o who_o think_v they_o have_v meet_v forty_o time_n with_o god_n but_o when_o death_n come_v it_o make_v they_o take_v down_o the_o count_n to_o the_o half_a therefore_o see_v death_n will_v try_v the_o reality_n of_o thy_o enjoyment_n o_o prepare_v for_o it_o 4._o death_n will_v try_v thy_o patience_n thou_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v much_o patience_n now_o but_o when_o death_n come_v and_o thou_o be_v put_v to_o die_v it_o will_v put_v thy_o patience_n to_o a_o great_a trial_n therefore_o prepare_v before_o it_o 5._o death_n will_v try_v the_o reality_n of_o thy_o duty_n yea_o even_o these_o duty_n wherein_o thou_o have_v most_o satisfaction_n as_o thy_o communicate_v aright_o in_o such_o a_o place_n thou_o hope_v that_o be_v sure_a thy_o read_v the_o scripture_n at_o such_o a_o time_n aright_o thou_o hope_v that_o be_v sure_a thou_o pray_v at_o such_o a_o time_n aright_o and_o hope_v that_o be_v sure_a thou_o meditate_a in_o such_o a_o place_n aright_o and_o hope_v that_o be_v sure_a but_o believe_v i_o death_n may_v make_v thou_o change_v thy_o thought_n for_o there_o be_v some_o person_n who_o have_v communicate_v and_o pray_v etc._n etc._n as_o right_a as_o any_o in_o this_o generation_n who_o for_o all_o that_o will_v not_o find_v six_o duty_n wherein_o they_o can_v find_v satisfaction_n at_o death_n therefore_o our_o need_n be_v great_a to_o prepare_v for_o it_o 6._o death_n will_v exceed_o try_v thy_o sincerity_n when_o it_o come_v a_o hypocrite_n may_v go_v all_o along_v his_o whole_a way_n undiscovered_a yet_o death_n may_v bring_v he_o to_o light_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v what_o man_n he_o it_o 7._o death_n will_v discover_v unto_o thou_o many_o hide_v and_o secret_a sin_n of_o which_o thou_o never_o have_v a_o thought_n before_o yea_o albeit_o thou_o think_v these_o have_v be_v forget_v death_n will_v let_v thou_o see_v they_o stand_v between_o thou_o and_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n 8._o death_n will_v accurate_o try_v thy_o mortification_n some_o think_v they_o have_v come_v a_o great_a length_n in_o mortification_n but_o believe_v i_o death_n will_v try_v it_o and_o put_v it_o to_o the_o touchstone_n 9_o death_n will_v try_v thy_o hope_n whether_o it_o be_v real_a or_o not_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v this_o that_o all_o the_o other_o grace_n must_v low_o their_o sail_n to_o faith_n and_o so_o it_o be_v faith_n must_v carry_v we_o through_o be_v that_o last_o triumph_v grace_n which_o must_v fit_v the_o field_n for_o we_o when_o all_o the_o other_o grace_n will_v faint_v and_o lie_v by_o it_o be_v faith_n that_o must_v enter_v we_o fair_o within_o the_o border_n of_o eternity_n it_o be_v faith_n must_v gainstand_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o death_n yea_o all_o the_o other_o grace_n must_v as_o it_o be_v stand_v by_o and_o see_v faith_n strike_v the_o last_o stroke_n in_o this_o war_n ii_o the_o second_o consideration_n to_o press_v you_o to_o mind_n death_n be_v this_o that_o you_o be_v to_o die_v but_o once_o o_o labour_n to_o do_v that_o well_o which_o you_o be_v to_o do_v but_o once_o and_o the_o wrong_n do_v of_o which_o can_v never_o be_v help_v if_o you_o pray_v not_o aright_o you_o may_v get_v that_o mend_v if_o you_o meditate_v not_o aright_o you_o may_v get_v that_o mend_v and_o if_o you_o communicate_v not_o aright_o you_o may_v get_v that_o also_o mend_v but_o alas_o if_o you_o die_v not_o aright_o there_o be_v no_o mend_n of_o that_o therefore_o o_o prepare_v for_o death_n that_o you_o may_v die_v well_o see_v you_o be_v to_o die_v but_o once_o iii_o the_o three_o consideration_n to_o press_v you_o to_o mind_n death_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v pronounce_v bless_v who_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n rev._n 14._o 13._o bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n o_o let_v that_o provoke_v you_o to_o prepare_v for_o death_n that_o so_o you_o may_v die_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o make_v you_o eternal_o happy_a i_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o question_n difficult_a to_o determine_v whether_o it_o be_v more_o difficult_a to_o die_v well_o or_o to_o live_v well_o i_o shall_v not_o answer_v it_o but_o rather_o desire_v you_o to_o study_v both_o iv._o the_o four_o consideration_n to_o press_v you_o to_o prepare_v for_o death_n be_v this_o viz._n that_o though_o thou_o put_v all_o thy_o work_n by_o thy_o hand_n before_o death_n yet_o shall_v thou_o find_v that_o death_n shall_v have_v work_n enough_o for_o itself_o yea_o as_o much_o as_o thou_o shall_v get_v do_v it_o will_v then_o be_v much_o for_o thou_o to_o win_v to_o patience_n it_o will_v be_v much_o for_o thou_o to_o win_v to_o the_o sight_n of_o thy_o justification_n and_o it_o will_v then_o be_v much_o for_o thou_o to_o win_v to_o assurance_n o_o then_o be_v it_o not_o needful_a for_o thou_o to_o put_v all_o thy_o work_n by_o thy_o hand_n before_o thy_o latter_a end_n come_v wherefore_o i_o may_v say_v to_o you_o as_o moses_n say_v in_o his_o song_n deut._n 32._o 29._o o_o that_o they_o be_v wise_a that_o they_o understand_v this_o that_o they_o will_v consider_v their_o latter_a end_n o_o that_o you_o have_v this_o piece_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n i_o pray_v you_o consider_v that_o sad_a word_n lament_v 1._o 9_o she_o remember_v not_o her_o last_o end_n and_o what_o of_o it_o therefore_o she_o come_v down_o wonderful_o so_o will_v the_o down_o come_v of_o many_o in_o this_o generation_n be_v wonderful_a who_o consider_v not_o their_o last_o end_n v._o the_o five_o consideration_n for_o press_v you_o to_o prepare_v for_o death_n be_v this_o viz._n that_o their_o
one_o day_n to_o see_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o bring_v they_o back_o again_o they_o will_v â—ot_n pursue_v after_o these_o bless_a and_o everlasting_a enjoyment_n o_o be_v not_o christ_n much_o undervalve_v by_o we_o but_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o this_o one_o woe_n â—_o past_a but_o behold_v another_o woe_n be_v fast_o come_v o_o â—he_n sâ—reighing_v of_o these_o spirit_n that_o be_v entere_v into_o their_o everlasting_a prisonhouse_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o redemption_n what_o shall_v â—e_v your_o choice_n when_o christ_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o â—louds_n i_o be_o persuade_v there_o be_v many_o â—o_z who_o at_o that_o day_n this_o doctrine_n will_v be_v â—avishing_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o death_n â—hat_n there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v â—ot_n a_o eternity_n oh_o will_v you_o believe_v that_o â—he_v sword_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v bathe_v in_o heaâ—en_n and_o shall_v come_v down_o to_o make_v a_o sacrifice_n â—ot_n in_o the_o land_n of_o idumea_n nor_o in_o the_o land_n of_o bozra_n but_o he_o be_v to_o make_v a_o sacrifice_n among_o his_o people_n who_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o â—im_n by_o sacrifice_n ah_o ah_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o â—f_n that_o argument_n be_v use_v to_o many_o that_o within_o forty_o day_n they_o shall_v be_v at_o their_o â—ong_n and_o everlasting_a home_n they_o will_v yet_o â—pend_v thirty_o nine_o of_o these_o day_n in_o take_v pleasure_n upon_o their_o lust_n i_o be_o persuade_v of_o â—his_n that_o there_o be_v many_o who_o think_v that_o the_o â—ay_n betwixt_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v but_o one_o day_n â—ourney_n they_o think_v they_o can_v believe_v in_o one_o day_n and_o triumph_v at_o night_n but_o o_o it_o shall_v â—e_v a_o short_a triumph_v that_o such_o believer_n as_o â—hese_n shall_v have_v therefore_o o_o study_n to_o close_v with_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n rest_n on_o he_o by_o faith_n delight_v yourselves_o in_o he_o with_o love_n and_o let_v your_o soul_n be_v long_v for_o the_o day_n when_o your_o â—oice_n shall_v be_v hear_v in_o heaven_n and_o o_o how_o â—weet_a shall_v it_o be_v sing_v arise_v arise_v arise_z my_o love_n my_o dove_n my_o fair_a one_o and_o come_v away_o foâ—_n behold_v your_o winter_n be_v past_a your_o everlasting_a summer_n be_v come_v and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o sing_n of_o bird_n be_v near_o when_o christ_n shall_v come_v over_o these_o mountain_n of_o bether_o he_o shall_v cry_v behold_v i_o come_v and_o the_o soul_n shall_v sweet_o answer_v come_v bless_a lord_n jesus_n come_v o_o what_o a_o life_n shall_v it_o be_v that_o with_o these_o two_o arm_n you_o shall_v eternal_o encircle_v christ_n and_o hold_v he_o in_o your_o arm_n or_o rather_o be_v encircle_v by_o he_o wait_v fâ—â—_n he_o for_o he_o shall_v come_v and_o his_o reward_n be_v with_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v once_o take_v home_o the_o weary_a traveller_n of_o hope_n sermon_n iu._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 there_o be_v two_o great_a and_o excellent_a gift_n which_o god_n in_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o boundless_a love_n have_v bestow_v on_o his_o own_o first_o there_o be_v that_o infinite_a gift_n and_o royal_a donation_n his_o own_o belove_a son_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v call_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n joh._n 4_o 10._o and_o second_o there_o be_v that_o excellent_a gift_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o his_o own_o which_o be_v also_o call_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n ephes._n 2._o 8._o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o be_v it_o not_o certain_a that_o these_o two_o gracious_a gift_n ought_v to_o engage_v ouâ—_n soul_n and_o heart_n much_o unto_o he_o infinite_a majesty_n can_v give_v no_o gift_n great_a nor_o his_o sâ—â—_n and_o infinite_a poverty_n can_v receive_v no_o â—â—her_a gift_n so_o suitable_a as_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a gift_n that_o heaven_n can_v give_v and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a advantage_n for_o earth_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o we_o can_v wish_v that_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o study_n and_o practice_n of_o man_n that_o be_v spend_v in_o pursuit_n after_o these_o low_a and_o transient_a vanity_n may_v be_v once_o take_v up_o in_o that_o precious_a pursuit_n after_o christ._n we_o can_v wish_v that_o all_o the_o question_n and_o debate_n of_o the_o time_n be_v turn_v over_o into_o that_o soul_n concern_v question_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v and_o that_o all_o the_o question_n controversy_n and_o contention_n of_o the_o time_n be_v turn_v over_o into_o that_o divine_a contention_n and_o heavenly_a debate_n who_o shall_v be_v most_o for_o christ_n who_o shall_v be_v most_o for_o exalt_v of_o the_o noble_a and_o excellent_a plant_n of_o renown_n and_o that_o all_o our_o judge_n and_o search_n of_o other_o man_n practice_n and_o estate_n may_v â—e_v turn_v over_o into_o that_o useful_a search_n â—ro_o â—rove_v and_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v in_o â—he_n faith_n or_o not_o and_o i_o will_v ask_v you_o this_o question_n what_o be_v your_o thought_n concern_v precious_a christ_n see_v he_o be_v that_o noble_a â—bject_n of_o faith_n we_o will_v only_o have_v you_o â—aking_v along_o these_o thing_n by_o which_o christ_n may_v be_v much_o commend_v to_o your_o heart_n first_o there_o be_v never_o any_o that_o with_o the_o â—yes_n of_o faith_n do_v behold_v the_o maâ—ehlesse_a beauâ—y_n and_o transcendent_a worth_n of_o that_o crucify_a â—aviour_n that_o return_v his_o enemy_n there_o be_v â—oul_a conquer_a virtue_n in_o the_o face_n of_o christ_n â—nd_v there_o be_v a_o heart_n captivate_v and_o overcome_v power_n in_o the_o beauâ—y_n of_o jesus_n christ._n â—his_fw-la first_o sight_n that_o ever_o persecute_v saul_n get_v of_o christ_n it_o bring_v he_o unto_o a_o endless_a captivity_n of_o love_n second_o there_o be_v thâ—_n that_o we_o will_v say_v of_o precious_a christ_n whicâ—_n may_v engage_v our_o soul_n unto_o he_o that_o for_o alâ—_n the_o wrong_n believer_n do_v to_o christ_n yet_o hatâ—_n he_o never_o a_o evil_a word_n of_o they_o to_o his_o fattheâ—_n but_o commend_v they_o which_o be_v clear_a froâ—_n that_o of_o joh._n 17._o 6._o where_o christ_n do_v conâ—mend_v the_o disciple_n to_o the_o father_n for_o thâ—_n grace_n of_o obedience_n they_o have_v keep_v thâ—_n word_n and_o for_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n verse_n 8_o they_o have_v believe_v that_o thou_o do_v send_v i_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o the_o disciple_n most_o defectiâ—â—_n in_o obedience_n both_o in_o this_o that_o they_o do_v noâ—â—_n take_v up_o their_o cross_n and_o follow_v christ_n and_o alâ—â—_n in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o adhere_v to_o he_o in_o thâ—_n day_n that_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o cajaphas_n hall_n and_o be_v they_o not_o most_o defective_a in_o the_o graâ—â—_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o matth._n 17._o 17._o aâ—â—_n likewise_o from_o joh._n 14._o 1._o he_o be_v press_v theâ—_n to_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o yet_o he_o do_v commeâ—â—_n they_o to_o the_o father_n as_o most_o perfect_a in_o thâ—_n thing_n three_o there_o be_v this_o that_o wâ—_n will_v last_o say_v of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o noble_a oâ—_n ject_n of_o faith_n look_v to_o the_o eminent_a depth_n christ_n condescendency_n and_o then_o you_o will_v provoke_v to_o love_v he_o be_v it_o not_o infiâ—â—â—â—_n love_v that_o make_v christ_n to_o lie_v three_o day_n in_o tâ—â—_n grave_n that_o we_o may_v be_v through_o all_o the_o agâ—_n of_o eternity_n with_o he_o be_v it_o not_o in_o fâ—â—â—â—_n condescendency_n that_o make_v his_o precious_a he_o wear_v a_o crown_n of_o thorn_n that_o we_o migâ—â—_n eternal_o wear_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n be_v not_o infinite_a condescendency_n that_o make_v chrâ—â—â—_n wear_v a_o purple_a robe_n that_o so_o we_o may_v wâ—â—_n that_o precious_a robe_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o â—he_n saint_n and_o be_v it_o not_o matchless_a condescendency_n that_o christ_n who_o know_v no_o sin_n be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o and_o like_v unto_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v become_v like_a unto_o he_o and_o be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o but_o to_o come_v to_o that_o which_o we_o intend_v mainâ—y_a to_o speak_v upon_o at_o this_o time_n which_o be_v that_o â—econd_v thing_n that_o we_o propose_v to_o speak_v of_o â—rom_o these_o word_n and_o that_o be_v concern_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o grace_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o clear_v be_v hold_v out_o in_o that_o that_o faith_n be_v call_v his_o commandment_n which_o be_v so_o â—alled_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n and_o excellency_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n which_o may_v sweet_o point_v out_o the_o