the_o gate_n of_o hell_n be_v yet_o by_o faith_n look_v upon_o as_o difficulty_n which_o can_v check_v the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o only_o magnify_v it_o for_o else_o if_o once_o we_o come_v to_o have_v jealous_a thought_n of_o the_o divine_a arm_n in_o which_o we_o trust_v or_o to_o fear_v that_o it_o may_v be_v encounter_v by_o some_o insuperable_a opposition_n the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n that_o we_o have_v of_o any_o good_a from_o the_o promise_n must_v needs_o be_v weak_a and_o uncertain_a when_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o make_v abraham_n the_o father_n of_o a_o seed_n as_o numerous_a as_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n or_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n though_o reason_n can_v not_o but_o suggest_v unto_o he_o how_o unlikely_a he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o father_n and_o sarah_n to_o be_v a_o mother_n when_o age_n have_v dry_v up_o his_o body_n and_o deaden_v the_o womb_n of_o sarah_n yet_o say_v the_o apostle_n against_o hope_n he_o believe_v in_o hope_n that_o he_o may_v become_v the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n rom._n 4._o 18._o that_o be_v when_o nature_n afford_v no_o ground_n of_o hope_n or_o encouragement_n to_o confirm_v his_o expectation_n in_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o suggest_v many_o pose_a argument_n to_o implead_v and_o gainsay_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o to_o make_v his_o faith_n as_o feeble_a as_o his_o body_n yet_o than_o he_o exercise_v the_o fullness_n of_o assurance_n in_o believe_v and_o of_o hope_n in_o expect_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o that_o god_n have_v speak_v he_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n through_o unbelief_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n be_v full_o persuade_v that_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v he_o be_v able_a also_o to_o perform_v verse_n 21_o 22._o so_o when_o afterward_o god_n call_v he_o to_o that_o signal_n trial_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o offer_n up_o of_o his_o only_a son_n and_o appoint_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o priest_n as_o well_o as_o isaac_n to_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n and_o though_o the_o stroke_n which_o abraham_n hand_n be_v stretch_v forth_o to_o give_v will_v not_o only_o have_v end_v the_o life_n of_o his_o son_n but_o have_v cut_v off_o also_o the_o promise_n at_o the_o very_a root_n because_o in_o isaac_n his_o seed_n be_v to_o be_v call_v yet_o by_o the_o same_o eye_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o before_o he_o look_v through_o a_o dead_a womb_n he_o now_o look_v through_o a_o bleed_a sword_n unto_o the_o power_n of_o god_n account_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a heb._n 11._o 19_o that_o be_v he_o believe_v that_o rather_o than_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v certain_a the_o resurrection_n of_o isaac_n shall_v be_v more_o miraculous_a than_o his_o birth_n and_o that_o god_n will_v magnify_v his_o power_n in_o raise_v he_o out_o of_o the_o ash_n of_o a_o consume_a sacrifice_n to_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_n rather_o than_o let_v one_o tittle_n of_o his_o word_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n unfulfil_v and_o thus_o shall_v every_o believer_n as_o a_o true_a child_n of_o abraham_n endeavour_n to_o do_v in_o look_v from_o themselves_o unto_o the_o power_n of_o god_n for_o the_o make_v good_a of_o any_o promise_n which_o they_o in_o prayer_n do_v earnest_o seek_v in_o faith_n do_v real_o believe_v in_o hope_n do_v patient_o wait_v for_o and_o expect_v and_o though_o difficulty_n and_o temptation_n shall_v arise_v which_o their_o reason_n can_v answer_v their_o strength_n can_v repel_v yet_o not_o to_o cast_v away_o their_o confidence_n but_o to_o cast_v themselves_o upon_o he_o who_o be_v both_o the_o strength_n and_o wisdom_n of_o his_o people_n with_o who_o thing_n that_o be_v utter_o impossible_a with_o man_n be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o easy_a for_o he_o to_o bring_v to_o pass_v and_o to_o effect_v oh_o the_o happy_a peace_n and_o serenity_n that_o a_o believer_n enjoy_v in_o every_o estate_n and_o condition_n which_o befall_v he_o that_o can_v thus_o rest_v and_o stay_v himself_o upon_o the_o promise_n and_o power_n of_o god_n no_o valley_n of_o trouble_n will_v be_v to_o he_o without_o a_o door_n of_o hope_n no_o barren_a wilderness_n without_o manna_n no_o dry_a rock_n without_o water_n no_o dungeon_n without_o light_n no_o fiery_a trial_n without_o comfort_n because_o be_v have_v the_o same_o word_n and_o the_o same_o god_n to_o trust_v unto_o who_o power_n open_v the_o sea_n as_o a_o door_n to_o be_v a_o passage_n from_o egypt_n to_o canaan_n who_o feed_v israel_n in_o the_o desert_n with_o bread_n from_o heaven_n and_o water_n from_o the_o rock_n who_o fill_v peter_n prison_n with_o a_o shine_a light_n who_o make_v the_o three_o child_n to_o walk_v to_o and_o fro_o amid_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n with_o joy_n and_o safety_n sect_n 4._o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o the_o promiser_n confirm_v faith_n three_o to_o sweeten_v the_o application_n of_o every_o promise_n exercise_v your_o thought_n and_o faith_n on_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o the_o purpose_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n to_o fulfil_v whatever_o his_o promise_n do_v declare_v the_o promise_n of_o man_n though_o they_o be_v the_o expression_n of_o a_o intend_a and_o resolve_v good_a unto_o that_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v make_v yet_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o deficiency_n from_o a_o double_a principle_n sometime_o through_o a_o want_n of_o power_n to_o give_v a_o be_v and_o existency_n unto_o what_o they_o have_v speak_v they_o prove_v rather_o the_o fruitless_a wish_n of_o a_o friend_n that_o mean_v well_o than_o the_o performance_n of_o one_o that_o have_v ability_n to_o turn_v his_o word_n into_o deed_n but_o that_o which_o most_o frequent_o make_v the_o promise_n of_o man_n to_o be_v as_o abortive_a conception_n and_o not_o as_o full_a birth_n be_v the_o mutability_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o their_o will_n whereby_o they_o be_v not_o only_o apt_a to_o recall_v and_o suspend_v the_o fulfil_n of_o what_o they_o promise_v but_o also_o to_o change_v their_o love_n into_o hatred_n and_o their_o promise_n into_o menace_n the_o tree_n that_o in_o the_o summer_n be_v much_o esteem_v and_o set_v by_o for_o the_o grateful_a shade_n which_o it_o afford_v in_o the_o cold_a winter_n be_v oft_o cut_v down_o for_o fuel_n and_o so_o the_o same_o person_n which_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o affection_n be_v make_v the_o object_n of_o many_o favour_n in_o the_o keen_a blast_n of_o jealousy_n become_v the_o subject_n of_o revenge_n and_o ruin_n but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n who_o power_n no_o let_n or_o impediment_n can_v arise_v to_o hinder_v who_o will_n no_o contingency_n or_o emergency_n can_v fall_v out_o to_o alter_v all_o his_o promise_n be_v in_o christ_n not_o yea_o and_o nay_o but_o in_o he_o yea_o and_z in_o he_o amen_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 20._o he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v 1_o sam._n 15._o 29._o he_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o change_v not_o mal._n 3._o 6._o the_o father_n of_o light_n with_o who_o there_o be_v no_o variableness_n or_o shadow_n of_o change_n jam._n 1._o 17._o and_o that_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n may_v yet_o be_v more_o abundant_o confirm_v in_o the_o immutability_n of_o god_n counsel_n he_o have_v add_v to_o his_o word_n his_o oath_n wherein_o he_o pawn_n his_o be_v life_n righteousness_n truth_n mercy_n power_n to_o perform_v all_o that_o he_o have_v speak_v that_o so_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v we_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n heb._n 6._o 17._o this_o consideration_n therefore_o of_o look_v unto_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o constant_a use_n and_o application_n of_o his_o promise_n as_o it_o serve_v to_o point_v out_o the_o wide_a difference_n between_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o man_n the_o one_o be_v as_o frail_a and_o uncertain_a as_o bubble_n no_o soon_o make_v then_o break_v like_o breath_n on_o steel_n as_o soon_o off_o as_o on_o the_o other_o like_o firm_a rock_n of_o adamant_n which_o can_v neither_o be_v break_v or_o move_v so_o also_o be_v it_o exceed_v useful_a to_o preserve_v and_o keep_v believer_n from_o be_v injurious_a to_o their_o own_o comfort_n or_o god_n honour_n who_o from_o the_o frequent_a change_n which_o they_o find_v in_o themselves_o be_v apt_a to_o apprehend_v the_o like_a to_o be_v in_o god_n they_o recedefrom_o god_n and_o then_o complain_v that_o god_n depart_v and_o withdraw_v his_o presence_n from_o they_o not_o unlike_a to_o those_o who_o in_o a_o constant_a motion_n upon_o the_o water_n move_v from_o the_o land_n and_o then_o fancy_n the_o land_n
upon_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o israelite_n that_o it_o make_v they_o idle_a exod._n 5._o 8._o and_o it_o be_v a_o wrong_n do_v to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o carnal_a libertine_n who_o make_v use_v only_o of_o they_o to_o countenance_v their_o sloth_n &_o not_o to_o quicken_v their_o obedience_n none_o that_o ever_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o have_v hold_v marriage_n vain_a or_o unnecessary_a for_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n who_o have_v yet_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o generate_v but_o immediate_o create_v and_o infuse_v by_o god_n no_o more_o can_v any_o man_n rational_o conclude_v that_o because_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v the_o declaration_n of_o his_o unchangeable_a purpose_n and_o will_n therefore_o duty_n and_o endeavour_n be_v superfluous_a to_o the_o effect_n of_o any_o good_a which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o confer_v upon_o we_o sect_n 2._o rule_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o dependency_n of_o one_o promise_v on_o another_o which_o must_v not_o be_v break_v nor_o invert_v the_o three_o rule_n or_o direction_n be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o sacred_a concatenation_n and_o dependency_n of_o one_o promise_n to_o another_o which_o may_v not_o be_v violate_v and_o a_o fix_a order_n which_o may_v not_o be_v invert_v first_o the_o mutual_a tie_n that_o be_v between_o the_o promise_n in_o the_o application_n of_o they_o must_v not_o be_v break_v as_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n be_v copulative_a and_o may_v not_o in_o the_o obedience_n that_o be_v yield_v unto_o it_o be_v disjoin_v james_n 2._o 20._o so_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o may_v not_o be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o severed_z from_o each_o other_o like_o loose_a and_o unstring_v pearl_n but_o as_o collect_v and_o make_v into_o one_o entire_a chain_n god_n have_v link_v the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o repentance_n together_o and_o no_o man_n may_v presume_v that_o god_n will_v ever_o hearken_v unto_o he_o who_o beg_v the_o one_o and_o neglect_v to_o seek_v the_o other_o when_o he_o pacify_v the_o conscience_n he_o melt_v the_o heart_n and_o work_v repentance_n as_o well_o as_o seal_v forgiveness_n so_o likewise_o have_v god_n inseparable_o knit_v grace_n and_o glory_n together_o as_o that_o none_o can_v lay_v a_o just_a claim_n to_o the_o one_o who_o be_v not_o first_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o other_o no_o man_n can_v expect_v to_o be_v a_o heir_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v not_o first_o a_o saint_n on_o earth_n holiness_n lead_v to_o happiness_n as_o the_o rivulet_n to_o the_o sea_n as_o the_o way_n to_o the_o end_n the_o one_o be_v as_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o ladder_n and_o the_o other_o as_o the_o top_n summitas_fw-la scalae_fw-la attingitur_fw-la non_fw-la volando_fw-la sed_fw-la ascendendo_fw-la say_v bernard_n glory_n which_o be_v the_o high_a round_n be_v not_o attain_v by_o fly_v but_o by_o a_o orderly_a ascend_n unto_o it_o the_o intermediate_v step_n must_v not_o be_v skip_v but_o tread_v oh_o how_o vain_a then_o be_v those_o man_n hope_n and_o how_o sinful_a be_v their_o practice_n who_o stand_v upon_o the_o battlement_n of_o hell_n and_o sport_n themselves_o with_o all_o the_o sensual_a delight_n of_o the_o flesh_n trample_v under_o their_o impure_a foot_n with_o scorn_n the_o precious_a promise_n of_o holiness_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v mould_v unto_o all_o obedience_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n stretch_v forth_o a_o hand_n of_o presumption_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o eternal_a glory_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o true_a heir_n and_o proprietary_n thereof_o but_o their_o forlorn_a condition_n which_o they_o will_v not_o see_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n they_o shall_v read_v by_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n be_v infinite_o more_o press_v down_o under_o the_o weight_n of_o god_n displeasure_n and_o endless_a despair_n than_o ever_o they_o be_v lift_v up_o with_o the_o transient_a hope_n of_o happiness_n by_o a_o carnal_a and_o ungrounded_a presumption_n second_o in_o the_o apply_v of_o the_o promise_v the_o order_n and_o method_n of_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v invert_v but_o to_o be_v observe_v the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v be_v a_o full_a store-house_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o blessing_n they_o include_v in_o they_o both_o the_o upper_a and_o the_o nether_a spring_n the_o mercy_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v there_o be_v no_o good_a that_o can_v present_v itself_o as_o a_o object_n to_o our_o desire_n or_o thought_n of_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o a_o ground_n for_o faith_n to_o believe_v and_o hope_v to_o expect_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o but_o yet_o our_o use_n and_o application_n of_o they_o must_v be_v regular_a and_o such_o as_o suit_n both_o the_o pattern_n and_o precept_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o the_o pattern_n we_o have_v in_o that_o most_o absolute_a prayer_n of_o he_o mat._n 6._o 9_o 10._o wherein_o he_o show_v what_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v desire_v by_o we_o the_o sanctification_n of_o his_o name_n in_o our_o heart_n the_o come_n of_o his_o kingdom_n into_o our_o soul_n the_o do_v of_o his_o will_n in_o our_o life_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o before_o and_o above_o our_o daily_a bread_n we_o may_v not_o be_v more_o anxious_a for_o food_n then_o for_o grace_n the_o precept_n we_o have_v in_o his_o most_o heavenly_a sermon_n mat._n 6._o 33._o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v improve_v in_o prayer_n and_o other_o duty_n primary_o for_o holiness_n and_o secondary_o for_o other_o outward_a comfort_n the_o soul_n be_v more_o worth_a than_o body_n as_o the_o body_n be_v more_o worth_a than_o the_o raiment_n and_o therefore_o the_o principal_a care_n of_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o secure_v the_o welfare_n of_o his_o soul_n by_o intere_v himself_o in_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o yet_o even_o here_o also_o a_o method_n must_v be_v observe_v and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v exact_o follow_v which_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n first_o give_v grace_n and_o then_o glory_n psal_n 84._o 11._o as_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o divide_v grace_n from_o glory_n and_o to_o seek_v the_o one_o without_o the_o other_o so_o be_v it_o also_o a_o sin_n to_o be_v preposterous_a in_o our_o seek_n to_o look_v first_o after_o happiness_n and_o then_o after_o holiness_n no_o man_n can_v right_o be_v solicitous_a about_o the_o crown_n but_o he_o must_v first_o be_v careful_a about_o the_o race_n nor_o can_v any_o be_v true_o thoughtful_a about_o his_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o glory_n that_o do_v not_o first_o make_v good_a his_o title_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n salvation_n endless_a life_n fellowship_n with_o angel_n and_o the_o firstborn_a of_o heaven_n they_o be_v as_o austin_n call_v they_o promissum_fw-la finale_fw-la the_o last_o thing_n in_o order_n that_o god_n have_v to_o give_v or_o that_o we_o have_v to_o ask_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o anticipate_v the_o order_n of_o they_o but_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o his_o own_o way_n what_o the_o apostle_n say_v concern_v the_o resurrection_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 22_o 23._o that_o in_o christ_n all_o shall_v be_v make_v alive_a but_o every_o man_n in_o his_o own_o order_n may_v be_v true_o speak_v concern_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o in_o christ_n all_o shall_v be_v fulfil_v but_o every_o promise_n in_o its_o own_o order_n sect_n 3._o rule_n 4._o meditate_v serious_o frequent_o on_o the_o promise_n the_o four_o direction_n be_v to_o meditate_v thorough_o and_o frequent_o upon_o the_o promise_n and_o to_o deal_v with_o they_o as_o the_o virgin_n mary_n do_v with_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v concern_v christ_n she_o keep_v and_o ponder_v they_o in_o her_o heart_n luk._n 2._o 19_o the_o limbeck_n do_v not_o put_v any_o virtue_n into_o the_o herb_n but_o it_o distil_v and_o extract_v whatever_o be_v efficacious_a and_o useful_a from_o they_o the_o bee_n do_v not_o derive_v any_o sweetness_n to_o the_o flower_n but_o by_o its_o industry_n it_o suck_v the_o latent_fw-la honey_n from_o it_o so_o meditation_n convey_v nothing_o of_o worth_n unto_o the_o promise_n but_o it_o draw_v forth_o the_o sweetness_n and_o discover_v the_o beauty_n of_o it_o which_o else_o without_o it_o will_v be_v little_o taste_v or_o discern_v i_o have_v sometime_o think_v that_o a_o believer_n look_v upon_o a_o promise_n be_v not_o unlike_o a_o man_n behold_v of_o the_o heaven_n in_o a_o still_a and_o serene_a evening_n who_o when_o he_o first_o cast_v up_o his_o eye_n see_v haply_o a_o star_n or_o two_o only_a
do_v not_o use_v the_o same_o thresh_a instrument_n to_o beat_v out_o the_o more_o tender_a grain_n which_o he_o do_v to_o the_o hard_a the_o cartwheel_n be_v not_o turn_v about_o upon_o the_o cummin_n but_o the_o fitches_n be_v beat_v out_o with_o a_o staff_n and_o the_o cummin_n with_o a_o rod_n isay_n 28._o 27._o second_o to_o acquaint_v such_o who_o former_a wickedness_n of_o life_n have_v be_v full_a of_o notoreity_n in_o many_o reiterated_a backslide_n from_o god_n and_o rebellion_n against_o he_o &_o yet_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o pang_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n without_o those_o extremity_n that_o usual_o be_v measure_v forth_o to_o great_a sinner_n to_o walk_v humble_o with_o their_o god_n and_o to_o make_v up_o what_o have_v be_v want_v in_o the_o intention_n of_o their_o sorrow_n in_o the_o extension_n and_o continuance_n of_o it_o often_o bring_v to_o remembrance_n the_o foulness_n of_o those_o iniquity_n which_o may_v have_v make_v far_o great_a rent_n and_o more_o ghastly_a wound_n in_o their_o conscience_n then_o ever_o they_o sustain_v have_v not_o god_n vary_v his_o wont_a way_n and_o method_n in_o which_o he_o walk_v towards_o refractorie_a and_o obstinate_a sinner_n make_v their_o agony_n and_o pain_n to_o be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o hainousenesse_n of_o their_o pollution_n they_o which_o pay_v small_a fine_n do_v common_o sit_v at_o the_o great_a rent_n and_o those_o christian_n who_o obtain_v their_o peace_n &_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n upon_o more_o easy_a and_o cheap_a term_n than_o other_o do_v and_o must_v expect_v that_o it_o will_v cost_v they_o more_o to_o preserve_v it_o and_o to_o keep_v it_o from_o suspicion_n and_o doubt_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o then_o usual_o it_o do_v those_o the_o foundation_n of_o who_o peace_n have_v be_v lay_v in_o a_o through_o and_o most_o deep_a work_n of_o humiliation_n three_o to_o antidote_n and_o relieve_v weak_a and_o tempt_v christian_n against_o their_o own_o fear_n and_o satan_n wily_a suggestion_n which_o be_v oftentimes_o mingle_v with_o those_o complaint_n which_o they_o pour_v forth_o concern_v their_o unmeetness_n to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n and_o to_o apply_v the_o salvation_n of_o christ_n unto_o themselves_o glad_o they_o will_v that_o their_o soul_n may_v be_v refresh_v with_o the_o least_o drop_n of_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o promise_n with_o which_o other_o be_v fill_v that_o they_o may_v but_o touch_v the_o garment_n of_o christ_n into_o who_o side_n and_o wound_n other_o do_v put_v their_o hand_n cry_v out_o with_o confidence_n my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n but_o alas_o they_o dare_v not_o do_v it_o what_o be_v in_o other_o a_o duty_n will_v be_v in_o they_o a_o presumption_n for_o to_o do_v what_o other_o be_v invite_v to_o do_v they_o apprehend_v they_o be_v command_v to_o forbear_v in_o regard_n they_o have_v not_o yet_o undergo_v such_o shake_n and_o battering_n by_o the_o law_n as_o they_o have_v hear_v read_v and_o know_v to_o be_v in_o other_o far_o less_a sinner_n than_o themselves_o now_o the_o ground_n of_o such_o fear_n and_o misgiving_n as_o keep_v off_o the_o soul_n from_o close_v with_o christ_n and_o his_o promise_n do_v chief_o arise_v from_o their_o hee_n more_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o humiliation_n then_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o the_o ascribe_v of_o the_o save_a property_n in_o it_o rather_o to_o the_o quantity_n then_o to_o the_o quality_n but_o all_o humiliation_n for_o sin_n be_v then_o save_v when_o true_a and_o then_o true_a when_o it_o drive_v a_o sinner_n utter_o out_o of_o himself_o and_o stir_v up_o a_o vehement_a thirst_v after_o christ_n and_o a_o settle_a resolution_n to_o cleave_v whole_o to_o he_o as_o his_o lord_n and_o saviour_n as_o his_o king_n to_o exercise_v his_o just_a sovereignty_n over_o he_o as_o his_o priest_n to_o mediate_v unto_o god_n for_o he_o and_o for_o all_o other_o step_n or_o degree_n of_o humiliation_n which_o trouble_a soul_n too_o often_o look_v upon_o as_o necessary_a and_o due_a qualification_n to_o fit_v they_o for_o their_o draw_v near_o unto_o and_o embrace_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o promise_n expect_v after_o such_o a_o number_n of_o throw_n such_o a_o measure_n height_n and_o continuance_n of_o sorrow_n to_o find_v themselves_o near_a unto_o he_o then_o before_o they_o be_v herein_o methinks_v not_o much_o unlike_o those_o foolish_a child_n who_o be_v deceive_v with_o the_o seem_a slope_v of_o the_o heaven_n do_v strong_o fancy_v that_o if_o they_o be_v but_o on_o the_o top_n of_o such_o a_o hill_n or_o such_o a_o tree_n than_o they_o may_v play_v with_o the_o sun_n put_v out_o the_o star_n with_o their_o stick_n and_o discover_v what_o kind_n of_o man_n he_o be_v that_o dwell_v in_o the_o moon_n but_o when_o they_o have_v thorough_o tire_v themselves_o in_o run_v thither_o they_o find_v the_o heaven_n to_o be_v at_o as_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o they_o and_o as_o far_o out_o of_o their_o reach_n as_o at_o first_o so_o after_o all_o their_o most_o bitter_a lamentation_n for_o sin_n they_o will_v at_o length_n find_v that_o a_o precise_a adequation_n between_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n can_v never_o be_v attain_v unto_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a sufficient_o to_o mourn_v for_o any_o one_o sin_n according_a to_o its_o just_a merit_n faciliùs_fw-la inuenies_fw-la eos_fw-la qui_fw-la innocentiam_fw-la servaverunt_fw-la quà m_fw-la qui_fw-la congruam_fw-la egerunt_fw-la poenitentiam_fw-la you_o may_v soon_o say_v bernard_n out_o of_o ambrose_n find_v those_o who_o have_v keep_v their_o innocency_n unspotted_a than_o you_o can_v find_v any_o that_o have_v bemoan_v their_o sin_n with_o a_o meet_a repentance_n chap._n x_o contain_v the_o 3_o 4_o 5_o cautionary_a rule_v for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o promise_n sect_n 1._o cau._n 3._o eye_v not_o providence_n more_o than_o promise_v the_o three_o cautionary_a direction_n be_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o observe_v &_o eye_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n above_o his_o promise_n so_o as_o to_o build_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o confidence_n upon_o they_o when_o successful_a or_o when_o cross_a and_o unpleasing_a to_o weaken_v the_o expectation_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o fulfil_n of_o any_o good_a which_o the_o promise_n as_o a_o ground_n of_o hope_n do_v hold_v forth_o unto_o we_o first_o believer_n be_v to_o be_v cautious_a of_o make_v the_o most_o successful_a providence_n the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o hope_n without_o look_v unto_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o only_a firm_a pillar_n upon_o which_o every_o believer_n may_v safe_o find_v his_o prayer_n in_o the_o seek_n and_o his_o confidence_n in_o the_o obtain_n of_o any_o good_a that_o he_o ask_v at_o god_n hand_n this_o caution_n be_v the_o more_o necessary_a in_o regard_n that_o in_o these_o time_n multitude_n of_o professor_n do_v high_o magnify_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o use_v it_o as_o the_o only_a argument_n to_o persuade_v both_o themselves_o and_o other_o that_o their_o way_n and_o person_n be_v both_o most_o please_a unto_o god_n who_o by_o a_o succession_n of_o many_o wonderful_a providence_n do_v effect_v their_o untertaking_n for_o they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o intervening_a difficulty_n but_o they_o seldom_o or_o never_o make_v any_o mention_n of_o the_o promise_n either_o as_o the_o light_n by_o which_o their_o way_n be_v direct_v or_o as_o the_o spring_n from_o whence_o their_o encouragment_n and_o comfort_n flow_v and_o arise_v yea_o oftentimes_o when_o they_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o the_o word_n and_o can_v find_v the_o least_o footstep_n in_o it_o which_o may_v allow_v or_o justify_v the_o path_n they_o walk_v in_o they_o then_o shelter_v themselves_o under_o the_o covert_n of_o providentiall_a success_n as_o that_o which_o give_v a_o fair_a testimony_n unto_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o their_o way_n but_o as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v neglect_v or_o undervalue_v by_o christian_n be_v full_a of_o deep_a and_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n so_o be_v they_o wary_o to_o be_v use_v as_o a_o single_a light_n and_o evidence_n for_o the_o put_n of_o man_n upon_o great_a undertake_n or_o to_o be_v the_o only_a cynosure_n for_o their_o direction_n and_o guidance_n in_o they_o the_o starlight_n of_o one_o single_a promise_n be_v of_o more_o use_n to_o christian_n than_o a_o constellation_n of_o many_o providence_n both_o to_o assure_v they_o in_o their_o way_n and_o to_o support_v they_o under_o any_o difficulty_n that_o they_o may_v meet_v with_o as_o may_v appear_v in_o these_o three_o particular_n first_o the_o light_n and_o evidence_n which_o arise_v from_o thâ—_n promise_n be_v far_o more_o clear_a than_o the_o light_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o more_o meet_a both_o to_o direct_v and_o comfort_v
other_o little_o consider_v that_o the_o just_a ground_n of_o god_n cause_v such_o bright_a star_n to_o set_v in_o a_o cloud_n may_v be_v to_o hide_v from_o they_o what_o may_v benefit_v they_o in_o their_o death_n who_o have_v learn_v nothing_o from_o the_o holy_a example_n of_o their_o life_n the_o obstinate_a jew_n oppose_v the_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n teach_v and_o reject_v the_o salvation_n which_o he_o offer_v unto_o they_o whilst_o he_o be_v among_o they_o and_o then_o at_o his_o death_n insult_o ask_a for_o miracle_n that_o may_v declare_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o may_v believe_v on_o he_o mat._n 26._o 42._o but_o god_n then_o make_v his_o death_n a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v for_o they_o to_o fall_v at_o who_o have_v make_v his_o life_n and_o converse_n among_o they_o to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o scorn_n both_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o the_o four_o proposition_n be_v that_o the_o judgement_n and_o estimate_n which_o believer_n and_o other_o make_v concern_v man_n spiritual_a estate_n and_o condition_n shall_v chief_o be_v ground_v upon_o their_o life_n rather_o than_o their_o death_n there_o may_v many_o accident_n fall_v out_o in_o their_o death_n which_o as_o they_o do_v not_o prejudice_v a_o believer_n salvation_n so_o neither_o shall_v they_o his_o christian_a reputation_n he_o may_v through_o a_o fever_n become_v phrenetical_a through_o melancholy_a he_o may_v be_v lumpish_a and_o heavy_a through_o temptation_n he_o may_v be_v unsettle_a through_o desertion_n he_o may_v speak_v uncomfortable_a speech_n &_o be_v afflict_v with_o despair_a thought_n his_o darkness_n may_v be_v without_o the_o least_o glimmering_n of_o light_n his_o agony_n in_o death_n without_o sense_n of_o comfort_n and_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v a_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n because_o as_o holy_a greenham_n say_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v according_a to_o that_o particular_a instant_n of_o death_n but_o according_a to_o the_o general_a course_n of_o our_o life_n not_o according_a to_o our_o deed_n in_o that_o present_a but_o according_a to_o the_o desire_n of_o our_o heart_n ever_o before_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o mistrust_v god_n mercy_n in_o death_n be_v it_o never_o so_o uncomfortable_a if_o so_o be_v it_o have_v be_v before_o seal_v in_o our_o vocation_n and_o sanctification_n it_o be_v sad_a indeed_o when_o the_o life_n and_o day_n of_o those_o do_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n determine_v and_o expire_v who_o have_v waste_v their_o time_n and_o strength_n in_o sinful_a exorbitancy_n and_o have_v be_v eat_v up_o with_o the_o care_n and_o thought_n of_o the_o world_n without_o the_o least_o mind_v of_o their_o eternal_a condition_n till_o arrest_v by_o the_o stroke_n of_o death_n and_o summon_v to_o appear_v at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o a_o provoke_v god_n but_o else_o though_o the_o close_a of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v most_o uncomfortable_a and_o full_a of_o darkness_n it_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n to_o any_o to_o change_v their_o apprehension_n and_o persuasion_n concern_v the_o welfare_n of_o their_o everlasting_a estate_n have_v beforehand_o see_v and_o know_v such_o unblameablenesse_n of_o conversation_n such_o fruit_n of_o grace_n as_o may_v clear_o evidence_n the_o uprightness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o heart_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n chap._n xvi_o what_o use_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o temporal_a promise_n the_o five_o and_o last_o query_n that_o i_o shall_v propound_v be_v what_o use_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o temporal_a promise_n such_o wherein_o preservation_n from_o outward_a evil_n the_o free_a and_o liberal_a donation_n of_o earthly_a blessing_n the_o removal_n of_o sad_a and_o heavy_a pressure_n be_v in_o particular_a promise_v and_o undertake_v for_o by_o god_n in_o his_o word_n after_o what_o manner_n be_v believer_n to_o act_n and_o exercise_v their_o faith_n upon_o they_o or_o to_o hope_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o in_o regard_n that_o they_o ofttimes_o who_o may_v best_o plead_v their_o title_n and_o interest_n in_o they_o do_v most_o of_o all_o want_n the_o fruition_n of_o such_o mercy_n they_o say_v the_o apostle_n of_o who_o the_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a wander_v about_o in_o sheepskin_n and_o goatskin_n be_v destitute_a afflict_a and_o torment_v heb._n 11._o 37_o 38._o the_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n i_o do_v not_o purpose_n to_o make_v as_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o tent_n stretch_v out_o to_o their_o utmost_a length_n or_o unnecessary_o to_o enlarge_v as_o the_o pharisee_n do_v with_o affectation_n their_o phylactery_n but_o yet_o for_o the_o more_o full_a and_o just_a solution_n of_o it_o i_o conceive_v it_o will_v not_o be_v impertinent_a to_o speak_v to_o three_o particular_n first_o to_o show_v why_o god_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v make_v the_o tenor_n of_o his_o promise_n to_o run_v so_o universal_o of_o his_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o blessing_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n when_o as_o under_o the_o gospel_n such_o kind_n of_o promise_n be_v more_o spare_o record_v and_o not_o so_o distinct_o set_v down_o second_o to_o show_v the_o various_a advantage_n and_o profit_v that_o believer_n may_v reap_v to_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n by_o look_v unto_o such_o promise_n with_o a_o eye_n of_o faith_n and_o quiet_o wait_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o they_o three_o to_o give_v rule_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o temporal_a promise_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o due_a apply_v they_o unto_o our_o particular_a exigency_n and_o condition_n sect_n 1._o why_o god_n have_v make_v such_o various_a promise_n of_o temporal_a mercy_n to_o his_o people_n under_o the_o law_n for_o the_o first_o viz._n god_n make_v unto_o his_o people_n so_o many_o distinct_a and_o redouble_a promise_n of_o temporal_a mercy_n sundry_a reason_n may_v be_v assign_v but_o i_o shall_v fix_v only_o upon_o this_o that_o such_o away_o of_o bounty_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o win_n of_o their_o observance_n unto_o such_o administration_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n as_o he_o then_o give_v they_o in_o command_n and_o require_v their_o obedience_n unto_o for_o until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n come_v as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o heb._n 9_o 10._o that_o be_v until_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o both_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o law_n and_o priesthood_n be_v to_o be_v do_v away_o by_o christ_n who_o as_o a_o more_o excellent_a priest_n offer_v up_o a_o most_o perfect_a sacrifice_n all_o thing_n be_v transact_v after_o a_o earthly_a and_o external_a manner_n the_o sanctuary_n be_v worldly_a heb._n 9_o 1._o the_o ordinance_n impose_v on_o they_o be_v carnal_a which_o stand_v in_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o divers_a wash_n heb._n 9_o 10._o now_o to_o this_o paedagogie_n of_o the_o church_n the_o promise_n of_o such_o outward_a blessing_n be_v most_o agreeable_a as_o the_o duty_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v most_o conversant_a about_o the_o outward_a man_n so_o likewise_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v the_o encouragement_n to_o move_v and_o incite_v they_o to_o a_o observance_n of_o those_o prescribe_a rite_n be_v such_o as_o do_v chief_o hold_v forth_o the_o prosperity_n and_o welfare_n of_o their_o outward_a estate_n not_o that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o people_n or_o his_o covenant_n with_o they_o do_v extend_v only_o to_o the_o care_n of_o their_o body_n or_o that_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a drift_n of_o those_o many_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v unto_o they_o this_o have_v be_v as_o peter_n martyr_n speak_v to_o have_v make_v god_n to_o have_v have_v no_o more_o regard_n to_o his_o church_n then_o shepherd_n have_v to_o their_o flock_n or_o herdsman_n to_o their_o cattle_n who_o look_v no_o further_o then_o to_o their_o thrive_a &_o well_o like_v in_o their_o pasture_n but_o as_o in_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o other_o ceremony_n of_o their_o worship_n they_o be_v train_v up_o and_o instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n towards_o god_n in_o which_o their_o heart_n and_o thought_n be_v to_o be_v employ_v so_o also_o by_o the_o temporal_a promise_n be_v ground_n lay_v of_o carry_v on_o their_o faith_n and_o hope_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o more_o glorious_a mercy_n than_o those_o which_o at_o the_o present_a they_o enjoy_v their_o manna_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o sacramental_a food_n and_o the_o water_n from_o the_o rock_n a_o sacramental_a drink_n the_o land_n of_o canaan_n a_o type_n of_o the_o true_a and_o heavenly_a rest_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v which_o by_o he_o who_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o shadow_n they_o may_v expect_v true_a it_o be_v that_o both_o the_o precept_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o their_o reward_n be_v more_o
on_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n for_o as_o faith_n be_v true_o the_o life_n and_o guide_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o the_o word_n be_v the_o ground_n life_n and_o guide_n of_o our_o faith_n now_o the_o argument_n that_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o be_v brief_o three_o first_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v that_o life_n which_o above_o all_o other_o god_n will_v have_v believer_n to_o live_v and_o this_o appear_v by_o the_o distance_n that_o god_n have_v put_v between_o his_o promise_n and_o his_o performance_n make_v their_o whole_a life_n to_o be_v rather_o a_o life_n of_o hope_n then_o of_o enjoyment_n and_o the_o good_a thing_n that_o he_o give_v to_o relate_v more_o to_o the_o future_a then_o to_o the_o present_a time_n god_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o open_v a_o door_n of_o hope_n to_o fall_v man_n in_o that_o first_o gospel-promise_n which_o he_o himself_o proclaim_v gen._n 3._o 15._o that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n but_o how_o many_o generation_n pass_v away_o before_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n come_v in_o which_o he_o send_v forth_o his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n he_o have_v promise_v to_o believer_n that_o they_o shall_v tread_v down_o the_o wicked_a and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v ash_n under_o the_o sole_n of_o their_o foot_n mal._n 4._o 3._o but_o yet_o he_o have_v make_v their_o warfare_n to_o be_v as_o long_o as_o their_o life_n he_o have_v promise_v a_o glorious_a resurrection_n of_o their_o body_n out_o of_o the_o grave_n and_o yet_o for_o how_o many_o thousand_o year_n have_v his_o saint_n lie_v dissolve_v in_o their_o dust_n as_o if_o they_o do_v seem_v to_o be_v altogether_o forget_v by_o he_o now_o to_o what_o end_n have_v god_n set_v such_o long_a period_n of_o time_n between_o the_o make_n and_o the_o accomplish_n of_o his_o promise_n but_o only_o that_o he_o will_v have_v the_o heir_n of_o they_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n yea_o and_o to_o die_v in_o faith_n by_o rest_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o every_o mercy_n which_o he_o have_v undertake_v for_o in_o his_o promise_n and_o indeed_o this_o glory_n which_o believer_n give_v to_o god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o faith_n upon_o his_o word_n be_v far_o great_a and_o more_o noble_a than_o all_o that_o glory_n which_o the_o whole_a universe_n of_o creature_n do_v yield_v unto_o he_o they_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o goodness_n in_o their_o be_v and_o in_o the_o comfort_n of_o it_o derive_v unto_o they_o by_o he_o but_o who_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n in_o his_o promise_n but_o a_o believer_n who_o be_v it_o that_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n rom._n 5._o 2._o but_o a_o believer_n who_o glory_v in_o tribulation_n but_o a_o believer_n who_o be_v it_o that_o let_v not_o his_o confidence_n die_v when_o his_o life_n expire_v but_o a_o believer_n my_o flesh_n and_o my_o heart_n fail_v say_v david_n but_o god_n be_v the_o rock_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o my_o portion_n for_o ever_o psal_n 73._o 26._o second_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v of_o all_o estate_n the_o most_o content_a and_o of_o all_o live_v the_o full_a of_o real_a sweetness_n and_o delight_n first_o it_o be_v the_o most_o content_a life_n true_a contentment_n be_v the_o inseparable_a companion_n of_o true_a faith_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 6._o a_o believer_n be_v the_o only_a person_n that_o be_v instruct_v in_o this_o sacred_a mystery_n phil._n 4._o 13._o the_o thing_n that_o other_o want_v he_o desire_v not_o riches_n which_o other_o covet_v with_o the_o strain_n of_o their_o conscience_n he_o throw_v away_o as_o snare_n pleasure_n which_o other_o drink_v down_o with_o a_o thirst_n unsatisfied_a he_o out_o of_o choice_n spare_o sip_v of_o or_o else_o refuse_v so_o much_o as_o to_o taste_v honour_n that_o other_o value_v themselves_o by_o he_o look_v upon_o as_o fancy_n and_o not_o reality_n as_o plato_n tell_v the_o musician_n that_o a_o philosopher_n can_v dine_v and_o eat_v his_o meat_n without_o they_o so_o a_o believer_n can_v live_v happy_o without_o the_o have_v of_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o this_o be_v because_o by_o faith_n he_o live_v above_o they_o and_o enjoy_v more_o high_a and_o noble_a delight_n in_o the_o very_a expectation_n and_o hope_n of_o that_o blessedness_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v than_o any_o other_o can_v have_v from_o the_o fruition_n of_o a_o earthly_a paradise_n or_o of_o the_o whole_a world_n itself_o if_o turn_v and_o change_v into_o a_o eden_n second_o of_o all_o life_n the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o sweet_a the_o delicacy_n that_o faith_n feed_v upon_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o any_o stagnant_a and_o impure_a pit_n or_o cistern_n but_o from_o the_o fountain_n and_o well_o of_o life_n it_o suck_v the_o breast_n of_o consolation_n isay_n 66._o 11._o it_o live_v upon_o the_o free_a favour_n of_o god_n which_o be_v better_o than_o life_n itself_o psal_n 63._o 3._o it_o have_v christ_n himself_o for_o nutriment_n who_o flesh_n be_v meat_n indeed_o who_o blood_n be_v drink_v indeed_o john_n 6._o 55._o all_o which_o be_v food_n the_o world_n know_v not_o of_o it_o never_o understand_v their_o preciousness_n or_o taste_v their_o sweetness_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o repast_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o refreshment_n of_o the_o world_n than_o there_o be_v between_o the_o physic_n of_o the_o galenist_n &_o paracelsian_n the_o one_o give_v it_o in_o the_o drug_n and_o the_o other_o as_o they_o boast_v in_o the_o quintessence_n and_o spirit_n extract_v from_o that_o phlegm_n and_o earthymatter_v that_o dead_v &_o allay_v their_o efficacy_n all_o the_o comfort_n of_o faith_n have_v in_o they_o a_o native_a purity_n and_o spiritualnesse_n and_o need_v not_o the_o help_n of_o artist_n to_o refine_v they_o such_o they_o be_v as_o that_o angel_n themselves_o have_v neither_o better_o nor_o high_o to_o live_v upon_o how_o injurious_a then_o be_v believer_n to_o their_o own_o happiness_n while_o they_o neglect_v the_o live_n by_o faith_n and_o gaze_v rather_o upon_o these_o dainty_n with_o their_o eye_n then_o feed_v upon_o they_o with_o their_o mouth_n how_o great_o do_v they_o live_v below_o themselves_o while_o they_o take_v up_o with_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o put_v not_o forth_o this_o divine_a grace_n of_o faith_n which_o can_v fetch_v every_o good_a thing_n out_o of_o heaven_n what_o dishonour_n do_v they_o cast_v on_o the_o precious_a promise_n while_o like_o the_o lustful_a israelite_n they_o slight_a this_o manna_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o dry_a food_n o_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o excellency_n in_o the_o promise_n be_v persuade_v you_o that_o be_v the_o belove_a one_o of_o god_n to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o exercise_v it_o in_o a_o improvement_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o use_n of_o which_o make_v you_o more_o rich_a and_o bless_a then_o the_o have_v of_o they_o three_o to_o move_v believer_n to_o act_v faith_n upon_o the_o promise_n i_o shall_v add_v this_o argument_n that_o their_o labour_n and_o expectation_n will_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a faith_n in_o the_o promise_n be_v like_o the_o bow_n of_o jonathan_n and_o the_o sword_n of_o saul_n which_o never_o return_v empty_a 2_o sam._n 1._o 22._o it_o always_o find_v what_o it_o seek_v and_o enjoy_v what_o it_o desire_v he_o that_o believe_v shall_v never_o be_v confound_v 1_o pet._n 2._o 6._o that_o be_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v disappoint_v or_o break_v in_o his_o purpose_n or_o hope_n if_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o good_a security_n to_o rest_n and_o build_v upon_o what_o be_v what_o bond_n can_v be_v so_o firm_a as_o his_o word_n who_o can_v lie_v tit._n 1._o 9_o what_o pledge_n can_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o the_o inheritance_n of_o believer_n be_v seal_v unto_o they_o ephes_n 1._o 14._o if_o these_o foundation_n fail_v than_o we_o may_v well_o say_v with_o the_o prophet_n what_o can_v the_o righteous_a do_v but_o soon_o shall_v the_o rock_n be_v break_v into_o bit_n and_o throw_v as_o pebble_n and_o cockleshell_n upon_o the_o shore_n by_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o wave_n soon_o shall_v the_o mountain_n that_o god_n have_v set_v fast_o by_o his_o strength_n psal_n 65._o 6._o be_v over-turned_n by_o the_o breath_n of_o tempestuous_a wind_n than_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o immutable_a power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o never-failing_a goodness_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o least_o iota_fw-la make_v void_a
and_o of_o no_o effect_n for_o beside_o the_o infallibility_n of_o god_n word_n which_o may_v abundant_o confirm_v unto_o believer_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o goodness_n also_o and_o mercy_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o another_o sacred_a anchor_n for_o their_o faith_n and_o confidence_n to_o rest_v upon_o if_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o promise_n it_o be_v serious_o think_v on_o in_o two_o particular_n first_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o real_a purchase_n of_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n and_o must_v therefore_o be_v certain_o make_v good_a or_o else_o he_o must_v be_v a_o loser_n in_o all_o his_o suffering_n if_o he_o like_v jonathan_n 1_o sam._n 18._o 4._o shall_v strip_v himself_o not_o only_o of_o his_o robe_n but_o of_o his_o life_n that_o he_o may_v express_v his_o love_n to_o distress_a and_o undo_v person_n with_o who_o god_n be_v angry_a and_o displease_v and_o yet_o they_o receive_v no_o advantage_n or_o fruit_n by_o it_o will_v not_o all_o these_o condescension_n of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n be_v in_o vain_a if_o he_o shall_v drink_v of_o that_o brook_n and_o torrent_n of_o curse_n that_o be_v in_o the_o way_n between_o salvation_n and_o sinner_n and_o yet_o the_o passage_n to_o the_o heavenly_a canaan_n be_v no_o more_o open_a than_o it_o be_v before_o shall_v not_o christ_n be_v a_o great_a loser_n than_o sinner_n themselves_o they_o it_o be_v true_a lose_v their_o soul_n each_o of_o which_o be_v of_o more_o value_n than_o so_o many_o world_n but_o christ_n must_v lose_v the_o revenue_n of_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v far_o more_o precious_a than_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n how_o will_v sin_n exult_v and_o triumph_v if_o it_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o say_v there_o be_v a_o pardon_n covenant_v for_o to_o be_v give_v such_o a_o person_n but_o i_o have_v hinder_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o how_o will_v satan_n reproach_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o can_v be_v able_a to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v destroy_v one_o soul_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v yea_o how_o shall_v paul_n or_o any_o other_o believer_n be_v able_a to_o throw_v forth_o their_o gauntlet_n and_o to_o challenge_v all_o the_o enemy_n of_o salvation_n to_o do_v their_o worst_a rom._n 8._o 31._o if_o any_o of_o they_o can_v make_v a_o separation_n between_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o how_o quick_o will_v tribulation_n persecution_n famine_n nakedness_n say_v we_o will_v make_v you_o miserable_a how_o soon_o will_v peril_n and_o the_o sword_n reply_n we_o will_v conquer_v you_o how_o confident_o woo_a principality_n and_o power_n say_v we_o will_v pluck_v you_o out_o of_o christ_n hand_n but_o for_o ever_o bless_v be_v his_o name_n there_o be_v none_o among_o the_o whole_a host_n of_o enemy_n that_o dare_v revile_v the_o confidence_n of_o a_o believer_n or_o say_v as_o that_o uncircumcised_a philistine_n to_o david_n 1_o sam._n 17._o 44._o i_o will_v give_v thy_o flesh_n to_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n or_o to_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n there_o be_v none_o that_o dare_v presume_v to_o say_v that_o they_o can_v make_v void_a the_o least_o mercy_n which_o the_o promise_n do_v hold_v forth_o to_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o christ_n love_n and_o the_o purchase_n of_o his_o blood_n let_v therefore_o believer_n lift_v up_o the_o hand_n which_o hang_v down_o and_o put_v forth_o the_o strength_n of_o faith_n in_o renew_a act_n of_o confidence_n upon_o the_o promise_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o themselves_o of_o this_o truth_n that_o they_o can_v no_o more_o be_v disappoint_v of_o their_o hope_n than_o christ_n can_v be_v disappoint_v of_o his_o purchase_n second_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o most_o prevail_a intercession_n of_o christ_n who_o now_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n in_o glory_n when_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n he_o purchase_v by_o the_o price_n of_o his_o blood_n all_o that_o mass_n of_o treasure_n and_o riches_n both_o of_o grace_n and_o glory_n that_o be_v inventory_v in_o the_o promise_n and_o by_o his_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n on_o the_o cross_n bequeath_v they_o to_o believer_n but_o all_o this_o which_o be_v transact_v here_o below_o be_v only_o as_o divine_n usual_o term_v it_o medium_n impetrationis_fw-la the_o mean_n of_o procurement_n or_o obtain_v it_o for_o believer_n the_o medium_n applicationis_fw-la the_o mean_n of_o apply_v all_o this_o unto_o they_o be_v as_o his_o resurrection_n and_o intercession_n his_o resurrection_n that_o declare_v his_o conquest_n over_o death_n his_o intercession_n that_o show_v his_o favour_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o they_o be_v both_o as_o necessary_a to_o make_v his_o satisfaction_n of_o force_n unto_o believer_n as_o the_o image_n or_o stamp_n of_o the_o prince_n be_v to_o make_v the_o coin_n currant_n though_o it_o neither_o add_v weight_n or_o value_n to_o the_o substance_n he_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v make_v perfect_a become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n unto_o all_o that_o obey_v he_o heb._n 5._o 9_o now_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o scripture_n with_o all_o the_o advantage_n that_o may_v be_v that_o thereby_o believer_n may_v be_v secure_v of_o their_o interest_n and_o title_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v we_o have_v a_o great_a high_a priest_n that_o be_v pass_v into_o the_o heaven_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n let_v we_o therefore_o hold_v fast_o our_o profession_n heb._n 4._o 14._o first_o he_o be_v a_o great_a high_a priest_n great_a than_o all_o that_o be_v before_o he_o both_o in_o power_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n second_o he_o be_v pass_v into_o the_o heaven_n a_o sanctuary_n which_o no_o other_o priest_n can_v ever_o enter_v into_o or_o sit_v down_o in_o all_o their_o sacrifice_n be_v imperfect_a and_o therefore_o to_o be_v daily_o renew_v by_o they_o three_o he_o be_v jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n more_o near_o in_o alliance_n unto_o he_o than_o angel_n or_o man_n and_o therefore_o most_o sure_a to_o prevail_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o whatever_o he_o ask_v or_o require_v of_o he_o when_o he_o therefore_o who_o be_v the_o only_a favourite_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o believer_n advocate_n and_o do_v continual_o solicit_v god_n to_o fulfil_v his_o covenant_n make_v with_o he_o and_o his_o people_n prayer_n make_v unto_o he_o what_o ground_n can_v therebe_n for_o jealousy_n and_o distrust_n in_o a_o believer_n heart_n what_o rational_a impediment_n can_v there_o be_v imagine_v to_o hinder_v or_o weaken_v the_o confidence_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o full_o remove_v and_o take_v away_o be_v your_o prayer_n taint_v with_o the_o corruption_n and_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n he_o perfume_v they_o with_o the_o sweet_a odour_n of_o his_o intercession_n rev._n 8._o 3._o be_v your_o sin_n multiply_v and_o renew_v daily_o so_o be_v the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v his_o only_a work_n in_o heaven_n to_o intercede_v for_o sinner_n heb._n 7._o 25._o be_v your_o person_n vile_a and_o such_o which_o you_o fear_v god_n will_v not_o accept_v christ_n who_o be_v your_o high_a priest_n be_v holy_a harmless_a and_o separate_v from_o sinner_n heb._n 7._o 26._o he_o have_v in_o his_o person_n a_o fullness_n of_o all_o perfection_n which_o may_v assure_v every_o believer_n that_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o plead_v that_o the_o request_n which_o he_o make_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n name_n shall_v not_o be_v like_o arrow_n shoot_v at_o the_o sun_n which_o never_o reach_v it_o or_o come_v near_o to_o it_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v pierce_v the_o heaven_n and_o be_v of_o such_o power_n and_o prevalency_n with_o god_n as_o that_o what_o they_o seek_v he_o will_v grant_v and_o the_o promise_n which_o they_o plead_v in_o faith_n he_o will_v perform_v and_o make_v good_a in_o truth_n wherefore_o let_v i_o again_o commend_v unto_o believer_n the_o great_a duty_n of_o exercise_v faith_n on_o he_o promise_v of_o christ_n which_o can_v but_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o strong_a and_o inseparable_a consolation_n when_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o those_o great_a thing_n which_o be_v both_o the_o purchase_n of_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o most_o powerful_a intercession_n and_o now_o as_o mariner_n who_o when_o they_o come_v nigh_o the_o port_n roll_v up_o their_o sail_n which_o be_v before_o spread_v they_o be_v not_o useful_a in_o the_o harbour_n that_o be_v before_o most_o necessary_a on_o the_o sea_n so_o must_v i_o be_v arrive_v at_o that_o point_n which_o be_v the_o utmost_a boundary_a of_o my_o thought_n and_o intention_n draw_v towards_o a_o conclusion_n and_o wind_v up_o this_o