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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
ground_n believe_v faith_n object_n 1,927 5 8.5671 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
B03501 The mystery of faith opened up: or Some sermons concerning faith (two where of were not formerly printed.) Wherein the nature, excellency, and usefulness of that noble grace is much cleared, and the practice thereof most powerfully pressed. Whereunto are added other three sermons, two concerning the great salvation, one of these not formerly printed, and a third concerning death. / By that pious and worthy servant of Jesus Christ, Mr. Andrew Gray, late minister of the Gospel in Glasgow. All these sermons being now carefully revised, and much corrected. Gray, Andrew, 1633-1656.; Traill, Robert, 1642-1716.; Stirling, John, b. 1621? 1668 (1668) Wing G1616; ESTC R177630 121,416 225

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can_v have_v no_o other_o foundation_n it_o will_v build_v itself_o upon_o humility_n and_o a_o christian_a will_v grow_v 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 to_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 63.8_o my_o soul_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 of_o this_o that_o his_o soul_n do_v follow_v after_o god_n but_o of_o the_o measure_n of_o that_o pursuit_n my_o soul_n follow_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 carry_v he_o nor_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o keep_v he_o from_o fall_v 3._o you_o be_v not_o to_o build_v your_o faith_n upon_o your_o work_n and_o upon_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n i_o need_v not_o stand_v long_o to_o refute_v that_o practical_a popery_n that_o be_v among_o we_o that_o think_v we_o can_v go_v to_o heaven_n through_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n i_o tell_v you_o not_o long_o since_o what_o your_o go_v to_o heaven_n through_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n speak_v even_o this_o horrible_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 sinner_n for_o if_o you_o can_v go_v to_o heaven_n without_o he_o be_v not_o then_o christ_n crucify_v in_o vain_a and_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o now_o that_o this_o speak_v out_o your_o damnable_a ignorance_n of_o the_o weakness_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o your_o own_o heart_n o_o you_o that_o be_v so_o great_a defender_n of_o salvation_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n i_o beseech_v you_o what_o be_v the_o reason_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 that_o think_v they_o will_v go_v to_o heaven_n this_o way_n but_o 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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 to_o christ_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o covenant_n notwithstanding_o 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 that_o covenant_n that_o god_n make_v with_o noah_n that_o 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and_o after_o they_o be_v enlighten_v they_o endure_v a_o great_a fight_n of_o affliction_n for_o the_o word_n that_o be_v there_o render_v affliction_n signify_v inward_a trouble_n through_o the_o motion_n of_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o outward_a affliction_n gal._n 5.24_o and_o god_n use_v to_o dispense_v this_o way_n to_o his_o own_o not_o only_o to_o take_v trial_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o your_o close_n with_o he_o but_o to_o make_v our_o faith_n more_o steadfast_a and_o sure_a and_o no_o doubt_n if_o we_o close_v not_o absolute_o with_o christ_n when_o under_o these_o temptation_n and_o trial_n we_o will_v reject_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 christian_a to_o close_o with_o christ_n without_o reservation_n see_v he_o do_v dispense_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o may_v tend_v to_o our_o advantage_n and_o we_o will_v say_v to_o such_o as_o be_v 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ourselves_o upon_o the_o bed_n of_o security_n as_o the_o door_n upon_o the_o 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_z as_o if_o we_o be_v diligent_a our_o soul_n shall_v be_v make_v fat_a and_o rich_a yea_o sloathfulness_n do_v not_o only_o imp_v assurance_n of_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 5.2_o but_o also_o it_o make_v our_o poverty_n come_v on_o we_o as_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_v the_o 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 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the_o instrument_n of_o justification_n as_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o passive_a sense_n &_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 justifi_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 closs_v by_o faith_n with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n &_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o natural_a &_o indispensible_a connexion_n between_o these_o two_o but_o only_o there_o be_v a_o connexion_n of_o divine_a appointment_n &_o of_o free_a grace_n though_o we_o once_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 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temporary_a faith_n it_o close_v with_o christ_n as_o a_o saviour_n and_o for_o righteousness_n but_o it_o close_v not_o with_o christ_n as_o a_o prince_n and_o for_o sanctification_n but_o justify_v faith_n take_v christ_n as_o well_o for_o a_o prince_n as_o it_o take_v he_o for_o a_o saviour_n and_o if_o solomon_n do_v discern_v who_o be_v the_o true_a mother_n of_o the_o child_n by_o that_o that_o she_o who_o will_v have_v have_v the_o child_n divide_v be_v not_o the_o mother_n of_o the_o child_n so_o we_o may_v say_v that_o they_o who_o will_v divide_v christ_n in_o his_o office_n it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v not_o among_o those_o who_o be_v actual_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o adoption_n of_o child_n there_o be_v some_o what_o of_o this_o point_a at_o in_o john_n 6.66_o where_o that_o which_o make_v many_o who_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o do_v once_o believe_v desert_n he_o be_v because_o of_o the_o hardness_n of_o his_o command_n this_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n who_o can_v hear_v it_o and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o take_v christ_n as_o a_o prince_n then_o as_o a_o saviour_n for_o by_o that_o he_o must_v make_v a_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o himself_o over_o to_o christ_n never_o to_o be_v reduce_v o_o when_o see_v you_o such_o a_o sight_n of_o christ_n that_o you_o be_v constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o without_o a_o compliment_n to_o he_o true_o i_o be_o thy_o servant_n i_o be_o thy_o servant_n o_o be_v you_o never_o ravish_v with_o one_o of_o his_o eye_n nor_o overtake_v with_o one_o chain_n of_o his_o neck_n believe_v i_o they_o who_o see_v he_o thus_o do_v believe_v that_o his_o command_n be_v grievous_a iii_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n that_o temporary_a faith_n be_v attain_v unto_o without_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o law_n but_o justify_v faith_n be_v not_o attain_v to_o without_o some_o measure_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o law_n this_o be_v clear_a mark_v 4.5_o 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will_v only_o say_v these_o two_o thing_n to_o you_o be_v persuade_v of_o this_o that_o hypocrisy_n may_v be_v soon_o with_o a_o very_a small_a thread_n so_o that_o the_o most_o discern_a christian_a can_v take_v up_o that_o desperate_a enmity_n that_o be_v in_o they_o how_o long_o do_v judas_n lurk_v under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o saint_n even_o with_o those_o that_o be_v most_o discern_v and_o there_o be_v this_o that_o we_o will_v say_v 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 hypocrite_n in_o zion_n shall_v have_v the_o bitter_a cup_n of_o divine_a indignation_n present_v unto_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n when_o he_o
betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o believer_n faith_n be_v indeed_o a_o unite_n grace_n and_o that_o which_o knit_v the_o member_n to_o the_o head_n and_o to_o make_v this_o more_o full_o appear_v we_o will_v point_v out_o a_o little_a what_o a_o sweet_a harmony_n and_o correspondency_n there_o be_v betwixt_o these_o two_o sister-grace_n to_o wit_n faith_n and_o love_n faith_n be_v that_o nail_n which_o fasten_v the_o soul_n to_o christ_n and_o love_n be_v that_o grace_n which_o drive_v that_o nail_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 in_o and_o make_v the_o soul_n take_v a_o more_o sure_a grip_n of_o he_o second_o you_o may_v see_v their_o harmony_n in_o this_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n which_o take_v hold_v as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o garment_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o word_n but_o love_n that_o ambitious_a grace_n it_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o heart_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o it_o be_v his_o heart_n do_v melt_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o love_n three_o it_o may_v be_v see_v in_o this_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n which_o draw_v the_o first_o draught_n of_o the_o likeness_n and_o image_n of_o 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 first_o draught_n and_o these_o imperfect_a lineament_n of_o christ_n image_n which_o be_v first_o draw_v on_o the_o soul_n four_o by_o faith_n and_o love_n the_o heart_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o believer_n be_v so_o unite_v 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 exercise_v on_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v in_o discover_v the_o matchless_a excellency_n and_o the_o transcendent_a property_n of_o jesus_n christ_n o_o what_o large_a and_o precious_a commentary_n do_v faith_n make_v upon_o christ_n it_o be_v indeed_o that_o faithful_a spy_n which_o do_v always_o bring_v up_o a_o good_a report_n of_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o faith_n be_v call_v understanding_n coloss_n 2.2_o because_o it_o be_v 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 of_o faith_n exercise_v itself_o upon_o christ_n viz._n it_o make_v christ_n precious_a to_o the_o soul_n according_a to_o that_o word_n 1._o pet._n 2.7_o unto_o you_o which_o believe_v he_o be_v precious_a and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o thing_n to_o speak_v forth_o its_o worth_n but_o that_o it_o be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a for_o no_o doubt_n this_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o high_a house_n to_o be_v dwell_v on_o the_o contemplation_n of_o christ_n beauty_n and_o to_o have_v their_o soul_n transport_v with_o love_n towards_o he_o and_o with_o joy_n in_o he_o 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 love_v all_o these_o act_n because_o they_o come_v from_o christ_n 2._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 be_v that_o grace_n which_o be_v most_o my_o sterious_a and_o sublime_a in_o its_o act_n it_o have_v a_o more_o divine_a and_o sublime_a way_n of_o act_v then_o any_o other_o grace_n hence_o it_o be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n which_o speak_v this_o that_o the_o act_n of_o faith_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 of_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 not_o by_o the_o low_a dictate_v of_o sense_n and_o reason_n but_o by_o a_o high_a rule_n to_o wit_n the_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n which_o be_v clear_a from_o rom._n 4.19_o where_o abraham_n believe_v the_o promise_n notwithstanding_o that_o sense_n and_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 faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o it_o be_v cle●…_n from_o heb._n 11.29.30_o where_o faith_n believe_v their_o pass_n through_o the_o red_a sea_n upon_o dry_a ground_n which_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n i'faith_o be_v lieve_v the_o fall_n down_o of_o the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n b●_n 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 of_o ten-times_o cry_v out_o all_o man_n be_v liar_n and_o reaso●_n will_v say_v how_o can_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v and_o yet_o that_o he_o roick_a grace_n of_o faith_n cry_v out_o have_v he_o spoke●_n it_o he_o will_v also_o do_v it_o have_v he_o say_v it_o then_o 〈◊〉_d 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 ki●…_n he_o and_o no_o doubt_n but_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n o●_n 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 go●_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_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o promise_n this_o be_v clea●_n 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 do_v depend_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n yet_o he_o believe_v that_o the_o promise_n shall_v be_v perform_v and_o though_o there_o be_v indeed_o extrordinary_a and_o strange_a trial_n of_o his_o faith_n as_o he_o have_v natural_a affection_n to_o wrestle_v with_o yet_o over_o the_o belly_n of_o all_o these_o believe_v abraham_n he_o give_v faith_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o bring_v his_o son_n isaac_n to_o the_o altar_n though_o he_o do_v receive_v he_o back_o again_o this_o be_v clear_a from_o heb._n 11.17.18.19_o 4._o faith_n can_v exercise_v itself_o upon_o the_o promise_n notwithstanding_o that_o callenge_v and_o conviction_n of_o unworthiness_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 23.5_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 65.3_o iniquity_n prevail_v against_o i_o and_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o interrupt_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 it_o 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 both_o to_o crucify_v our_o idol_n and_o to_o answer_v those_o 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 clear_a from_o isa_n 64.6.7_o compare_v with_o ver_fw-la 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 thou_o be_v our_o father_n there_o be_v a_o emphasis_n in_o the_o 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 5.8_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 〈◊〉_d i_o pose_v the_o great_a part_n of_o you_o who_o be_v here_o wh●ther_n or_o not_o these_o be_v two_o of_o the_o great_a parado●…_n and_o mystery_n unto_o you_o for_o be_v not_o this_o a_o m●stery_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 a●…_n unseen_a christ_n be_v a_o mystery_n to_o the_o most_o part_n of_o th●_n world_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o mystery_n to_o believe_v on_o his_o who_o we_o never_o see_v in_o who_o though_o you_o see_v hi●_n not_o yet_o believe_v and_o i_o shall_v add_v this_o that_o fai●…_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 〈◊〉_d hypocrite_n and_o not_o acknowledge_v we_o this_o be_v clear_a be_v the_o practice_n of_o job_n and_o most_o clear_a from_o th●_n word_n isai_n 63.16_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 isra●…_n acknowledge_v we_o not_o iii_o three_o this_o point_v out_o the_o excellence_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n that_o faith_n when_o it_o be_v i●_n exercise_n be_v that_o grace_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a dot●_n attain_v unto_o most_o sensible_a enjoyment_n there_o be_v great_a question_n that_o be_v much_o debate_v among●…_n christian_n what_o be_v the_o way_n to_o win_v to_o this_o happy_a length_n to_o be_v always_o under_o the_o sweet_a and_o refresh_a influence_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o have_v his_o dew_n always_o come_v down_o upon_o our_o branch_n i_o can_v give_v 〈◊〉_d answer_n to_o it_o but_o this_o be_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n 〈◊〉_d faith_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o that_o notion_n and_o name_n pu●_n upon_o faith_n isai_n 45.22_o it_o be_v call_v a_o look_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o most_o sensible_a act_n if_o you_o will_v know_v a_o description_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v this_o the_o divin●_n contemplation_n of_o the_o immortal_a soul_n upon_o that_o divin●_n excellent_a and_o precious_a object_n jesus_n christ_n for_o god_n never_o make_v faith_n a_o liar_n and_o therefore_o its_o eye_n be_v never_o off_o he_o that_o be_v the_o noble_a object_n of_o faith_n jesus_n christ_n manifest_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v clear_a eph._n 1.13_o after_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o preach_v out_o the_o excellent_a enjoyment_n these_o have_v after_o their_o close_n with_o christ_n who_o be_v invisible_a our_o faith_n be_v call_v a_o see_v which_o speak_v out_o this_o that_o faith_n sight_n of_o god_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o if_o it_o do_v behold_v he_o with_o our_o eye_n as_o be_v clear_a heb._n 11.27_o moses_n see_v he_o by_o faith_n who_o be_v invisible_a and_o we_o conceive_v that_o the_o ground_n which_o make_v the_o most_o part_n of_o we_o have_v such_o complaint_n how_o long_o will_v thou_o forget_v we_o for_o ever_o it_o be_v this_o the_o want_n of_o the_o spiritual_a exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v there_o not_o some_o here_o who_o may_v cry_v out_o it_o be_v more_o than_o thirty_o day_n since_o i_o do_v behold_v the_o king_n yea_o there_o be_v some_o who_o go_v a_o great_a length_n and_o cry_v out_o i_o have_v live_v these_o two_o year_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o i_o have_v not_o see_v the_o king_n face_n yea_o there_o be_v some_o here_o who_o complaint_n may_v go_v a_o little_a high_o and_o cry_v forth_o these_o three_o year_n and_o six-moneth_n it_o have_v not_o rain_v on_o i_o but_o the_o cloud_n have_v be_v restrain_v and_o bind_v up_o and_o the_o heaven_n have_v become_v brass_n and_o will_v you_o know_v the_o rise_n of_o these_o complaint_n it_o be_v this_o you_o be_v not_o much_o in_o the_o spiritual_a exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o you_o i_o will_v only_o say_v these_o two_o word_n first_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o persuade_v a_o reprobate_n that_o he_o be_v defective_a in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o in_o his_o love_n to_o god_n then_o to_o persuade_v some_o such_o that_o they_o be_v want_v to_o god_n in_o their_o say_v for_o they_o hold_v fast_o that_o piece_n of_o desperate_a iniquity_n till_o they_o die_v second_o we_o will_v say_v to_o those_o of_o you_o wh●_n have_v the_o valley_n of_o anchor_n for_o a_o door_n of_o hope_n an●_n have_v taste_v of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o christ_n some_o 〈◊〉_d you_o will_v be_v less_o convince_v for_o the_o neglect_n of_o th●_n duty_n of_o faith_n then_o for_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o duty_n o●_n prayer_n or_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n day_n but_o i_o be_o persuade_v of_o this_o that_o if_o the_o nomble_a worth_n of_o that_o transcendent_a object_n be_v know_v we_o will_v have_v a_o holy_a impatience_n unt●_n once_o we_o do_v believe_v iu._n four_o this_o also_o point_v out_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o grace_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a be_v advance_v to_o the_o high_a and_o most_o inconceivable_a pitch_n of_o dignity_n and_o that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o live_a god_n as_o be_v clear_a john_n 1.12_o to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v 〈◊〉_d believe_v in_o he_o he_o give_v power_n or_o prerogative_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o certain_o that_o noble_a prerogative_n of_o adoption_n be_v much_o undervalue_v by_o many_o and_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o two_o ground_n whereon_o the_o most_o part_n of_o man_n undervalue_v that_o excellent_a gift_n of_o adoption_n first_o they_o do_v not_o take_v up_o the_o infinite_a highness_n of_o god_n and_o what_o a_o one_o he_o be_v otherwise_o they_o will_v cry_v out_o with_o david_n seem_v it_o a_o small_a thing_n in_o your_o eye_n to_o be_v a_o son_n to_o the_o king_n of_o king_n second_o we_o do_v not_o take_v up_o nor_o understand_v those_o matchless_a privilege_n which_o be_v give_v to_o they_o who_o be_v once_o in_o this_o estate_n i_o be_o persuade_v if_o this_o be_v believe_v that_o he_o who_o be_v a_o servant_n do_v not_o abide_v in_o the_o house_n for_o ever_o though_o he_o that_o be_v a_o son_n do_v it_o will_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o more_o divine_a zeal_n in_o our_o pursuit_n after_o christ_n v._n five_o this_o likewise_o point_v out_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o say_v it_o be_v that_o grace_n by_o which_o all_o othere_o action_n be_v pleasant_a to_o god_n &_o be_v take_v off_o our_o hand_n as_o be_v clear_a heb._n 11.4_o by_o faith_n abel_n offer_v unto_o god_n a_o more_o excellent_a sacrifice_n than_o cain_n which_o must_v be_v understand_v even_o to_o all_o other_o duty_n and_o that_o word_n vers_fw-la 6._o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n speak_v this_o also_o that_o by_o faith_n we_o do_v exceed_o please_v he_o and_o this_o be_v a_o most_o sad_a and_o lamentable_a reproof_n unto_o many_o who_o be_v here_o that_o their_o action_n do_v not_o please_v god_n because_o they_o be_v not_o in_o faith_n will_v you_o know_v a_o description_n of_o your_o prayer_n you_o who_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n it_o be_v this_o your_o prayer_n be_v the_o breach_n of_o the_o three_o command_n in_o take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o vain_a for_o which_o he_o will_v not_o hold_v you_o guiltless_a and_o will_v you_o know_v what_o be_v your_o hear_n of_o sermon_n it_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o that_o word_n in_o tit._n 1.15_o to_o the_o unbelieving_a and_o impure_a be_v nothing_o clean_a and_o as_o solomon_n do_v speak_v the_o plough_v of_o the_o wicked_a be_v sin_n so_o that_o all_o your_o action_n that_o you_o go_v about_o be_v but_o a_o offence_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o we_o will_v speak_v to_o these_o two_o thing_n before_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n to_o wit_n first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o reflect_a act_n of_o faith_n for_o there_o may_v be_v a_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o christian_a when_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v but_o the_o reflect_a act_n of_o faith_n be_v these_o which_o a_o christian_a have_v when_o he_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o do_v believe_v and_o we_o will_v second_o say_v that_o there_o be_v many_o that_o do_v go_v down_o to_o their_o grave_n under_o that_o soul-destroying_a delusion_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o yet_o never_o do_v know_v what_o faith_n be_v i_o be_o persuade_v there_o be_v many_o who_o all_o the_o preach_n in_o the_o world_n will_v never_o persuade_v that_o they_o do_v never_o believe_v their_o faith_n be_v bear_v with_o they_o and_o it_o will_v die_v with_o they_o without_o any_o fruit_n but_o faith_n be_v such_o a_o excellent_a grace_n and_o so_o advantageous_a whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v a_o few_o thing_n we_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a further_o of_o it_o first_o in_o point_v out_o some_o evidence_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a may_v know_v whether_o or_o not_o he_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n second_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o some_o help_n whereby_o faith_n may_v be_v keep_v in_o exercise_n i._o now_o there_o be_v this_o first_o evidence_n of_o faith_n that_o a_o christian_n who_o do_v believe_v he_o account_v absence_n and_o want_n of_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o
upon_o one_o that_o be_v 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 addictedness_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 clear_a from_o luke_n 14.18.19.20.21.22_o mat._n 22.5.6_o where_o those_o that_o be_v invite_v to_o come_v to_o the_o feast_n of_o this_o gospel_n they_o do_v make_v their_o apology_n and_o with_o one_o consent_n do_v refuse_v it_o some_o pretend_v on_o impossibility_n to_o come_v and_o some_o pretend_v a●_n 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 those_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 not_o the_o world_n the_o great_a plea_n and_o argument_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 once_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 10.23_o &_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 &_o the_o infinite_a loss_n that_o those_o do_v sustain_v who_o shall_v be_v eternal_o reject_v of_o he_o we_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o entertain_v a_o divine_a abstractedness_n &_o holy_a retirement_n from_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v here_o below_o and_o to_o pitch_v our_o desire_n alone_o upon_o he_o who_o be_v the_o everlasting_a wonder_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o high_a house_n o_o do_v we_o once_o suppose_v the_o unspeakable_a happiness_n of_o those_o who_o faith_n be_v now_o advance_v unto_o everlasting_a felicity_n &_o fruition_n and_o have_v enter_v into_o that_o eternal_a possession_n of_o the_o promise_n may_v not_o we_o be_v constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o once_o to_o be_v there_o christ_n weep_v to_o we_o in_o the_o law_n but_o we_o do_v not_o lament_v &_o he_o pipe_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n but_o we_o do_v not_o dance_v he_o be_v willing_a to_o draw_v we_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o man_n and_o with_o the_o bond_n of_o love_n and_o yet_o we_o will_v not_o have_v he_o to_o reign_v over_o we_o may_v not_o angel_n laugh_v at_o our_o folly_n that_o we_o shall_v so_o undervalue_v this_o prince_n of_o love_n and_o shall_v contemn_v he_o who_o be_v hold_v in_o so_o high_a esteem_n &_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 soul_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 those_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 cap-stone_n of_o our_o misery_n that_o we_o have_v once_o life_n in_o our_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 sable_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 ground_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 john_n 3.23_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 condescendency_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 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 &_o endless_a eternity_n so_o that_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n betwixt_o this_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 must_v go_v out_o again_o but_o in_o the_o second_o and_o precious_a eden_n there_o be_v no_o access_n in_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 ephes_n 3.19_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 mea●ure_n he_o have_v fathom_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 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