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
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
he_o not_o yet_o believe_v etc._n etc._n i_o pose_v the_o great_a part_n of_o you_o who_o be_v here_o whether_o or_o not_o these_o be_v two_o of_o the_o great_a paradox_n and_o mystery_n unto_o you_o for_o be_v not_o this_o a_o mystery_n to_o love_v he_o who_o we_o never_o see_v who_o have_v not_o see_v yet_o you_o love_v to_o love_v a_o absent_a and_o unseen_a christ_n be_v a_o mystery_n to_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o mystery_n to_o believe_v on_o he_o who_o we_o never_o see_v in_o who_o though_o you_o see_v he_o not_o yet_o believe_v and_o i_o shall_v add_v this_o that_o faith_n can_v hold_v fast_o its_o interest_n with_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o most_o precious_a christian_n shall_v call_v we_o hypocrite_n and_o not_o acknowledge_v we_o this_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o job_n and_o most_o clear_a from_o that_o word_n isa._n 63._o 16._o doubtless_o thou_o be_v our_o father_n though_o abraham_n be_v ignorant_a of_o we_o and_o israel_n acknowledge_v we_o not_o iii_o three_o this_o point_v out_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n that_o faith_n when_o it_o be_v in_o exercise_n be_v that_o grace_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a do_v atâ—ain_o unto_o most_o sensible_a enjoyment_n there_o be_v a_o great_a question_n that_o be_v much_o debate_v among_o christian_n what_o be_v the_o way_n to_o win_v this_o happy_a length_n to_o be_v always_o under_o the_o sweet_a and_o refresh_a influence_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o have_v his_o dew_n always_o come_v down_o upon_o our_o branch_n i_o can_v give_v no_o answer_n to_o it_o but_o this_o be_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o that_o notion_n and_o name_n put_v upon_o faith_n isa._n 45._o 22._o it_o be_v call_v a_o look_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o most_o sensible_a act_n if_o you_o will_v know_v a_o description_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v this_o the_o divine_a contemplation_n of_o the_o immortal_a soul_n upon_o that_o divine_a excellent_a and_o precious_a object_n jesus_n christ._n for_o god_n never_o make_v faith_n a_o liar_n and_o therefore_o its_o eve_n be_v never_o off_o he_o that_o be_v the_o noble_a object_n of_o faith_n jesus_n christ_n manifest_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v clear_a ephes._n 1._o 13._o after_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o preach_v out_o the_o excellent_a enjoyment_n these_o have_v after_o their_o close_n with_o christ_n who_o be_v invisible_a our_o faith_n be_v call_v a_o see_v which_o speak_v out_o this_o that_o faith_n sight_n of_o god_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o if_o we_o do_v behold_v he_o with_o our_o eye_n as_o be_v clear_a heb._n 11._o 27._o moses_n see_v he_o by_o faith_n who_o be_v invisible_a and_o we_o conceive_v that_o the_o ground_n which_o make_v the_o most_o part_n of_o we_o have_v such_o complaint_n how_o long_o will_v thou_o forget_v we_o for_o ever_o it_o be_v this_o the_o want_n of_o the_o spiritual_a exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v there_o not_o some_o here_o who_o may_v cry_v out_o it_o be_v more_o than_o thirty_o day_n since_o i_o do_v behold_v the_o king_n yea_o there_o be_v some_o who_o may_v go_v a_o great_a length_n and_o cry_v out_o i_o have_v live_v these_o two_o year_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o i_o have_v not_o see_v the_o king_n face_n yea_o there_o be_v some_o here_o who_o complaint_n may_v go_v a_o little_a high_o and_o cry_v forth_o these_o three_o year_n and_o six_o month_n it_o have_v not_o rain_v on_o i_o but_o the_o cloud_n have_v be_v restrain_v and_o bind_v up_o and_o the_o heaven_n have_v become_v brass_n and_o will_v you_o know_v the_o rise_n of_o these_o complaint_n it_o be_v this_o you_o be_v not_o much_o in_o the_o spiritual_a exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o you_o i_o will_v only_o say_v these_o two_o word_n first_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o persuade_v a_o reprobate_n that_o he_o be_v defective_a in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o in_o his_o love_n to_o god_n then_o to_o persuade_v some_o such_o that_o they_o be_v want_v to_o god_n in_o their_o faith_n for_o they_o hold_v fast_o that_o piece_n of_o desperate_a iniquity_n till_o they_o die_v second_o we_o will_v say_v to_o these_o of_o you_o who_o have_v the_o valley_n of_o anchor_n for_o a_o door_n of_o hope_n and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o christ_n some_o of_o you_o will_v be_v less_o convince_v for_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o faith_n then_o for_o neglect_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n or_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n day_n but_o i_o be_o persuade_v of_o this_o that_o if_o the_o noble_a worth_n of_o that_o transcendent_a object_n be_v know_v we_o will_v have_v a_o holy_a impatience_n until_o once_o we_o do_v believe_v iu._n four_o this_o also_o point_v out_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o grace_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a be_v advance_v to_o the_o high_a and_o most_o inconceivable_a pitch_n of_o dignity_n and_o that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o live_a god_n as_o be_v clear_a joh._n 1._o 12._o to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v or_o believe_v in_o he_o he_o give_v power_n or_o prerogative_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o certain_o that_o noble_a prerogative_n of_o adoption_n be_v much_o undervalue_v by_o many_o and_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o two_o ground_n whereon_o the_o most_o part_n of_o man_n undervalue_v that_o excellent_a gift_n of_o adoption_n first_o they_o do_v not_o take_v up_o the_o infinite_a highness_n of_o god_n and_o what_o a_o one_o he_o be_v otherwise_o they_o will_v cry_v out_o with_o david_n seem_v it_o a_o small_a thing_n in_o your_o eye_n to_o be_v a_o son_n to_o the_o king_n of_o king_n second_o we_o do_v not_o take_v up_o nor_o understand_v these_o matchless_a privilege_n which_o be_v give_v to_o they_o who_o be_v once_o in_o this_o estate_n i_o be_o persuade_v if_o this_o be_v believe_v that_o he_o who_o be_v a_o servant_n do_v not_o abide_v in_o the_o house_n for_o ever_o though_o he_o that_o be_v a_o son_n do_v it_o will_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o more_o divine_a zeal_n in_o our_o pursuit_n after_o faith_n v._n five_o this_o likewise_o point_v out_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o grace_n by_o which_o all_o other_o action_n be_v pleasant_a to_o god_n and_o be_v take_v off_o our_o hand_n as_o be_v clear_a heb._n 11._o 4._o by_o faith_n abel_n offer_v unto_o god_n a_o more_o excellent_a sacrifice_n than_o cain_n which_o must_v be_v understand_v even_o of_o all_o other_o duty_n and_o that_o word_n vers_fw-la 6._o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n speak_v this_o also_o that_o by_o faith_n we_o do_v exceed_o please_v he_o and_o this_o be_v a_o most_o sad_a and_o lamentable_a repoof_n unto_o many_o who_o be_v here_o that_o their_o action_n do_v not_o please_v god_n because_o they_o be_v not_o in_o faith_n will_v you_o know_v a_o description_n of_o your_o prayer_n you_o who_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n it_o be_v this_o your_o prayer_n be_v the_o breach_n of_o the_o three_o command_n in_o take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o vain_a for_o which_o he_o will_v not_o hold_v you_o guiltless_a and_o will_v you_o know_v what_o be_v your_o hear_n of_o sermon_n it_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o that_o word_n in_o tit._n 1._o 15._o to_o the_o unbelieving_a and_o impure_a nothing_o be_v clean_a and_o as_o solomon_n do_v speak_v the_o plough_v of_o the_o wicked_a be_v sin_n so_o that_o all_o your_o action_n that_o you_o go_v about_o be_v but_o a_o offence_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o we_o will_v speak_v to_o these_o two_o thing_n before_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n to_o wit_n first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o reflect_a act_n of_o faith_n for_o there_o may_v be_v a_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o christian_a when_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v but_o the_o reflect_a act_n of_o faith_n be_v these_o which_o a_o christian_a have_v when_o he_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o do_v believe_v and_o we_o will_v second_o say_v that_o there_o be_v many_o that_o go_v down_o to_o there_o grave_a under_o that_o soul_n destroy_v delusion_n that_o they_o be_v in_o faith_n and_o yet_o never_o do_v know_v what_o faith_n be_v i_o be_o persuade_v there_o be_v many_o who_o all_o the_o preach_n in_o the_o world_n will_v never_o persuade_v that_o they_o do_v
four_o caution_n 1._o caution_n your_o desire_n to_o die_v shall_v not_o be_v peremptory_a but_o you_o shall_v desire_v to_o die_v with_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o that_o although_o he_o will_v fill_v up_o fifteen_o year_n more_o to_o your_o life_n you_o shall_v be_v content_a to_o live_v it_o out_o 2._o caution_n when_o your_o desire_n be_v hasty_a and_o off_o hand_n suspect_v they_o for_o some_o when_o they_o mere_a with_o a_o outward_a cross_n without_o all_o deliberation_n will_v cry_v our_o o_o to_o be_v go_v o_o that_o i_o be_v dead_a but_o your_o desire_n to_o die_v shall_v be_v deliberate_a but_o not_o hasty_a or_o rash_a 3._o caution_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o desire_v to_o die_v because_o of_o personal_a affliction_n many_o when_o they_o meet_v with_o bitter_a affliction_n will_v cry_v out_o o_o to_o be_v go_v they_o long_o for_o death_n even_o upon_o that_o account_n such_o be_v job_n desire_n job_n 20._o 21_o 22._o and_o chap._n 6._o ver_fw-la 7._o 8._o o_o that_o i_o may_v have_v my_o request_n even_o that_o it_o will_v please_v god_n to_o destroy_v i_o etc._n etc._n this_o desire_n be_v very_o unlawful_a 4._o caution_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o desire_v to_o die_v when_o thy_o predominant_a idol_n be_v take_v away_o from_o thou_o yet_o such_o be_v jonahs_n desire_n chap._n 4._o 23._o jonah_n think_v his_o credit_n and_o reputation_n which_o be_v his_o idol_n be_v go_v and_o can_v never_o be_v regain_v therefore_o he_o wish_v to_o die_v but_o i_o will_v say_v this_o to_o you_o that_o some_o will_v have_v ten_o desire_n for_o death_n when_o they_o have_v not_o one_o desire_n for_o heaven_n and_o what_o move_v christian_n to_o be_v so_o desirous_a to_o die_v it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o because_o of_o their_o hope_n as_o because_o of_o their_o anxiety_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o because_o of_o their_o confidence_n as_o because_o of_o their_o impatience_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o when_o your_o desire_n of_o death_n be_v not_o accompany_v with_o desire_n of_o heaven_n suspect_v they_o 2._o i_o will_v say_v this_o that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o will_v have_v ten_o desire_n for_o death_n when_o they_o will_v not_o have_v one_o for_o the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n but_o it_o be_v good_a for_o thou_o who_o be_v such_o to_o be_v desire_v the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n then_o shall_v thou_o be_v in_o a_o more_o suitable_a â—rame_n to_o desire_v to_o die_v 3._o some_o will_v have_v hearty_a desire_n to_o die_v and_o yeâ—_n when_o death_n come_v they_o will_v be_v as_o unwilling_a to_o die_v as_o any_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v that_o some_o who_o have_v much_o desire_v to_o die_v when_o death_n come_v have_v cry_v out_o o_o spare_v a_o little_a that_o i_o may_v recover_v strength_n etc._n etc._n 4._o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o a_o desire_n to_o die_v and_o death_n itself_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o desire_v to_o die_v but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a business_n to_o meet_v with_o death_n and_o to_o look_v it_o in_o the_o face_n when_o it_o come_v we_o think_v death_n ere_o it_o come_v near_o to_o we_o to_o be_v but_o child_n play_n but_o when_o we_o meet_v with_o it_o it_o make_v we_o change_v our_o thought_n for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a business_n to_o die_v quest._n 2._o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o desire_v to_o live_v when_o he_o be_v summon_v to_o die_v answ._n in_o some_o case_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o desire_v to_o live_v even_o when_o he_o be_v summon_v to_o die_v which_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o david_n psal._n 39_o 13._o where_o he_o pray_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v spare_v he_o a_o little_a it_o be_v also_o clear_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o good_a hezekiah_n isa._n 38._o 3._o when_o he_o be_v command_v to_o set_v his_o house_n in_o order_n for_o he_o shall_v die_v and_o not_o live_v he_o cry_v forth_o remember_v now_o o_o lord_n how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n and_o hezekiah_n weep_v sore_o or_o as_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a he_o weep_v with_o great_a weep_v but_o to_o guard_v this_o take_v these_o two_o caution_n caution_n 1._o thy_o desire_n to_o live_v when_o thou_o be_v summon_v to_o die_v shall_v not_o be_v peremptory_a but_o with_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o if_o it_o be_v his_o pleasure_n to_o remove_v thou_o present_o out_o of_o time_n thou_o shall_v be_v content_a to_o die_v caution_n 2._o thy_o desire_n to_o live_v shall_v have_v gracious_a principle_n and_o also_o a_o very_a gracious_a end_n as_o be_v most_o clear_a from_o david_n psal._n 39_o 13._o where_o he_o say_v o_o spare_v a_o little_a that_o i_o may_v recover_v my_o strength_n before_o i_o go_v from_o hence_o and_o be_v no_o more_o his_o desire_n to_o live_v be_v thâ—â—_n he_o may_v have_v more_o victory_n over_o his_o idol_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v my_o desire_n to_o live_v be_v that_o i_o may_v have_v strength_n to_o wrestle_v with_o and_o overcome_v my_o idol_n and_o without_o all_o controversy_n hezekiahs_n desire_n be_v a_o most_o precious_a and_o well_o ground_a desire_n however_o i_o will_v say_v this_o unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o shall_v examine_v thy_o desire_n to_o live_v as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o as_o thy_o desire_n to_o die_v for_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o shun_v death_n if_o we_o can_v but_o he_o be_v that_o universal_a king_n unto_o who_o all_o of_o we_o must_v be_v subject_a ere_o long_o now_o in_o the_o word_n which_o be_v read_v unto_o you_o there_o be_v these_o six_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v clear_o observe_v from_o they_o i._n first_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o clear_a and_o infallible_a truth_n â—at_a all_o person_n shall_v once_o see_v death_n as_o be_v 〈◊〉_d in_o these_o word_n who_o be_v he_o that_o live_v a_o shall_v not_o see_v death_n ii_o seconâ—â—â—_n that_o this_o truth_n that_o we_o shall_v once_o see_v death_n be_v not_o much_o believe_v or_o think_v upon_o by_o many_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o psalmist_n double_v the_o assertion_n who_o be_v he_o that_o live_v and_o shall_v not_o see_v death_n shall_v he_o deliver_v his_o soul_n that_o be_v his_o life_n from_o the_o hand_n that_o be_v from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o grave_n iii_o three_o that_o sometime_o a_o christian_a may_v win_v to_o the_o solid_a faith_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o once_o he_o must_v die_v this_o the_o psalmist_n win_v unto_o as_o it_o be_v also_o clear_a in_o that_o word_n who_o who_o be_v he_o that_o live_v and_o shall_v not_o see_v death_n iv_o four_o that_o the_o certainty_n of_o this_o that_o once_o we_o shall_v die_v shall_v be_v still_o keep_v in_o our_o mind_n therefore_o that_o note_n of_o attention_n selah_n be_v put_v to_o it_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v take_v heed_n that_o there_o be_v none_o live_v that_o shall_v noâ—_n die_v v._o five_o that_o howbeit_o some_o person_n put_v the_o evil_a day_n far_o away_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o to_o see_v death_n yet_o be_v the_o day_n come_v when_o they_o shall_v see_v death_n and_o death_n shall_v take_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n vi_o sixthly_a we_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o this_o from_o the_o context_n that_o the_o christian_n who_o be_v much_o in_o mind_v the_o brevity_n of_o his_o life_n will_v believe_v the_o certainty_n of_o his_o death_n the_o psalmist_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o shortness_n of_o his_o life_n in_o the_o precede_a verse_n and_o in_o this_o verse_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o death_n now_o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o thing_n observe_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v certain_a and_o most_o sure_a that_o we_o must_v all_o once_o die_v i_o hope_v there_o be_v none_o of_o you_o here_o who_o will_v deny_v it_o although_o i_o confess_v few_o of_o you_o believe_v it_o yet_o say_v the_o woman_n of_o tekâ—ah_n 2_o sam._n 14._o we_o must_v all_o die_v and_o be_v like_o water_n spill_v upon_o the_o ground_n that_o can_v be_v gather_v up_o again_o etc._n etc._n god_n do_v not_o accept_v the_o person_n of_o any_o and_o job_n 30._o 32._o i_o know_v thou_o will_v bring_v i_o to_o death_n and_o to_o the_o house_n appoint_v for_o all_o live_n and_o it_o be_v very_o clear_a eccles._n 8._o 8._o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o have_v power_n over_o the_o spirit_n to_o retain_v the_o spirit_n neither_o have_v he_o any_o power_n in_o the_o day_n of_o death_n and_o there_o be_v no_o discharge_n in_o that_o war_n neither_o shall_v wickedness_n deliver_v