Selected quad for the lemma: ground_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
ground_n believe_v faith_n sense_n 1,482 5 6.9836 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

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

There are 7 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

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
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 there_o shall_v be_v summer_n and_o winter_n seed_n time_n and_o harvest_n night_n and_o day_n unto_o a_o christian_a a_o christian_a must_v have_v his_o night_n as_o well_o as_o his_o day_n he_o must_v once_o sow_v in_o tear_n before_o he_o reap_v in_o joy_n he_o must_v once_o go_v forth_o bear_v his_o precious_a seed_n before_o he_o can_v return_v bear_v his_o sheaf_n in_o his_o bosom_n and_o that_o this_o have_v influence_n upon_o our_o instability_n may_v be_v see_v from_o this_o that_o often_o a_o christian_a after_o his_o first_o close_v with_o christ_n he_o meet_v with_o desertion_n in_o point_n of_o tenderness_n in_o point_n of_o joy_n and_o in_o point_n of_o strength_n so_o that_o his_o corruption_n seem_v now_o to_o be_v awake_v more_o than_o former_o that_o he_o want_v those_o seem_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o which_o former_o he_o have_v and_o that_o much_o of_o his_o softness_n of_o his_o heart_n have_v now_o evanished_a which_o be_v clear_a somewhat_o from_o heb._n 10.32_o 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 under_o these_o temptation_n that_o if_o you_o endeavour_v to_o resist_v they_o it_o be_v the_o most_o compendious_a and_o excellent_a way_n to_o make_v your_o heart_n which_o now_o be_v die_v as_o a_o stone_n to_o be_v as_o a_o water_a garden_n &_o spring_n of_o water_n who_o water_n fail_v not_o and_o to_o make_v you_o strong_a as_o a_o lion_n so_o that_o no_o temptation_n can_v rouse_v you_o up_o but_o you_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o tread_v upon_o the_o high_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o sing_v song_n of_o triumph_n over_o our_o idol_n 5._o there_o be_v this_o likewise_o which_o have_v influence_n on_o it_o our_o building_n of_o our_o faith_n more_o upon_o sense_n then_o upon_o christ_n or_o his_o word_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o faith_n be_v so_o unconstant_a and_o changeable_a as_o the_o moon_n we_o not_o know_v what_o such_o a_o thing_n mean_n to_o hope_v against_o hope_n and_o to_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o we_o will_v only_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o erect_v your_o confidence_n upon_o so_o sandy_a a_o foundation_n that_o when_o the_o wind_n and_o storm_n of_o temptation_n shall_v blow_v that_o house_n shall_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n as_o likewise_o build_v of_o your_o faith_n upon_o sense_n do_v not_o abate_v much_o of_o your_o joy_n and_o much_o of_o your_o precious_a esteem_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v faith_n exercise_v itself_o upon_o a_o invisible_a object_n that_o make_v the_o christian_n to_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n 1_o pet._n 1.8_o 6._o there_o be_v this_o last_o that_o have_v influence_n upon_o it_o even_o our_o sloathfulness_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o spiritual_a duty_n by_o which_o faith_n shall_v be_v entertain_v faith_n be_v a_o tender_a grace_n and_o a_o plant_n that_o must_v not_o be_v ruffle_v but_o nourish_v through_o the_o sap_n of_o other_o precious_a grace_n but_o we_o grow_v remiss_a in_o our_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o do_v turn_v 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 christian_n that_o be_v the_o believe_a christian_a and_o it_o be_v the_o believe_v christian_n that_o be_v the_o diligent_a christian_a there_o be_v such_o a_o sweet_a reciprocation_n betwixt_o these_o two_o precious_a grace_n that_o they_o die_v and_o live_v together_o now_o three_o we_o shall_v shut_v up_o our_o discourse_n with_o this_o in_o point_v out_o a_o little_a what_o be_v those_o thing_n that_o do_v obstruct_v a_o christian_n close_v with_o christ_n and_o believe_v in_o his_o precious_a name_n i._o we_o conceive_v that_o this_o woeful_a evil_n do_v spring_n and_o rise_v from_o that_o fundamental_a ignorance_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o heb._n 11.6_o where_o that_o be_v require_v as_o a_o qualification_n of_o a_o comer_n that_o he_o shall_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o assure_o till_o once_o this_o precious_a truth_n be_v imprint_v upon_o our_o soul_n as_o with_o a_o pen_n of_o iron_n and_o point_n of_o a_o diamond_n we_o will_v look_v upon_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o utopian_a fancy_n and_o a_o delude_a notion_n to_o teach_v unstable_a soul_n who_o know_v not_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v unto_o real_a blessedness_n and_o true_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n of_o many_o that_o they_o begin_v to_o dispute_v their_o be_v in_o christ_n before_o they_o know_v there_o be_v a_o christ_n and_o do_v dispute_v their_o interest_n in_o he_o before_o they_o believe_v his_o be_v and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v call_v christ_n ii_o our_o come_a unto_o christ_n be_v obstruct_v from_o the_o want_n of_o the_o real_a and_o spiritual_a conviction_n of_o our_o desperate_a and_o lose_a estate_n without_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o our_o unspeakable_a misery_n be_v the_o want_n of_o he_o which_o be_v clear_a from_o jer._n 2.31_o we_o be_v lord_n we_o will_v come_v no_o more_o to_o thou_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o revel_n 3.16.18_o that_o such_o a_o delusion_n as_o this_o do_v overtake_v many_o that_o they_o can_v reign_v as_o king_n without_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o they_o can_v build_v their_o happiness_n and_o establish_v their_o carnal_a felicity_n upon_o another_o foundation_n but_o o_o that_o we_o can_v once_o win_v to_o this_o to_o believe_v what_o we_o be_v without_o christ_n and_o to_o believe_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o with_o the_o one_o eye_n to_o descend_v and_o look_v upon_o these_o deep_a draught_n that_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n have_v imprint_v upon_o our_o immortal_a soul_n and_o withal_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v death_n and_o be_v constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o woe_n be_v i_o for_o i_o be_o undo_v and_o with_o the_o other_o eye_n to_o ascend_v and_o look_v to_o that_o help_n that_o be_v lay_v
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
world_n without_o end_n and_o five_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n less_o will_v satisfy_v the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o hope_n then_o will_v satisfy_v the_o grace_n of_o love_n faith_n it_o will_v be_v content_a with_o the_o promise_n and_o hope_n will_v be_v content_a with_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v promise_v but_o that_o ambitious_a grace_n of_o love_n it_o will_v be_v only_o content_a with_o the_o promiser_n love_n clasp_v its_o arm_n about_o that_o precious_a and_o noble_a object_n jesus_n christ_n love_n be_v a_o suspicious_a grace_n it_o oftentimes_o cry_v forth_o they_o have_v take_v away_o my_o lord_n and_o i_o know_v not_o where_o they_o have_v lay_v he_o so_o that_o faith_n be_v oftentimes_o put_v to_o resolve_v suspicion_n of_o love_n i_o can_v compare_v these_o three_o grace_n to_o nothing_o so_o fit_o as_o to_o those_o three_o great_a worthy_n that_o david_n have_v these_o three_o grace_n they_o will_v break_v through_o all_o difficulty_n be_v it_o a_o host_n of_o philistine_n that_o so_o they_o may_v pleasure_n christ_n and_o may_v drink_v of_o the_o well_o of_o bethlehem_n that_o well_o of_o everlasting_a consolation_n that_o flow_v from_o beneath_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n love_n be_v like_o noah_n dove_n it_o never_o find_v rest_n for_o the_o sole_a of_o its_o foot_n until_o once_o it_o be_v within_o that_o ark_n that_o place_n of_o repose_n jesus_n christ_n and_o sixthly_a there_o be_v this_o last_o difference_n between_o they_o faith_n take_v hold_v upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o christ_n hope_n take_v hold_v upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o christ_n but_o love_v it_o take_v hold_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o christ_n and_o think_v you_o not_o it_o must_v be_v a_o pleasant_a and_o soul-refreshing_a exercise_n to_o be_v continual_o take_v up_o in_o embrace_v he_o that_o be_v that_o eternal_a admiration_n of_o angel_n must_v it_o not_o be_v a_o excellent_a life_n daily_o to_o be_v feed_v upon_o the_o fine_a of_o the_o wheat_n and_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o honey_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n o_o but_o heaven_n must_v be_v a_o pleasant_a place_n and_o if_o once_o we_o will_v but_o taste_v of_o the_o first_o ripe_a grape_n and_o a_o cluster_n of_o wine_n that_o grow_v in_o that_o pleasant_a land_n may_v we_o not_o be_v constrain_v to_o bring_v up_o a_o good_a report_n of_o it_o but_o now_o to_o come_v to_o that_o which_o i_o purpose_v main_o to_o speak_v of_o at_o this_o time_n the_o last_o thing_n concern_v faith_n that_o we_o propose_v from_o the_o word_n be_v the_o object_n upon_o which_o faith_n exercise_v itself_o which_o be_v here_o set_v down_o to_o be_v the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o we_o may_v speak_v to_o this_o more_o clear_o we_o shall_v first_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o the_o negative_a what_o thing_n be_v not_o the_o fit_a object_n of_o faith_n and_o then_o to_o the_o positive_a show_v how_o this_o name_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o son_n christ_n be_v that_o sure_a ground_n upon_o which_o a_o christian_a may_v pitch_v his_o faith_n for_o the_o first_o you_o must_v know_v that_o a_o christian_n be_v not_o to_o build_v his_o faith_n upon_o sense_n nor_o sensible_a enjoyment_n sense_n may_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o faith_n but_o it_o must_v not_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o that_o ofttimes_o cry_v out_o except_o i_o put_v my_o finger_n into_o the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o thrust_v my_o hand_n into_o the_o hole_n of_o his_o side_n i_o will_v not_o believe_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o mystery_n unto_o the_o most_o part_n of_o we_o to_o be_v exercise_v faith_n upon_o a_o naked_a word_n of_o promise_n abstract_v from_o sense_n to_o love_v a_o absent_a christ_n and_o to_o believe_v on_o a_o absent_a christ_n be_v the_o two_o great_a mystery_n of_o christianity_n but_o that_o sense_n be_v no_o good_a foundation_n for_o faith_n may_v appear_v 1._o that_o faith_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o fence_n be_v a_o most_o unconstant_a a_o most_o fluctuate_a and_o transient_a faith_n i_o know_v sense_n have_v its_o fit_n of_o love_n and_o as_o it_o be_v have_v its_o fit_n of_o faith_n sometime_o sense_n be_v sick_a of_o love_n and_o sometime_o sense_n be_v strong_a in_o faith_n but_o ere_o six_o hour_n go_v about_o sense_n may_v be_v sick_a of_o jealousy_n and_o sick_a of_o misbelife_n as_o you_o will_v see_v from_o psal_n 30.6.7_o sense_n that_o bold_a thing_n it_o will_v instant_o cry_v out_o my_o mountain_n stand_v strong_a i_o shall_v never_o be_v move_v but_o behold_v how_o soon_o it_o change_v its_o note_n thou_o hide_v thy_o face_n and_o i_o be_v trouble_v at_o one_o time_n it_o will_v cry_v forth_o who_o be_v like_a unto_o he_o that_o pardon_v iniquity_n and_o that_o pass_v over_o transgression_n but_o ere_o many_o hour_n go_v about_o it_o will_v sing_v a_o long_a upon_o another_o key_n and_o cry_v out_o why_o be_v thou_o become_v unto_o i_o as_o a_o liar_n and_o as_o water_n that_o fail_v 2._o that_o faith_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o sense_n it_o want_v the_o promise_n of_o blessedness_n for_o this_o be_v annex_v to_o believe_v that_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o word_n according_a to_o that_o in_o john_n 20.29_o bless_a be_v those_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v nor_o have_v that_o faith_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o sense_n such_o a_o solid_a joy_n wait_v on_o it_o as_o faith_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o naked_a word_n of_o promise_n as_o may_v be_v clear_v from_o that_o word_n 1._o pet._n 1.8_o where_o faith_n exercise_v itself_o upon_o christ_n not_o see_v make_v a_o christian_n to_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n 〈◊〉_d joy_n that_o do_v not_o attend_v believe_v found_v upon_o sense_n 3._o that_o faith_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o sense_n 〈◊〉_d give_v not_o much_o glory_n to_o god_n for_o faith_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o sense_n it_o exalt_v not_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n it_o exalt_v not_o the_o omnipotency_n of_o god_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o be_v the_o divinity_n of_o sense_n let_v i_o see_v and_o then_o i_o will_v believe_v but_o it_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v upon_o trust_n and_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v in_o his_o holiness_n and_o in_o effect_n faith_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o sense_n be_v no_o faith_n even_o as_o rom_n 8._o hope_v that_o be_v see_v be_v no_o hope_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o lord_n see_v a_o christian_a make_v sense_n a_o idol_n that_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v but_o when_o he_o see_v or_o feel_v this_o do_v often_o provoke_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o that_o christian_a and_o to_o deny_v he_o the_o sweet_a influence_n of_o heaven_n and_o those_o consolation_n that_o be_v above_o so_o that_o in_o a_o instant_n he_o have_v both_o his_o sense_n and_o his_o faith_n to_o seek_v 2._o a_o christian_a be_v not_o to_o make_v his_o grace_n the_o object_n of_o his_o faith_n that_o be_v when_o a_o christian_a do_v behold_v love_n burn_v within_o he_o when_o he_o do_v be_v hold_v influence_n to_o prayer_n increase_v and_o mortification_n wax_v strong_a he_o be_v not_o to_o build_v his_o faith_n upon_o they_o this_o be_v condemn_v in_o the_o church_n ezek._n 16.14_o compare_v with_o the_o 15._o verse_n i_o make_v thou_o perfect_a with_o my_o comeliness_n but_o the_o use_n that_o thou_o do_v make_v of_o it_o thou_o do_v put_v thy_o trust_n in_o thy_o beauty_n and_o then_o thou_o do_v play_v the_o harlot_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o grace_n when_o it_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o do_v provoke_v god_n to_o blast_v the_o lively_a exercise_n thereof_o and_o to_o make_v a_o christian_a oft_o time_n have_v that_o complaint_n woe_n to_o i_o my_o leanness_n my_o leanness_n testify_v to_o my_o face_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o three_o great_a mystery_n in_o christianity_n about_o grace_n the_o first_o be_v to_o ride_v march_n between_o these_o two_o not_o to_o deny_v what_o they_o have_v and_o yet_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o what_o they_o have_v many_o time_n there_o be_v grace-denying_a and_o not_o self-denying_a but_o this_o be_v that_o we_o will_v press_v upon_o you_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o grace_n according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v record_v of_o moses_n his_o face_n do_v shine_v and_o he_o know_v it_o not_o he_o do_v misken_fw-mi it_o as_o it_o be_v and_o be_v not_o at_o all_o puff_v up_o with_o it_o for_o so_o the_o word_n we_o conceive_v may_v run_v second_o it_o be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v deny_v to_o his_o self-denial_n to_o be_v humble_a in_o his_o be_v humble_a for_o if_o pride_n
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 those_o that_o be_v the_o great_a breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o be_v not_o that_o inconsistent_a and_o contradictory_n divinity_n your_o faith_n contradict_v your_o practice_n and_o your_o practice_n tell_v you_o that_o your_o faith_n be_v a_o lie_n 4._o we_o must_v not_o mix_v our_o own_o righteousness_n with_o christ_n as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o believe_v this_o be_v indeed_o a_o evil_a that_o often_o lodge_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o most_o refine_a hypocrite_n when_o satan_n can_v prevail_v to_o exclude_v christ_n altogether_o than_o he_o be_v content_a with_o that_o whorish_a woman_n to_o divide_v the_o child_n and_o let_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v half_a of_o christ_n and_o half_a of_o self_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v many_o of_o these_o poor_a unwise_a son_n who_o stay_v long_o in_o the_o place_n of_o break_v forth_o of_o child_n do_v willing_o hearken_v to_o this_o overture_n for_o fear_v it_o be_v presumption_n for_o such_o poor_a wretch_n to_o meddle_v too_o bold_o with_o the_o riches_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o be_v good_a such_o weak_a one_o will_v consider_v that_o word_n rom._n ●_o 2_o where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n call_v the_o make_v 〈◊〉_d of_o his_o righteousness_n a_o act_n of_o submission_n they_o 〈◊〉_d not_o submit_v say_v he_o unto_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n o_o will_v you_o not_o lay_v this_o to_o heart_n that_o our_o lord_n will_v take_v your_o believe_v or_o your_o put_n on_o his_o righteousness_n for_o a_o act_n of_o great_a humility_n and_o will_v take_v your_o misbelief_n as_o a_o marvellous_a act_n of_o the_o high_a pride_n and_o presumption_n 5._o we_o be_v not_o to_o make_v providence_n the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o that_o ask_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o right_n of_o heaven_n they_o will_v tell_v we_o that_o god_n have_v be_v kind_a to_o they_o all_o their_o day_n i_o will_v only_o say_v to_o such_o he_o may_v be_v feed_v you_o unto_o the_o day_n of_o slaughter_n and_o no_o man_n know_v love_n or_o hatred_n by_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o he_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n negative_o and_o now_o to_o speak_v to_o it_o positive_o we_o see_v the_o text_n hold_v out_o christ_n himself_o as_o that_o excellent_a and_o complete_a object_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o we_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n and_o thus_o faith_n close_v with_o christ_n under_o a_o fourfold_a consideration_n first_o it_o close_v with_o god_n in_o christ_n not_o with_o god_n immediate_o and_o naked_o for_o he_o dwell_v in_o light_n inaccessible_a that_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v unto_o he_o be_v high_a than_o the_o heaven_n what_o can_v we_o do_v and_o deep_a than_o hell_n what_o can_v we_o know_v job_n 11._o therefore_o we_o must_v approach_v unto_o he_o through_o a_o vail_n even_o the_o vail_n of_o christ_n his_o flesh_n heb._n 10._o god_n be_v a_o consume_a fire_n and_o of_o pure_a eye_n than_o that_o he_o can_v behold_v iniquity_n a●…_n therefore_o we_o must_v first_o cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o tha●_n bless_a dayman_n that_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o we_o both_o and_o look_v unto_o god_n as_o in_o christ_n reconcile_a 〈◊〉_d world_n to_o himself_o and_o so_o draw_v near_o unto_o hi●…_n through_o a_o mediator_n who_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o he_o that_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a fo●_n evermore_o able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a all_o th●…_n come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o see_v he_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o second_o faith_n close_v with_o christ_n as_o tender_v free_o in_o a_o covenant_n of_o promise_n we_o will_v have_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o christ_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v give_v of_o the_o father_n and_o offer_v himself_o in_o a_o free_a covenant_n of_o promise_n but_o he_o be_v thus_o hold_v forth_o upon_o term_n of_o free_a love_n which_o do_v utter_o abominate_a hire_n and_o so_o noble_a a_o proclamation_n issue_v forth_o under_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o heaven_n that_o whosoever_o will_v may_v come_v and_o drink_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o upon_o this_o the_o poor_a creature_n draw_v near_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o right_n and_o stretch_v out_o the_o arm●_n of_o most_o enlarge_a affection_n do_v run_v upon_o he_o with_o that_o joyful_a shout_n my_o lord_n my_o god_n and_o then_o make_v a_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o itself_o to_o he_o which_o be_v hold_v out_o in_o the_o scripture_n by_o that_o sweet_a expression_n of_o kiss_v of_o the_o son_n and_o there_o be_v three_o part_n of_o christ_n bless_a body_n that_o the_o christian_n must_v endeavour_v to_o kiss_v and_o embrace_v the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n the_o hand_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o foot_n of_o christ_n the_o kiss_n of_o his_o foot_n import_v the_o exercise_n of_o love_n the_o kiss_n of_o his_o hand_n the_o exercise_n of_o subjection_n and_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n the_o exercise_n of_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o three_o faith_n close_v with_o christ_n as_o the_o purchaser_n and_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o good_a we_o receive_v he_o be_v the_o person_n that_o have_v purchase_v all_o these_o thing_n unto_o we_o and_o there_o be_v not_o one_o blink_n of_o love_n there_o be_v nor_o the_o small_a enjoyment_n that_o a_o christian_n meet_v with_o but_o it_o be_v the_o price_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n christ_n precious_a blood_n be_v lay_v down_o for_o it_o four_o faith_n close_v with_o christ_n as_o the_o efficient_a and_o worker_n of_o all_o our_o mercy_n all_o our_o enjoyment_n be_v from_o he_o as_o the_o efficient_a cause_n that_o be_v he_o be_v the_o worker_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o we_o it_o be_v his_o preciouss_n finger_n that_o must_v accomplish_v that_o bless_a work_n of_o grace_n and_o they_o be_v from_o christ_n as_o the_o dispenser_n of_o these_o thing_n christ_n be_v the_o great_a steward_n of_o heaven_n that_o do_v communicate_v unto_o believer_n all_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o high_a house_n for_o he_o have_v god_n the_o father_n seal_v o_o but_o that_o word_n that_o christ_n once_o speak_v be_v much_o verify_v by_o himself_o it_o be_v more_o bless_a to_o give_v then_o to_o receive_v christ_n be_v that_o fountain_n and_o treasure_n in_o who_o all_o our_o gift_n and_o grace_n be_v treasure_v up_o for_o before_o the_o blessing_n come_v to_o believer_n they_o come_v to_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n according_a to_o that_o word_n 2_o tim._n 1.9_o which_o grace_n be_v give_v to_o we_o in_o he_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v it_o be_v give_v to_o christ_n before_o the_o world_n be_v make_v 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 solomon_n say_v of_o king_n prov._n 25.3_o may_v well_o be_v say_v of_o all_o man_n in_o this_o respect_n the_o heaven_n for_o height_n and_o the_o earth_n for_o depth_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v unsearchable_a the_o apostle_n paul_n also_o be_v a_o bless_a proficient_a in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o three_o mystery_n have_v some_o morning_n and_o twilight_n discovery_n of_o that_o promise_a rest_n and_o be_v once_o catch_v up_o to_o the_o three_o heaven_n and_o yet_o when_o he_o be_v beginning_n to_o speak_v of_o it_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o he_o declare_v all_o man_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o profound_a mystery_n of_o man_n blessedness_n and_o cry_v out_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_v hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n further_o to_o be_v know_v in_o these_o mystery_n the_o grace_n of_o faith_n be_v sound_a worthy_a among_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o open_v the_o seven_o seal_n of_o the_o great_a depth_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n that_o whereby_o a_o christian_a do_v take_v up_o the_o invisible_a excellency_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o die_a christ_n be_v not_o faith_n that_o precious_a grace_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a must_v take_v up_o the_o spot_n and_o blemish_n that_o be_v within_o himself_o and_o be_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n that_o precious_a grace_n that_o place_v a_o christian_a upon_o the_o top_n of_o mount_n pisga_n and_o there_o let_v he_o see_v a_o sight_n of_o the_o promise_a land_n and_o do_v open_v a_o door_n in_o heaven_n through_o which_o a_o christian_a be_v admit_v to_o see_v christ_n sit_v upon_o his_o throne_n and_o faith_n have_v not_o only_o
they_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 frame_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 yet_o 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 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 be_v it_o 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 39.13_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 isai_n 38.3_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 be_v 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 psalm_n 39.13_o where_o he_o say_v o_o spare_v i_o 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 that_o he_o may_v have_v 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 wellgrounded_n desire_v 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 that_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 first_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o true_a and_o infallible_a truth_n that_o all_o person_n shall_v once_o see_v death_n as_o be_v clear_a in_o these_o word_n who_o be_v he_o that_o live_v and_o shall_v not_o see_v death_n second_o 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_a 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 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 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 not_o die_v 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 six_o 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 some_o few_o of_o you_o believe_v it_o yet_o say_v the_o woman_n of_o tekoah_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 and_o god_n do_v not_o accept_v the_o person_n of_o any_o and_o job_n 30.13_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 8.8_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 those_o that_o be_v give_v to_o it_o it_o be_v also_o clear_a heb_fw-mi 9.27_o it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v so_o it_o be_v most_o clear_a that_o we_o must_v die_v i_o remember_v of_o one_o philip_n king_n of_o macedonia_n who_o have_v one_o substitute_n for_o this_o very_a end_n to_o cry_v at_o his_o chamber-door_n every_o morning_n memento_n mori_fw-la memento_fw-la mori_fw-la momento_n mori_fw-la remember_v thou_o be_v to_o die_v and_o it_o be_v report_v to_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o noble_n of_o greece_n that_o in_o the_o day_n wherein_o their_o emperor_n be_v crown_v that_o they_o present_v a_o marble_n ston●_n unto_o he_o and_o he_o be_v inquire_v after_o what_o fashion_n he_o will_v have_v his_o tombstone_n make_v which_o practice_n speak_v this_o unto_o we_o that_o although_o these_o be_v most_o destitute_a of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v very_o mindful_a of_o death_n believe_v i_o death_n may_v surprise_v we_o before_o we_o be_v aware_a for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o we_o must_v die_v but_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o uncertain_a than_o the_o way_n how_o and_o the_o time_n when_o we_o shall_v die_v death_n will_v surprise_v some_o as_o it_o do_v abel_n in_o the_o open_a field_n gen._n 4.8_o death_n will_v surprise_v some_o as_o it_o do_v eglon_n in_o his_o parlour_n judge_n 3.21_o and_o death_n will_v surprise_v some_o as_o it_o do_v saul_n and_o jonathan_n in_o the_o flight_n 1_o sam._n 31._o now_o in_o speak_v unto_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v first_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o those_o advantage_n which_o attend_v those_o that_o live_v within_o continual_a fight_n of_o death_n second_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o some_o consideration_n to_o press_v you_o to_o prepare_v for_o death_n three_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o some_o direction_n to_o help_v you_o to_o prepare_v for_o death_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v proceed_v unto_o the_o second_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o we_o observe_v from_o the_o text_n and_o shall_v speak_v a_o few_o thing_n from_o it_o unto_o you_o and_o so_o come_v to_o a_o close_a for_o this_o time_n first_o then_o we_o conceive_v