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you_o spend_v money_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o bread_n 2._o 2._o and_o your_o labour_n for_o that_o which_o satisfi_v not_o harken_v diligent_o unto_o i_o and_o eat_v you_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o let_v your_o soul_n delight_v itself_o in_o fatness_n incline_v your_o care_n and_o come_v unto_o i_o 3._o 3._o hear_v and_o your_o soul_n shall_v live_v and_o i_o will_v make_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n with_o you_o even_o the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n in_o this_o scripture_n to_o pass_v by_o many_o other_o profitable_a matter_n which_o may_v be_v collect_v these_o for_o our_o purpose_n must_v be_v observe_v first_o how_o free_o the_o lord_n offer_v save_v grace_n to_o such_o as_o have_v none_o nor_o any_o thing_n whereby_o they_o may_v purchase_v it_o second_o he_o set_v out_o the_o way_n whereby_o they_o may_v enjoy_v it_o namely_o a_o diligent_a hear_n and_o believe_v god_n word_n to_o which_o end_n he_o three_o make_v most_o sweet_a promise_n that_o their_o soul_n 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continue_v therein_o for_o in_o do_v this_o thou_o shall_v both_o save_v thyself_o and_o they_o that_o hear_v thou_o again_o speak_v to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n 33._o act._n 20._o 33._o say_v and_o now_o brethren_n i_o commend_v you_o to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v able_a to_o build_v you_o up_o &_o to_o give_v you_o a_o inheritance_n among_o all_o they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v so_o likewise_o to_o the_o corinthian_n he_o say_v 21_o 1_o cor_n 1._o 21_o it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v all_o which_o scripture_n and_o many_o other_o to_o like_a effect_n use_v use_v do_v evident_o confirm_v unto_o we_o that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n
a_o treatise_n of_o faith_n wherein_o be_v declare_v how_o a_o man_n may_v live_v by_o faith_n and_o find_v relief_n in_o all_o his_o necessity_n apply_v especial_o unto_o the_o use_n of_o the_o weak_a christian_n by_o ezekel_n culverwell_n the_o justice_n shall_v live_v by_o faith_n ephes._n 6._o 16._o above_o all_o take_n the_o shield_n of_o faith_n rom_n 15._o 4._o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v aforetime_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n &_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n london_n print_v by_o i._n l._n for_o william_n sheffard_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n at_o the_o enter_v in_o of_o pope_n head_n ally_n out_o of_o lumbard-streete_n 1623._o to_o all_z god_n people_z who_o have_v enjoy_v any_o benefit_n by_o my_o ministry_n especial_o of_o my_o pastoral_a charge_n dear_o belove_v in_o the_o lord_n although_o i_o can_v but_o be_v privy_a to_o myself_o of_o many_o defect_n in_o discharge_n of_o my_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v at_o my_o hand_n towards_o you_o which_o i_o humble_o beseech_v the_o lord_n and_o you_o to_o pardon_v yet_o this_o have_v be_v be_v and_o i_o hope_v shall_v be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o my_o day_n my_o comfort_n that_o i_o have_v not_o labour_v in_o vain_a among_o you_o what_o be_v my_o labour_n and_o success_n thereof_o i_o must_v appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o you_o who_o be_v yet_o live_v for_o you_o know_v that_o not_o a_o few_o be_v now_o at_o rest_n with_o the_o lord_n who_o holy_a life_n and_o happy_a end_n give_v good_a testimony_n hereof_o but_o to_o leave_v these_o to_o the_o wise_a consideration_n of_o such_o who_o they_o may_v concern_v and_o to_o give_v unto_o all_o to_o who_o these_o present_n shall_v come_v a_o just_a account_n of_o my_o proceed_n herein_o i_o do_v profess_v that_o for_o many_o year_n past_a i_o have_v have_v my_o thought_n much_o exercise_v about_o this_o prime_a grace_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o alone_o we_o 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how_o few_o they_o be_v that_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o faith_n what_o it_o be_v how_o it_o be_v get_v and_o increase_v and_o how_o to_o live_v by_o it_o the_o consideration_n whereof_o grieve_v my_o soul_n to_o see_v so_o many_o mistake_v in_o so_o weighty_a a_o matter_n and_o so_o much_o labour_n to_o be_v lose_v have_v be_v the_o chief_a mover_n of_o i_o to_o employ_v all_o my_o thought_n how_o this_o great_a evil_n may_v be_v redress_v whereupon_o enter_v into_o deep_a consideration_n how_o this_o may_v be_v attain_v i_o well_o perceive_v that_o see_v god_n truth_n reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o word_n be_v the_o sole_a ground_n of_o faith_n the_o only_a way_n to_o get_v and_o keep_v faith_n be_v to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o god_n word_n in_o which_o i_o can_v sufficient_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o provide_v such_o store_n of_o heavenly_a comfort_n to_o relieve_v we_o in_o all_o our_o necessity_n so_o that_o have_v we_o the_o knowledge_n and_o the_o right_a use_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v then_o see_v what_o be_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o bless_a estate_n of_o a_o believer_n in_o this_o world_n above_o all_o other_o estate_n though_o never_o so_o excellent_a these_o thus_o be_v i_o give_v myself_o to_o the_o search_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o find_v out_o what_o these_o heavenly_a comfort_n be_v which_o god_n have_v so_o abundant_o provide_v for_o our_o relief_n in_o all_o time_n of_o need_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n with_o no_o small_a labour_n have_v gather_v out_o all_o the_o promise_n as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v out_o of_o both_o the_o testament_n which_o be_v lay_v together_o make_v a_o great_a heap_n of_o heavenly_a treasure_n such_o as_o any_o of_o understanding_n will_v great_o admire_v and_o rejoice_v in_o and_o i_o may_v in_o truth_n profess_v i_o be_v much_o affect_v with_o the_o bare_a read_n of_o they_o but_o well_o consider_v that_o the_o naked_a lay_v down_o of_o these_o promise_n will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v every_o one_o to_o the_o right_a use_n and_o fit_a application_n of_o they_o for_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_v of_o faith_n i_o have_v labour_v to_o draw_v these_o unto_o several_a head_n such_o as_o in_o my_o opinion_n may_v contain_v all_o our_o necessity_n that_o at_o leastwise_o the_o weak_a sort_n may_v more_o fit_o apply_v they_o to_o their_o several_a use_n and_o so_o by_o faith_n be_v comfort_v when_o all_o other_o help_v fail_v they_o if_o in_o this_o my_o labour_n i_o have_v not_o so_o sufficient_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o most_o judicious_a i_o must_v content_v myself_o that_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v i_o have_v labour_v to_o be_v helpful_a to_o such_o as_o stand_v in_o need_n hereof_o and_o have_v careful_o avoid_v whatsoever_o i_o have_v think_v may_v hinder_v their_o profit_v and_o special_o all_o controversy_n about_o faith_n and_o have_v plain_o show_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n what_o i_o have_v conceive_v to_o be_v the_o truth_n wherein_o i_o may_v have_v this_o defence_n of_o my_o fail_n that_o i_o have_v not_o have_v any_o guide_n in_o this_o labour_n neither_o have_v i_o see_v any_o who_o have_v in_o this_o way_n go_v before_o i_o and_o therefore_o i_o entreat_v my_o reverend_a brethren_n in_o the_o ministry_n who_o ability_n do_v far_o exceed_v i_o that_o they_o will_v perfect_v this_o which_o be_v but_o weak_o begin_v and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o will_v not_o cease_v to_o pray_v that_o this_o may_v be_v as_o profitable_a to_o other_o as_o painful_a to_o myself_o which_o the_o lord_n grant_v for_o his_o christ_n sake_n ezekel_n culuerwell_n to_o the_o christian_a reader_n the_o lead_n of_o a_o happy_a life_n the_o attainment_n whereof_o this_o treatise_n direct_v unto_o be_v that_o which_o all_o desire_n but_o god_n truth_n only_o discover_v and_o faith_n only_o enjoy_v in_o the_o first_o adam_n our_o happiness_n be_v in_o our_o own_o keep_n but_o he_o by_o turn_v from_o god_n to_o the_o creature_n make_v proof_n what_o and_o whence_o he_o be_v a_o creature_n raise_v out_o of_o nothing_o and_o without_o the_o support_a power_n of_o he_o in_o who_o all_o thing_n consist_v subject_a to_o fall_v into_o a_o state_n worse_o than_o nothing_o again_o hence_o god_n out_o of_o his_o infinite_a power_n depth_n of_o goodness_n intend_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o mercy_n in_o restore_a man_n will_v not_o trust_v man_n with_o his_o own_o happiness_n but_o will_v have_v it_o procure_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o second_o adam_n in_o who_o we_o recover_v a_o suitor_n estate_n than_o we_o lose_v in_o the_o first_o for_o though_o adam_n soul_n be_v join_v to_o god_n yet_o
god_n the_o father_n move_v by_o nothing_o but_o his_o free_a love_n to_o mankind_n lose_v have_v make_v a_o deed_n of_o gift_n and_o grant_n of_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n unto_o mankind_n that_o whosoever_o of_o all_o mankind_n shall_v receive_v this_o gift_n by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n which_o the_o same_o apostle_n express_o say_v 1._o joh._n 5._o 11._o this_o be_v the_o record_n that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o we_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o life_n be_v in_o his_o son_n meaning_n that_o this_o it_o be_v which_o god_n have_v witness_v for_o we_o to_o believe_v which_o he_o that_o do_v not_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n and_o shall_v most_o just_o be_v condemn_v therefore_o this_o then_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n in_o true_a faith_n to_o be_v consider_v that_o every_o soul_n to_o who_o god_n send_v this_o message_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v true_o believe_v and_o give_v credit_n unto_o it_o to_o be_v true_a that_o god_n have_v make_v grant_n of_o christ_n to_o sinner_n so_o that_o if_o he_o accept_v this_o grant_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v this_o be_v that_o faith_n which_o in_o school_n be_v call_v historical_a because_o it_o go_v no_o further_a than_o to_o give_v assent_n and_o credit_n to_o the_o story_n of_o that_o which_o god_n speak_v to_o be_v true_a which_o one_o may_v believe_v for_o another_o and_o therefore_o this_o can_v be_v true_a justify_n faith_n and_o this_o may_v be_v in_o those_o that_o know_v they_o be_v bid_v to_o the_o wedding_n yet_o refuse_v to_o come_v so_o that_o though_o this_o be_v necessary_a to_o true_a justify_n faith_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a therefore_o in_o justify_v faith_n there_o be_v require_v another_o and_o more_o special_a work_n namely_o to_o receive_v christ_n and_o life_n in_o he_o offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o second_o general_a point_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o justify_n faith_n namely_o that_o beside_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n gospel_n the_o second_o special_a work_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o receive_v christ_n offer_v we_o in_o the_o gospel_n we_o give_v consent_n with_o our_o heart_n and_o will_n and_o so_o willing_o and_o glad_o accept_v god_n gift_n of_o christ_n whereby_o indeed_o he_o be_v become_v we_o and_o we_o his_o and_o so_o we_o in_o he_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n 3_o 2._o pet._n 1._o 3_o as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n speak_v where_o i_o will_v have_v this_o special_o to_o be_v mark_v that_o he_o say_v this_o be_v by_o the_o knowledge_n or_o acknowledge_v of_o he_o which_o i_o understand_v to_o be_v by_o true_a faith_n whereby_o we_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v we_o this_o i_o the_o rather_o observe_v for_o that_o i_o see_v some_o honest_o mind_v herein_o beguile_v to_o imagine_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o be_v justify_v before_o he_o thus_o actual_o believe_v and_o thereby_o apprehend_v christ_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o some_o weak_a in_o faith_n may_v fear_v that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o that_o they_o have_v not_o apprehend_v christ_n when_o in_o deed_n they_o have_v apprehend_v he_o though_o they_o feel_v it_o not_o who_o may_v be_v discern_v partly_o by_o their_o heaviness_n for_o want_v of_o sense_n of_o faith_n but_o especial_o by_o their_o love_n they_o bear_v to_o god_n show_v manifold_a way_n whereof_o we_o shall_v here_o more_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o faith_n but_o that_o he_o who_o never_o apprehend_v christ_n by_o believe_v shall_v ordinary_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n i_o can_v see_v sure_o i_o be_o the_o scripture_n constant_o speak_v otherwise_o as_o john_n 12._o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o 26._o gal._n 3_o 26._o to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n 20._o gal._n 2._o 20._o and_o to_o like_o effect_n often_o that_o we_o be_v all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o we_o live_v by_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o christ_n dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n 17._o eph._n 3._o 17._o in_o which_o and_o the_o like_o many_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o faith_n be_v the_o instrument_n whereby_o we_o receive_v christ_n our_o righteousness_n and_o life_n and_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a opinion_n of_o all_o find_v divine_n so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v thus_o than_o we_o see_v that_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o the_o true_a acceptation_n of_o christ_n proclaim_v in_o the_o gospel_n get_v how_o faith_n be_v get_v now_o follow_v to_o be_v consider_v how_o this_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v and_o increase_v that_o so_o we_o may_v live_v by_o it_o wherein_o we_o have_v these_o two_o point_n to_o be_v observe_v 1._o first_o point_n 2._o point_n what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n 1._o 1._o 2._o second_o 2._o 2._o how_o faithi_v hereon_o build_v but_o before_o this_o block_n at_o which_o so_o many_o stumble_v be_v to_o be_v remoove_v that_o we_o yet_o speak_v not_o how_o a_o man_n that_o have_v faith_n may_v know_v it_o to_o be_v so_o whereof_o more_o in_o his_o place_n but_o how_o one_o that_o indeed_o have_v not_o apprehend_v christ_n by_o faith_n may_v attain_v unto_o it_o so_o that_o here_o only_o we_o seek_v the_o cause_n which_o beget_v this_o faith_n not_o the_o effect_n of_o faith_n which_o only_o prove_v we_o have_v it_o many_o not_o discern_v this_o difference_n do_v much_o mistake_v differ_v cause_n and_o effect_n of_o faith_n differ_v and_o be_v ask_v what_o cause_v they_o to_o believe_v they_o say_v because_o they_o have_v true_o repent_v and_o change_v their_o course_n of_o life_n which_o if_o it_o proceed_v not_o from_o faith_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o sound_a proof_n of_o faith_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v any_o cause_n to_o draw_v they_o to_o believe_v by_o which_o mistake_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o such_o person_n build_v their_o faith_n upon_o their_o life_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o change_n can_v never_o have_v sound_a and_o steadfast_a faith_n but_o a_o stagger_a &_o unconstant_a opinion_n at_o the_o best_a we_o have_v need_v therefore_o to_o look_v for_o a_o more_o sure_a ground_n whereon_o to_o build_v our_o faith_n which_o must_v stand_v against_o so_o many_o and_o mighty_a storm_n wherewith_o it_o be_v so_o usual_o assault_v the_o only_a firm_a ground_n of_o this_o save_a faith_n be_v god_n truth_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n why_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o faith_n be_v god_n truth_n reason_n why_o as_o be_v plain_o teach_v rom._n 10._o 17._o so_o then_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o likewise_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o ephesian_n 1._o 13._o that_o they_o by_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n the_o gospel_n of_o salvation_n believe_v which_o be_v as_o manifest_v to_o reason_n in_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n which_o can_v testify_v to_o we_o such_o good_a will_n in_o god_n to_o save_v we_o but_o we_o must_v have_v god_n own_o word_n to_o witness_v this_o unto_o we_o and_o all_o little_a enough_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n so_o incredible_a that_o the_o holy_a and_o just_a god_n who_o can_v abide_v any_o iniquity_n 2._o heb._n 2._o 2._o but_o will_v certain_o give_v to_o every_o sin_n his_o due_a punishment_n yet_o of_o his_o own_o free_a mercy_n have_v give_v and_o grant_v to_o poor_a sinner_n eternal_a life_n therefore_o have_v the_o lord_n so_o often_o and_o so_o evident_o speak_v no_o less_o that_o he_o may_v thereby_o move_v we_o to_o believe_v as_o 1._o joh._n 5._o 11._o express_o affirm_v this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v testify_v that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o life_n be_v in_o his_o son_n for_o our_o further_a confirmation_n wherein_o it_o be_v say_v vers_fw-la 7._o that_o this_o be_v witness_v both_o by_o three_o witness_n in_o heaven_n the_o first_o the_o father_n the_o second_o the_o word_n that_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o second_o person_n in_o trinity_n the_o three_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o three_o be_v one_o divine_a nature_n and_o testify_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o also_o by_o three_o witness_n on_o earth_n all_o which_o be_v in_o every_o true_a believer_n and_o none_o else_o the_o first_o the_o spirit_n the_o second_o the_o water_n the_o three_o the_o blood_n which_o agree_v in_o one_o witness_v the_o same_o thing_n whereby_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o first_o
our_o spirit_n by_o the_o second_o our_o sanctification_n &_o by_o the_o three_o our_o justification_n that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o so_o many_o witness_n this_o truth_n which_o of_o all_o other_o be_v the_o great_a yet_o most_o hard_o receive_v may_v stand_v sure_a for_o the_o consolation_n of_o all_o believer_n and_o conviction_n of_o all_o unbeliever_n etc._n etc._n to_o which_o be_v further_o add_v vers_fw-la 10._o he_o that_o believe_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o he_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n which_o god_n witness_v of_o his_o son_n the_o self_n same_o word_n of_o life_n be_v in_o sundry_a other_o scripture_n publish_v unto_o we_o because_o the_o lord_n know_v we_o have_v need_v to_o hear_v of_o it_o continual_o we_o be_v so_o full_a of_o doubt_v in_o time_n of_o temptation_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n himself_o proclaim_v this_o glad_a tiding_n joh._n 3._o 16._o for_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o verse_n 17._o for_o god_n send_v not_o his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o condemn_v the_o world_n but_o that_o the_o world_n through_o he_o may_v be_v save_v so_o likewise_o joh._n 12_o 47._o i_o come_v not_o to_o condemn_v the_o world_n but_o to_o save_v the_o world_n again_o joh._n 2._o 2._o if_o any_o man_n sin_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o just_a vers_fw-la 3._o and_o he_o be_v the_o reconciliation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o not_o for_o we_o only_o but_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o joh._n 1._o 29._o behold_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n which_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n so_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2._o cor._n 5._o 19_o for_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n unto_o himself_o not_o impute_v their_o sin_n unto_o they_o and_o have_v commit_v to_o we_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n in_o all_o which_o and_o many_o other_o scripture_n this_o be_v manifest_a that_o god_n in_o his_o word_n have_v make_v a_o general_a offer_n of_o salvation_n in_o christ_n and_o invit_v all_o to_o who_o he_o send_v his_o servant_n the_o preacher_n of_o his_o gospel_n to_o come_v to_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o wedding_n mat._n 22._o 1._o which_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o gospel_n that_o be_v good_a news_n because_o it_o bring_v forth_o this_o glad_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n that_o shall_v be_v to_o all_o people_n as_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n tell_v that_o the_o shepherd_n of_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n luk._n 2._o 10._o and_o this_o be_v the_o same_o which_o our_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o after_o he_o have_v finish_v his_o whole_a work_n of_o man_n redemption_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o be_v to_o ascend_v up_o to_o his_o father_n to_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o all_o his_o member_n command_v his_o apostle_n and_o so_o consequent_o give_v in_o commission_n to_o all_o their_o successor_n the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o proclaim_v and_o publish_v this_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n that_o be_v to_o every_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o so_o every_o soul_n to_o who_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v come_v may_v have_v sufficient_a ground_n whereon_o to_o build_v their_o faith_n and_o be_v save_v or_o be_v make_v without_o excuse_n for_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v preach_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o afterward_o be_v confirm_v by_o we_o that_o hear_v he_o heb._n 2_o 3._o this_o then_o be_v the_o only_a ground_n whereon_o save_v faith_n be_v build_v namely_o this_o general_a pardon_n proclaim_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o poor_a sinner_n which_o i_o have_v very_o plentiful_o prove_v for_o that_o it_o be_v not_o well_o consider_v by_o many_o who_o fain_o will_v believe_v yet_o be_v ignorant_a hereof_o do_v long_a time_n pine_v away_o with_o grief_n for_o that_o they_o see_v nothing_o which_o may_v make_v they_o be_v so_o vile_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n so_o bold_a as_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o love_n in_o god_n towards_o they_o as_o to_o give_v christ_n unto_o they_o other_o more_z dangerous_o presume_v of_o god_n favour_n without_o any_o such_o ground_n whereon_o they_o build_v their_o persuasion_n but_o only_o on_o the_o outward_a change_n of_o their_o life_n which_o often_o be_v find_v deceitful_a as_o be_v before_o show_v now_o follow_v how_o a_o poor_a sinner_n yet_o void_a of_o save_v grace_n word_n how_o to_o build_v faith_n on_o the_o word_n and_o find_v nothing_o in_o himself_o which_o may_v make_v he_o bold_a to_o believe_v may_v build_v upon_o this_o ground_n that_o so_o he_o may_v attain_v to_o true_a faith_n whereunto_o these_o three_o consideration_n be_v necessary_a consideration_n three_o consideration_n first_o what_o be_v say_v second_o to_o who_o three_o by_o who_o that_o so_o he_o may_v have_v good_a warrant_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o shall_v enjoy_v this_o mercy_n offer_v for_o the_o former_a say_v what_o be_v say_v the_o poor_a distress_a sinner_n be_v to_o weigh_v with_o himself_o that_o in_o this_o gospel_n and_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n be_v proclaim_v and_o free_o offer_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n through_o christ_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n his_o preach_v to_o they_o at_o antioch_n act._n 13._o 38._o be_v it_o know_v unto_o you_o therefore_o man_n and_o brethren_n that_o through_o this_o man_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n where_o as_o in_o all_o the_o former_a scripture_n and_o in_o many_o other_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n for_o our_o justification_n sanctification_n and_o full_a glorification_n be_v the_o matter_n offer_v which_o be_v that_o which_o every_o humble_a sinner_n most_o desire_v how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o welcome_a news_n to_o hear_v that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n prepare_v and_o offer_v as_o he_o most_o desire_v which_o must_v needs_o move_v he_o oft_o to_o sigh_v for_o the_o same_o and_o say_v oh_o that_o i_o may_v once_o have_v my_o part_n in_o this_o unestimable_a treasure_n but_o present_o come_v into_o his_o mind_n his_o own_o unworthiness_n which_o drive_v he_o as_o far_o back_o from_o all_o hope_n that_o ever_o any_o such_o as_o he_o shall_v have_v part_n therein_o wherein_o many_o a_o poor_a soul_n do_v remain_v a_o long_a season_n because_o he_o can_v see_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v make_v he_o bold_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o benefit_n prepare_v for_o he_o for_o remedy_v whereof_o he_o be_v in_o the_o second_o place_n deep_o to_o weigh_v this_o wonderful_a mercy_n of_o god_n who_o 2._o to_o who_o who_o so_o free_o offer_v this_o great_a benefit_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o merit_n not_o to_o the_o righteous_a but_o to_o sinner_n yea_o to_o all_o without_o exception_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n come_v as_o we_o have_v see_v in_o the_o former_a scripture_n where_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n be_v lay_v and_o because_o such_o as_o have_v most_o feel_v of_o their_o sin_n be_v most_o fearful_a and_o hardly_a bring_v to_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v tender_v to_o they_o therefore_o be_v they_o more_o especial_o call_v as_o appear_v matthew_n 11._o 28._o where_o christ_n himself_o have_v proclaim_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v deliver_v to_o he_o of_o his_o father_n 18._o mat._n 28._o 18._o mean_v as_o else_o where_o 27._o heb._n 7._o 27._o that_o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o he_o whereby_o he_o be_v perfect_o able_a to_o save_v all_o they_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o invit_v all_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v to_o come_v unto_o he_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v ease_v they_o whereby_o every_o poor_a sinner_n who_o feel_v his_o woeful_a estate_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o god_n curse_v hang_v over_o his_o head_n for_o the_o same_o may_v certain_o know_v that_o he_o be_v the_o party_n who_o christ_n call_v to_o come_v to_o he_o and_o to_o who_o this_o benefit_n of_o christ_n and_o salvation_n in_o he_o be_v free_o offer_v that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v somewhat_o more_o raise_v up_o to_o conceive_v hope_n that_o he_o shall_v in_o due_a time_n enjoy_v the_o same_o to_o which_o end_n every_o one_o who_o fain_o will_v believe_v be_v to_o consider_v that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o grace_n in_o any_o why_o he_o shall_v hope_v for_o such_o favour_n at_o god_n hand_n for_o god_n mercy_n in_o prepare_v and_o offer_v his_o son_n a_o redemption_n for_o sinner_n be_v altogether_o
god_n will_v sure_o help_v he_o this_o will_v make_v he_o so_o to_o rest_v content_v and_o comfort_v as_o if_o he_o have_v all_o present_a help_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v so_o for_o spiritual_a if_o any_o shall_v fall_v into_o sin_n so_o as_o he_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_z amendment_n yet_o then_o to_o believe_v so_o as_o to_o rest_v upon_o god_n promise_n for_o both_o and_o so_o to_o be_v comfort_v this_o be_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n the_o practice_n of_o both_o be_v plain_a in_o scripture_n and_o in_o the_o life_n of_o god_n faithful_a servant_n notable_a be_v that_o of_o abraham_n whereof_o genesis_n which_o the_o apostle_n cite_v rom._n 4._o 18._o affirm_v that_o he_o above_o hope_v believe_v in_o hope_n that_o he_o may_v become_v the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v so_o shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v wherein_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o abraham_n see_v no_o possibility_n in_o naturalreason_n that_o he_o be_v so_o old_a &_o his_o wife_n not_o only_o barren_a from_o her_o youth_n but_o now_o past_a child-bearing_a shall_v have_v a_o son_n yet_o he_o as_o it_o be_v say_v not_o weak_a in_o faith_n consider_v not_o his_o own_o body_n now_o dead_a when_o he_o be_v about_o a_o hundred_o year_n old_a neither_o yet_o the_o deadness_n of_o sarahs_n womb_n stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n through_o unbelief_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n and_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v he_o be_v also_o able_a to_o perform_v the_o self_n same_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o that_o honourable_a company_n of_o thâ—se_a worthy_a servant_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o that_o day_n mention_v heb._n 11._o who_o all_o be_v bring_v in_o as_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n testifi_n this_o truth_n that_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n in_o all_o which_o may_v appear_v that_o in_o whatsoever_o estate_n or_o straight_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o yet_o they_o so_o live_v by_o faith_n that_o nothing_o can_v dismay_v they_o much_o less_o overthrow_v they_o by_o â—hose_v example_n we_o may_v learn_v if_o that_o we_o will_v make_v the_o right_a use_n hereof_o that_o what_o condition_n soever_o shall_v befall_v we_o that_o we_o may_v so_o rest_v on_o god_n word_n and_o promise_n for_o all_o help_n needful_a that_o in_o great_a conflict_n we_o shall_v be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n 37._o rom._n 8._o 37._o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v what_o a_o bless_a estate_n this_o be_v it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o show_v whereof_o we_o may_v see_v more_o when_o we_o have_v better_o learn_v how_o to_o attain_v hereunto_o thus_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n in_o this_o point_n propound_v faith_n how_o to_o attain_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n for_o the_o attain_n whereof_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v perform_v first_o to_o call_v to_o mind_n god_n promise_n second_o to_o apply_v they_o for_o the_o former_a in_o all_o time_n of_o need_n that_o be_v whensoever_o god_n shall_v bring_v we_o into_o any_o straight_a that_o we_o see_v not_o any_o way_n of_o escape_v or_o mean_n for_o our_o relief_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o we_o begin_v to_o sink_v into_o many_o fear_n and_o vexation_n of_o mind_n then_o to_o inquire_v if_o there_o be_v any_o good_a word_n of_o the_o lord_n speak_v for_o our_o comfort_n that_o so_o call_v it_o to_o mind_n we_o may_v raise_v thereout_o such_o hope_n of_o help_n in_o due_a time_n as_o may_v quiet_a and_o content_v we_o till_o we_o do_v enjoy_v in_o effect_n that_o which_o before_o we_o do_v expect_v this_o do_v i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o our_o faith_n whereby_o we_o live_v be_v maintain_v and_o uphold_v in_o all_o our_o trial_n as_o be_v before_o more_o full_o lay_v out_o when_o i_o show_v the_o way_n how_o any_o do_v at_o the_o first_o attain_v to_o save_v faith_n which_o be_v no_o other_o here_o intend_v for_o the_o daily_a increase_n of_o faith_n that_o we_o may_v live_v thereby_o but_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o same_o mean_n namely_o to_o call_v to_o mind_n and_o to_o lay_v before_o we_o god_n gracious_a promise_n make_v to_o comfort_v his_o people_n in_o all_o their_o necessity_n that_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v comfort_v and_o quiet_v in_o all_o the_o tempest_n of_o our_o unruly_a thought_n and_o distemper_v affection_n patient_o to_o wait_v on_o god_n for_o his_o help_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v want_v in_o that_o time_n sort_n &_o measure_n which_o he_o see_v most_o meet_a this_o be_v then_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n whereby_o we_o live_v namely_o god_n promise_n which_o be_v as_o so_o many_o legacy_n bequeath_v we_o by_o our_o heavenly_a father_n and_o by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n what_o can_v be_v more_o behooveful_a for_o we_o then_o to_o search_v this_o will_n &_o testament_n for_o all_o such_o legacy_n as_o may_v concern_v we_o &_o see_v they_o be_v many_o some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o get_v into_o our_o mind_n and_o memory_n at_o the_o least_o the_o most_o principal_a of_o these_o that_o we_o may_v have_v they_o in_o a_o readiness_n for_o our_o use_n in_o all_o occasion_n to_o minister_v so_o good_a comfort_n as_o if_o we_o have_v the_o best_a help_n present_a we_o can_v devise_n and_o desire_v what_o will_v be_v the_o gain_n of_o this_o practice_n i_o have_v rather_o we_o find_v by_o proof_n then_o hear_v by_o report_n and_o so_o i_o hope_v we_o shall_v do_v when_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o particular_o direct_v to_o put_v this_o instruction_n in_o practice_n but_o yet_o before_o hand_n for_o encouragement_n thus_o much_o will_v i_o say_v and_o no_o more_o than_o shall_v be_v find_v true_a that_o he_o who_o shall_v but_o endeavour_v in_o any_o truth_n to_o practice_v this_o which_o here_o be_v teach_v shall_v find_v his_o whole_a profession_n whâ—t_o ever_o his_o condition_n shall_v be_v of_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n more_o easy_a and_o more_o comfortable_a and_o therefore_o to_o utter_v my_o thought_n more_o plain_o if_o may_v be_v i_o advise_v all_o that_o be_v weak_a of_o memory_n and_o not_o so_o exercise_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o some_o be_v that_o they_o can_v ready_o upon_o every_o occasion_n call_v to_o mind_v such_o promise_n of_o of_o god_n promise_n how_o to_o gather_v promise_n as_o be_v then_o most_o fit_a for_o their_o use_n that_o such_o i_o say_v if_o they_o can_v write_v will_v collect_v and_o gather_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n such_o special_a promise_n as_o they_o shall_v conceive_v may_o most_o concern_v they_o and_o be_v fit_a to_o strengthen_v their_o faith_n as_o need_v shall_v require_v for_o such_o as_o be_v not_o able_a fit_o thus_o to_o relieve_v themselves_o my_o next_o labour_n shall_v be_v to_o gather_v some_o special_a promise_n such_o as_o i_o conceive_v be_v of_o most_o use_n in_o our_o ordinary_a affair_n and_o course_n of_o life_n and_o refer_v they_o to_o their_o place_n that_o they_o may_v more_o ready_o be_v run_v unto_o upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o likewise_o i_o will_v show_v how_o these_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o our_o several_a necessity_n for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o so_o we_o may_v live_v thereby_o and_o find_v sufficient_a contentment_n in_o god_n when_o all_o other_o help_v fail_v all_o which_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o more_o see_v in_o their_o place_n but_o now_o to_o proceed_v with_o that_o i_o have_v in_o hand_n to_o show_v how_o this_o unualuable_a benefit_n of_o live_v by_o faith_n may_v be_v attain_v 1._o the_o first_o thing_n require_v hereunto_o i_o have_v show_v 8_o psalm_n 85._o 8_o be_v to_o use_v the_o prophet_n word_n i_o will_v hear_v what_o god_n the_o lord_n will_v speak_v for_o he_o will_v speak_v peace_n unto_o his_o people_n and_o 〈◊〉_d his_o saint_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v to_o call_v to_o mind_n what_o comfortable_a promise_n god_n have_v make_v to_o his_o child_n in_o such_o case_n or_o condition_n as_o we_o be_v in_o that_o thereon_o we_o may_v build_v our_o faith_n and_o live_v thereby_o to_o which_o end_n this_o in_o the_o next_o place_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v that_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o this_o grace_n to_o live_v by_o our_o faith_n namely_o ourselves_o how_o to_o apply_v these_o promise_n to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o wise_o apply_v these_o promise_n both_o to_o our_o person_n that_o we_o be_v the_o true_a 〈◊〉_d of_o they_o &_o 〈◊〉_d second_o to_o our_o present_a condition_n that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o god_n have_v special_o make_v his_o promise_n unto_o if_o the_o promise_n be_v special_a for_o
nature_n and_o to_o make_v he_o willing_a to_o do_v god_n will_v though_o against_o his_o corrupt_a will_n this_o man_n need_v not_o doubt_n but_o that_o he_o have_v the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n which_o be_v so_o certain_a a_o mark_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o of_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o this_o be_v the_o use_n god_n child_n be_v to_o make_v hereof_o use_v use_v thus_o we_o see_v how_o the_o faithful_a may_v by_o these_o two_o particular_a fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n love_n and_o fear_n be_v confirm_v in_o the_o assurance_n of_o their_o salvation_n by_o christ_n the_o same_o may_v be_v show_v in_o all_o the_o rest_n which_o the_o scripture_n make_v to_o be_v so_o many_o testimony_n of_o save_a grace_n and_o happiness_n to_o those_o that_o have_v they_o as_o blessed_n be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n 10._o mat._n 5._o 3._o 10._o they_o that_o mourn_v the_o humble_a meek_a such_o as_o hunger_n after_o righteousness_n merciful_a pure_a in_o heart_n peacemaker_n persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n all_o which_o be_v in_o this_o place_n gather_v together_o by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o cross_v the_o corrupt_a opinion_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o show_v that_o they_o who_o the_o world_n account_v above_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a be_v indeed_o true_o and_o only_o happy_a the_o like_a he_o do_v in_o other_o place_n 29._o mat._n 16_o 28_o 19_o 29._o where_o he_o make_v the_o deny_v of_o ourselves_o 30._o mar._n 10._o 30._o take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o forsake_v all_o for_o he_o and_o for_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v sure_a token_n to_o be_v he_o who_o shall_v have_v a_o hundred-fold_n in_o this_o world_n 9_o luk._n 9_o and_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v life_n everlasting_a to_o end_v this_o whole_a matter_n of_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n and_o to_o pass_v over_o many_o other_o fruit_n of_o faith_n which_o do_v prove_v the_o same_o as_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n mortification_n thereof_o overcome_v and_o perseverance_n all_o which_o be_v oft_o make_v certain_a proof_n of_o happiness_n this_o be_v the_o main_a use_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o all_o these_o use_v use_v as_o have_v oft_o be_v say_v that_o when_o as_o it_o oft_o fall_v out_o with_o god_n child_n especial_o such_o as_o have_v weak_a faith_n and_o tender_a conscience_n that_o they_o behold_v their_o proneness_n to_o sin_n and_o deadness_n of_o spirit_n to_o all_o holy_a duty_n do_v fall_n into_o great_a fear_n and_o doubt_n of_o their_o salvation_n this_o may_v be_v some_o stay_n unto_o they_o that_o they_o may_v see_v some_o of_o these_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o they_o even_o when_o they_o be_v at_o the_o low_a ebb_n of_o grace_n by_o which_o they_o may_v comfort_v themselves_o that_o though_o they_o be_v very_o sick_a and_o weak_a yet_o they_o be_v not_o stark_o dead_a for_o who_o sake_n i_o will_v add_v this_o observation_n by_o my_o own_o experience_n wherewith_o i_o have_v quiet_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o much_o perplex_v in_o this_o case_n see_v mark_v of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o that_o they_o can_v not_o see_v they_o have_v any_o faith_n that_o there_o be_v a_o true_a live_a faith_n in_o many_o who_o have_v no_o feel_n thereof_o i_o have_v observe_v these_o four_o unfallible_a proof_n faith_n 1._o unquiet_a for_o want_v of_o faith_n first_o where_o faith_n be_v and_o not_o feel_v the_o party_n in_o who_o it_o be_v &_o can_v see_v that_o he_o have_v any_o faith_n be_v grieve_v for_o want_n of_o faith_n and_o can_v be_v quiet_a for_o want_v of_o it_o but_o mourn_v as_o if_o he_o have_v none_o which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v the_o state_n of_o those_o that_o be_v true_o afflict_v in_o conscience_n who_o fain_o will_v believe_v but_o yet_o in_o their_o own_o sense_n do_v not_o and_o yet_o in_o my_o experience_n i_o never_o know_v any_o such_o who_o have_v any_o knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n but_o indeed_o they_o have_v some_o faith_n though_o they_o see_v it_o not_o foitfi_n 2._o spare_v no_o mean_n to_o get_v foitfi_n this_o will_v more_o appear_v by_o the_o next_o effect_n of_o this_o insensible_a faith_n which_o be_v this_o that_o they_o who_o have_v faith_n and_o yet_o feel_v it_o not_o be_v very_o painful_a in_o use_n of_o all_o good_a mean_n both_o public_a and_o private_a by_o themselves_o and_o with_o oother_n whereby_o they_o may_v hope_v to_o get_v this_o precious_a gift_n of_o faith_n which_o hardly_o will_v any_o do_v if_o he_o have_v not_o some_o taste_n of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o faith_n though_o he_o feel_v it_o not_o which_o so_o stir_v up_o his_o heart_n to_o seek_v after_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o hold_v this_o constant_a seek_v of_o faith_n to_o be_v a_o token_n of_o some_o to_o be_v in_o he_o already_o a_o three_o and_o more_o principal_a effect_n of_o faith_n in_o these_o god_n 3._o carry_v a_o good_a heart_n to_o god_n be_v this_o that_o though_o they_o see_v not_o god_n fatherly_a love_n to_o they_o yet_o they_o can_v think_v hardly_o of_o god_n but_o lay_v all_o the_o fault_n on_o themselves_o why_o they_o have_v no_o more_o grace_n yea_o they_o will_v commend_v god_n mercy_n to_o other_o and_o can_v endure_v any_o dishonour_n to_o god_n which_o great_a love_n of_o they_o to_o god_n do_v show_v they_o be_v love_v of_o he_o yea_o that_o they_o have_v by_o faith_n apprehend_v it_o though_o they_o see_v it_o not_o and_o fear_v they_o have_v it_o not_o the_o four_o proof_n of_o faith_n conscience_n 4._o a_o good_a conscience_n where_o it_o be_v not_o see_v may_v be_v this_o that_o such_o have_v a_o tender_a conscience_n shun_v small_a sin_n which_o other_o dare_v bold_o do_v and_o be_v careful_a to_o please_v god_n in_o every_o thing_n which_o many_o who_o be_v not_o so_o disquiet_v be_v more_o careless_a of_o so_o than_o if_o there_o be_v any_o poor_a soul_n who_o can_v see_v their_o faith_n yet_o if_o they_o can_v see_v any_o of_o these_o effect_n of_o faith_n in_o themselves_o let_v they_o know_v for_o a_o truth_n and_o to_o their_o comfort_n that_o they_o have_v true_a faith_n &_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o thus_o have_v i_o say_v what_o i_o think_v meet_v for_o this_o first_o point_n how_o we_o may_v daily_o get_v more_o assurance_n that_o we_o be_v now_o in_o god_n favour_n and_o shall_v want_v no_o good_a thing_n in_o this_o life_n and_o shall_v certain_o in_o the_o end_n come_v to_o life_n everlasting_a which_o i_o again_o do_v exhort_v every_o one_o who_o look_v for_o any_o blessing_n from_o god_n either_o in_o this_o life_n or_o that_o to_o come_v above_o all_o to_o labour_v for_o see_v without_o this_o assurance_n that_o we_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n how_o can_v we_o look_v for_o any_o blessing_n from_o god_n earthly_a or_o spiritual_a temporal_a or_o eternal_a whereas_o be_v assure_v hereof_o we_o may_v bold_o look_v for_o all_o other_o blessing_n needful_a for_o our_o present_a comfort_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n concern_v all_o which_o see_v the_o lord_n who_o do_v well_o know_v the_o frailty_n of_o his_o own_o child_n this_o all_o other_o blessing_n depend_v on_o this_o how_o ready_a they_o be_v upon_o every_o occasion_n to_o doubt_v of_o his_o help_n have_v so_o plentiful_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n both_o general_o what_o a_o fatherly_a care_n he_o have_v of_o their_o welfare_n and_o also_o more_o special_o what_o help_n they_o may_v look_v for_o from_o he_o in_o their_o particular_a necessity_n i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o it_o will_v be_v worth_a our_o labour_n to_o consider_v of_o they_o both_o and_o all_o little_a enough_o to_o comfort_v we_o in_o our_o great_a need_n and_o first_o of_o the_o general_a which_o contain_v under_o they_o all_o good_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v and_o promise_v to_o all_o his_o child_n of_o this_o sort_n may_v that_o come_v first_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n namely_o that_o god_n will_v be_v our_o god_n and_o of_o our_o seed_n after_o we_o as_o he_o say_v to_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a 7._o gen._n 17._o 7._o and_o so_o belong_v to_o all_o believer_n as_o the_o apostle_n show_v rom._n 4._o 11._o 16._o which_o self_n same_o promise_n be_v after_o repeat_v to_o abraham_n posterity_n in_o all_o age_n to_o be_v a_o staff_n of_o comfort_n to_o they_o at_o all_o time_n therefore_o be_v it_o oft_o say_v that_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o abraham_n the_o god_n of_o isaac_n the_o god_n of_o jacob_n likewise_o god_n say_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o i_o will_v take_v you_o to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o people_n and_o i_o will_v be_v to_o you_o a_o god_n and_o most_o notable_a be_v that_o
to_o god_n mâ—st_v attain_v this_o by_o faith_n without_o which_o as_o all_o we_o do_v be_v sin_n 6._o heb._n 11._o 6._o so_o the_o scripture_n speak_v plain_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o yet_o how_o few_o be_v they_o who_o have_v attain_v this_o grace_n so_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n as_o thereby_o to_o draw_v from_o christ_n continual_a increase_n of_o spiritual_a strength_n better_o to_o perform_v all_o holy_a obedience_n and_o daily_o to_o get_v more_o comfort_n that_o this_o their_o obedience_n shall_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n accept_v two_o branch_n of_o this_o 1._o how_o to_o get_v grace_n 2._o how_o to_o be_v accept_v wherein_o we_o have_v these_o two_o special_a branch_n to_o be_v consider_v how_o we_o may_v get_v this_o grace_n to_o lead_v a_o godly_a life_n or_o how_o we_o may_v have_v comfort_n that_o this_o shall_v be_v accept_v for_o the_o former_a commandment_n some_o chief_a fail_n in_o every_o commandment_n that_o we_o may_v better_o see_v how_o unable_a we_o be_v of_o ourselves_o to_o perform_v all_o holy_a obedience_n and_o so_o be_v more_o willing_a to_o embrace_v the_o remedy_n i_o desire_v every_o one_o careful_o to_o examine_v himself_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n how_o exceed_o he_o fail_v in_o every_o one_o of_o they_o 1._o as_o for_o example_n in_o the_o first_o commandment_n in_o not_o walk_v with_o god_n not_o rest_v upon_o he_o for_o relief_n in_o all_o his_o necessity_n nor_o so_o delight_v in_o he_o as_o to_o count_v nothing_o too_o dear_a for_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o more_o afraid_a to_o displease_v god_n than_o any_o in_o the_o world_n beside_o 2._o in_o the_o second_o commandment_n how_o slack_a and_o slight_a he_o be_v in_o all_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n both_o private_a and_o public_a as_o namely_o in_o private_a prayer_n which_o yet_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v in_o great_a use_n as_o for_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o other_o godly_a book_n how_o seldom_o meditation_n alone_o and_o conference_n with_o other_o how_o little_a thought_n upon_o so_o likewise_o for_o the_o public_a what_o careless_a and_o unfruitful_a hear_n pray_v sing_v and_o receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n 3._o in_o the_o three_o commandment_n how_o backward_o he_o be_v lift_v up_o the_o name_n of_o god_n so_o as_o he_o may_v by_o all_o his_o behaviour_n bring_v god_n into_o better_a esteem_n with_o those_o with_o who_o he_o converse_v 4._o in_o the_o four_o commandment_n what_o ado_n he_o have_v to_o keep_v his_o whole_a man_n employ_v about_o the_o true_a sanctification_n of_o the_o lord_n sabbath_n in_o all_o which_o whosoever_o shall_v conscionable_o consider_v his_o way_n i_o nothing_o doubt_v but_o he_o shall_v see_v just_a cause_n to_o complain_v of_o his_o want_n of_o faith_n whereby_o alone_o he_o shall_v receive_v power_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n much_o more_o effectual_o to_o perform_v all_o these_o holy_a duty_n to_o god_n the_o like_a defect_n shall_v be_v find_v upon_o due_a examination_n in_o all_o duty_n of_o righteousness_n in_o the_o second_o table_n which_o god_n require_v both_o in_o regard_n of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o in_o the_o five_o commandment_n i_o wish_v every_o one_o due_o to_o weigh_v how_o bad_o he_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o special_a place_n either_o in_o the_o family_n church_n or_o commonwealth_n both_o such_o as_o be_v set_v above_o other_o and_o such_o as_o be_v below_o governor_n and_o govern_v and_o then_o he_o shall_v well_o see_v what_o need_n he_o have_v of_o faith_n to_o enable_v he_o to_o a_o better_a performance_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o his_o place_n require_v 6._o in_o the_o sixth_o commandment_n how_o careless_a he_o be_v both_o in_o avoid_v those_o thing_n which_o hurt_v the_o life_n and_o health_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n both_o of_o himself_o and_o other_o and_o in_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o both_o and_o much_o more_o want_v in_o bear_v and_o forgive_a wrong_n in_o love_v his_o enemy_n and_o overcome_v evil_a with_o goodness_n 7._o in_o the_o seven_o commandment_n likewise_o what_o little_a watch_n and_o mean_n be_v use_v to_o keep_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n chaste_a and_o so_o to_o avoid_v all_o allurement_n to_o uncleanness_n sober_o use_v all_o our_o sense_n and_o their_o delight_n 8._o in_o the_o eight_o commandment_n how_o he_o fail_v in_o get_v his_o good_n just_o and_o so_o use_v they_o holy_o to_o god_n honour_n merciful_o to_o the_o relief_n of_o his_o neighbour_n and_o wise_o to_o his_o own_o good_a of_o soul_n and_o body_n 9_o in_o the_o nine_o commandment_n how_o careless_a he_o be_v as_o to_o avoid_v all_o blemish_v of_o his_o own_o good_a name_n or_o his_o neighbour_n any_o manner_n of_o way_n and_o so_o to_o preserve_v either_o and_o to_o recover_v they_o be_v wound_v by_o such_o mean_n as_o god_n have_v appoint_v 10._o in_o the_o ten_o commandment_n how_o hardly_o he_o can_v bring_v his_o heart_n to_o love_v his_o neighbour_n as_o himself_o and_o to_o be_v as_o loath_a to_o hurt_v he_o as_o his_o own_o self_n and_o to_o seek_v his_o neighbour_n good_a as_o his_o own_o thus_o have_v i_o brief_o draw_v out_o of_o the_o commandment_n some_o of_o the_o chief_a duty_n which_o we_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o as_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o perform_v they_o and_o desire_v so_o to_o do_v so_o we_o fail_v much_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o neither_o possible_o can_v we_o do_v better_o till_o we_o receive_v grace_n from_o christ_n to_o enable_v we_o thereunto_o these_o be_v so_o manifest_a i_o hope_v i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v any_o thing_n more_o to_o persuade_v any_o true_a christian_a to_o labour_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o this_o precious_a gift_n of_o faith_n whereby_o he_o may_v get_v power_n from_o christ_n better_a to_o obey_v god_n in_o all_o that_o he_o shall_v require_v at_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v now_o set_v upon_o this_o work_n which_o be_v my_o chief_a intent_n to_o gather_v some_o special_a promise_n and_o to_o show_v the_o right_a use_n of_o faith_n for_o our_o help_n in_o this_o behalf_n but_o that_o i_o remember_v there_o be_v a_o other_o branch_n of_o this_o matter_n accept_v 2._o branch_n of_o this_o three_o point_n how_o our_o obedience_n may_v be_v accept_v namely_o how_o we_o may_v do_v all_o our_o work_n in_o faith_n that_o god_n will_v accept_v thereof_o wherein_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o show_v that_o we_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o fail_v then_o in_o the_o former_a as_o both_o reason_n and_o experience_n will_v prove_v for_o a_o mere_a natural_a man_n void_a of_o all_o save_a grace_n may_v be_v draw_v by_o self-love_n for_o his_o own_o good_a or_o by_o fear_n of_o danger_n that_o may_v befall_v he_o to_o do_v many_o good_a thing_n 20._o mark_n 6._o 20._o as_o we_o read_v of_o herod_n 30._o 2_o king_n 10._o 30._o jehu_n 2._o 2_o chron._n 25._o 2._o amaziah_n who_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o not_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n but_o to_o be_v persuade_v upon_o good_a ground_n that_o god_n will_v accept_v our_o weak_a and_o sinful_a obedience_n for_o perfect_a as_o if_o it_o be_v without_o fault_n this_o require_v true_a grace_n yea_o a_o great_a measure_n than_o many_o a_o weak_a believer_n can_v attain_v from_o hence_o it_o special_o arise_v that_o sundry_a true_a heart_a christian_n infirmity_n many_o discourage_v by_o their_o infirmity_n very_o conscionable_a in_o their_o conversation_n be_v yet_o much_o discourage_v and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o their_o best_a duty_n have_v little_a comfort_n in_o any_o thing_n they_o do_v and_o so_o loose_a if_o not_o all_o yet_o much_o fruit_n of_o great_a labour_n so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v but_o welcome_a instruction_n to_o they_o to_o hear_v and_o learn_v how_o they_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o their_o weak_a obedience_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v without_o fault_n in_o both_o which_o i_o will_v do_v my_o best_a to_o draw_v out_o of_o the_o well_n of_o salvation_n the_o holy_a scripture_n such_o sweet_a promise_n as_o shall_v abundant_o satisfy_v the_o thirsty_a soul_n who_o chief_a desire_n be_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o have_v grace_n whereby_o they_o may_v serve_v god_n acceptable_o with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n 28._o heb._n 12._o 28._o and_o first_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o former_a grace_n how_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a we_o shall_v want_v no_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o want_v any_o needful_a grace_n for_o the_o lead_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n the_o lord_n have_v