unto_o you_o through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n our_o lord_n see_v here_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o the_o multiplication_n of_o grace_n but_o how_o shall_v it_o be_v multiple_v he_o tell_v you_o through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n our_o lord_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n our_o lord_n but_o faith_n in_o jesus_n our_o lord_n as_o joh._n 17_o 3._o this_o be_v eternal_a life_n to_o know_v thou_o i.e._n to_o believe_v in_o thou_o and_o he_o who_o thou_o have_v send_v jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o then_o all_o grace_n be_v multiply_v in_o the_o increase_n and_o multiplication_n of_o faith_n reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o faith_n be_v a_o radical_a grace_n it_o be_v like_o the_o root_n of_o a_o tree_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o branch_n they_o which_o have_v no_o depth_n of_o root_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o seed_n luk._n 8.13_o be_v such_o as_o have_v no_o depth_n of_o faith_n col._n 2.7_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v root_v and_o establish_v in_o christ_n by_o faith_n now_o then_o you_o know_v as_o the_o root_n grow_v so_o the_o branch_n grow_v as_o the_o root_n decay_v so_o the_o branch_n decay_n if_o the_o root_n once_o rot_v within_o the_o ground_n though_o you_o see_v not_o that_o yet_o you_o shall_v soon_o see_v the_o branch_n rot_v above_o ground_n so_o however_o you_o can_v easy_o see_v how_o a_o man_n faith_n decay_v because_o that_o be_v as_o the_o root_n yet_o you_o shall_v soon_o perceive_v a_o decay_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o other_o grace_n because_o they_o be_v as_o he_o branch_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n as_o the_o root_n of_o faith_n prosper_v so_o other_o grace_n thrive_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o the_o branch_n 2_o pet._n 1.5_o add_v therefore_o unto_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n etc._n etc._n see_v here_o how_o faith_n be_v make_v the_o root_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o knowledge_n and_o temperance_n and_o patience_n etc._n etc._n all_o grow_v upon_o faith_n as_o upon_o â—heir_a root_n as_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o root_n increase_v the_o branch_n so_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n increase_v other_o grace_n caution_n caution_n yet_o we_o aâ—â—_n to_o understand_v this_o wary_o we_o must_v not_o so_o take_v it_o as_o if_o faith_n be_v a_o root_n exclusiuè_fw-la exclude_v christ_n himself_o for_o christ_n be_v the_o master-root_n and_o faith_n but_o a_o spurn_n or_o a_o sucker_n from_o he_o therefore_o in_o the_o place_n fore_o name_v col._n 2.7_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v root_v in_o he_o when_o we_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o this_o mind_n we_o of_o a_o second_o reason_n why_o the_o just_a life_n by_o faith_n the_o life_n of_o augmentation_n reas_n 2_o because_o faith_n be_v a_o unite_n grace_n it_o unite_v the_o soul_n to_o christ_n as_o the_o cien_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o stock_n as_o the_o member_n in_o the_o body_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o head_n not_o original_o or_o as_o the_o principal_a efficient_a for_o that_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o but_o instrumental_o as_o sinew_n and_o nerve_n unite_v the_o member_n to_o the_o head_n and_o so_o be_v the_o instrumental_a cause_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o they_o not_o that_o they_o can_v give_v any_o nourishment_n of_o themselves_o but_o only_o as_o they_o convey_v it_o from_o the_o head_n as_o organical_a mean_n so_o faith_n do_v nourish_v other_o grace_n not_o of_o itself_o but_o as_o it_o suck_v and_o draw_v and_o so_o convey_v nourishment_n from_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n to_o every_o member_n as_o appear_v from_o ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o compare_v with_o vers_n 13._o reas_n 3_o the_o three_o reason_n why_o a_o christian_a life_n by_o faith_n the_o life_n of_o augmentation_n be_v because_o he_o live_v by_o faith_n the_o life_n of_o fructification_n and_o vivification_n for_o that_o which_o do_v act_n grace_n and_o put_v it_o to_o the_o use_n do_v necessary_o increase_v grace_n also_o not_o only_o in_o a_o rational_a way_n in_o a_o way_n of_o sound_a reason_n in_o that_o frequent_a act_n do_v strengthen_v each_o habit_n with_o god_n ordinary_a concurrence_n as_o a_o scholar_n that_o be_v diligent_a in_o his_o way_n by_o often_o hear_v and_o read_v and_o write_v and_o speak_v and_o disputation_n and_o meditation_n and_o study_v become_v rich_a in_o learning_n that_o his_o very_a lip_n feed_v many_o hungry_a soul_n but_o also_o in_o a_o way_n of_o grace_n or_o in_o a_o way_n of_o covenant-mercy_n by_o virtue_n of_o god_n promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o the_o diligent_a hand_n the_o diligent_a hand_n say_v god_n make_v rich_a prov._n 10.4_o as_o rich_a to_o the_o world_n so_o rich_a heaven-ward_n use_v grace_n and_o have_v grace_n say_v god_n mat._n 25.24_o for_o unto_o every_o one_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v more_o abundant_o but_o from_o every_o one_o that_o have_v not_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o which_o he_o have_v to_o every_o one_o that_o have_v what_o be_v that_o that_o have_v make_v good_a use_n of_o talent_n former_o receive_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o context_n that_o man_n shall_v increase_v he_o shall_v have_v more_o abundant_o this_o be_v that_o honest_a and_o honourable_a usury_n by_o which_o we_o may_v lawful_o put_v out_o not_o money_n but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o use_v till_o we_o grow_v rich_a towards_o god_n in_o all_o utterance_n and_o in_o all_o knowledge_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o corinthian_n so_o that_o we_o come_v behind_o in_o no_o gift_n wait_v for_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v like_o those_o fruitful_a tree_n plant_v in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o be_v not_o only_o fruitful_a 92._o psal_n 92._o but_o they_o increase_v in_o fruitfulness_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n man_n of_o excellent_a part_n for_o want_n of_o faith_n to_o exercise_v their_o grace_n they_o be_v blast_v and_o wither_v away_o and_o come_v to_o nothing_o they_o be_v as_o tree_n without_o fruit_n twice_o dead_a and_o pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n judas_n v._n 12._o reas_n 4_o the_o four_o and_o last_o reason_n because_o faith_n remove_v or_o at_o least_o help_v we_o against_o the_o hindrance_n of_o spiritual_a growth_n it_o be_v causa_fw-la removens_fw-la as_o well_o as_o promovens_fw-la as_o 1._o the_o commonness_n of_o the_o ground_n when_o it_o be_v like_o the_o highway_n without_o hedge_n or_o wall_n a_o very_a road_n for_o the_o devil_n to_o pass_v up_o and_o down_o in_o and_o spoil_v all_o but_o now_o faith_n set_v a_o fence_n about_o the_o heart_n and_o guard_v it_o against_o such_o temptation_n as_o may_v render_v it_o unfruitful_a 1_o pet._n 5.8_o who_o resist_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n 2._o the_o stonyness_n of_o the_o ground_n that_o hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o the_o seed_n in_o the_o parable_n for_o which_o faith_n lay_v hold_v on_o that_o promise_n ezek._n 36.26_o i_o will_v take_v away_o the_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n 2._o the_o thornyness_n of_o the_o ground_n which_o also_o hinder_v growth_n and_o these_o thorn_n be_v expound_v by_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o parable_n to_o be_v the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n but_o faith_n remove_v this_o hindrance_n 1._o joh._n 5.4_o this_o be_v the_o victory_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n faith_n will_v tell_v we_o all_o thing_n be_v but_o loss_n and_o dross_n in_o comparison_n of_o christ_n 4._o the_o worm_n of_o sinful_a corruption_n this_o at_o the_o root_n hinder_v growth_n but_o the_o just_a life_n by_o faith_n the_o life_n of_o mortification_n and_o therefore_o of_o augmentation_n 5._o evil_a wind_n that_o blast_v the_o fruit_n hinder_v growth_n these_o wind_n be_v error_n and_o false_a doctrine_n but_o faith_n remove_v this_o hindrance_n they_o that_o be_v well_o store_v with_o faith_n will_v not_o be_v like_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o sleight_n of_o man_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v eph._n 4.13_o 14._o hence_o than_o we_o may_v receive_v information_n in_o divers_a particular_n use_v 1_o first_o see_v the_o difference_n between_o this_o life_n and_o all_o other_o live_v other_o life_n as_o they_o have_v their_o increase_n growth_n information_n about_o spiritual_a growth_n so_o they_o have_v their_o decrease_n also_o like_o the_o sun_n when_o it_o once_o come_v to_o the_o high_a noon_n it_o decline_v again_o and_o at_o last_o go_v down_o and_o leave_v the_o world_n in_o darkness_n there_o must_v come_v a_o time_n when_o the_o sun_n of_o our_o life_n
to_o discern_v its_o growth_n mar._n 4.27_o the_o seed_n spring_v and_o grow_v we_o know_v not_o how_o but_o in_o time_n we_o shall_v easy_o perceive_v it_o be_v grow_v a._n 5._o whereas_o thou_o say_v thou_o do_v not_o grow_v it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v true_a for_o the_o present_a thou_o do_v not_o grow_v at_o all_o but_o be_v like_o the_o parch_a earth_n yet_o if_o thou_o can_v but_o lay_v hold_n of_o god_n covenant_n by_o faith_n that_o will_v make_v thou_o grow_v afresh_o as_o the_o rain_n and_o the_o sun_n make_v the_o grass_n to_o revive_v that_o be_v even_o wither_v and_o dead_a before_o this_o be_v david_n comfort_n though_o he_o be_v like_o a_o branch_n spring_v out_o of_o a_o dry_a ground_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n isa_n 53.2_o yet_o 2_o sam._n 23.3_o 4_o 5._o he_o be_v assure_v god_n will_v make_v he_o grow_v again_o even_o as_o the_o tender_a grass_n out_o of_o the_o earth_n by_o clear_a shine_a after_o rain_n simile_n growth_n use_v 2._o humiliation_n for_o small_a growth_n the_o four_o use_n be_v for_o humiliation_n in_o that_o upon_o trial_n we_o find_v so_o little_a growth_n among_o we_o we_o grow_v more_o opinionative_n from_o day_n to_o day_n but_o we_o grow_v not_o more_o active_a we_o deserve_v not_o the_o commendation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n rev._n 2.19_o thy_o last_o work_n be_v more_o than_o thy_o first_o but_o rather_o the_o reproof_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n ver_fw-la 4_o 5_o thou_o be_v fall_v from_o thy_o first_o love_n repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n therefore_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v humble_v and_o repent_v christ_n may_v say_v to_o england_n as_o to_z ephesus_z i_o have_v this_o against_o thou_o that_o thou_o be_v fall_v from_o thy_o first_o love_n we_o be_v like_o forgetful_a and_o careless_a scholar_n deserve_v to_o be_v put_v down_o into_o a_o low_a form_n whereas_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o such_o as_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o school_n of_o heavenly_a wisdom_n to_o increase_v in_o learning_n prov._n 1_o 5._o a_o wise_a man_n will_v hear_v and_o increase_v learning_n and_o prov._n 9.9_o give_v instruction_n to_o a_o wise_a man_n and_o he_o will_v be_v yet_o wise_a it_o be_v true_a indeed_o our_o head_n be_v full_a of_o dispute_n but_o our_o heart_n be_v so_o little_o grow_v in_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o we_o be_v but_o very_a dwarf_n in_o practical_a religion_n if_o we_o compare_v ourselves_o with_o the_o worthy_n of_o god_n in_o former_a generation_n as_o the_o spy_v say_v of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o canaan_n they_o may_v well_o seem_v as_o giant_n in_o our_o eye_n what_o a_o deal_n of_o heavenly-heartedness_n what_o love_n what_o humility_n what_o faithfulness_n be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o they_o if_o luther_n courage_n calve_v painfulness_n the_o martyr_n zeal_n hot_a than_o the_o fire_n which_o consume_v they_o may_v be_v find_v in_o our_o day_n i_o shall_v hope_v we_o do_v then_o begin_v to_o grow_v and_o to_o recover_v our_o first_o love_n but_o alas_o while_o we_o be_v so_o lukewarm_a that_o we_o can_v bear_v they_o that_o be_v evil_a 2._o rev._n 2._o and_o bear_v evil_n in_o ourselves_o where_o be_v our_o growth_n do_v not_o many_o question_n whether_o the_o pope_n be_v antichrist_n and_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o true_a mother_n other_o though_o they_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n iâ—_n the_o scarlet_a whore_n the_o jezabel_n speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n yet_o the_o zeal_n of_o some_o be_v grow_v so_o cool_a they_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n they_o may_v have_v a_o toleration_n even_o for_o jezabel_n herself_o contrary_a to_o manifest_v scripture_n rev._n 2_o 20._o thou_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezabel_n which_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o teach_v and_o seduce_v my_o servant_n history_n tell_v we_o that_o adrian_n and_o heliogabalus_n and_o some_o other_o roman_a emperor_n do_v command_v all_o kind_n of_o worship_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o temple_n but_o it_o tend_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n than_o the_o like_a device_n of_o julian_n the_o apostate_n who_o give_v heretic_n freedom_n among_o right_a believer_n not_o that_o he_o care_v for_o one_o or_o the_o other_o but_o that_o by_o their_o mutual_a distraction_n and_o dissension_n they_o may_v destroy_v both_o and_o therefore_o what_o those_o factor_n of_o satan_n do_v invent_v for_o the_o advance_n of_o his_o kingdom_n let_v it_o be_v far_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o saint_n let_v we_o rather_o recover_v our_o first_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n yea_o let_v it_o grow_v and_o increase_v and_o true_o if_o we_o grow_v not_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o look_v christ_n in_o the_o face_n when_o he_o come_v to_o take_v account_n of_o we_o we_o be_v plant_v in_o such_o a_o soil_n order_v by_o such_o a_o husbandman_n water_v by_o such_o heavenly_a shower_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o ordinance_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v both_o the_o wonder_n and_o shame_n of_o christian_n if_o we_o grow_v not_o growth_n use_v 5._o of_o thankfulness_n for_o growth_n the_o five_o use_n be_v to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o thankfulness_n that_o the_o just_a life_n by_o faith_n the_o life_n of_o augmentation_n especial_o in_o such_o time_n as_o these_o that_o grace_n shall_v thus_o increase_v either_o in_o the_o church_n in_o general_n or_o in_o any_o particular_a christian_n heart_n consider_v how_o great_a opposition_n it_o meet_v withal_o when_o ever_o do_v a_o man_n in_o earnest_n profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n but_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n in_o hell_n and_o upon_o the_o earth_n proclaim_v open_a war_n against_o he_o beside_o the_o clog_n of_o his_o own_o sinful_a corruption_n which_o hang_v heavy_a upon_o he_o for_o the_o flesh_n be_v ever_o lust_a against_o the_o spirit_n and_o yet_o he_o grow_v in_o spite_n of_o satan_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o air_n 2._o eph._n 2._o who_o blow_v forth_o many_o a_o terrible_a storm_n to_o blast_v the_o fruit_n in_o spite_n of_o the_o world_n which_o send_v forth_o many_o a_o sharp_a frost_n to_o nip_v the_o fruit_n in_o the_o bud_n in_o spite_n of_o corruption_n which_o lie_v as_o a_o worm_n at_o the_o root_n to_o eat_v out_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n yet_o he_o grow_v for_o all_o this_o and_o how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v sure_o you_o will_v say_v here_o be_v aliquid_fw-la dei_fw-la the_o finger_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v in_o it_o the_o preservation_n of_o grace_n in_o this_o case_n be_v wonderful_a if_o you_o shall_v see_v a_o rush-candle_n set_v without_o door_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o stormy_a wind_n and_o rain_n and_o yet_o continue_v light_n you_o will_v stand_v and_o look_v upon_o it_o with_o admiration_n and_o yet_o thus_o be_v the_o little_a candle_n of_o grace_n preserve_v psal_n 18.28_o the_o lord_n my_o god_n will_v light_v my_o candle_n yea_o he_o keep_v it_o light_n when_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o air_n and_o all_o his_o instrument_n join_v all_o their_o force_n to_o blow_v it_o out_o god_n light_v such_o a_o candle_n by_o luther_n doctrine_n as_o can_v never_o be_v blow_v out_o to_o this_o day_n all_o the_o breathe_n and_o threat_n and_o bellow_n of_o the_o romish_a bull_n all_o the_o thundering_n of_o the_o popish_a canon_n can_v never_o blow_v it_o out_o this_o be_v the_o lord_n do_v and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v marvellous_a in_o our_o eye_n marvellous_a indeed_o that_o truth_n and_o grace_n shall_v be_v preserve_v under_o such_o opposition_n but_o much_o more_o marvellous_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v increase_v thereby_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v like_o the_o camomile_n the_o more_o it_o be_v tread_v upon_o the_o more_o it_o grow_v like_o a_o tree_n the_o more_o it_o be_v lop_v and_o top_v the_o more_o be_v flourish_n and_o spread_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v edify_v and_o multiply_v when_o they_o have_v rest_n through_o all_o judea_n and_o galilee_n and_o samaria_n it_o be_v not_o so_o wonderful_a act_v 9.31_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v then_o grow_v and_o increase_v when_o there_o be_v no_o rest_n no_o peace_n to_o he_o that_o go_v out_o nor_o to_o he_o that_o come_v in_o that_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n shall_v be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o church_n shall_v grow_v and_o thrive_v best_a under_o opposition_n this_o be_v the_o wonder_n of_o wonder_n which_o plain_o show_v the_o increase_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n and_o therefore_o he_o shall_v have_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o the_o six_o use_n be_v for_o exhortation_n growth_n use_v 6._o of_o exhortation_n to_o growth_n to_o labour_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n the_o life_n of_o augmentation_n it_o be_v a_o shame_n
rev._n 3.1_o repr_fw-la 2_o second_o this_o be_v so_o much_o the_o worse_o when_o the_o very_a judgement_n be_v corrupt_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v tit._n 1.15_o their_o very_a mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v defile_v if_o a_o man_n judgement_n be_v corrupt_v how_o shall_v he_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o corruption_n as_o disease_n be_v most_o dangerous_a when_o they_o take_v the_o brain_n and_o the_o heart_n and_o so_o seize_v upon_o the_o vital_a and_o animal_n part_n so_o in_o this_o case_n they_o grow_v not_o and_o they_o think_v very_o they_o need_v not_o grow_v oh_o say_v one_o i_o love_v god_n with_o all_o my_o heart_n i_o thank_v god_n i_o have_v a_o strong_a faith_n say_v another_o i_o be_o as_o perfect_a as_o ever_o i_o shall_v be_v say_v a_o three_o as_o perfect_a as_o adam_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n or_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n indeed_o if_o this_o be_v so_o we_o need_v not_o grow_v if_o our_o assurance_n be_v as_o good_a at_o first_o without_o all_o doubt_v as_o ever_o it_o shall_v be_v we_o need_v not_o pray_v lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n or_o lord_z increase_v our_o other_o grace_n but_o because_o we_o be_v but_o babe_n in_o grace_n at_o the_o first_o we_o have_v need_n grow_v and_o pray_v that_o we_o may_v grow_v till_o we_o come_v to_o be_v perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n repr_fw-la 3_o three_o it_o reprove_v such_o as_o grow_v downward_o in_o stead_n of_o grow_v upward_o they_o grow_v low_a in_o stead_n of_o grow_v high_a they_o move_v earth-ward_n in_o stead_n of_o move_a heaven-ward_n these_o be_v monster_n in_o grace_n such_o as_o have_v decline_v from_o their_o first_o love_n as_o ephesus_n do_v rev._n 2.4_o it_o may_v be_v time_n be_v they_o have_v great_a love_n to_o god_n his_o word_n his_o messenger_n to_o family-duty_n but_o now_o they_o be_v grow_v more_o remiss_a and_o lukewarm_a if_o not_o altogether_o opposite_a to_o what_o they_o so_o much_o love_v before_o gal._n 4.15_o where_o be_v then_o the_o blessedness_n you_o speak_v of_o for_o i_o bear_v you_o record_v that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a you_o will_v have_v pluck_v out_o your_o own_o eye_n and_o have_v give_v they_o i_o be_o i_o therefore_o become_v your_o enemy_n because_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n some_o that_o profess_a great_a love_n now_o opposite_a to_o those_o person_n who_o they_o love_v before_o and_o opposite_a to_o those_o duty_n which_o they_o love_v before_o they_o think_v they_o be_v above_o such_o duty_n they_o fear_v not_o to_o neglect_v they_o and_o so_o seldom_o perform_v they_o true_o fulfil_v what_o be_v false_o lay_v upon_o job_n thou_o cast_v off_o fear_n 15.4_o job_n 15.4_o and_o restraine_v prayer_n before_o god_n repr_fw-la 4_o four_o it_o reprove_v such_o first-born_a opposer_n of_o growth_n in_o piety_n be_v the_o devil_n first-born_a as_o be_v so_o far_o from_o grow_v themselves_o that_o they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o other_o and_o doubtless_o the_o spirit_n of_o satan_n be_v in_o such_o man_n the_o devil_n if_o he_o can_v hinder_v the_o conception_n of_o grace_n he_o will_v do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o prevent_v the_o birth_n if_o he_o can_v prevent_v that_o he_o will_v do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o devour_v it_o so_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v bear_v or_o at_o least_o to_o hinder_v the_o growth_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o man_n that_o be_v act_v by_o that_o spirit_n if_o they_o can_v hinder_v the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n they_o will_v do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o it_o they_o be_v as_o the_o plague_n of_o locust_n where_o they_o live_v as_o the_o locust_n and_o caterpillar_n devour_v every_o green_a thing_n exod._n 10.15_o no_o soon_o do_v a_o bud_n or_o blossom_n begin_v to_o peep_v out_o but_o they_o devour_v it_o so_o it_o be_v with_o these_o man_n no_o soon_o do_v they_o perceive_v some_o fair_a putting_n forth_o or_o blossom_n of_o grace_n in_o any_o but_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o snub_v they_o and_o to_o carp_v at_o they_o o_o say_v they_o what_o need_v you_o be_v so_o forward_o you_o be_v too_o hot_a to_o hold_v you_o can_v be_v content_a to_o do_v as_o the_o rest_n of_o your_o neighbour_n do_v be_v you_o wise_a than_o goodman_n such_o a_o one_o or_o master_n such_o a_o one_o and_o thus_o many_o a_o old_a weather-beathen_a sinner_n be_v just_a like_o some_o old_a stink_a alder-tree_n it_o grow_v not_o itself_o but_o cumber_v the_o ground_n and_o hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o all_o the_o plant_n that_o be_v round_o about_o it_o by_o the_o unwholesome_a and_o malignant_a dropping_n of_o it_o and_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o the_o fire_n such_o as_o these_o have_v much_o to_o answer_v for_o they_o must_v be_v answerable_a not_o only_o for_o all_o the_o good_a they_o have_v neglect_v themselves_o but_o for_o all_o the_o good_a they_o have_v hinder_v in_o other_o methinks_v when_o i_o consider_v the_o judgement_n of_o these_o man_n i_o seem_v to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o that_o revenge_a angel_n rev._n 8.13_o fly_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o heaven_n say_v woe_n wo_n wo_n to_o the_o inhabiter_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o this_o be_v that_o very_a woe_n and_o curse_n which_o be_v pronounce_v from_o the_o very_a mouth_n of_o blessing_n i_o mean_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n himself_o mat._n 23.13_o wo_n unto_o you_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n hypocrite_n for_o you_o shut_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n before_o man_n for_o you_o neither_o go_v in_o yourselves_o neither_o suffer_v you_o those_o that_o will_v enter_v to_o come_v in_o thus_o these_o kind_n of_o man_n neither_o grow_v themselves_o nor_o suffer_v they_o those_o that_o will_v to_o be_v upon_o the_o grow_a hand_n i_o say_v they_o grow_v not_o themselves_o or_o if_o they_o do_v grow_v it_o be_v the_o wrong_a way_n as_o i_o say_v before_o they_o grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o till_o they_o have_v fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o iniquity_n evil_a man_n and_o seducer_n grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o deceive_v and_o be_v deceive_v 2_o tim._n 3.13_o and_o believe_v it_o these_o be_v sin_n that_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n apace_o when_o what_o they_o can_v do_v be_v do_v by_o taunt_n and_o by_o threaten_n or_o cruel_a mock_n to_o hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o other_o such_o as_o these_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o live_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n in_o augmentation_n repr_fw-la 5_o last_o therefore_o it_o reprove_v such_o as_o grow_v in_o sin_n instead_o of_o grow_v in_o grace_n that_o exceed_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o wicked_a while_o they_o strive_v to_o out-drink_a out-swear_a outvie_v one_o another_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o herod_n he_o add_v this_o yet_o above_o all_o that_o he_o shut_v up_o john_n in_o the_o prison_n there_o be_v measure_n in_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o in_o grace_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o some_o sinner_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o other_o therefore_o take_v heed_n of_o grow_v in_o sin_n for_o with_o the_o same_o measure_n that_o we_o meet_v withal_o shall_v it_o be_v measure_v to_o we_o again_o growth_n use_v 3_o examination_n about_o spiritual_a growth_n next_o let_v we_o examine_v whether_o we_o live_v by_o faith_n aright_o for_o than_o we_o live_v the_o life_n of_o augmentation_n true_a grace_n be_v of_o a_o grow_a nature_n the_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n be_v ever_o increase_v col._n 2.19_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o every_o part_n of_o the_o body_n increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n therefore_o 1._o do_v thou_o increase_v and_o 2._o be_v that_o increase_v the_o increase_n of_o god_n equal_a uniform_a quest_n how_o shall_v i_o know_v whether_o i_o grow_v ans_fw-fr the_o first_o sign_n of_o growth_n in_o grace_n growth_n first_o sign_n of_o growth_n be_v lessen_v of_o corruption_n as_o one_o increase_v the_o other_o decrease_v as_o it_o be_v with_o paul_n and_o david_n and_o in_o particular_a the_o lessen_v of_o sinful_a self-love_n the_o more_o a_o man_n love_v god_n the_o less_o he_o value_v his_o own_o self-interest_n the_o more_o willing_o he_o part_v with_o it_o therefore_o where_o christ_n bid_v the_o young_a man_n go_v sell_v all_o mat._n 19.21_o he_o prove_v he_o be_v not_o so_o well_o grow_v in_o grace_n as_o he_o take_v himself_o to_o be_v yea_o such_o as_o have_v truth_n of_o save_a grace_n declare_v their_o weakness_n by_o this_o self-interest_n make_v peter_n and_o the_o rest_n deny_v christ_n but_o when_o they_o have_v more_o grace_n they_o neglect_v their_o liberty_n and_o their_o life_n they_o rejoice_v they_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o he_o what_o thing_n be_v gain_v to_o i_o those_o i_o count_v loss_n for_o christ_n say_v
never_o forsake_v his_o people_n so_o far_o as_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o fall_v altogether_o from_o those_o necessary_a grace_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o very_o be_v of_o a_o christian_n a_o man_n indeed_o may_v lose_v aptitudinem_fw-la ad_fw-la regnum_fw-la but_o not_o jus_fw-la ad_fw-la regnum_fw-la he_o may_v lose_v his_o fitness_n for_o his_o present_a entrance_n into_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n his_o lamp_n may_v want_v some_o trim_n but_o he_o can_v never_o lose_v his_o right_n to_o the_o kingdom_n because_o at_o the_o worst_a he_o have_v some_o oil_n in_o his_o lamp_n justification_n and_o adoption_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n abide_v for_o ever_o these_o grace_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n shall_v never_o be_v take_v away_o thus_o you_o may_v see_v in_o how_o many_o respect_v god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o forsake_v his_o people_n and_o how_o not_o obj._n love_n be_v a_o necessary_a grace_n and_o yet_o may_v be_v lose_v rev._n 2.4_o therefore_o to_o all_o these_o consideration_n we_o shall_v add_v one_o more_o that_o be_v this_o all_z these_o forsaking_n we_o have_v speak_v of_o be_v but_o momentany_a ans_fw-fr all_o forsake_v but_o gradual_a &_o momentany_a first_o gradual_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o measure_n second_o momentany_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o duration_n which_o we_o ground_n upon_o that_o place_n isa_n 54.7_o 8._o for_o a_o small_a moment_n have_v i_o forsake_v thou_o but_o with_o great_a mercy_n will_v i_o gather_v thou_o in_o a_o little_a wrath_n i_o hide_v myself_o from_o thou_o for_o a_o moment_n but_o with_o everlasting_a kindness_n will_v i_o have_v mercy_n on_o thou_o say_v the_o lord_n thy_o redeemer_n q._n but_o why_o be_v it_o say_v god_n have_v forsake_v his_o people_n in_o a_o little_a wrath_n and_o for_o a_o moment_n ans_fw-fr in_o a_o little_a wrath_n because_o he_o suffer_v not_o his_o whole_a displeasure_n to_o arise_v he_o forsake_v they_o not_o total_o therefore_o in_o a_o little_a comparative_o 1._o compare_v with_o their_o desert_n ezra_n 9.13_o thou_o have_v punish_v we_o less_o than_o our_o iniquity_n deserve_v it_o be_v little_a in_o regard_n of_o our_o desert_n 2._o and_o second_o little_a in_o regard_n of_o other_o other_o shall_v suck_v out_o the_o dregs_o of_o that_o cup_n whereof_o they_o shall_v but_o sip_v to_o let_v they_o but_o taste_v what_o they_o have_v escape_v by_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n second_o for_o a_o moment_n because_o not_o final_o as_o not_o total_o so_o not_o final_o what_o be_v the_o suffering_n of_o god_n people_n upon_o earth_n to_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o enemy_n in_o hell_n alas_o they_o be_v but_o momentany_a if_o compare_v with_o their_o joy_n in_o heaven_n not_o worth_a the_o speak_n of_o these_o light_a affliction_n that_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n 4.17_o rom._n 8.18_o 2_o cor._n 4.17_o work_n for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o excel_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n obj._n but_o why_o do_v god_n forsake_v his_o people_n so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v hear_v though_o it_o be_v but_o by_o trial_n temporal_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o great_a interruption_n to_o the_o life_n of_o their_o consolation_n ans_fw-fr no_o it_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n and_o not_o for_o their_o hurt_n indeed_o he_o do_v it_o in_o much_o compassion_n to_o their_o soul_n q._n but_o you_o may_v say_v what_o good_a be_v it_o to_o their_o soul_n ans_fw-fr much_o every_o way_n because_o it_o prevent_v a_o world_n of_o evil_n 1._o for_o god_n forsake_v we_o that_o we_o may_v not_o forsake_v god_n forsake_v reason_n of_o god_n forsake_v as_o the_o mother_n leave_v the_o child_n for_o a_o time_n and_o hide_v herself_o when_o she_o be_v about_o to_o go_v into_o a_o fair_a or_o market_n evil_n 1._o 1._o for_o prevention_n of_o evil_n that_o the_o child_n may_v cry_v after_o she_o and_o cleave_v the_o fast_o to_o her_o all_o the_o day_n after_o whereas_o otherwise_o she_o may_v lose_v it_o in_o a_o crowd_n thus_o god_n forsake_v his_o people_n for_o a_o time_n that_o they_o may_v not_o forsake_v he_o for_o ever_o experience_n sometime_o of_o god_n withdraw_v himself_o do_v teach_v god_n people_n that_o they_o can_v live_v without_o he_o have_v they_o mountain_n of_o wealth_n of_o honour_n of_o natural_a strength_n to_o live_v upon_o psal_n 30.6_o i_o say_v in_o my_o prosperity_n i_o shall_v never_o be_v move_v thou_o lord_n by_o thy_o favour_n have_v make_v my_o mountain_n to_o stand_v strong_a what_o follow_v thou_o do_v turn_v thy_o face_n from_o i_o and_o i_o be_v trouble_v and_o what_o of_o that_o why_o then_o i_o cry_v to_o thou_o o_o lord_n and_o unto_o thou_o lord_n i_o make_v my_o supplication_n then_o he_o cry_v after_o god_n again_o and_o again_o and_o cleave_v fast_a to_o he_o than_o ever_o he_o do_v before_o 2._o god_n forsake_v we_o that_o he_o himself_o may_v not_o forsake_v we_o he_o forsake_v we_o one_o way_n that_o he_o may_v not_o forsake_v we_o another_o he_o forsake_v we_o in_o lesser_a matter_n that_o he_o may_v not_o forsake_v we_o in_o great_a and_o it_o be_v the_o end_n that_o be_v all_o in_o all_o and_o that_o give_v denomination_n in_o every_o action_n therefore_o god_n forsake_v upon_o the_o matter_n be_v no_o forsake_v nay_o all_o the_o withdrawing_n of_o himself_o tend_v to_o the_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o indeed_o saul_n give_v michal_n his_o daughter_n to_o david_n that_o she_o may_v be_v a_o snare_n to_o he_o but_o god_n will_v not_o give_v his_o servant_n some_o thing_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v a_o snare_n to_o they_o he_o deny_v they_o their_o desire_n and_o so_o far_o he_o forsake_v they_o he_o forsake_v they_o in_o appearance_n that_o he_o may_v not_o forsake_v they_o indeed_o he_o forsake_v in_o temporal_a thing_n that_o he_o may_v not_o forsake_v they_o in_o spiritual_n he_o forsake_v they_o in_o their_o comfort_n that_o he_o may_v not_o forsake_v they_o in_o their_o grace_n he_o forsake_v they_o in_o their_o accessary_a grace_n that_o he_o may_v not_o forsake_v they_o in_o necessary_a grace_n and_o to_o conclude_v he_o forsake_v they_o in_o a_o little_a wrath_n and_o for_o a_o little_a time_n that_o he_o may_v not_o forsake_v they_o whole_o and_o for_o ever_o therefore_o god_n lest_o of_o all_o forsake_v his_o people_n when_o he_o forsake_v they_o good_a 2._o for_o confirmation_n of_o good_a as_o it_o prevent_v evil_a so_o it_o confirm_v god_n people_n in_o that_o which_o be_v good_a it_o quicken_v and_o strengthen_v their_o grace_n 1._o their_o confidence_n in_o god_n and_o their_o diffidence_n in_o themselves_o christ_n leave_v peter_n for_o a_o time_n to_o trust_v to_o himself_o but_o after_o that_o peter_n have_v such_o experience_n of_o his_o own_o weakness_n he_o will_v never_o more_o boast_v that_o he_o love_v christ_n more_o than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o it_o be_v well_o if_o i_o can_v say_v in_o god_n strength_n 20._o joh._n 20._o lord_n thou_o know_v all_o thing_n thou_o know_v that_o i_o love_v thou_o 2._o self-abhorrence_a love_v of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v ourselves_o our_o own_o god_n to_o set_v our_o reason_n above_o his_o word_n and_o our_o will_n above_o his_o will_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o god_n to_o set_v up_o himself_o in_o we_o but_o to_o pull_v down_o ourselves_o in_o ourselves_o and_o that_o be_v by_o his_o withdraw_n 3._o cry_v after_o god_n and_o long_v for_o his_o presence_n hos_fw-la 5._o last_o when_o god_n hide_v himself_o his_o people_n will_v seek_v he_o early_o in_o this_o life_n one_o while_o god_n hide_v himself_o anooth_a while_o he_o manifest_v himself_o and_o his_o hide_v prepare_v for_o manifestation_n whilst_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o constant_a manifestation_n of_o god_n to_o our_o soul_n in_o heaven_n there_o shall_v be_v perpetual_a light_n and_o no_o night_n but_o in_o this_o life_n in_o spiritual_a respect_n there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o day_n and_o night_n zech._n 14.7_o but_o it_o shall_v be_v one_o day_n which_o shall_v be_v know_v to_o the_o lord_n not_o day_n nor_o night_n neither_o perfect_a day_n nor_o perfect_a night_n that_o we_o may_v long_o and_o cry_v after_o god_n 4._o a_o cleave_v close_o to_o god_n when_o christ_n have_v withdraw_v himself_o and_o the_o spouse_n have_v hold_v on_o he_o again_o she_o hold_v he_o fast_o than_o ever_o before_o cant._n 3.4_o i_o hold_v he_o and_o will_v not_o let_v he_o go_v 5._o a_o clear_n of_o god_n oh_o say_v a_o soul_n if_o god_n forsake_v i_o it_o be_v just_a for_o i_o have_v forsake_v he_o day_n without_o number_n thus_o david_n clear_v god_n when_o he_o forsake_v he_o psal_n 51.4_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v just_a when_o thou_o speak_v and_o clear_v when_o