to_o the_o religious_a &_o worthy_a mr._n joseph_n holden_n of_o london_n gent._n and_o my_o much_o esteem_a friend_n dear_a &_o honour_a sir_n the_o dedication_n of_o book_n unto_o person_n of_o worth_n and_o interest_n service_n and_o honour_n though_o often_o abuse_v to_o vain_a flattery_n be_v of_o ancient_a use_n and_o ofttimes_o do_v secure_v the_o same_o from_o the_o euroclydon_n of_o a_o censorious_a age_n and_o therefore_o the_o custom_n be_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v especial_o consider_v that_o one_o of_o the_o 3_o penman_n of_o holy_a scripture_n have_v hallow_v it_o by_o his_o practice_n who_o inscribe_v his_o gospel_n and_o his_o act_n to_o theophilus_n a_o person_n both_o eminent_a in_o religion_n and_o noble_a dignify_v with_o birth_n and_o place_n which_o ever_o since_o have_v be_v imitate_v by_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n so_o that_o i_o shall_v use_v no_o further_o apology_n on_o this_o account_n but_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o address_v myself_o to_o you_o in_o this_o manner_n and_o prefix_v your_o name_n to_o this_o work_n be_v many_o a_o few_o whereof_o may_v not_o be_v needless_a here_o to_o insert_v viz._n your_o eximious_a piety_n faithfulness_n and_o zeal_n towards_o god_n your_o laudable_a love_n towards_o and_o tenderness_n of_o all_o under_o what_o name_n of_o discrimination_n soev_a that_o have_v but_o aliquid_fw-la christi_fw-la in_o they_o which_o be_v rare_a now_o a-days_o sir_n i_o speak_v my_o conscience_n that_o this_o be_v as_o a_o orient_a pearl_n shine_v in_o your_o breast_n and_o in_o which_o lie_v much_o of_o your_o eminency_n viz._n unfeigned_a love_n to_o the_o brethren_n which_o be_v one_o of_o those_o own_o excellent_a thing_n that_o accompany_v salvation_n and_o that_o your_o love_n be_v unfeigned_a appear_v from_o the_o spirituality_n and_o the_o universality_n of_o it_o your_o love_n be_v spiritual_a because_o it_o be_v a_o love_n for_o the_o image_n of_o god_n that_o be_v stamp_v on_o the_o creature_n in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v universal_a in_o that_o it_o extend_v to_o all_o saint_n as_o saint_n however_o distinguish_v among_o we_o and_o not_o make_v this_o or_o that_o difference_n in_o judgement_n a_o difference_n in_o affection_n which_o too_o ofttimes_o be_v saintship_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o your_o love_n and_o wherever_o you_o espy_v it_o you_o like_v it_o love_v it_o and_o admire_v it_o though_o their_o error_n may_v be_v many_o so_o they_o be_v not_o fundamental_a and_o approved_n your_o faith_n be_v enough_o to_o justify_v this_o before_o god_n and_o your_o â—…stifying_v good_a work_n enough_o to_o justify_v it_o before_o man_n of_o your_o good_a work_n many_o poor_a soul_n beside_o god_n angel_n and_o your_o own_o conscience_n be_v witness_n of_o among_o who_o i_o may_v well_o be_v account_v one_o who_o be_o able_a to_o attest_v the_o largeness_n of_o your_o heart_n unto_o poor_a christian_n and_o the_o filling-up_a that_o relation_n in_o which_o you_o stand_v viz._n your_o succour_v i_o in_o my_o tempt_v condition_n your_o fervent_a prayer_n set_a and_o occasional_a solemn_a and_o sudden_a that_o be_v make_v with_o and_o for_o i_o your_o gracious_a word_n feel_v expression_n pious_a discourse_n wholesome_a admonition_n divine_a cordial_n day_n simpathize_v epistle_n and_o last_o which_o crown_v all_o be_v your_o encourage_v and_o forward_v i_o in_o that_o holy_a work_n and_o function_n where-unto_a god_n have_v call_v i_o of_o which_o i_o must_v have_v despair_v as_o to_o all_o secundary_a cause_n and_o outward_a instrument_n assist_v of_o i_o have_v not_o god_n stir_v up_o your_o heart_n towards_o i_o on_o the_o foresight_n of_o what_o i_o be_o now_o through_o divine_a providence_n arrive_v unto_o in_o a_o word_n you_o believe_v for_o i_o what_o i_o can_v not_o believe_v for_o myself_o so_o that_o my_o present_a state_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o your_o faith_n and_o a_o fruit_n of_o your_o hope_n and_o labour_n which_o i_o desire_v may_v be_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o immortal_a soul_n and_o the_o fulfil_v of_o your_o expectation_n which_o i_o know_v be_v high_a concern_v i_o and_o well_o they_o may_v because_o of_o expense_n that_o i_o have_v put_v you_o to_o beside_o your_o own_n daily_o of_o i_o against_o the_o furious_a onset_n of_o some_o prejudice_v *_o person_n who_o name_n i_o shall_v conceal_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n sake_n and_o their_o own_o reputation_n that_o will_v have_v part_v between_o friend_n and_o friend_n by_o whisper_v in_o your_o ear_n thing_n of_o i_o unbecoming_a they_o of_o their_o place_n to_o say_v especial_o consider_v i_o to_o be_v a_o brother_n though_o the_o young_a one_o and_o the_o unworthy_a of_o all_o yet_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v bias_n your_o unbiased_a disposition_n towards_o i_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o spirit_n of_o discern_v which_o god_n have_v give_v you_o be_v more_o able_a to_o judge_n of_o i_o than_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o come_v to_o a_o person_n with_o who_o their_o tale_n can_v be_v more_o unwelcome_a than_o with_o you_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o notwithstanding_o those_o jealousy_n which_o they_o will_v have_v foment_v you_o have_v continue_v your_o favour_n hitherto_a unto_o i_o this_o together_o with_o many_o other_o of_o your_o favour_n which_o to_o enumerate_v i_o know_v will_v but_o disgust_v you_o have_v oblige_v i_o to_o this_o unfeigned_a expression_n of_o my_o gratitude_n and_o service_n in_o what_o i_o may_v or_o can_v especial_o for_o your_o constant_a countenance_n your_o undeserved_a bounty_n and_o your_o propitious_a acceptance_n of_o my_o poor_a forepast_a 1._o labour_n so_o that_o if_o you_o will_v but_o accept_v of_o this_o plain_a and_o unpolished_a discourse_n also_o it_o will_v be_v a_o additional_a favour_n unto_o all_o the_o former_a my_o confidence_n belove_v sir_n be_v in_o yourself_o and_o not_o in_o any_o thing_n of_o my_o style_n here_o that_o may_v merit_v a_o admission_n into_o the_o cabinet_n of_o your_o more_o serious_a thought_n matter_n and_o method_n be_v both_o plain_a only_o this_o i_o can_v say_v for_o my_o book_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o be_v weighty_a and_o high_a though_o the_o expression_n be_v plain_a and_o familiar_a and_o i_o know_v not_o of_o any_o thing_n here_o handle_v but_o i_o first_o try_v it_o by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o the_o word_n and_o can_v seal_v to_o it_o by_o my_o own_o experience_n so_o that_o what_o come_v to_o the_o view_n of_o your_o eye_n will_n i_o question_v not_o but_o be_v approve_v some_o rhetorical_a flourish_v that_o some_o much_o use_n be_v here_o want_v yet_o i_o be_o almost_o confident_a that_o it_o will_v prove_v acceptable_a unto_o you_o that_o be_v my_o friend_n and_o who_o property_n all_o along_o have_v be_v to_o wink_v at_o small_a fault_n this_o book_n i_o hope_v though_o it_o be_v not_o set_v out_o as_o some_o be_v may_v be_v useful_a to_o christian_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o size_n viz._n babe_n little_a child_n young_a man_n and_o father_n and_o i_o suppose_v the_o unconvert_v may_v find_v something_o herein_a to_o chew_n also_o when_o i_o preach_v these_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o without_o good_a acceptation_n and_o success_n as_o i_o have_v not_o a_o little_a cause_n to_o presume_v the_o happiness_n of_o believer_n and_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o unbeliever_n be_v here_o open_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a error_n save_v faith_n be_v handle_v justification_n by_o faith_n hint_v the_o potency_n of_o christ_n intercession_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o elect_a believer_n perseverance_n satan_n wiles_n discover_v together_o with_o many_o other_o useful_a thing_n all_o very_a material_a practical_a and_o soul-searching_a now_o these_o good_a sir_n do_v i_o present_v unto_o you_o not_o that_o you_o need_v they_o for_o i_o question_v not_o but_o that_o you_o have_v treasure_v up_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v of_o excellency_n in_o this_o book_n long_o before_o my_o time_n that_o be_o but_o of_o yesterday_n my_o desire_n be_v only_o as_o in_o part_n i_o have_v say_v already_o to_o express_v what_o i_o will_v if_o i_o can_v and_o moreov_a to_o let_v you_o see_v something_o that_o god_n have_v do_v for_o i_o and_o that_o your_o endeavour_n have_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a 〈◊〉_d the_o lord_n what_o be_v here_o be_v intend_v you_o soon_o but_o some_o emergent_a occasion_n intervening_a prevent_v beside_o my_o design_n be_v â—…o_o have_v bury_v it_o in_o oblivion_n â—…ut_o only_o that_o some_o that_o be_v friend_n to_o it_o revive_v it_o if_o this_o â—…ittle_a spark_n may_v give_v light_a or_o heat_n to_o any_o heart_n i_o shall_v have_v my_o desire_n what_o now_o remain_v ever_o honour_a sound_a sir_n but_o that_o god_n may_v prosper_v you_o in_o all_o your_o lawful_a undertake_n that_o
life_n that_o be_v seal_v and_o turn_v thou_o to_o thy_o name_n or_o who_o shall_v bring_v thou_o a_o certificate_n that_o it_o be_v write_v there_o behold_v it_o be_v nigh_o thou_o even_o in_o thy_o heart_n the_o work_n of_o grace_n there_o the_o law_n write_v on_o the_o table_n of_o thy_o heart_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o exemplification_n and_o counterpane_n of_o that_o decree_n the_o safe_a way_n the_o best_a way_n the_o only_a way_n to_o make_v sure_a of_o election_n be_v first_o to_o make_v sure_a of_o thy_o vocation_n sect_n vi_o four_o satan_n tempt_v to_o despair_n by_o cause_v the_o soul_n to_o pore_v too_o much_o upon_o its_o own_o unworthiness_n you_o be_v unworthy_a say_v satan_n of_o the_o least_o crumb_n of_o bread_n or_o of_o the_o least_o drop_n of_o water_n and_o how_o can_v thou_o therefore_o think_v of_o expect_v any_o good_a from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n remedy_n the_o only_a way_n to_o stop_v satan_n mouth_n in_o this_o respect_n be_v by_o assent_v thus_o far_o that_o i_o be_o unworthy_a it_o be_v true_a and_o that_o i_o do_v not_o redeemer_n deserve_v a_o crumb_n of_o bread_n or_o drop_v of_o water_n it_o be_v alike_o true_a and_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o err_v if_o i_o say_v i_o be_o unworthy_a and_o yet_o worthy_a i_o deserve_v nothing_o and_o yet_o merit_v what_o i_o have_v unworthy_a and_o yet_o worthy_a like_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n black_a and_o yet_o comely_a black_a in_o herself_o and_o yet_o comely_a in_o her_o belove_a sect_n vii_o five_o satan_n tempt_v to_o despair_n by_o suggest_v to_o the_o soul_n that_o no_o man_n faith_n be_v so_o weak_a as_o he_o behold_v how_o weak_a imperfect_a stagger_v and_o tremble_v it_o be_v remedy_n what_o of_o all_o that_o may_z the_o soul_n reply_v a_o little_a faith_n be_v ‖_o faith_n as_o faith_n a_o sparkle_n of_o fire_n be_v fire_n i'faith_o though_o weak_a yet_o it_o will_v entitle_v we_o unto_o christ._n a_o child_n hand_n can_v receive_v a_o pearl_n as_o well_o as_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o giant_n out_o of_o this_o little_a grain_n of_o mustardseed_n heaven_n will_v grow_v in_o this_o smoke_v flax_n there_o be_v a_o divine_a spark_n though_o the_o smoke_n of_o doubt_n and_o temptation_n muffle_v it_o up_o in_o obscurity_n it_o will_v break_v out_o at_o last_o into_o flame_n of_o love_n and_o joy._n our_o imperfect_a faith_n will_v entitle_v we_o unto_o a_o perfect_a righteousness_n sect_n viii_o six_o satan_n tempt_v to_o despair_n by_o make_v the_o soul_n to_o infer_v evil_a from_o adversity_n thou_o be_v poor_a and_o indigent_a beggarly_a and_o despicable_a say_v satan_n in_o answer_n unto_o which_o i_o will_v refer_v the_o reader_n unto_o pag._n 66_o 67._o where_o this_o be_v answer_v full_o sect_n ix_o seven_o satan_n tempt_v to_o despair_n by_o cause_v the_o soul_n to_o think_v much_o on_o the_o sharpness_n of_o death_n thou_o glory_v now_o say_v satan_n but_o ere_o long_o thy_o condition_n shall_v be_v change_v thou_o rejoic_a but_o yet_o know_v that_o still_o thou_o be_v a_o die_v die_a creature_n it_o be_v not_o thy_o faith_n love_n and_o hope_n that_o can_v shroud_v thou_o from_o death_n which_o be_v the_o king_n of_o terror_n that_o universal_a monarch_n which_o have_v make_v even_o the_o strong_a and_o stout_a to_o stoop_v unto_o he_o remedy_n what_o though_o death_n may_n the_o believe_a soul_n say_v be_v style_v the_o king_n of_o terror_n yet_o if_o i_o be_o a_o believer_n child_n of_o god_n it_o can_v do_v i_o no_o hurt_n it_o be_v a_o enemy_n i_o know_v to_o the_o mortal_a part_n but_o a_o friend_n to_o the_o spiritual_a the_o bee_n by_o sting_a lose_v its_o sting_n so_o death_n while_o it_o sting_v christ_n on_o the_o cross_n have_v quite_o lose_v its_o out_o sting_n to_o a_o believer_n death_n be_v the_o gate_n of_o life_n it_o put_v off_o our_o rag_n and_o give_v we_o change_v of_o raiment_n all_o the_o hurt_v it_o can_v do_v we_o be_v to_o put_v we_o into_o a_o better_a condition_n the_o devil_n therefore_o be_v a_o liar_n in_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o our_o faith_n love_n and_o hope_n that_o will_v exempt_a we_o from_o death_n whereas_o we_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o though_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v free_v from_o death_n yet_o by_o have_v faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n we_o shall_v be_v free_v from_o that_o which_o render_v death_n so_o formidable_a viz._n its_o sting_n death_n pale_a face_n look_v ruddy_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v death_n will_v free_v we_o from_o all_o corporal_n and_o spiritual_a sin_n malady_n it_o be_v our_o best_a and_o last_o physician_n it_o will_v cure_v the_o ache_a head_n and_o the_o unbelieving_a heart_n sin_n be_v the_o midwife_n that_o bring_v death_n into_o the_o world_n and_o death_n shall_v be_v the_o grave_a to_o bury_v matrem_fw-la sin_n why_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v unwilling_a to_o die_v see_v death_n give_v we_o a_o receipt_n of_o ease_n from_o mors._n infirmity_n and_o weakness_n from_o all_o ache_n and_o pain_n grief_n and_o gripe_n distemper_n and_o disease_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n here_o sin_n will_v keep_v house_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o evil_a thought_n be_v continual_o arise_v out_o of_o our_o heart_n as_o spark_n out_o of_o a_o furnace_n when_o we_o will_v pray_v the_o heart_n be_v as_o a_o viol_n out_o of_o tune_n when_o we_o will_v like_v a_o bird_n fly_v up_o to_o heaven_n upon_o the_o wing_n of_o meditation_n our_o corruption_n like_o a_o string_n tie_v to_o the_o leg_n pull_v we_o down_o again_o but_o after_o solon_n death_n we_o shall_v be_v proud_a no_o more_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n no_o more_o come_v hither_o therefore_o oh_o you_o tremble_v soul_n who_o through_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n have_v all_o your_o life-time_n be_v subject_n to_o bondage_n set_v your_o foot_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o this_o king_n of_o terror_n assume_v that_o triumphant_a challenge_n of_o the_o apostle_n oh_o death_n where_o be_v thy_o sting_n oh_o grave_a where_o be_v thy_o spirit_n victory_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 25._o the_o glimmer_a presence_n of_o god_n with_o a_o believer_n here_o below_o may_v conquer_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n but_o how_o much_o more_o methinks_v shall_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o after_o death_n faith_n give_v we_o a_o propriety_n in_o heaven_n and_o death_n give_v we_o a_o possession_n in_o heaven_n death_n be_v only_o a_o dirty_a lane_n say_v one_o through_o which_o the_o saint_n pass_v to_o a_o kingdom_n to_o a_o great_a kingdom_n to_o a_o glorious_a kingdom_n to_o a_o quiet_a kingdom_n to_o a_o unshaken_a kingdom_n to_o a_o durable_a kingdom_n to_o a_o last_a kingdom_n yea_o to_o a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n death_n be_v a_o dark_a short_a way_n through_o which_o the_o saint_n pass_v to_o the_o marriage-supper_n of_o the_o lamb._n ever_o with_o the_o lord_n say_v a_o eminent_a mount-pisgah_n divine_a this_o put_v lily_n and_o rose_n into_o the_o ghastly_a face_n of_o death_n and_o make_v the_o king_n of_o terror_n to_o outshine_v solomon_n in_o all_o his_o glory_n a_fw-la few_o line_n that_o comfort_v i_o once_o in_o the_o same_o case_n i_o will_v adventure_v here_o to_o transcribe_v out_o of_o that_o little_a useful_a 71._o treatise_n of_o reverend_a mr._n wadsworth_n my_o spiritual_a father_n viz._n oh_o when_o death_n draw_v near_o do_v not_o startle_v cry_v not_o out_o as_o one_o undo_v as_o if_o when_o thou_o die_v thou_o must_v needs_o total_o perish_v but_o rather_o than_o lift_v up_o thy_o head_n and_o triumphant_o proclaim_v to_o the_o standard_n by_o now_o do_v the_o day_n the_o hour_n the_o moment_n of_o thy_o redemption_n draw_v nigh_o now_o be_v thou_o draw_v near_o thy_o home_n heaven_n be_v within_o sight_n and_o its_o melody_n almost_o within_o hear_v thy_o lord_n have_v the_o curtain_n in_o his_o hand_n ready_a to_o draw_v it_o to_o show_v thou_o all_o that_o glory_n that_o hitherto_o he_o have_v be_v but_o tell_v thou_o of_o and_o give_v thou_o a_o possession_n of_o all_o that_o which_o hitherto_o thou_o have_v enjoy_v only_o in_o hope_n and_o title_n what_o do_v thou_o fear_v and_o shrug_n and_o tremble_v at_o my_o soul_n thou_o peevish_a froward_a creature_n shall_v thy_o father_n tell_v thou_o thou_o must_v go_v sleep_n and_o lay_v his_o command_n upon_o thou_o to_o lie_v down_o in_o peace_n shall_v thy_o dear_a lord_n and_o saviour_n stand_v by_o persuade_v thou_o so_o to_o do_v and_o by_o the_o sweet_a and_o glorious_a promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o live_v with_o he_o in_o the_o heaven_n allure_v thou_o quiet_o to_o obey_v thy_o father_n and_o himself_o to_o go_v to_o rest_n shall_v he_o sing_v thou_o a_o lullaby_n of_o his_o own_o fall_v asleep_a and_o
convert_v and_o bear_v again_o do_v thou_o walk_v with_o god_n do_v thou_o live_v with_o god_n suppose_v a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n shall_v come_v how_o do_v thou_o think_v thou_o can_v endure_v it_o suppose_v that_o now_o thou_o be_v to_o stake_n burn_v at_o a_o stake_n and_o the_o fire_n be_v kindle_v before_o thou_o will_v thou_o embrace_v it_o rather_o than_o deny_v christ_n put_v i_o beseech_v thou_o such_o practical_a question_n and_o soul-searching_a query_n as_o these_o be_v to_o thyself_o and_o as_o thou_o find_v thy_o heart_n to_o echo_n there-unto_a according_o thou_o may_v judge_v how_o it_o will_v be_v with_o thou_o in_o a_o time_n of_o trial_n what_o be_o i_o now_o in_o my_o grace_n and_o my_o obedience_n do_v i_o love_v christ_n believe_v in_o christ_n and_o abide_v in_o he_o be_v my_o obedience_n also_o sincere_a impartial_a evangelical_n universal_a and_o perpetual_a by_o thy_o active_a obedience_n guess_v o_o christian_n what_o thy_o passive_a may_v be_v enter_z therefore_o o_o my_o soul_n into_o thy_o closet_n and_o there_o rip_v up_o thyself_o dissect_v and_o anatomize_v thy_o entrail_n it_o be_v good_a to_o try_v thyself_o now_o because_o as_o aforesaid_a thou_o may_v guess_v a_o little_a thereby_o how_o thou_o will_v endure_v a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n shall_v it_o come_v beside_o it_o may_v prevention_n prevent_v god_n try_v of_o thou_o will_v we_o but_o faith_n try_v ourselves_o in_o secret_a god_n will_v forbear_v try_v of_o so_o much_o as_o he_o do_v but_o know_v if_o thou_o will_v not_o try_v thyself_o alone_o by_o the_o sun-light_n of_o god_n word_n thou_o shall_v be_v try_v by_o the_o candlelight_n the_o firelight_n of_o his_o dreadful_a work_n the_o flail_n of_o tribulation_n will_v discover_v the_o chaff_n from_o the_o wheat_n and_o the_o fire_n of_o affliction_n the_o dross_n from_o the_o gold_n how_o do_v thou_o think_v to_o welcome_v a_o prison_n kiss_v a_o stake_n smile_v at_o torment_n look_v a_o violent_a death_n in_o the_o face_n with_o colour_n in_o thy_o cheek_n and_o courage_n in_o thy_o heart_n how_o do_v thou_o think_v to_o endure_v such_o a_o fiery_a trial_n that_o never_o do_v try_v thyself_o aforehand_o sect_n iii_o second_o the_o only_a way_n to_o stand_v in_o trial_n be_v to_o expect_v they_o this_o be_v one_o chief_a expedient_a no_o man_n whatsoev_a how_o good_a just_a pious_a wise_a soev_a can_v by_o any_o mean_n expect_v to_o be_v exempt_a from_o one_o kind_n of_o trouble_n or_o other_o at_o one_o time_n or_o another_o in_o one_o measure_n or_o another_o and_o therefore_o why_o do_v thou_o promise_v to_o thyself_o safety_n and_o security_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o christian_n thou_o must_v be_v try_v christ_n thy_o captain_n be_v try_v although_o there_o be_v not_o any_o fuel_n at_o all_o in_o he_o to_o invite_v satan_n temptation_n this_o life_n be_v a_o ring_n of_o aug._n misery_n we_o only_o change_v our_o trouble_n not_o finish_v they_o man_n life_n and_o misery_n be_v twin_n we_o may_v as_o well_o separate_a weight_n from_o lead_n as_o watson_n trouble_v from_o a_o man_n life_n we_o come_v inthe_n world_n with_o a_o cry_n and_o we_o go_v out_o with_o a_o groan_n and_o who_o will_v not_o say_v but_o these_o be_v trial_n and_o man_n be_v bear_v unto_o they_o even_o as_o the_o spark_n fly_v upward_o and_o therefore_o if_o here_o be_v not_o ground_n to_o expect_v they_o i_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o now_o he_o that_o expect_v trial_n will_v doubtless_o prepare_v for_o they_o what_o man_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o sudden_a qualm_n but_o will_v have_v some_o comfortable_a water_n to_o take_v when-so-eve_a they_o come_v again_o you_o be_v wise_a and_o know_v how_o to_o apply_v it_o sect_n iv._o three_o trust_v not_o thyself_o against_o such_o a_o time_n this_o be_v self-confidence_n and_o you_o know_v that_o be_v the_o undo_v of_o peter_n and_o other_o that_o i_o have_v already_o instanced_a believe_v thy_o own_o weakness_n the_o vine_n be_v weak_a twist_v about_o the_o elm_n to_o support_v it_o a_o good_a christian_n be_v conscious_a of_o his_o own_o imbecility_n twist_v by_o faith_n about_o christ._n always_o when_o a_o trial_n come_v go_v out_o of_o self_n to_o god_n christ_n or_o else_o thou_o fall_v sect_n v._o four_o wean_v thyself_o from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o converse_v with_o thing_n above_o let_v thy_o thought_n hope_n and_o desire_n ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n many_o be_v foil_v by_o satan_n through_o set_v too_o great_a a_o estimate_n upon_o the_o world_n the_o great_a engine_n that_o the_o devil_n have_v whereby_o to_o enchant_v and_o ensnare_v poor_a silly_a soul_n who_o more_o free_a from_o temptation_n than_o such_o that_o set_v light_o by_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o always_o observe_v such_o that_o love_v the_o amatur_fw-la world_n inordinate_o and_o be_v plunge_v in_o the_o business_n thereof_o be_v seldom_o or_o never_o free_v from_o a_o temptation_n sect_n vi_o cypr._n five_o give_v thyself_o to_o prayer_n prayer_n set_v god_n at_o work_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a preparative_n for_o trial_n we_o have_v when_o christ_n pray_v he_o meet_v judas_n this_o be_v the_o compleation_n of_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v before_o pray_v lead_v i_o not_o into_o temptation_n 8._o but_o deliver_v i_o from_o evil._n and_o for_o this_o thing_n i_o beseech_v the_o lord_n thrice_o prayer_n be_v the_o key_n that_o open_v god_n store-house_n and_o fetch_v out_o from_o thence_o those_o mercy_n that_o our_o various_a want_n and_o necessity_n call_v for_o chap._n ix_o contain_v the_o three_o four_o five_o six_z and_o seven_o deduction_n sect_n i._o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o such_o who_o be_v eminent_a may_v relapse_n then_o let_v we_o not_o 3._o censure_v all_o that_o have_v relapse_v and_o be_v guilty_a of_o miscarriage_n eminent_a christian_n have_v be_v over-taken_a with_o a_o fault_n and_o therefore_o be_v tender_a in_o your_o judge_n and_o not_o be_v as_o some_o who_o be_v censorious_a and_o rash_a misjudging_a the_o case_n of_o such_o that_o have_v be_v overcome_v by_o a_o temptation_n the_o tempt_v be_v to_o be_v succour_v much_o less_o censure_v sure_o such_o have_v not_o learned_a christ_n who_o have_v not_o learn_v this_o so_o that_o there_o be_v great_a cause_n of_o lamentation_n when_o we_o consider_v what_o little_a commiseration_n be_v show_v unto_o the_o tempt_v even_o by_o they_o that_o pretend_v very_o much_o unto_o religion_n ah_o it_o grieve_v i_o exceed_o i_o can_v true_o say_v because_o i_o see_v not_o that_o sympathy_n in_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o age_n as_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v what_o censure_n and_o reproof_n do_v we_o abound_v with_o to_o our_o shame_n be_v it_o speak_v we_o shall_v consider_v ourselves_o as_o of_o the_o body_n and_o such_o that_o may_v be_v tempt_v gal._n 6._o v._n 1._o brethren_n although_o a_o man_n be_v over-taken_a in_o a_o fault_n you_o which_o be_v spiritual_a restore_v such_o a_o one_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n consider_v yourselves_o etc._n etc._n i_o be_o very_o persuade_v that_o scarce_o any_o age_n have_v afford_v less_o of_o soul_n that_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o temptation_n than_o this_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o a_o love_v charitable_a sympathize_v and_o gain_v carriage_n be_v no_o more_o manifest_v unto_o such_o that_o be_v attend_v with_o temptation_n thou_o that_o censure_v those_o that_o be_v tempt_v may_v as_o well_o censure_v our_o saviour_n himself_o for_o he_o be_v tempt_v 18._o thou_o have_v more_o reason_n o_o man_n to_o be_v jealous_a of_o thyself_o that_o have_v not_o be_v tempt_v than_o other_o that_o have_v be_v tempt_v moreov_a none_o be_v able_a to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o season_n unto_o such_o that_o be_v tempt_v than_o those_o who_o have_v be_v in_o likemanner_n exercise_v a_o man_n that_o have_v rid_v over_o a_o place_n where_o be_v bog_n and_o quicksand_n be_v the_o fit_a to_o guide_v other_o through_o that_o dangerous_a place_n who_o can_v better_v unmask_v and_o discover_v santan_n policy_n and_o sugar_v lie_n than_o those_o who_o have_v be_v long_o in_o the_o fencing-school_n of_o temptation_n sect_n ii_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o confident_a cedar_n may_v fall_v such_o who_o be_v eminent_a 4._o in_o christianity_n may_v be_v subject_a to_o lapse_n then_o let_v not_o christian_n themselves_o as_o well_o as_o other_o think_v evil_a of_o themselves_o because_o they_o may_v sometime_o halt_n and_o have_v a_o fall_n how_o many_o christian_n have_v i_o hear_v conclude_v evil_a from_o their_o temptation_n as_o if_o no_o such_o promise_n as_o this_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n viz._n loc._n all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a for_o they_o that_o love_n god_n all_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o best_a thing_n
affection_n and_o predominant_a they_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o so_o many_o firebrands_a of_o confusion_n land-flood_n exceed_v all_o reason_n yea_o deluge_n to_o bear_v down_o our_o grace_n what_o euripides_n speak_v of_o sorrow_n be_v as_o true_a of_o all_o inordinate_a affection_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o in_o a_o sudden_a fray_n many_o a_o man_n be_v wound_v so_o by_o tumultuous_a affection_n many_o a_o sin_n be_v increase_v and_o the_o devil_n like_o thief_n in_o uproar_n be_v most_o diligent_a about_o we_o when_o our_o affection_n be_v distemper_v within_o we_o he_o can_v master_v we_o most_o easy_o when_o we_o can_v most_o difficult_o master_v ourselves_o but_o if_o the_o affection_n be_v right_o set_v and_o compose_v they_o be_v then_o the_o sweet_a spring_n of_o duty_n the_o gentle_a handmaid_n of_o grace_n our_o best_a sail_n for_o a_o course_n of_o piety_n the_o active_a weapon_n against_o iniquity_n our_o flame_n in_o prayer_n and_o wing_n to_o heaven_n therefore_o watch_v these_o affection_n they_o be_v a_o coal_n quick_o kindle_v but_o not_o so_o quick_o extinguish_v your_o safety_n lie_v much_o in_o this_o how_o they_o be_v set_v and_o how_o they_o work_n the_o same_o string_n may_v make_v pleasant_a music_n or_o a_o jar_a discord_n all_o be_v as_o they_o be_v set_a and_o finger_v your_o affection_n may_v be_v either_o your_o pleasant_a garden_n or_o your_o turbulent_a ocean_n therefore_o watch_v they_o for_o rectitude_n of_o motion_n for_o measure_n of_o motion_n and_o for_o order_n of_o motion_n if_o your_o love_n which_o be_v the_o general_n of_o the_o affection_n shall_v be_v set_v not_o on_o god_n but_o the_o world_n or_o sin_n if_o your_o hatred_n shall_v be_v direct_v not_o against_o sin_n but_o good_a man_n or_o which_o be_v worse_o against_o goodness_n itself_o if_o your_o zeal_n shall_v not_o be_v pure_a flame_n for_o divine_a glory_n but_o a_o burn_a rage_n against_o his_o truth_n if_o your_o fear_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o flight_n from_o evil_a but_o a_o apostasy_n from_o christ_n if_o your_o anger_n shall_v be_v a_o displeasure_n at_o another_o eminency_n and_o not_o at_o your_o own_o exorbitance_n if_o your_o hope_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o well-balanced_n expectation_n of_o happiness_n but_o a_o blind_a and_o venturous_a presumption_n of_o mercy_n and_o if_o your_o grief_n shall_v be_v trouble_n that_o you_o can_v be_v and_o do_v more_o evil_a ah_o how_o vile_a how_o irregular_a how_o dangerous_a be_v affection_n thus_o rout_v and_o dis-ordered_n but_o if_o love_n and_o hatred_n be_v look_v unto_o to_o keep_v their_o right_a centre_n to_o move_v towards_o their_o proper_a object_n to_o love_v nothing_o but_o good_a to_o hate_v nothing_o but_o evil_a now_o there_o be_v rectitude_n and_o now_o there_o will_v be_v peace_n and_o comfort_n but_o stay_v not_o here_o watch_v likewise_o your_o affâ—…ctions_n for_o their_o order_n and_o measure_n it_o be_v difficult_a to_o keep_v and_o observe_v these_o o_o how_o much_o holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o how_o large_a a_o influence_n of_o spiritual_a wisdom_n be_v require_v to_o guide_n the_o affection_n with_o a_o even_a and_o besit_a pulse_n to_o keep_v those_o metal_n in_o a_o expedient_a heat_n that_o i_o shall_v utter_o hate_n and_o abhor_v the_o sin_n and_o yet_o merciful_o pity_v and_o love_n the_o person_n be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n thorough_o zealous_a and_o yet_o abundant_o meek_a contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n &_o yet_o all_o this_o contend_v to_o be_v carry_v without_o any_o contentiousness_n beat_v down_o error_n and_o yet_o not_o revile_v person_n patient_o bear_v affliction_n and_o injury_n with_o silence_n and_o yet_o not_o slight_a any_o suffer_v with_o unsensibleness_n that_o when_o i_o do_v behold_v much_o mercy_n yet_o i_o shall_v fear_v and_o when_o i_o feel_v much_o sin_n yet_o i_o shall_v hope_v not_o presume_v nor_o yet_o despair_v but_o temper_n faith_n and_o fear_n grief_n and_o hope_n together_o this_o be_v the_o orderly_a composure_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a though_o very_o necessary_a and_o therefore_o watch_n the_o last_o bull-wark_n or_o fort_n which_o you_o must_v keep_v watch_n on_o be_v conscience_n solomon_n call_v it_o the_o heart_n which_o must_v be_v keep_v with_o all_o diligence_n there_o be_v much_o to_o be_v say_v why_o it_o be_v to_o be_v watch_v that_o i_o will_v say_v but_o little_a be_v it_o not_o god_n vicegerent_n in_o man_n the_o spy_n up_o on_o we_o our_o great_a counsellor_n our_o best_a friend_n or_o worst_a enemy_n our_o heaven_n of_o peace_n or_o hell_n of_o torment_n our_o wall_n of_o brass_n or_o prison_n of_o iron_n know_v you_o not_o the_o vigorous_a support_v of_o its_o excuse_v testimony_n what_o confidence_n it_o give_v to_o the_o martyr_n at_o the_o bar_n and_o what_o rejoice_v even_o in_o the_o flame_n have_v you_o not_o hear_v the_o terrible_a affrightment_n and_o amazement_n of_o its_o condemn_v power_n how_o when_o it_o have_v be_v awaken_v and_o stir_v it_o have_v so_o imprint_v on_o the_o proud_a sinner_n the_o wrath_n of_o the_o great_a god_n that_o he_o have_v be_v drive_v to_o great_a consternation_n well!_o be_v advise_v in_o time_n great_a sin_n will_v make_v great_a wound_n in_o conscience_n yea_o and_o little_a sin_n commit_v against_o the_o light_n of_o conscience_n will_v occasion_v great_a stir_v and_o trouble_v speak_v no_o more_o against_o conscience_n write_v no_o more_o against_o conscience_n flatter_v no_o more_o against_o conscience_n live_v not_o in_o any_o sin_n do_v nothing_o against_o conscience_n remember_v what_o befall_v francis_n spira_n who_o adventure_v against_o the_o strong_a dictate_v of_o his_o conscience_n he_o can_v not_o recover_v peace_n to_o his_o dying-day_n remember_v what_o besel_n origen_n who_o consent_v to_o sacrifice_n but_o lord_n what_o horror_n what_o confusion_n what_o lamentation_n what_o despair_n what_o extreme_a exigency_n in_o conscience_n do_v attend_v he_o for_o sin_v thus_o remember_v judas_n also_o who_o sell_v his_o master_n to_o the_o highpriest_n he_o sell_v his_o master_n indeed_o but_o sell_v his_o peace_n too_o instant_o be_v he_o arrest_v and_o charge_v by_o conscience_n and_o the_o gild_n of_o his_o sin_n crucify_a he_o before_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o soldier_n can_v crucify_v his_o master_n no_o rest_n no_o hope_v he_o choose_v death_n rather_o than_o life_n and_o hasten_v to_o hell_n itself_o for_o some_o ease_n o_o therefore_o watch_v to_o conscience_n get_v it_o renew_a and_o purge_v from_o dead_a work_n obey_v it_o when_o it_o bring_v light_a from_o heaven_n to_o command_n wound_v it_o not_o by_o corrupt_a error_n and_o practioâ—…s_n keep_v it_o undefiled_a and_o resolute_a farewell_o peace_n farewell_n comfort_n hope_v god_n heaven_n happiness_n if_o you_o sell_v your_o conscience_n but_o if_o you_o will_v live_v in_o life_n enjoy_v your_o self_n live_v in_o death_n enjoy_v your_o hope_n live_v after_o death_n enjoy_v god_n and_o christ_n as_o you_o desire_v comfort_n from_o god_n from_o the_o creature_n from_o your_o self_n watch_n keep_v conscience_n right_o and_o sound_v no_o not_o for_o all_o the_o world_n make_v shipwreck_n of_o conscience_n thy_o ark_n be_v lose_v if_o conscience_n be_v split_v second_o the_o port_n or_o gate_n to_o be_v watch_v and_o guard_v by_o which_o we_o go_v out_o and_o a_o enemy_n may_v come_v in_o these_o port_n be_v our_o outward_a sense_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n go_v out_o and_o object_n come_v in_o i_o can_v so_o distinct_o prescribe_v for_o these_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n only_o this_o we_o know_v that_o sensible_a object_n have_v great_a force_n to_o actuate_v and_o excite_v peculiar_a corruption_n and_o vile_a temptation_n usual_o slip_v in_o and_o cooperate_a with_o outward_a representation_n satan_n by_o the_o goodly_a fruit_n deceive_v the_o eye_n of_o eve_n and_o corrupt_v she_o to_o transgression_n david_n wander_v eye_n occasion_v two_o horrid_a sin_n one_o of_o adultery_n the_o other_o of_o murder_n therefore_o set_v a_o strict_a watch_n upon_o this_o port_n or_o sense_n of_o see_v job_n do_v so_o he_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o his_o eye_n and_o solomon_n advises_n the_o junker_n not_o to_o look_v on_o the_o wine_n when_o it_o give_v its_o colour_n in_o the_o glass_n and_o also_o not_o to_o come_v near_o the_o door_n or_o presence_n of_o the_o strumpet_n epiphanius_n say_v that_o in_o the_o old_a law_n when_o any_o dead_a body_n be_v carry_v by_o any_o house_n they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o shut_v their_o door_n and_o window_n and_o in_o a_o moral_a sense_n the_o same_o counsel_n be_v good_a for_o we_o when_o any_o object_n be_v apt_a to_o come_v in_o at_o the_o window_n of_o our_o eye_n entice_a allure_a we_o to_o sin_n shut_v the_o window_n present_o lest_o death_n shall_v enter_v by_o
but_o a_o almighty_a power_n there_o be_v no_o power_n below_o that_o power_n which_o raise_v christ_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o make_v this_o world_n can_v raise_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v when_o god_n make_v the_o world_n there_o be_v nothing_o to_o oppose_v he_o have_v only_o then_o to_o do_v with_o simple_a nothing_o but_o when_o god_n come_v to_o make_v the_o heart_n believe_v he_o find_v opposition_n and_o rebellion_n it_o be_v a_o miracle_n for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v nay_o what_o be_v faith_n but_o a_o mystery_n second_o faith_n be_v very_o useful_a to_o such_o that_o have_v it_o it_o be_v usefulness_n appear_v in_o these_o three_o particular_n first_o in_o repel_v temptation_n without_o faith_n we_o can_v resist_v so_o much_o as_o one_o temptation_n ephes._n 6._o 16._o by_o faith_n we_o can_v resist_v temptation_n by_o faith_n we_o bear_v affliction_n by_o faith_n we_o foil_n corruption_n by_o faith_n we_o endure_v persecution_n by_o faith_n we_o overcome_a the_o world_n and_o by_o faith_n we_o subdue_v sin_n in_o its_o conception_n and_o do_v even_o make_v sinful_a thought_n abortive_a no_o wrestle_a with_o the_o devil_n no_o enter_v the_o list_n with_o he_o but_o by_o have_v this_o shield_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v so_o exceed_v useful_a therein_o second_o faith_n be_v useful_a in_o a_o art_n of_o spiritual_a extraction_n that_o it_o have_v faith_n can_v extract_v good_a out_o of_o evil._n a_o unbeliever_n can_v see_v nothing_o in_o affliction_n but_o a_o lump_n of_o pine_a grief_n and_o sorrow_n but_o a_o believer_n know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o blessing_n in_o it_o the_o sharpness_n of_o it_o may_v let_v out_o his_o corruption_n the_o suddenness_n of_o it_o may_v alarm_n his_o spiritual_a watch_n and_o the_o bitterness_n of_o it_o may_v wean_v he_o from_o the_o breast_n of_o the_o creature_n faith_n explain_v that_o paradox_n can_v a_o man_n gather_v grape_n of_o thorn_n or_o fig_n of_o thistle_n yea_o out_o of_o trial_n and_o persecution_n faith_n can_v extract_n joy_n and_o peace_n three_o faith_n be_v useful_a in_o that_o it_o have_v a_o mighty_a and_o universal_a influence_n upon_o all_o our_o other_o grace_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n indeed_o do_v infuse_v all_o the_o seed_n and_o habit_n of_o grace_n but_o faith_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v as_o the_o spring_n in_o the_o watch_n that_o move_v the_o wheel_n and_o set_v they_o all_o go_v how_o do_v love_n work_v but_o by_o faith_n and_o how_o do_v humility_n work_v but_o by_o faith_n and_o how_o do_v patience_n work_n but_o by_o faith_n sect_n v._o second_o cherish_v faith_n this_o be_v ii_o as_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o the_o cardinal_n grace_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o your_o soul_n water_n this_o root_n now_o there_o be_v two_o rank_n and_o degree_n of_o person_n that_o i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o speak_v unto_o 1._o such_o who_o have_v faith_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n 2._o such_o who_o have_v faith_n in_o a_o little_a measure_n first_o such_o who_o have_v faith_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n and_o that_o which_o i_o have_v to_o say_v unto_o you_o be_v grow_v though_o you_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o faith_n yet_o you_o have_v need_n of_o more_o and_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o you_o to_o have_v more_o for_o god_n have_v allot_v unto_o every_o believer_n such_o a_o degree_n of_o grace_n unto_o which_o he_o must_v attain_v before_o he_o be_v to_o be_v take_v up_o in_o glory_n the_o more_o strong_a you_o be_v the_o more_o formidable_a you_o shall_v be_v to_o the_o devil_n sir_n dream_v not_o of_o a_o perfection_n in_o this_o life_n though_o you_o have_v much_o faith_n yet_o you_o have_v need_n of_o more_o and_o therefore_o go_v forward_a because_o not_o to_o go_v forward_a regredi_fw-la be_v to_o go_v backward_o can_v the_o heathen-painter_n be_v so_o intent_n and_o industrious_a upon_o his_o trade_n of_o paint_v that_o he_o can_v say_v nulla_fw-la dies_fw-la sine_fw-la lineâ_fw-la not_o a_o day_n without_o a_o line_n and_o all_o that_o he_o may_v excel_v in_o that_o art_n and_o shall_v not_o christian_n be_v more_o intent_n upon_o in_o their_o attendance_n to_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o soul_n several_a motive_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o that_o you_o may_v thereby_o be_v excite_v to_o growth_n motive_n i._n first_o god_n call_v for_o it_o and_o shall_v we_o deny_v it_o 1_o thes._n 4._o 1._o further-more_a then_o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n and_o exhort_v you_o by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o as_o you_o have_v receive_v of_o we_o how_o you_o ought_v to_o walk_v and_o to_o please_v god_n so_o you_o will_v abound_v more_o and_o more_o the_o wind_n and_o sea_n obey_v god_n shall_v we_o be_v rebel_n let_v we_o rather_o give_v a_o answer_n like_o the_o echo_n lord_n we_o will_v grow_v do_v thou_o bless_v thy_o word_n and_o sacrament_n to_o we_o purge_v we_o cleanse_v we_o water_v we_o manure_v we_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o growth_n and_o let_v we_o daily_o grow_v in_o every_o grace_n and_o never_o give_v over_o till_o our_o die_a day_n say_v lord_n make_v we_o every_o day_n better_o and_o best_a of_o all_o at_o last_o motive_n ii_o second_o god_n be_v honour_v by_o our_o growth_n a_o high-grown_a faith_n glorify_v god_n the_o husbandman_n be_v honour_v when_o his_o field_n and_o orchard_n be_v fruitful_a let_v god_n be_v honour_v by_o our_o fruit_n of_o piety_n charity_n righteousness_n patience_n and_o obedience_n that_o man_n may_v say_v it_o be_v a_o good_a god_n and_o a_o good_a gospel_n that_o have_v wrought_v on_o this_o people_n motive_n iii_o three_o god_n give_v his_o word_n and_o minister_n and_o sacrament_n for_o this_o end_n all_o our_o preacher_n call_v for_o growth_n let_v not_o god_n say_v i_o have_v give_v they_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o my_o law_n but_o they_o esteem_v they_o as_o a_o vain_a thing_n let_v not_o the_o preacher_n say_v we_o have_v labour_v in_o vain_a and_o have_v be_v beat_v the_o air_n and_o plough_v upon_o the_o sea-shore_n motive_n iu._n four_o if_o you_o grow_v not_o you_o will_v perish_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o satan_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n will_v get_v the_o advantage_n of_o you_o the_o tree_n that_o grow_v not_o must_v be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n and_o be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o be_v flourish_a than_o perish_v if_o we_o take_v not_o pain_n to_o grow_v better_a we_o must_v suffer_v pain_n for_o be_v worse_o motive_n v._n five_o the_o truth_n of_o your_o faith_n appear_v by_o the_o growth_n of_o it_o faith_n may_v be_v little_a but_o if_o it_o be_v true_a it_o will_v not_o always_o be_v little_a those_o that_o be_v of_o god_n own_o plant_v be_v flourish_a in_o their_o old_a age._n if_o you_o begin_v in_o hypocrisy_n you_o will_v end_v in_o apostasy_n a_o sound_a young_a convert_n prove_v a_o old_a disciple_n o_o let_v it_o not_o be_v say_v you_o do_v run_v well_o you_o have_v good_a affection_n you_o be_v once_o zealous_a let_v your_o soundness_n appear_v by_o your_o growth_n and_o perseverance_n motive_n vi._n six_o a_o grow_v christian_n have_v most_o comfort_n there_o be_v joy_n in_o knowledge_n the_o more_o knowledge_n the_o more_o comfort_n let_v he_o that_o glori_v glory_n in_o this_o that_o he_o know_v i_o jer._n 9_o 23._o there_o be_v joy_n in_o believe_v rom._n 15._o 13._o the_o more_o faith_n the_o more_o joy._n the_o grow_v christian_n get_v the_o strong_a evidence_n of_o god_n favour_n of_o god_n spirit_n work_v in_o he_o his_o act_n of_o growth_n and_o fruit_n of_o obedience_n be_v seed_n of_o joy_n and_o the_o groundwork_n of_o consolation_n motive_n vii_o seven_o the_o grow_v christian_n win_v other_o those_o which_o decline_v do_v make_v as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o that_o power_n in_o god_n ordinance_n that_o sweetness_n in_o the_o promise_n as_o be_v expect_v as_o if_o a_o godly_a life_n have_v not_o the_o contentment_n nor_o god_n reward_n be_v so_o sure_a nor_o his_o way_n so_o happy_a as_o man_n take_v they_o to_o be_v and_o therefore_o they_o give_v over_o but_o he_o that_o grow_v better_a and_o better_o and_o hold_v on_o notwithstanding_o oppose_v heresy_n schism_n reproach_n and_o pleasant_a bait_n and_o sweet_a allurement_n he_o proclaim_v vanity_n in_o the_o creature_n satisfaction_n in_o god_n power_n in_o his_o word_n amiableness_n in_o grace_n he_o bring_v credit_n on_o god_n family_n honour_n to_o the_o truth_n other_o see_v something_o in_o he_o which_o be_v supernatural_a they_o desire_v to_o be_v like_o he_o they_o be_v almost_o yea_o sometime_o altogether_o persuade_v to_o become_v professor_n they_o be_v draw_v to_o taste_v of_o god_n goodness_n to_o
now_o who_o can_v speed_v better_o in_o this_o suit_n than_o god_n own_o son_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n two_o manner_n of_o way_n 1._o by_o eternal_a generation_n according_a to_o his_o godhead_n psal._n 2._o 7._o 2._o by_o grace_n of_o personal_n union_n according_a to_o his_o manhood_n luk._n 1._o 35._o if_o you_o who_o be_v earthly_a parent_n can_v find_v in_o your_o heart_n to_o give_v unto_o your_o child_n when_o they_o ask_v how_o much_o more_o than_o shall_v god_n give_v unto_o we_o his_o heavenly_a child_n when_o we_o ask_v of_o he_o but_o i_o shall_v ascend_v high_o if_o god_n our_o heavenly_a father_n can_v give_v unto_o we_o his_o adopt_a child_n his_o child_n that_o be_v only_o make_v so_o how_o much_o more_o will_v god_n give_v unto_o jesuâ—…_n christ_n his_o son_n by_o nature_n and_o generation_n if_o we_o the_o child_n by_o grace_n can_v prevail_v so_o much_o with_o god_n the_o father_n how_o much_o more_o than_o his_o soâ—…_n by_o generation_n betwixt_o who_o there_o iâ—…_n a_o unity_n not_o only_o of_o nature_n but_o wiâ—…_n also_o joh._n 10._o 32._o moreov_a see_v whaâ—…_n god_n himself_o say_v to_o christ_n psal._n 2._o 8._o ask_v of_o i_o and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o sect_n iv._o second_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o intercession_n itself_o 1._o in_o its_o nature_n 2._o in_o its_o perpetuity_n first_o in_o its_o nature_n which_o be_v a_o present_v his_o person_n suffering_n and_o merit_n unto_o his_o father_n for_o what_o he_o desire_v father_n say_v jesus_n christ_n let_v such_o a_o soul_n persevere_v why_o so_o may_z the_o father_n reply_n because_o say_v christ_n i_o suffer_v to_o this_o end_n so_o that_o god_n the_o father_n according_a to_o his_o justice_n which_o be_v unspotted_a say_v to_o his_o son_n be_v 〈◊〉_d unto_o thou_o as_o thou_o will_v so_o that_o matter_n of_o our_o saviour_n request_n be_v but_o just_a and_o reasonable_a what_o christ_n desire_v be_v not_o desire_v gratis_o upon_o term_n unbecoming_a the_o holiness_n and_o â—…ighteousness_n of_o god_n to_o grant_v jesus_n christ_n can_v plead_v merit_n in_o his_o prayer_n â—…inally_o god_n the_o father_n be_v under_o a_o coâ—…enant_n tye_n and_o bond_n to_o do_v what_o he_o â—…ks_v for_o he_o promise_v we_o to_o christ_n on_o condition_n of_o his_o die_v for_o we_o 〈◊〉_d be_v his_o and_o rule_v by_o he_o as_o he_o please_v where-upon_a christ_n accept_v and_o a_o body_n be_v prepare_v for_o he_o and_o so_o he_o become_v obedient_a unto_o death_n even_o unto_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross._n so_o that_o this_o number_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v be_v real_o he_o according_a to_o the_o faederal_n transaction_n between_o the_o father_n and_o he_o according_o also_o the_o mercy_n that_o christ_n intercede_v for_o be_v as_o due_a to_o he_o as_o the_o hire_n of_o the_o labour_n be_v when_o the_o work_n be_v faithful_o do_v second_o let_v we_o consider_v our_o saviour_n intercession_n in_o the_o perpetuity_n oâ—…_n it_o he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercessioâ—…_n for_o we_o heb._n 7._o 25._o our_o name_n be_v always_o upon_o thâ—…_n heart_n and_o shoulder_n of_o this_o our_o greaâ—…_n highpriest_n before_o god_n importunity_n christ_n intercession_n be_v importunate_n and_o perpetual_a from_o hence_o we_o may_v draw_v saitâ—…_n 152._o mr._n flavel_n abundant_a encouragemenâ—…_n against_o all_o heart-straitnings_a and_o dead_a ness_n of_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n thou_o complain_v thy_o heart_n be_v dead_a wander_v and_o contract_v in_o duty_n 〈◊〉_d but_o remember_v christ_n blood_n speak_v when_o thou_o can_v not_o though_o the_o vigour_n of_o thy_o affection_n may_v sometime_o decay_n in_o duty_n yet_o know_v then_o even_o than_o christ_n make_v intercession_n when_o thy_o prayer_n be_v do_v christ_n prayer_n be_v still_o go_v on_o his_o pray_v be_v a_o pray_v without_o cease_v yea_o he_o incessant_o pray_v for_o we_o christ_n be_v a_o mediator_n for_o ever_o and_o his_o intercession_n be_v a_o daily_a intercession_n it_o be_v the_o business_n of_o christ_n now_o in_o heaven_n to_o intercede_v for_o we_o behold_v christ_n intercede_v for_o you_o in_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o question_v not_o the_o duration_n of_o your_o faith_n many_o thing_n here_o occur_v that_o hinder_v the_o permanency_n and_o the_o potency_n of_o our_o prayer_n but_o christ_n in_o heaven_n meet_v with_o nothing_o that_o interrupt_v his_o pray_v to_o and_o intercede_v with_o the_o father_n on_o our_o behalf_n christ_n jesus_n be_v now_o in_o the_o exaltation_n of_o his_o prophetical_a sacerdotal_a and_o regal_a office_n and_o therefore_o what_o he_o will_v be_v grant_v he_o christ_n ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o sect_n v._o three_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o person_n for_o who_o intercession_n be_v make_v be_v such_o who_o god_n the_o father_n have_v a_o kindness_n for_o do_v jesus_n christ_n indeed_o intercede_v for_o such_o that_o the_o father_n be_v no_o wellwisher_n unto_o it_o be_v something_o but_o now_o these_o for_o who_o christ_n intercede_v be_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n and_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o the_o brethren_n of_o christ_n therefore_o these_o must_v persevere_v jesus_n christ_n pray_v not_o for_o the_o world_n which_o be_v enmity_n to_o god_n but_o for_o a_o select_a number_n who_o god_n the_o father_n have_v determine_v to_o bring_v to_o everlasting_a life_n through_o this_o prevalent_a and_o successful_a intercessor_n in_o heaven_n sect_n vi_o have_v finish_v the_o doctrinal_a part_n viz._n christ_n intercession_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o priestly_a office_n be_v on_o ground_n of_o a_o believer_n perseverance_n in_o faith_n i_o shall_v only_o answer_v this_o inquiry_n that_o may_v be_v make_v about_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ._n but_o why_o do_v christ_n pray_v now_o see_v he_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n answ._n 1._o christ_n can_v do_v all_o thing_n when_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n and_o yet_o he_o pray_v 2._o christ_n pray_v now_o in_o heaven_n because_o as_o man_n he_o rejoice_v both_o to_o be_v subject_a unto_o god_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o as_o the_o great_a and_o the_o author_n of_o all_o good_n as_o christ_n be_v man_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o omit_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o man_n viz._n prayer_n sect_n vii_o forasmuch_a as_o i_o have_v only_o be_v admit_v to_o make_v use_v but_o of_o one_o argument_n for_o the_o assert_v of_o believer_n perseverance_n viz._n christ_n intercession_n which_o the_o doctrine_n only_o contain_v i_o shall_v therefore_o furnish_v you_o only_o with_o some_o scripture_n that_o may_v evince_v this_o truth_n now_o in_o the_o close_a for_o loath_a i_o be_o to_o leave_v such_o a_o comfortable_a doctrine_n as_o this_o be_v dark_a although_o what_o have_v be_v say_v already_o about_o it_o may_v suffice_v yet_o in_o regard_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v abound_v with_o argument_n for_o it_o i_o shall_v just_o touch_v upon_o they_o and_o that_o shall_v be_v all_o chap._n xix_o contain_v eleven_o argument_n from_o scripture_n for_o believer_n perseverance_n with_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a ancient_a and_o modern_a about_o it_o sect_n i._o arg._n 1._o first_o the_o father_n in_o his_o election_n be_v insallible_a matth._n 24._o 24._o for_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a gospel-covenant_n sign_n and_o wonder_n insomuch_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect._n those_o who_o god_n have_v determine_v to_o be_v save_v shall_v be_v save_v let_v the_o power_n of_o devil_n power_n of_o corruption_n and_o power_n of_o this_o world_n work_v joint_o together_o against_o the_o child_n of_o god_n the_o elect_n can_v be_v deceive_v there_o be_v a_o impossibile_fw-it in_o the_o case_n rom._n 8._o also_o and_o vers_fw-la 30._o moreov_a who_o he_o do_v predestinate_a they_o he_o also_o call_v and_o who_o he_o call_v they_o he_o also_o justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o he_o also_o glorify_v 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o neverthess_n the_o foundation_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o arg._n 2._o second_o the_o son_n in_o his_o redemption_n shall_v not_o be_v frustrate_v heb._n 2._o 14._o isa._n 42._o 7._o rev._n 3._o 7._o matth._n 1._o 11._o tit._n 2._o 14._o certain_o christ_n die_v to_o some_o purpose_n he_o will_v not_o have_v deserted_n his_o father_n bosom_n and_o palace_n for_o nought_o arg._n 3._o three_o the_o spirit_n in_o application_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n passion_n be_v irresistible_a and_o unchangeable_a zach._n 36._o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o isa._n 11._o 6._o luk._n 3._o 5._o sect_n ii_o arg._n 4._o four_o the_o regeneration_n of_o god_n people_n be_v perpetual_a 1_o pet._n 1._o 2_o 3._o 1_o joh._n 3._o
endure_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v be_v faithful_a to_o the_o death_n and_o etc._n etc._n but_o he_o that_o have_v ordain_v we_o shall_v be_v save_v have_v ordain_v our_o perseverance_n as_o a_o mean_a to_o this_o salvation_n and_o have_v appoint_v these_o sharp_a advice_n as_o the_o mean_n and_o motive_n of_o our_o perseverance_n so_o as_o he_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v shall_v also_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n because_o no_o man_n shall_v pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n say_v christ._n how_o evident_o do_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n proclaim_v our_o certainty_n against_o these_o doubt-monger_n every_o where_o be_v he_o as_o full_a of_o assurance_n as_o these_o man_n of_o dis-comfort_n he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o neither_o can_v sin_v because_o 3_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n remain_v in_o he_o what_o a_o invincible_a and_o irrefragable_a consolation_n be_v this_o the_o seed_n of_o life_n be_v sow_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o elect_n â—…ho_o they_o can_v be_v dead_a to_o themselves_o yet_o to_o god_n they_o can_v and_o what_o a_o supposition_n be_v that_o of_o christ_n that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o very_a elect_n shall_v be_v deceive_v desponsabo_fw-la te_fw-la mihi_fw-la in_o perpetuum_fw-la and_o a_o thousand_o of_o this_o strain_n which_o your_o exercise_n in_o those_o holy_a leave_n have_v i_o doubt_v not_o abundant_o furnish_v you_o withal_o hold_v fast_o then_o my_o dear_a friend_n this_o sure_a anchor_n of_o our_o undeceivable_a hope_n and_o spit_v in_o the_o face_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n that_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o slacken_v your_o hand_n let_v thesâ—…_n vain_a spirit_n sing_v despair_n to_o themselves_o for_o we_o we_o know_v who_o wâ—…_n have_v believe_v thus_o have_v my_o pen_n run_v it_o seâ—…_n out_o of_o breath_n in_o this_o so_o important_a a_o demand_n and_o much_o ado_n have_v 〈◊〉_d have_v to_o restrain_v it_o neither_o woulâ—…_n i_o give_v you_o one_o hour_n intermissioâ—…_n to_o my_o answer_n which_o i_o knowâ—…_n your_o love_n can_v but_o accept_v all_o that_o which_o come_v from_o a_o heart_n zealous_a both_o of_o god_n and_o you._n i_o shall_v now_o add_v the_o testimony_n of_o another_o who_o speak_v of_o a_o believer_n etc._n perseverance_n the_o ground_n of_o it_o tell_v we_o thus_o there_o be_v some_o ground_n on_o goâ—…_n the_o father_n part_n viz._n his_o everlasting_a love_n and_o all-sufficienâ—…_a power_n 2._o there_o be_v ground_n oâ—…_n christ_n part_n his_o everlasting_a merit_n and_o close_a union_n between_o hiâ—…_n and_o we_o and_o constant_a intercessionâ—…_n 3_o on_o the_o spirit_n part_v there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d continual_a influence_n so_o a_o to_o maintain_v the_o essence_n and_o seed_n of_o grace_n etc._n etc._n another_o also_o say_v this_o be_v you_o in_o christ_n jesus_n here_o be_v comfort_n as_o to_o your_o perseverance_n 83._o stability_n and_o fixedness_n in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n another_o also_o say_v speak_v of_o believer_n etc._n union_n with_o christ_n here_o we_o may_v consider_v the_o main_a foundation_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o saint_n perseverance_n chap._n xx._n contain_v a_o use_n of_o information_n anâ—…_n reprehension_n sect_n i._o use_v 1._o of_o information_n be_v it_o so_o then_o that_o the_o faith_n of_o elect_a believer_n be_v so_o secure_a by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n intercession_n as_o that_o iâ—…_n shall_v never_o total_o and_o final_o fail_v leâ—…_n the_o devil_n strike_v never_o so_o hard_a or_o ofteâ—…_n at_o it_o then_o hence_o may_v be_v infer_v thâ—…_n excellency_n of_o the_o gospel_n above_o thaâ—…_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o second_o adam_n above_o that_o of_o the_o first_o of_o the_o evangelical_n righteousness_n above_o that_o of_o thâ—…_n legal_a sir_n adam_n be_v create_v perfect_a but_o he_o can_v not_o keep_v himselâ—…_n so_o for_o be_v leave_v in_o that_o state_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o own_o will_n he_o sooâ—…_n fall_v but_o we_o that_o be_v under_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n be_v not_o leave_v to_o the_o freedom_n of_o our_o own_o will._n here_o be_v our_o excellency_n here_o be_v our_o happiness_n and_o here_o be_v our_o unspeakable_a privilege_n that_o if_o once_o we_o can_v but_o get_v into_o christ_n we_o need_v not_o fear_v a_o final_a apostasy_n i_o do_v not_o dissuade_v from_o the_o duty_n of_o fear_n but_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o fear_n it_o be_v not_o here_o in_o and_o out_o in_o to_o day_n and_o out_o to_o morrow_n but_o it_o be_v once_o in_o christ_n and_o ever_o in_o christ_n once_o a_o believer_n and_o ever_o a_o believer_n â—…ve_n have_v throw_v we_o down_o but_o christ_n have_v raise_v we_o up_o eve_n treeâ—…f_a â—…f_z knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a have_v throw_v we_o down_o but_o christ_n the_o tree_n of_o life_n have_v raise_v we_o up_o st._n redemptorem_fw-la gregory_n be_v no_o afraid_a to_o say_v o_o â—…ppy_a happy_a happy_a man_n be_v adam_n â—…hat_o ever_o he_o so_o sin_v and_o transgress_v â—…cause_n by_o this_o mean_n both_o he_o and_o we_o â—…ve_v find_v such_o plentiful_a redemption_n â—…ch_v inestimable_a mercy_n such_o superâ—…undant_a grace_n such_o felicity_n such_o eternity_n and_o such_o life_n by_o christ_n death_n as_o the_o death_n of_o the_o lion_n be_v sampson_n sustenance_n so_o christ_n â—…all_n be_v our_o honey_n and_o the_o bitter_a death_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o cross_n be_v the_o sweet_a life_n of_o man_n and_o the_o basis_n of_o 〈◊〉_d believer_n perseverance_n sect_n ii_o use_v 2._o of_o reproof_n and_o terror_n second_o if_o this_o be_v so_o then_o this_o strike_v terror_n to_o the_o devil_n and_o reproof_n to_o such_o whoever_o they_o be_v that_o do_v oppose_v this_o soul-chearing_a doctrine_n terror_n unto_o the_o devil_n in_o that_o they_o may_v strike_v hard_a and_o again_o and_o again_o yet_o the_o faith_n oâ—…_n elect_a believer_n shall_v not_o fail_n reproâ—…_n unto_o arminiaus_fw-la such_o who_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o say_v that_o god_n may_v crown_v a_o man_n one_o day_n and_o un-crown_n he_o the_o next_o such_o who_o blush_v not_o to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v happy_a and_o miserable_a under_o love_n and_o under_o wrath_n a_o heir_n of_o heaven_n and_o a_o firebrand_n of_o hell_n a_o child_n of_o light_n and_o a_o child_n of_o darkness_n and_o all_o in_o a_o hour_n time_n what_o miserable_a comforter_n be_v these_o and_o what_o soul-disquieting_a unsettle_v and_o distract_n doctrine_n be_v this_o chap._n xxi_o contain_v a_o use_n of_o caution_n comfort_n and_o counsel_n sect_n i._o use_v 3_o of_o caution_n three_o by_o way_n of_o caution_n take_v heed_n of_o presume_v in_o say_v 〈◊〉_d thyself_o thou_o be_v secure_a and_o therefore_o may_v do_v as_o thou_o list_v let_v not_o this_o doctrine_n open_v a_o gap_n to_o â—…iousness_n and_o puff_v you_o up_o with_o pride_n such_o that_o take_v this_o to_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o this_o doctrine_n do_v much_o mistake_v it_o this_o be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v i_o be_o now_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o grace_n but_o i_o will_v be_v cast_v down_o into_o hell_n who_o will_v argue_v thus_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n divinity_n and_o just_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v because_o god_n have_v decree_v how_o long_o i_o shall_v live_v job_n 14._o 5._o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o eat_v bread_n but_o live_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o all_o mean_n that_o preserve_v life_n we_o must_v remember_v this_o that_o god_n have_v join_v the_o end_n and_o the_o mean_n together_o 2_o thess._n 2._o 13_o but_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v thanks_o always_o to_o god_n for_o you_o brethren_n belove_v of_o the_o lord_n because_o god_n have_v from_o the_o beginning_n choose_v you_o to_o salvation_n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n though_o your_o time_n here_o below_o be_v a_o appoint_a time_n yet_o you_o must_v careful_o avoid_v poison_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o use_v physic_n to_o preserve_v your_o life_n we_o do_v not_o say_v say_v dr._n manton_n 55._o that_o a_o believer_n be_v so_o sure_a of_o his_o conservation_n in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n as_o that_o he_o need_v not_o to_o be_v wary_a and_o jealous_a of_o himself_o 1_o cor._n 10._o 20._o let_v he_o that_o standerh_n take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_n there_o be_v a_o fear_n of_o caution_n as_o well_o as_o a_o fear_n of_o diffidence_n and_o distrust_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o weaken_v the_o security_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o our_o confidence_n in_o christ._n none_o more_o apt_a to_o suspect_v themselves_o than_o they_o that_o be_v most_o sure_o in_o god_n lest_o by_o improvidence_n and_o unwatchfulness_n they_o shall_v yield_v to_o corruption_n christ_n have_v pray_v that_o peter_n faith_n may_v not_o fail_v yet_o he_o
to_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o creature_n faith_n be_v call_v gold_n 1._o because_o it_o have_v its_o original_a from_o the_o word_n which_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o that_o of_o gold_n 2._o it_o be_v call_v gold_n because_o as_o gold_n among_o the_o metal_n excel_v so_o do_v faith_n among_o the_o grace_n 3._o it_o be_v call_v gold_n in_o regard_n of_o its_o rarity_n again_o faith_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n in_o regard_n 1._o of_o its_o irradiate_a and_o refulgent_a beam_n 2._o of_o its_o communication_n of_o light_n sect_n v._o second_o satan_n strike_v principal_o at_o our_o faith_n because_o our_o faith_n strike_v principal_o at_o he_o the_o devil_n can_v abide_v our_o faith_n because_o our_o faith_n can_v abide_v he_o this_o shield_n of_o faith_n strike_v at_o the_o devil_n by_o discover_v his_o policy_n unmask_v his_o deceit_n frustrate_v his_o design_n divert_v his_o intention_n seek_v confirmation_n in_o the_o word_n fetch_v strength_n from_o christ._n sect_n vi_o three_o satan_n strike_v principal_o at_o our_o faith_n because_o he_o know_v that_o if_o he_o can_v but_o subvert_v and_o overthrow_a it_o all_o the_o other_o grace_n will_v fall_v with_o it_o while_o faith_n be_v in_o the_o soul_n love_n hope_v patience_n and_o holy_a courage_n and_o divers_a other_o grace_n be_v then_o present_a but_o if_o faith_n be_v lose_v be_v it_o possible_a than_o love_n patience_n and_o holy_a courage_n will_v also_o be_v lose_v satan_n know_v that_o if_o he_o can_v but_o disarm_v we_o of_o our_o shield_n of_o faith_n we_o shall_v return_v home_o dead_a it_o be_v faith_n that_o defend_v the_o christian_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o his_o grace_n by_o faith_n we_o stand_v rom._n 11._o 20._o as_o a_o soldier_n under_o the_o protection_n of_o his_o shield_n stand_v his_o ground_n and_o do_v his_o duty_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o shot_n that_o be_v make_v against_o he_o to_o drive_v he_o back_o but_o if_o faith_n fail_v than_o every_o grace_n be_v put_v to_o the_o run_v and_o rout._n abraham_n simplicity_n and_o sincerity_n how_o be_v it_o put_v to_o disorder_n when_o he_o dissemble_v with_o abimelech_n concern_v his_o wife_n and_o why_o but_o because_o his_o faith_n fail_v he_o iob_n patience_n receive_v a_o wound_n when_o his_o hand_n grow_v weary_a and_o his_o shield_n of_o faith_n which_o shall_v have_v cover_v he_o hang_v down_o indeed_o no_o grace_n be_v safe_a if_o from_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o faith_n therefore_o to_o secure_a peter_n from_o fall_v from_o all_o grace_n christ_n tell_v he_o he_o have_v pray_v that_o his_o faith_n shall_v not_o fail_v this_o be_v the_o reserve_n that_o christ_n take_v care_n shall_v be_v keep_v to_o recover_v his_o other_o grace_n when_o foil_v by_o the_o enemy_n and_o to_o bring_v he_o off_o that_o encounter_n wherein_o he_o be_v so_o sad_o bruise_v and_o broken_n it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n can_v not_o do_v many_o mighty_a thing_n in_o his_o own_o country_n because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n matth._n 13._o 58._o neither_o can_v satan_n do_v any_o great_a hurt_a to_o the_o christian_a so_o long_o as_o faith_n be_v upon_o the_o place_n it_o be_v true_a he_o aim_v to_o fight_v faith_n above_o all_o as_o that_o which_o keep_v he_o from_o come_v at_o the_o rest_n but_o he_o be_v not_o able_a long_o to_o stand_v before_o it_o let_v a_o saint_n be_v never_o so_o humble_a patient_n devout_a alas_o satan_n will_v easy_o pick_v some_o hole_n or_o other_o in_o these_o grace_n and_o break-in_a upon_o he_o when_o he_o stand_v in_o the_o best_a array_n if_o faith_n be_v not_o in_o the_o field_n to_o cover_v these_o this_o be_v the_o grace_n that_o make_v he_o face_n about_o and_o take_v he_o to_o his_o heel_n 1_o pet._n 5._o 9_o chap._n fourteen_o if_o this_o be_v so_o that_o the_o devil_n in_o all_o his_o assault_n strike_v principal_o at_o faith_n then_o hence_o i_o infer_v 1_o the_o believer_n happiness_n 2._o the_o unbeliever_n misery_n sect_n i._o first_o the_o believer_n happiness_n in_o that_o he_o have_v a_o shield_n to_o beat_v off_o the_o devil_n blow_n they_o have_v faith_n which_o as_o a_o shield_n they_o defend_v themselves_o by_o faith_n resemble_v a_o shield_n in_o these_o respect_n first_o a_o shield_n be_v a_o piece_n of_o armour_n that_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n other_o piece_n be_v only_o for_o some_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o body_n as_o the_o helmet_n for_o the_o head_n plate_n for_o the_o breast_n but_o the_o shield_n for_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v use_v therefore_o to_o be_v make_v very_o large_a for_o its_o broadness_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o gate_n or_o door_n because_o so_o long_a and_o large_a as_o in_o a_o manner_n to_o cover_v the_o whole_a body_n to_o which_o that_o place_n allude_v psal._n 5._o 12._o thou_o lord_n will_v bless_v the_o righteous_a with_o favour_n thou_o will_v compass_v he_o as_o with_o a_o shield_n and_o if_o the_o shield_n be_v not_o large_a enough_o at_o once_o to_o cover_v every_o part_n yet_o be_v a_o movable_a piece_n of_o armour_n the_o skilful_a soldier_n may_v turn_v it_o this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n to_o catch_v the_o blow_n or_o arrow_n from_o light_v on_o any_o part_n they_o be_v direct_v to_o and_o this_o indeed_o do_v excellent_o well_o set_v forth_o the_o universal_a use_n that_o faith_n be_v of_o to_o the_o christian._n it_o defend_v the_o whole_a man_n every_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a by_o it_o be_v preserve_v sometime_o the_o temptation_n be_v level_v at_o the_o head_n satan_n he_o will_v be_v dispute_v against_o this_o truth_n and_o that_o to_o make_v the_o christian_a if_o he_o can_v call_v they_o into_o question_n mere_o because_o his_o reason_n and_o understanding_n can_v comprehend_v they_o and_o he_o prevail_v with_o some_o upon_o this_o very_a account_n to_o blot_v the_o deity_n of_o christ_n with_o other_o reason_n mysterious_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n quite_o out_o of_o their_o creed_n now_o faith_n interpose_v between_o the_o christian_a and_o this_o arrow_n it_o come_v into_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o christian_n weak_a understanding_n as_o seasonable_o as_o zerujah_o do_v to_o david_n when_o the_o giant_n ishlilenob_n think_v to_o have_v slay_v he_o i_o will_v trust_v the_o word_n of_o god_n say_v faith_n rather_o than_o my_o own_o purblind_a reason_n second_o the_o shield_n do_v not_o only_o defend_v the_o whole_a body_n but_o be_v a_o defence_n to_o the_o soldier_n armour_n also_o it_o keep_v the_o arrow_n from_o the_o helmet_n as_o well_o as_o head_n from_o the_o breast_n and_o breastplate_n also_o thus_o faith_n it_o be_v armour_n upon_o armour_n a_o grace_n that_o preserve_v all_o the_o other_o grace_n sect_n ii_o second_o the_o unbeliever_n misery_n in_o that_o he_o have_v no_o shield_n to_o bear_v off_o satan_n blow_n a_o unbeliever_n be_v a_o unarmed_a man_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o devil_n take_v he_o prisoner_n without_o any_o difficulty_n and_o rule_n in_o his_o heart_n free_o a_o temptation_n overcome_v such_o a_o one_o without_o little_a or_o no_o resistance_n nay_o a_o unbeliever_n choose_v rather_o to_o be_v take_v prisoner_n 219._o by_o the_o devil_n than_o to_o die_v a_o conqueror_n in_o the_o quarrel_n of_o god_n what_o then_o shall_v i_o say_v lord_n who_o will_v be_v in_o such_o a_o deplorable_a condition_n for_o want_n of_o faith_n but_o such_o it_o seem_v be_v the_o case_n and_o condition_n of_o infidel_n among_o who_o lord_n let_v not_o i_o be_v find_v lest_o the_o strong_a man_n devil_n shall_v enter_v into_o i_o and_o devour_v i_o quite_o sect_n iii_o second_o if_o this_o be_v so_o then_o here_o be_v a_o use_n of_o exhortation_n which_o have_v exhortation_n a_o double_a aspect_n 1._o to_o such_o as_o have_v faith_n 2._o to_o such_o as_o have_v not_o faith_n sect_n iv._o first_o you_o that_o have_v faith_n high_o 1._o prize_v it_o and_o value_v it_o at_o a_o great_a rate_n this_o be_v the_o hand_n that_o receive_v the_o pearl_n of_o price_n christ_n jesus_n that_o inestimable_a jewel_n take_v heed_n of_o shallow_a conceit_n of_o faith_n put_v a_o equal_a estimate_n upon_o it_o value_v it_o i_o say_v and_o that_o for_o two_o reason_n chief_a 1_o because_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o be_v get_v 2._o because_o it_o be_v useful_a to_o such_o that_o have_v it_o first_o faith_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v get_v it_o be_v not_o a_o common_a universal_a grace_n it_o be_v not_o a_o easy_a thing_n to_o believe_v but_o to_o believe_v be_v a_o powerful_a supernatural_a work_n to_o believe_v say_v saint_n paul_n be_v mighty_a power_n of_o god_n ephes._n 1._o 19_o to_o believe_v be_v not_o only_o a_o power_n