to_o he_o by_o the_o grand_a sophy_n of_o the_o epicurean_o and_o stoic_n than_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o sour_a of_o word_n a_o babbler_n act._n 17._o 18._o will_v it_o not_o seem_v a_o strange_a opinion_n if_o one_o shall_v assert_v that_o he_o who_o lackey_n it_o before_o the_o chariot_n be_v a_o better_a man_n than_o he_o that_o ride_v in_o it_o that_o he_o who_o live_v in_o a_o wilderness_n mean_o clad_v and_o fare_v hardly_o be_v more_o happy_a than_o they_o that_o be_v in_o king_n house_n and_o wear_v soft_a raiment_n that_o he_o who_o be_v poor_a and_o be_v bid_v to_o sit_v at_o the_o footstool_n be_v more_o worthy_a than_o he_o that_o have_v the_o chief_a place_n give_v unto_o he_o in_o the_o assembly_n and_o can_v it_o sound_v less_o strange_a in_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o most_o despicable_a condition_n of_o a_o believer_n be_v far_o above_o the_o happiness_n of_o he_o that_o have_v all_o the_o honour_n and_o delight_n that_o the_o earth_n can_v yield_v flow_v in_o upon_o he_o and_o meet_v in_o he_o as_o so_o many_o line_n in_o one_o point_n i_o shall_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o inference_n so_o full_o as_o that_o it_o may_v serve_v to_o support_v and_o comfort_v afflict_a christian_n under_o all_o their_o pressure_n so_o as_o not_o to_o complain_v because_o they_o be_v in_o their_o extremity_n more_o happy_a than_o the_o best_a worlding_n in_o his_o delight_n and_o that_o it_o may_v likewise_o provoke_v those_o who_o have_v make_v it_o their_o design_n to_o be_v rather_o great_a then_o good_a to_o bethink_v themselves_o of_o their_o folly_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o tenure_n like_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o happiness_n like_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o believer_n which_o have_v its_o foundation_n lay_v in_o grace_n and_o not_o in_o greatness_n to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o in_o a_o few_o particular_n compare_v or_o weigh_v as_o in_o a_o balance_n the_o worst_a of_o a_o believer_n estate_n with_o the_o best_a of_o a_o worldly_a but_o yet_o a_o wicked_a man_n estate_n and_o we_o shall_v quick_o see_v that_o the_o advantage_n will_v lie_v on_o that_o part_n of_o the_o scale_n in_o which_o the_o believer_n stand_v and_o not_o on_o the_o other_o sect_n 1._o first_o a_o believer_n haply_o be_v in_o the_o world_n in_o no_o better_a condition_n than_o a_o strange_a that_o have_v little_a or_o no_o interest_n in_o its_o enfranchisement_n privilege_n and_o immunity_n which_o other_o daily_o find_v the_o sweet_a of_o in_o the_o many_o benefit_n that_o they_o enjoy_v he_o be_v frown_v upon_o when_o other_o be_v court_v and_o smile_v upon_o by_o those_o that_o have_v honour_n s_o and_o preferment_n in_o their_o power_n to_o bestow_v he_o live_v like_o israel_n in_o egypt_n under_o hard_a pressure_n when_o other_o rule_v and_o reign_v as_o lord_n he_o be_v friendless_a and_o find_v none_o either_o to_o pity_v his_o wrong_n or_o to_o do_v he_o the_o least_o right_a to_o his_o word_n to_o his_o sigh_n he_o find_v a_o deaf_a and_o regardless_o ear_n continual_o turn_v when_o other_o have_v the_o law_n open_a where_o they_o may_v implead_v their_o adversary_n and_o have_v friend_n that_o be_v willing_a to_o countenance_v they_o and_o ready_a to_o help_v they_o can_v he_o then_o that_o want_v all_o these_o thing_n be_v more_o happy_a than_o he_o who_o enjoy_v they_o yes_o for_o though_o a_o believer_n be_v a_o stranger_n here_o below_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o citizen_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o to_o which_o every_o worldly_a man_n be_v a_o foreigner_n ephes_n 2._o 12._o and_o from_o thence_o he_o that_o bend_v his_o brow_n upon_o the_o wicked_a behold_v he_o with_o love_n ps_n 11._o 7._o though_o he_o be_v the_o world_n bondman_n yet_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n freeman_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 22._o though_o here_o he_o be_v friendless_a yet_o what_o near_a and_o familiar_a relation_n have_v the_o whole_a bless_a trinity_n be_v please_v to_o take_v upon_o they_o and_o to_o make_v know_v themselves_o by_o unto_o he_o god_n as_o a_o father_n christ_n as_o a_o brother_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o a_o comforter_n all_o who_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n can_v call_v by_o no_o such_o title_n though_o here_o his_o supplication_n and_o his_o tear_n avail_v not_o yet_o in_o heaven_n his_o prayer_n be_v register_v and_o his_o tear_n be_v bottle_a sect_n 2._o second_o a_o believer_n as_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n so_o also_o may_v he_o be_v afflict_v with_o want_n have_v little_a or_o nothing_o in_o possession_n to_o relieve_v his_o necessity_n he_o may_v want_v clothing_n for_o his_o back_n and_o food_n for_o his_o belly_n he_o may_v have_v only_o torum_fw-la itr_n amineum_fw-la &_o cibos_fw-la graminoe_n straw_n for_o his_o bed_n grass_n and_o herb_n for_o his_o meat_n when_o other_o sleep_v upon_o soft_a down_o and_o â—are_v dolicious_o every_o day_n he_o haply_o have_v scarce_o water_n to_o quench_v his_o thirst_n when_o other_o have_v variety_n of_o choice_a wine_n to_o please_v and_o delight_v their_o palate_n all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o lot_n and_o portion_n of_o many_o christian_n such_o of_o who_o the_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a but_o yet_o let_v we_o view_v their_o condition_n so_o as_o to_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n who_o belly_n be_v fill_v with_o hide_a treasure_n and_o we_o shall_v quick_o see_v that_o a_o true_a judgement_n and_o estimate_n be_v make_v of_o both_o that_o the_o thorn_n of_o the_o one_o will_v smell_v sweet_a than_o the_o rose_n of_o the_o other_o his_o necessity_n will_v be_v more_o desirable_a than_o their_o fullness_n because_o want_v sanctify_v be_v better_a than_o unsanctified_a enjoyment_n all_o their_o morsel_n be_v roll_v up_o in_o the_o filth_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o god_n malediction_n and_o all_o his_o want_n be_v both_o sweeten_v and_o supply_v with_o the_o comfort_n of_o god_n promise_n though_o he_o have_v nothing_o for_o the_o present_a yet_o he_o be_v rich_a in_o hope_n though_o he_o have_v nothing_o in_o possession_n yet_o he_o have_v a_o inheritance_n a_o kingdom_n a_o crown_n in_o reversion_n they_o have_v all_o their_o good_a thing_n in_o this_o life_n and_o he_o have_v his_o reserve_v for_o the_o other_o though_o he_o have_v no_o food_n for_o his_o body_n yet_o he_o have_v manna_n for_o his_o soul_n he_o have_v a_o hungry_a body_n and_o they_o a_o starve_a soul_n though_o he_o have_v here_o scarce_o a_o place_n to_o lay_v his_o head_n on_o yet_o be_v there_o room_n reserve_v for_o he_o in_o abraham_n bosom_n where_o he_o shall_v for_o ever_o dwell_v in_o joy_n when_o other_o lie_v down_o in_o sorrow_n isa_n 50._o 10._o though_o his_o body_n be_v as_o a_o parch_a wilderness_n for_o thirst_n yet_o his_o soul_n be_v as_o a_o water_v garden_n out_o of_o his_o belly_n flow_v river_n of_o live_a water_n john_n 7._o 38._o we_o may_v true_o say_v of_o a_o believer_n what_o paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o though_o he_o be_v poor_a yet_o he_o have_v enough_o to_o make_v many_o rich_a though_o he_o have_v nothing_o yet_o he_o possess_v all_o thing_n fideli_fw-la homini_fw-la totus_fw-la mundus_fw-la divitiarum_fw-la est_fw-la infideli_fw-la autem_fw-la nec_fw-la obolus_fw-la to_o a_o christian_a all_o the_o world_n be_v his_o riches_n to_o a_o unbeliever_n not_o a_o doit_n of_o it_o say_v prosper_n there_o be_v no_o creature_n which_o do_v not_o owe_v a_o homage_n unto_o he_o and_o shall_v certain_o pay_v it_o if_o his_o necessity_n do_v require_v it_o the_o heaven_n shall_v hear_v the_o earth_n and_o the_o earth_n shall_v hear_v the_o corn_n and_o the_o wine_n and_o the_o oil_n in_o answer_n to_o jezreel_n '_o s_z prayer_n hos_fw-la 2._o 21_o 22._o what_o be_v at_o further_a distance_n than_o the_o heaven_n and_o so_o more_o unlikely_a to_o hear_v then_o heaven_n what_o creature_n more_o dull_a than_o earth_n and_o so_o more_o unmeet_a to_o be_v affect_v and_o move_v with_o a_o cry_n and_o yet_o both_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n shall_v not_o be_v deaf_a to_o jezreel_n prayer_n but_o shall_v fulfil_v their_o desire_n and_o supply_v their_o want_n sect_n 3._o three_o a_o believer_n be_v not_o only_o exercise_v with_o the_o press_a evil_n of_o want_n &_o poverty_n but_o he_o oftentimes_o lie_v under_o the_o sore_a burden_n of_o reproach_n and_o obloquy_n which_o to_o a_o ingenuous_a spirit_n be_v more_o bitter_a than_o death_n itself_o he_o be_v the_o common_a mark_n to_o which_o all_o the_o sharp_a arrow_n of_o man_n tongue_n be_v direct_v he_o be_v the_o only_a person_n
to_o expect_v to_o die_v comfortable_o and_o not_o to_o live_v holy_o be_v as_o vain_a as_o for_o a_o man_n to_o look_v for_o star_n on_o earth_n and_o tree_n in_o heaven_n to_o waste_v the_o oil_n of_o grace_n and_o yet_o to_o think_v to_o be_v anoint_v with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o presumption_n and_o not_o of_o faith_n when_o servant_n idle_a out_o the_o light_n that_o their_o master_n give_v they_o to_o work_v by_o they_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o they_o must_v go_v to_o bed_n in_o the_o dark_a and_o so_o when_o christian_n do_v neglect_v in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n to_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o in_o the_o night_n of_o death_n they_o want_v the_o light_n of_o comfort_n and_o have_v a_o dark_a exit_fw-la out_o of_o the_o world_n the_o three_o proposition_n be_v that_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o all_o mean_n to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a be_v not_o only_o the_o ordinary_a and_o regular_a way_n but_o do_v usual_o procure_v comfort_n in_o death_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o four_o particular_a case_n first_o when_o sickness_n and_o distemper_n be_v violent_a so_o as_o to_o interrupt_v and_o suspend_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o thereby_o also_o the_o comfort_n of_o grace_n be_v so_o far_o eclipse_v as_o to_o be_v like_o star_n in_o a_o cloudy_a night_n which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o blot_v out_o of_o their_o orb_n yet_o do_v not_o shine_v who_o can_v expect_v that_o a_o untuned_a instrument_n shall_v ever_o make_v a_o melodious_a harmony_n no_o more_o can_v any_o man_n rational_o conceive_v that_o when_o the_o frame_n of_o nature_n be_v out_o of_o order_n and_o the_o organ_n of_o the_o body_n whole_o indispose_v to_o the_o act_n of_o reason_n that_o then_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n shall_v appear_v in_o their_o beauty_n and_o lustre_n now_o that_o god_n ofttimes_o put_v a_o period_n unto_o the_o life_n of_o his_o dear_a child_n by_o such_o disease_n can_v be_v deny_v for_o solomon_n tell_v we_o that_o all_o thing_n come_v alike_o unto_o all_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o good_a and_o to_o the_o clean_a and_o to_o the_o unclean_a to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v and_o to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v not_o eccles_n 9_o 2._o second_o when_o temptation_n and_o assault_n from_o satan_n be_v like_o vehement_a wind_n which_o shake_v the_o tree_n though_o they_o do_v not_o overturn_v it_o a_o man_n who_o have_v a_o fair_a estate_n of_o land_n may_v by_o vexatious_a suit_n be_v so_o put_v to_o try_v his_o title_n as_o that_o he_o may_v take_v little_a pleasure_n in_o the_o revenue_n and_o profit_n issue_v from_o they_o and_o so_o a_o believer_n in_o his_o combat_v and_o wrestle_v with_o temptation_n may_v so_o far_o be_v disquiet_v as_o that_o though_o he_o question_v not_o his_o condition_n he_o may_v yet_o enjoy_v less_o satisfaction_n and_o present_a delight_n in_o his_o evidence_n and_o assurance_n then_o former_o he_o have_v thus_o paul_n after_o his_o rapture_n into_o the_o three_o heaven_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 2._o be_v buffet_v by_o a_o messenger_n of_o satan_n whereby_o he_o be_v not_o only_o keep_v from_o be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n but_o also_o interrupt_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o choice_a comfort_n and_o contemplation_n which_o such_o revelation_n may_v minister_v unto_o he_o as_o may_v appear_v by_o his_o frequency_n and_o importunity_n in_o prayer_n to_o god_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o this_o sad_a conflict_n ver_fw-la 8._o three_o when_o christian_n have_v intermit_v that_o wont_a care_n and_o circumspection_n to_o preserve_v their_o peace_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n which_o former_o they_o use_v when_o they_o have_v be_v more_o forgetful_a of_o god_n and_o less_o delight_v with_o his_o presence_n then_o before_o they_o be_v when_o they_o have_v suffer_v the_o world_n to_o steal_v away_o their_o thought_n and_o affection_n from_o heaven_n and_o through_o a_o distemper_a appetite_n relish_v more_o their_o daily_a bread_n than_o the_o spiritual_a manna_n when_o they_o grow_v regardless_o of_o christ_n voice_n and_o open_v not_o their_o heart_n to_o he_o who_o seek_v and_o entreat_v a_o admittance_n than_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o their_o sun_n set_v in_o a_o cloud_n and_o that_o the_o horror_n of_o a_o sad_a darkness_n do_v take_v hold_v upon_o they_o that_o then_o like_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n they_o complain_v that_o their_o beloved_n have_v withdraw_v himself_o and_o be_v go_v that_o they_o seek_v he_o but_o can_v find_v he_o that_o they_o call_v he_o by_o all_o his_o bless_a and_o gracious_a name_n and_o yet_o he_o answer_v not_o cant._n 5._o 8._o four_o when_o their_o grace_n and_o also_o their_o comfort_n have_v be_v already_o full_o manifest_v both_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o life_n god_n may_v in_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n for_o sundry_a reason_n best_o know_v unto_o himself_o withdraw_v his_o comfortable_a presence_n and_o not_o fill_v their_o soul_n with_o those_o exultation_n of_o joy_n and_o peace_n which_o other_o may_v expect_v to_o be_v mingle_v with_o their_o last_o agony_n and_o expiration_n in_o death_n so_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v carry_v up_o to_o heaven_n in_o the_o light_n of_o a_o glorious_a plerophory_n like_v to_o the._n angel_n which_o ascend_v in_o the_o flame_n of_o manâ—ahs_n sacrifice_n judge_n 13._o 20._o god_n may_v do_v it_o first_o to_o try_v and_o manifest_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o though_o their_o feeling_n be_v not_o strong_a yet_o their_o faith_n be_v not_o weak_a that_o though_o they_o see_v not_o the_o crown_n of_o bliss_n and_o immortality_n hover_v as_o it_o be_v over_o they_o and_o ready_a to_o fall_v upon_o their_o head_n they_o yet_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v ere_o long_o see_v it_o and_o enjoy_v it_o together_o such_o faith_n high_o glorify_v god_n and_o in_o some_o respect_n give_v more_o honour_n unto_o he_o then_o assurance_n which_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o sense_n join_v with_o it_o that_o like_o thomas_n see_v and_o believe_v but_o this_o see_v not_o and_o yet_o believe_v that_o what_o god_n have_v promise_v he_o will_v perform_v second_o god_n may_v do_v it_o that_o other_o may_v learn_v that_o comfort_n and_o manifestation_n of_o love_n in_o death_n be_v not_o so_o necessary_a as_o grace_v and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v dismay_v and_o deject_v in_o their_o thought_n concern_v themselves_o if_o they_o find_v not_o such_o overflowing_n of_o joy_n and_o prelibation_n of_o heaven_n itself_o as_o some_o other_o have_v have_v in_o the_o time_n of_o death_n all_o believer_n though_o they_o be_v heir_n of_o the_o same_o kingdom_n yet_o have_v not_o the_o same_o abundant_a entrance_n minister_v unto_o they_o to_o some_o the_o passage_n be_v like_o the_o go_n upon_o a_o clear_a and_o crystal_n stream_n which_o have_v flowery_a and_o aromatical_a bank_n on_o each_o side_n of_o it_o to_o other_o it_o be_v like_o a_o calm_a and_o quiet_a sea_n on_o which_o as_o the_o fluctuation_n and_o toss_n be_v few_o or_o none_o so_o the_o gale_n that_o carry_v they_o to_o the_o port_n be_v not_o strong_a and_o quick_a as_o their_o temptation_n be_v not_o great_a so_o neither_o be_v their_o comfort_n glorious_a three_o god_n may_v do_v it_o in_o judgement_n to_o other_o that_o such_o who_o have_v know_v and_o see_v the_o light_n of_o holiness_n shine_v in_o their_o life_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o in_o the_o least_o be_v advantage_v by_o it_o shall_v not_o get_v the_o least_o good_a by_o their_o death_n as_o they_o have_v not_o profit_v by_o their_o grace_n so_o neither_o will_v he_o let_v they_o be_v edify_v by_o their_o comfort_n carnal_a man_n be_v ofttimes_o more_o ready_a to_o observe_v the_o die_a of_o holy_a person_n than_o their_o life_n because_o that_o then_o they_o conceive_v it_o may_v be_v see_v what_o reality_n there_o be_v in_o that_o profession_n which_o they_o have_v make_v of_o have_v communion_n with_o god_n &_o of_o enjoy_v his_o peculiar_a presence_n in_o a_o differ_a manner_n from_o the_o world_n now_o they_o think_v it_o will_v appear_v whether_o their_o faith_n be_v any_o thing_n beyond_o a_o fancy_n whether_o their_o joy_n be_v such_o as_o death_n will_v not_o cast_v a_o damp_n upon_o as_o well_o as_o upon_o the_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o when_o their_o curiosity_n be_v unsatisfied_a in_o what_o they_o expect_v than_o they_o spare_v not_o to_o censure_v they_o as_o deceiver_n both_o of_o themselves_o and_o
answerable_a promise_n that_o assure_v comfort_n the_o one_o hold_v forth_o the_o good_a to_o be_v do_v the_o other_o the_o good_a to_o be_v receive_v four_o it_o be_v of_o particular_a good_a thing_n and_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o hint_n and_o point_n out_o one_o considerable_a difference_n between_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o promise_n the_o covenant_n that_o be_v as_o the_o entire_a vintage_n of_o the_o heavenly_a canaan_n and_o the_o promise_n they_o be_v as_o the_o several_a cluster_n of_o blessing_n that_o be_v as_o a_o glorious_a constellation_n of_o many_o celestial_a body_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o they_o be_v as_o so_o many_o single_a star_n shine_v in_o their_o proper_a orb_n that_o be_v as_o the_o total_a sum_n in_o the_o inventory_n of_o a_o believer_n estate_n and_o they_o be_v as_o the_o distinct_a particular_n which_o make_v it_o up_o all_o the_o sweetness_n beauty_n worth_a that_o be_v diffuse_v throughout_o the_o promise_n be_v collect_v in_o the_o covenant_n as_o the_o scatter_a light_n in_o the_o creation_n be_v into_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sun_n god_n stipulation_n of_o become_v we_o and_o of_o make_v we_o to_o be_v his_o jer._n 31._o 33._o comprise_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v desirable_a from_o the_o first_o of_o good_n to_o the_o last_o and_o be_v both_o the_o basis_n and_o the_o spire_n the_o cornerstone_n and_o the_o top-stone_n of_o every_o christian_n happiness_n five_o and_o last_o be_v add_v the_o evil_n that_o he_o will_v remove_v and_o this_o take_v in_o all_o the_o privative_a mercy_n and_o blessing_n which_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v hold_v forth_o to_o believer_n which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o the_o resplendent_a part_n of_o their_o happiness_n be_v yet_o of_o so_o necessary_a a_o concurrence_n unto_o it_o as_o that_o without_o they_o it_o can_v never_o be_v absolute_a or_o entire_a true_a happiness_n consist_v of_o a_o double_a branch_n of_o a_o immunity_n or_o freedom_n from_o evil_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o good_a both_o which_o be_v tacit_o couch_v in_o every_o promise_n but_o in_o many_o most_o express_o and_o full_o set_v down_o psal_n 84._o 11._o to_o they_o that_o walk_v upright_o the_o lord_n god_n be_v a_o sun_n and_o a_o shield_n etc._n etc._n a_o sun_n to_o give_v life_n and_o a_o shield_n to_o preserve_v life_n give_v a_o sun_n to_o make_v fruitful_a in_o all_o good_a and_o a_o shield_n to_o protect_v from_o all_o danger_n isa_n 25._o 6_o 7_o 8._o the_o felicity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v describe_v by_o a_o feast_n of_o fat_a thing_n full_a of_o marrow_n of_o wine_n on_o the_o lees_n well_o refine_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v unto_o his_o people_n in_o mount_n zion_n but_o to_o render_v these_o dainty_n the_o more_o please_a he_o promise_v also_o to_o take_v away_o the_o face_n of_o the_o cover_n to_o swallow_v up_o death_n in_o victory_n to_o wipe_v away_o all_o tear_n from_o their_o eye_n blindness_n that_o may_v hinder_v the_o clear_a knowledge_n death_n that_o may_v interrupt_v the_o perpetuity_n sorrow_n that_o may_v diminish_v the_o sweetness_n of_o this_o bless_a estate_n shall_v all_o by_o a_o powerful_a hand_n be_v remove_v and_o do_v away_o chap._n iii_o in_o which_o the_o excellency_n and_o preciousness_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v demonstrate_v in_o three_o particular_n have_v show_v what_o a_o promise_n be_v the_o second_o thing_n that_o fall_v under_o consideration_n be_v the_o great_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o in_o divers_a respect_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v such_o as_o if_o compare_v with_o the_o choice_a of_o earthly_a comfort_n the_o one_o will_v be_v as_o a_o sovereign_a elixir_n full_a of_o spirit_n and_o the_o other_o as_o the_o unactive_a and_o sapless_a dregs_o or_o if_o with_o the_o rich_a treasure_n of_o the_o world_n the_o one_o will_v be_v as_o so_o much_o refine_a gold_n and_o the_o other_o as_o so_o much_o impure_a dross_n what_o job_n say_v concern_v the_o power_n of_o god_n if_o i_o speak_v of_o strength_n lo_o he_o be_v strong_a may_v true_o also_o be_v say_v of_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o promise_n if_o you_o speak_v of_o worth_n lo_o they_o be_v precious_a indeed_o sect_n 1._o christ_n the_o root_n of_o the_o promise_n first_o the_o promise_n do_v derive_v a_o preciousness_n from_o the_o root_n and_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o spring_v they_o be_v as_o so_o many_o beam_n of_o christ_n the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n and_o do_v impart_v a_o light_n which_o discover_v his_o excellency_n evidence_v our_o propriety_n and_o effect_v in_o we_o a_o bless_a purity_n they_o be_v the_o desirable_a fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n not_o of_o that_o tree_n of_o life_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o stand_v in_o adam_n paradise_n on_o earth_n but_o of_o that_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o saint_n john_n paradise_n in_o heaven_n not_o of_o that_o which_o be_v guard_v with_o cherubim_n and_o a_o flame_a sword_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v touch_v but_o of_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n free_a for_o every_o believer_n to_o put_v forth_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o take_v and_o eat_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o both_z as_o food_n and_o medicine_n they_o be_v the_o crystal_n stream_n of_o that_o river_n of_o life_n which_o proceed_v out_o of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o the_o lamb_n revel_v 22._o 1._o who_o water_n in_o time_n of_o drought_n never_o fail_v but_o with_o their_o overflow_a plenty_n satisfy_v the_o thirsty_a with_o their_o cool_a virtue_n allay_v the_o heat_n of_o the_o weary_a and_o with_o their_o sweetness_n cheer_n and_o revive_v the_o droop_a and_o deject_a spirit_n and_o now_o methinks_v i_o can_v but_o make_v a_o pause_n and_o stand_v a_o while_n admire_v both_o a_o believer_n happiness_n and_o christ_n bounty_n each_o of_o which_o be_v of_o such_o transcendency_n as_o that_o they_o better_a suit_n with_o a_o holy_a wonderment_n then_o with_o the_o most_o lively_a and_o full_a expression_n oh_o how_o happy_a be_v every_o believer_n who_o light_n be_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n shine_v in_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o promise_n who_o food_n be_v the_o tree_n of_o life_n that_o continual_o yield_v fruit_n both_o new_a and_o various_a who_o cordial_n be_v the_o water_n of_o life_n not_o spare_o give_v to_o a_o bare_a sustentation_n but_o free_o flow_v to_o a_o delightful_a satiety_n well_o might_n david_n in_o a_o rapture_n say_v lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o he_o and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o visite_a he_o for_o thou_o have_v make_v he_o a_o little_a low_o than_o the_o angel_n psal_n 8_o 4_o 5._o and_o well_o also_o may_v paul_n as_o one_o stand_v upon_o the_o shore_n and_o fathom_v the_o sea_n of_o god_n mercy_n cry_v out_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n rom._n 11._o 35._o and_o most_o joyful_o may_v every_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_n say_v my_o line_n be_v fall_v unto_o i_o in_o pleasant_a place_n yea_o i_o have_v a_o goodly_a heritage_n psal_n 16._o 6._o to_o who_o such_o precious_a promise_n be_v give_v as_o exceed_v both_o in_o glory_n and_o certainty_n all_o earthly_a performance_n whatever_o be_v in_o christ_n from_o who_o they_o all_o come_v yea_o and_o amen_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 20._o sect_n 2._o the_o promise_v the_o root_n of_o faith_n second_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v great_a and_o precious_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o proximity_n and_o peculiar_a relation_n which_o they_o have_v to_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o noble_a grace_n of_o faith_n above_o all_o other_o grace_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v the_o precious_a object_n of_o precious_a faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n style_v it_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 1._o true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o quicken_a influence_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n do_v reach_v every_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o be_v both_o facilitated_a and_o strengthen_v in_o their_o several_a motion_n and_o operation_n by_o they_o hope_n be_v keep_v alive_a in_o its_o expectation_n of_o good_a patience_n be_v support_v under_o difficulty_n holiness_n be_v perfect_v love_n be_v inflame_v and_o a_o bless_a fear_n of_o god_n be_v preserve_v but_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v not_o do_v by_o the_o immediate_a intercourse_n which_o these_o grace_n have_v with_o the_o promise_n but_o by_o the_o intervention_n of_o faith_n which_o first_o feed_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o manna_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o communicate_v the_o sweetness_n and_o virtue_n that_o it_o draw_v and_o receive_v from_o they_o in_o a_o suitable_a manner_n to_o every_o other_o grace_n as_o the_o root_n first_o suck_v the_o juice_n and_o sap_n from_o the_o
which_o he_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o second_o adam_n the_o lord_n from_o heaven_n as_o in_o the_o other_o he_o do_v bear_v the_o similitude_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n who_o be_v of_o the_o earth_n earthy_a 1_o cor._n 15._o 47._o the_o promise_n they_o have_v in_o they_o a_o vim_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o formative_a virtue_n and_o power_n to_o mould_n and_o fashion_v the_o heart_n to_o holiness_n and_o to_o introduce_v the_o image_n of_o christ_n into_o it_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o native_a purity_n which_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o be_v above_o gold_n that_o have_v be_v seven_o time_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n psal_n 12._o 6._o therefore_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o be_v clean_o through_o the_o word_n that_o he_o have_v speak_v unto_o they_o john_n 15._o 3._o and_o when_o he_o pray_v unto_o god_n to_o sanctify_v they_o his_o prayer_n be_v sanctify_v they_o through_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n joh._n 17._o 17._o second_o believer_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o the_o promise_n as_o they_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n both_o which_o be_v grace_n that_o have_v in_o they_o a_o wonderful_a aptitude_n to_o cleanse_v and_o purify_v the_o subject_n in_o which_o they_o dwell_v and_o to_o introduce_v true_a holiness_n in_o which_o the_o lively_a image_n and_o resemblance_n of_o god_n do_v chief_o consist_v first_o faith_n it_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o apprehend_v also_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o thereby_o it_o be_v make_v firm_a and_o constant_a in_o its_o adherence_n vigorous_a and_o active_a in_o its_o endeavour_n to_o use_v all_o mean_n for_o the_o obtain_v a_o conformity_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o escape_n of_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n for_o till_o a_o man_n come_v to_o be_v a_o believer_n he_o be_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o specious_a promise_n with_o which_o they_o usual_o come_v attend_v draw_v aside_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o sin_n in_o which_o though_o he_o weary_v himself_o to_o find_v what_o first_o be_v seem_o promise_v yet_o he_o meet_v with_o nothing_o but_o delusion_n and_o disappointment_n of_o his_o expectation_n balaam_n have_v a_o edge_n set_v upon_o his_o spirit_n to_o curse_v the_o people_n of_o god_n by_o a_o promise_n of_o preferment_n make_v unto_o he_o and_o he_o tire_v himself_o in_o go_v from_o place_n to_o place_n to_o effect_v it_o but_o god_n hinder_v he_o from_o do_v of_o the_o one_o and_o balack_n deny_v the_o give_v unto_o he_o the_o other_o so_o judas_n by_o a_o bait_n that_o suit_v his_o covetousness_n undertake_v to_o sell_v his_o lord_n but_o when_o he_o have_v accomplish_v his_o wickedness_n and_o receive_v his_o wage_n he_o throw_v it_o away_o and_o dare_v not_o keep_v what_o before_o he_o so_o earnest_o thirst_v after_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o master_n make_v every_o piece_n of_o the_o silver_n look_v ghastly_a so_o that_o now_o he_o see_v another_o image_n upon_o it_o then_o caesar_n and_o cry_v out_o that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o betray_v innocent_a blood_n now_o faith_n it_o enable_v a_o believer_n to_o discern_v a_o snare_n a_o defilement_n under_o all_o the_o gild_a aldurement_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o he_o reject_v with_o scorn_n those_o temptation_n with_o which_o other_o be_v miserable_o captivate_v &_o resist_v with_o resolution_n all_o the_o court_n and_o solicitation_n of_o the_o flesh_n to_o which_o other_o yield_v behold_v only_o a_o stability_n and_o preciousness_n in_o those_o promise_n which_o have_v the_o oath_n of_o god_n to_o make_v they_o sure_o and_o his_o love_n to_o make_v they_o sweet_a and_o these_o only_o have_v a_o prevail_a power_n with_o he_o to_o cause_v he_o so_o to_o order_v his_o conversation_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o holiness_n that_o he_o may_v walk_v as_o it_o become_v a_o heir_n of_o heaven_n and_o a_o adopt_a son_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n to_o walk_v second_o as_o faith_n by_o believe_v the_o promise_n do_v purify_v the_o heart_n so_o also_o do_v hope_n which_o expect_v the_o performance_n of_o what_o faith_n believe_v work_n and_o produce_v the_o same_o effect_n he_o that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o god_n be_v pure_a 1_o joh._n 3._o 3_o the_o expectation_n which_o believer_n have_v by_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o a_o supine_n oscitancy_n whereby_o they_o look_v to_o be_v possess_v of_o life_n and_o glory_n without_o any_o care_n or_o endeavour_n of_o they_o for_o to_o obtain_v it_o like_a to_o callow_v and_o unfeathered_a bird_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o nest_n and_o have_v all_o their_o food_n bring_v to_o they_o gape_v only_o for_o to_o receive_v it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o expectation_n accompany_v with_o diligence_n and_o industry_n for_o the_o fruition_n of_o what_o they_o do_v expect_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n say_v paul_n teach_v we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n tit._n 2._o 11_o 12._o and_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o he_o subjoin_v verse_n 13._o look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n he_o that_o true_o expect_v glory_n earnest_o pursue_v grace_n heb._n 12._o 14._o he_o that_o hope_v to_o be_v with_o god_n in_o heaven_n use_v all_o mean_n to_o be_v like_o god_n on_o earth_n a_o heavenly_a conversation_n be_v the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o a_o heavenly_a expectation_n phil._n 3._o 20._o our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n from_o whence_o also_o we_o look_v for_o the_o saviour_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o heathen_a can_v say_v that_o labour_n be_v the_o husband_n of_o hope_n there_o be_v hope_v the_o harlot_n and_o hope_v the_o wife_n hope_v the_o marry_a woman_n be_v know_v from_o hope_n the_o harlot_n by_o this_o that_o she_o always_o accompany_v with_o her_o husband_n labour_n true_a hope_n look_v to_o enjoy_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v get_v by_o travel_n and_o pain_n and_o therefore_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o obtain_v that_o good_a which_o faith_n apprehend_v in_o the_o promise_n it_o seek_v glory_n by_o grace_n it_o endeavour_n after_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o heaven_n by_o work_v a_o conformity_n to_o god_n in_o a_o believer_n while_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n three_o believer_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o the_o promise_n as_o they_o be_v the_o irreversible_a obsignation_n and_o declaration_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v free_o make_v unto_o they_o of_o his_o take_v they_o unto_o himself_o in_o a_o everlasting_a communion_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n heaven_n be_v as_o prosper_n call_v it_o regio_fw-la beatitudinis_fw-la the_o only_a climate_n where_o blessedness_n dwell_v in_o its_o perfection_n while_o we_o be_v here_o below_o we_o be_v but_o as_o king_n in_o the_o cradle_n the_o throne_n on_o which_o we_o must_v sit_v the_o robe_n with_o which_o we_o must_v be_v clothe_v the_o crown_n which_o must_v be_v set_v upon_o our_o head_n be_v all_o reserve_v for_o heaven_n in_o this_o life_n there_o be_v only_o a_o taste_n of_o celestial_a delight_n and_o in_o the_o other_o there_o be_v a_o perpetual_a feast_n here_o we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o then_o face_n to_o face_n 1_o cor._n 13._o 12._o grace_n do_v as_o cameron_n express_v it_o adsignificare_fw-la infirmitatem_fw-la connotate_fw-la a_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n and_o glory_n that_o signify_v a_o abolition_n and_o do_v away_o whatsoever_o be_v weak_a or_o imperfect_a but_o all_o this_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o happiness_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o heaven_n for_o believer_n be_v ratify_v and_o make_v sure_o unto_o they_o in_o the_o promise_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v heir_n of_o the_o promise_n heb._n 6._o 17._o yea_o by_o the_o promise_n they_o have_v the_o pledge_n and_o first-fruit_n of_o all_o that_o happiness_n which_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v in_o heaven_n give_v unto_o they_o in_o this_o life_n we_o be_v now_o the_o son_n of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n though_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v 1_o john_n 3._o 2._o that_o be_v we_o now_o bear_v his_o image_n and_o likeness_n though_o in_o a_o more_o dark_a and_o imperfect_a character_n our_o knowledge_n our_o grace_n our_o comfort_n be_v all_o incomplete_a but_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o that_o be_v when_o christ_n shall_v come_v to_o receive_v we_o unto_o himself_o we_o shall_v bear_v upon_o we_o his_o
of_o blot_v out_o iniquity_n belong_v not_o unto_o he_o he_o be_v naked_a and_o glad_o will_v that_o christ_n may_v spread_v the_o skirt_n of_o his_o righteousness_n over_o he_o to_o hide_v his_o deformity_n but_o alas_o what_o have_v a_o leper_n to_o do_v with_o a_o royal_a robe_n he_o be_v sick_a and_o disease_a but_o the_o physic_n that_o must_v cure_v he_o the_o least_o drop_n of_o it_o be_v more_o worth_a than_o a_o world_n and_o he_o be_v more_o vile_a than_o the_o dust_n how_o then_o can_v he_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v ever_o be_v the_o patient_a of_o such_o a_o physician_n who_o will_v be_v both_o at_o the_o cost_n to_o buy_v the_o physic_n and_o at_o the_o pain_n to_o administer_v it_o if_o he_o have_v a_o heart_n to_o love_n god_n as_o david_n if_o talent_n to_o glorify_v god_n as_o paul_n if_o he_o be_v but_o a_o israelite_n without_o guile_n as_o nathanael_n than_o he_o may_v have_v hope_n together_o with_o they_o to_o have_v his_o person_n accept_v his_o service_n reward_v and_o his_o imperfection_n pardon_v but_o his_o heart_n with_o which_o he_o shall_v love_v god_n be_v carnal_a and_o not_o spiritual_a his_o talent_n and_o ability_n with_o which_o he_o shall_v glorify_v god_n be_v few_o or_o none_o his_o sincerity_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o evangelical_n perfection_n of_o all_o his_o duty_n have_v more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a tincture_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o self-end_n mix_v with_o it_o with_o what_o confidence_n therefore_o can_v such_o a_o one_o draw_v near_o to_o christ_n or_o ever_o expect_v to_o be_v welcome_v by_o he_o now_o to_o put_v to_o silence_v these_o reason_n and_o to_o allay_v these_o fear_n which_o unless_o check_v and_o bound_v do_v oftentimes_o terminate_v in_o the_o blackness_n of_o despair_n there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o effectual_a remedy_n than_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o freeness_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v not_o make_v to_o such_o as_o deserve_v mercy_n but_o to_o such_o as_o want_v it_o not_o to_o righteous_a person_n but_o to_o sinner_n not_o to_o the_o whole_a but_o to_o the_o sick_a and_o therefore_o such_o who_o through_o the_o weakness_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o violence_n of_o temptation_n find_v it_o difficult_a to_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n touch_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o obtain_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n let_v they_o resolve_v the_o promise_n into_o the_o first_o root_n and_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o spring_v which_o be_v not_o from_o any_o good_a within_o we_o but_o whole_o from_o grace_n without_o we_o and_o they_o will_v ready_o find_v that_o by_o eye_v the_o ground_n and_o original_a of_o the_o promise_n they_o will_v soon_o be_v encourage_v and_o draw_v to_o believe_v and_o to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o it_o then_o by_o look_v only_o to_o the_o promise_n itself_o of_o all_o the_o way_n and_o experiment_n to_o bear_v up_o a_o sink_a spirit_n there_o be_v no_o consideration_n like_o this_o that_o from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o salvation_n nothing_o be_v primary_o active_a but_o free_a grace_n this_o be_v a_o firm_a bottom_n of_o comfort_n against_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o most_o bloody_a and_o crimson_a sin_n because_o free_a grace_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o rule_n it_o may_v do_v what_o it_o please_v some_o body_n that_o go_v to_o heaven_n must_v be_v the_o great_a sinner_n and_o what_o if_o thou_o be_v he_o who_o god_n will_v make_v the_o everlasting_a monument_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n in_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o impenetrable_a shield_n against_o the_o constant_a accusation_n of_o satan_n draw_v from_o unworthiness_n unprofitablenesse_n backwardness_n to_o holy_a duty_n and_o distraction_n in_o they_o it_o be_v true_a may_v a_o believer_n say_v i_o be_o unworthy_a and_o that_o which_o satan_n make_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o accusation_n be_v the_o daily_a matter_n of_o my_o confession_n and_o self-judging_n before_o god_n the_o sin_n which_o he_o plead_v against_o i_o with_o delight_n i_o bemoan_v with_o tear_n of_o bitterness_n and_o be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o heaven_n a_o ladder_n of_o duty_n and_o not_o a_o golden_a chain_n of_o free_a grace_n i_o can_v not_o but_o fear_n that_o the_o high_a i_o climb_v the_o great_a will_v my_o fall_n prove_v to_o be_v every_o service_n be_v like_o a_o brittle_a round_o that_o can_v bear_v no_o weight_n &_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o series_n of_o duty_n at_o the_o best_a far_o short_a of_o the_o ladder_n in_o jacob_n vision_n which_o have_v its_o foot_n stand_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o its_o top_n reach_v to_o heaven_n but_o the_o whole_a way_n of_o salvation_n from_o first_o to_o last_o be_v all_o of_o mere_a grace_n that_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v sure_a rom._n 4._o 16._o every_o link_n of_o the_o golden_a chain_n be_v make_v up_o of_o free_a mercy_n election_n be_v free_a eph._n 1._o 5._o vocation_n free_a 2_o tim._n 1._o 9_o justification_n free_a rom._n 5._o 24._o sanctification_n free_a 1_o cor._n 6._o 11._o glorification_n free_a rom._n 6._o 23._o and_o therefore_o though_o i_o can_v challenge_v nothing_o of_o right_a yet_o i_o may_v ask_v every_o thing_n of_o mercy_n especial_o be_v invite_v by_o he_o who_o seed_v not_o his_o people_n with_o empty_a promise_n but_o give_v liberal_o unto_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v and_o upbraid_v not_o either_o with_o former_a sin_n or_o present_a fail_n jam._n 1._o 5._o sect_n 3._o eye_n god_n power_n second_o in_o the_o apply_v of_o every_o promise_n look_v with_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n upon_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n power_n which_o be_v able_a to_o fulfil_v to_o the_o least_o iota_fw-la whatever_n he_o have_v speak_v and_o to_o do_v exceed_v abundant_o above_o all_o that_o we_o can_v ask_v or_o think_v eph._n 3._o 20._o the_o confine_n of_o god_n power_n according_a to_o the_o narrow_a apprehension_n and_o dwarfish_a thought_n that_o man_n natural_o have_v of_o he_o in_o their_o heart_n the_o scripture_n point_v out_o as_o the_o chief_a root_n of_o all_o that_o unbelief_n and_o distrust_n which_o be_v put_v forth_o in_o their_o life_n thus_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n be_v seldom_o in_o any_o exigency_n which_o they_o look_v upon_o beyond_o the_o possibility_n of_o second_o cause_n to_o deliver_v they_o from_o but_o they_o straightway_o call_v also_o into_o question_n the_o power_n of_o god_n psalm_n 78._o 19_o 20._o they_o speak_v against_o god_n they_o say_v can_v god_n furnish_v a_o table_n in_o the_o wilderness_n behold_v he_o smite_v the_o rock_n that_o the_o water_n gush_v out_o and_o the_o stream_n overflow_v but_o can_v he_o give_v bread_n also_o can_v he_o provide_v flesh_n for_o his_o people_n so_o when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o long_a captivity_n of_o babylon_n they_o have_v many_o clear_a and_o express_v promise_n of_o be_v restore_v and_o bring_v back_o again_o into_o their_o own_o inheritance_n yet_o measure_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n not_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o power_n but_o by_o the_o improbability_n and_o impossibility_n which_o do_v appear_v to_o their_o reason_n they_o look_v upon_o themselves_o not_o as_o prisoner_n of_o hope_n but_o as_o free_v among_o the_o dead_a and_o as_o far_o from_o any_o expectation_n of_o deliverance_n as_o dead_a and_o dry_a bone_n be_v from_o revive_v our_o bone_n say_v they_o be_v dry_v up_o and_o our_o hope_n be_v lose_v and_o we_o be_v cut_v off_o for_o our_o part_n ezek._n 37._o 11._o thus_o the_o sadducee_n deny_v and_o divide_v the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n as_o be_v full_a of_o irreconcilable_a difficulty_n and_o inconsistency_n how_o a_o body_n and_o a_o soul_n separate_v shall_v be_v reunite_v how_o a_o body_n not_o only_o separate_v from_o the_o soul_n but_o dissolve_v into_o dust_n shall_v be_v recompact_v how_o dust_n scatter_v and_o blow_v up_o and_o down_o shall_v be_v recollect_v be_v altogether_o beyond_o the_o line_n of_o their_o reason_n for_o to_o fathom_n or_o compass_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o point_v out_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o error_n to_o arise_v not_o only_o from_o their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o have_v foretell_v it_o but_o also_o of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n which_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v it_o you_o do_v err_v not_o know_v the_o scrpture_n nor_o the_o power_n of_o god_n mat._n 22._o 29._o necessary_a therefore_o it_o be_v in_o the_o make_n use_n of_o any_o promise_n that_o a_o believer_n have_v such_o conception_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o that_o whatever_o let_v and_o impediment_n do_v arise_v between_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o though_o as_o high_a as_o mountain_n and_o as_o strong_a as_o
that_o be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o lip_n of_o talker_n and_o be_v the_o infamy_n of_o the_o people_n ezek._n 36._o 3._o when_o other_o be_v in_o their_o name_n as_o beautiful_a as_o absalon_n who_o from_o the_o sole_a of_o his_o foot_n to_o the_o crown_n of_o his_o head_n have_v no_o blemish_n in_o he_o he_o be_v as_o job_n on_o the_o dunghill_n overspread_v with_o defamation_n that_o be_v as_o so_o many_o putrid_a ulcer_n when_o other_o be_v cry_v up_o as_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o time_n he_o be_v decry_v as_o the_o filth_n and_o offscouring_a of_o the_o world_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 13._o when_o the_o action_n of_o other_o be_v blazon_v as_o their_o virtue_n his_o that_o be_v in_o themselves_o commendable_a be_v censure_v as_o full_a of_o pride_n hypocrisy_n affectation_n and_o singularity_n where_o be_v then_o the_o blessedness_n of_o his_o condition_n that_o you_o speak_v of_o how_o can_v his_o estate_n that_o be_v overcast_v with_o a_o more_o pitchy_a darkness_n then_o that_o of_o the_o night_n be_v better_o than_o the_o best_a of_o they_o that_o have_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o any_o such_o evil_n stretch_v out_o itself_o upon_o it_o true_a it_o be_v that_o none_o be_v more_o evil_a speak_v of_o and_o blast_v in_o their_o name_n then_o believer_n but_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o spring_v not_o from_o their_o just_a deserve_n but_o from_o the_o world_n malice_n and_o enmity_n to_o god_n which_o be_v derive_v to_o they_o for_o his_o sake_n let_v nehemiah_n and_o the_o jew_n set_v upon_o the_o rebuild_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o waste_n place_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o sanbullat_n upbraid_v they_o with_o intention_n of_o rebellion_n neh._n 6._o 6._o let_v paul_n make_v know_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o jew_n that_o believe_v not_o cry_v out_o that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o they_o that_o turn_v the_o world_n upside-down_a act._n 17._o 6._o let_v the_o primitive_a christian_n that_o can_v safe_o meet_v in_o the_o day_n take_v the_o opportunity_n of_o the_o night_n to_o worship_n god_n and_o the_o heathen_n asperse_v their_o assembly_n to_o be_v full_a of_o uncleanness_n and_o cruelty_n and_o that_o they_o have_v supper_n not_o much_o unlike_a that_o of_o thyestes_n as_o tertullian_n show_v in_o his_o apology_n now_o in_o these_o suffering_n for_o god_n there_o be_v such_o promise_n from_o god_n make_v and_o fulfil_v to_o they_o as_o that_o there_o be_v more_o sweetness_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o reproach_n that_o they_o undergo_v for_o he_o from_o the_o world_n than_o there_o can_v be_v contentment_n in_o its_o smile_n or_o favour_n and_o therefore_o moses_n choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v reproach_n with_o israel_n then_o to_o enjoy_v treasure_n in_o egypt_n heb._n 11._o 26._o the_o contumely_n &_o slander_n which_o they_o undergo_v on_o christ_n behalf_n serve_v both_o to_o make_v the_o present_a comfort_n more_o sweet_a and_o their_o reward_n hereafter_o more_o glorious_a bless_a be_v you_o say_v our_o saviour_n when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o and_o shall_v speak_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n against_o you_o false_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n mat._n 10._o 11._o and_o now_o speak_v o_o you_o worldling_n that_o judge_n happiness_n by_o as_o false_a a_o rule_n as_o they_o do_v that_o measure_v their_o height_n by_o their_o shadow_n who_o be_v in_o a_o true_a estimate_n the_o better_a man_n elijah_n that_o run_v before_o the_o chariot_n or_o ahab_n that_o sit_v in_o it_o john_n the_o baptist_n that_o be_v clothe_v with_o camel_n hair_n or_o herod_n &_o his_o courtier_n that_o be_v array_v with_o robe_n and_o costly_a garment_n the_o poor_a who_o god_n have_v choose_v to_o be_v rich_a in_o faith_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n james_n 2._o 5._o or_o the_o man_n that_o have_v the_o gold_n ring_n and_o have_v the_o chief_a place_n in_o assembly_n give_v unto_o he_o which_o condition_n be_v now_o more_o desirable_a to_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n freeman_n or_o to_o be_v a_o alien_n to_o god_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n and_o to_o be_v a_o denizon_n only_o of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v rich_a to_o god_n and_o poor_a to_o man_n or_o to_o be_v rich_a to_o man_n and_o poor_a to_o god_n to_o be_v the_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o be_v contemn_v on_o earth_n or_o to_o be_v the_o darling_n of_o earth_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o heaven_n o_o therefore_o learn_v to_o judge_v of_o happiness_n not_o by_o the_o light_n of_o sense_n but_o by_o the_o lamp_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o in_o time_n bethink_v yourselves_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o foundation_n of_o happiness_n unto_o you_o that_o have_v not_o its_o stability_n from_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n chap._n xx._n ground_n of_o thankfulness_n for_o precious_a promise_n a_o four_o application_n be_v to_o exhort_v believer_n that_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o such_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n to_o abound_v in_o all_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o sole_a fountain_n from_o whence_o these_o stream_n of_o live_a water_n do_v flow_v when_o old_a isaac_n have_v eat_v of_o his_o son_n venison_n he_o bless_v he_o that_o have_v prepare_v it_o for_o he_o how_o much_o more_o shall_v they_o that_o have_v taste_v how_o good_a god_n be_v have_v their_o mouth_n fill_v with_o the_o blessing_n and_o praise_v of_o his_o name_n that_o have_v pour_v forth_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n in_o such_o rich_a promise_n as_o be_v to_o the_o soul_n more_o sweet_a than_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n to_o this_o duty_n holy_a david_n do_v quicken_v and_o stir_v up_o himself_o psal_n 103._o when_o he_o summon_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o praise_v the_o lord_n let_v all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o bless_v his_o holy_a name_n verse_n 1._o and_o that_o he_o may_v make_v the_o deep_a impression_n of_o god_n goodness_n upon_o his_o own_o heart_n he_o frame_v a_o short_a but_o yet_o a_o pithy_a compendium_n of_o his_o love_n towards_o he_o in_o his_o pardon_v and_o heal_a grace_n verse_n 3._o he_o forgive_v all_o thy_o iniquity_n and_o heal_v all_o thy_o disease_n in_o his_o redeem_n and_o save_v grace_n verse_n 4._o he_o redeem_v thy_o life_n from_o destruction_n and_o crow_v thou_o with_o love_a kindness_n and_o tender_a mercy_n in_o his_o support_v and_o renew_v mercy_n verse_n 5._o he_o satisfi_v thy_o mouth_n with_o good_a thing_n thy_o youth_n be_v renew_a as_o the_o eagle_n and_o of_o all_o these_o blessing_n be_v believer_n make_v partaker_n in_o the_o promise_n it_o therefore_o become_v they_o to_o pay_v unto_o god_n a_o tribute_n of_o thankfulness_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o ground_n first_o the_o end_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o his_o creature_n be_v his_o glory_n and_o that_o which_o he_o chief_o delight_v in_o trumpeter_n love_v to_o sound_v where_o there_o be_v a_o echo_n and_o god_n love_v to_o bestow_v his_o mercy_n where_o he_o may_v hear_v of_o they_o again_o for_o man_n to_o make_v the_o end_n of_o his_o action_n in_o any_o kind_n to_o be_v his_o own_o praise_n do_v not_o only_o taint_v and_o flieblow_n his_o service_n with_o hypocrisy_n and_o pride_n so_o as_o to_o mar_v the_o beauty_n of_o they_o but_o also_o transform_v they_o into_o vice_n that_o be_v hateful_a unto_o god_n and_o man_n for_o it_o be_v not_o meet_v that_o he_o who_o derive_v his_o be_v from_o another_o shall_v have_v his_o action_n to_o terminate_v in_o himself_o he_o that_o give_v the_o be_v gives_z also_o the_o rule_n and_o end_n of_o its_o work_n by_o both_o which_o the_o goodness_n of_o its_o action_n be_v denominate_v the_o rule_n of_o its_o work_n be_v the_o law_n and_o will_n of_o he_o who_o give_v it_o a_o be_v and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o its_o action_n be_v his_o glory_n but_o god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o his_o own_o be_v can_v have_v in_o all_o his_o work_n no_o other_o end_n then_o his_o own_o praise_n and_o glory_n this_o be_v his_o end_n in_o all_o his_o work_n of_o creation_n prov._n 16._o 4._o the_o lord_n make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o his_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n ephes_n 1._o 6._o that_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n all_o the_o eternal_a purpose_n of_o god_n concern_v man_n salvation_n from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o last_o do_v ultimate_o resolve_v themselves_o into_o his_o glory_n second_o to_o give_v unto_o god_n praise_n and_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n for_o his_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n be_v all_o the_o return_n that_o
we_o can_v make_v david_n as_o a_o man_n true_o sensible_a of_o his_o many_o and_o deep_a obligation_n unto_o god_n have_v a_o great_a consultation_n with_o himself_o which_o way_n he_o shall_v express_v his_o thankfulness_n unto_o he_o what_o shall_v i_o render_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o his_o benefit_n towards_o i_o psalm_n 116._o 12._o but_o after_o all_o muse_n and_o studying_n with_o himself_o he_o can_v find_v no_o other_o way_n but_o this_o i_o will_v take_v the_o cup_n of_o salvation_n and_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n verse_n 13._o a_o eucharistical_a sacrifice_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v all_o that_o david_n though_o a_o king_n can_v find_v to_o give_v unto_o god_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o payment_n the_o poor_a may_v make_v as_o well_o as_o the_o rich_a the_o young_a as_o well_o as_o the_o old_a the_o child_n in_o the_o gospel_n can_v cry_v hosanna_n and_o say_v bless_a be_v he_o that_o come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n mat._n 21._o 15._o as_o well_o as_o other_o it_o be_v a_o good_a observation_n of_o nazianzen_n that_o god_n have_v equalise_v all_o man_n in_o that_o ability_n which_o most_o recommend_v or_o discommend_v they_o unto_o he_o and_o that_o be_v the_o ability_n of_o the_o will_n to_o love_v he_o and_o to_o give_v he_o praise_v this_o be_v that_o which_o all_o may_v do_v who_o have_v taste_v how_o good_a god_n be_v and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o the_o best_a can_v do_v who_o have_v be_v most_o fill_v with_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o mercy_n see_v therefore_o that_o a_o thankful_a recognition_n of_o god_n love_n and_o bounty_n in_o his_o promise_n be_v the_o only_a recompense_n that_o we_o can_v make_v it_o be_v most_o meet_a that_o we_o shall_v abound_v in_o it_o and_o make_v it_o not_o only_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o lip_n but_o of_o our_o heart_n breathe_v forth_o our_o very_a soul_n in_o the_o continual_a praise_n of_o he_o who_o have_v manifest_v the_o gracious_a purpose_n of_o his_o heart_n unto_o we_o in_o many_o rich_a promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n more_o than_o this_o god_n in_o his_o mercy_n do_v not_o desire_n and_o less_o than_o this_o in_o all_o reason_n we_o can_v give_v three_o the_o give_v of_o god_n praise_n and_o glory_n in_o endless_a song_n of_o thanksgiving_n be_v the_o only_a work_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n when_o full_o make_v partaker_n of_o all_o the_o blessing_n that_o the_o promise_n do_v hold_v forth_o it_o be_v now_o the_o continual_a bless_a exercise_n of_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o those_o everlasting_a mansion_n in_o the_o high_a heaven_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v we_o when_o we_o shall_v be_v translate_v thither_o and_o have_v our_o faith_n turn_v into_o vision_n and_o our_o hope_n into_o enjoyment_n requisite_a therefore_o it_o be_v that_o what_o we_o know_v must_v be_v our_o eternal_a exercise_n in_o heaven_n to_o make_v that_o our_o frequent_a practice_n on_o earth_n those_o person_n that_o intend_v to_o travel_v into_o remote_a and_o foreign_a country_n with_o a_o advantage_n unto_o themselves_o do_v beforehand_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o custom_n manner_n and_o fashion_n of_o the_o place_n to_o which_o they_o go_v and_o from_o other_o who_o experience_n may_v give_v the_o best_a light_n do_v inquire_v what_o be_v the_o ingeny_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o native_n that_o so_o they_o may_v the_o better_o comply_v with_o their_o form_n and_o civility_n yea_o they_o endeavour_v to_o get_v some_o smattering_n of_o the_o language_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v altogether_o stranger_n to_o what_o be_v do_v and_o speak_v there_o so_o shall_v christian_n who_o expect_v to_o dwell_v with_o the_o lord_n for_o ever_o with_o all_o diligence_n inure_v themselves_o to_o the_o work_n and_o service_n of_o that_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n and_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o to_o get_v some_o rudiment_n of_o their_o heavenly_a language_n while_o they_o be_v below_o that_o so_o they_o may_v the_o better_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o that_o celestial_a choir_n sing_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n blessing_n and_o glory_n and_o wisdom_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n and_o may_v be_v unto_o our_o god_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o rev._n 7._o 12._o now_o that_o this_o duty_n of_o thankfulness_n may_v run_v in_o a_o right_a channel_n i_o shall_v in_o some_o few_o particular_n show_v how_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v express_v first_o let_v thankfulness_n appear_v in_o the_o fulfil_n of_o that_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 7._o 1._o have_v these_o promise_n let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n the_o promise_n as_o they_o be_v cause_n work_v holiness_n so_o also_o be_v they_o argument_n incite_v to_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n propound_v as_o reward_n unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o purify_n and_o cleanse_v grace_n act_v 15._o 9_o in_o what_o more_o genuine_a fruit_n therefore_o can_v thankfulness_n manifest_v itself_o then_o in_o holiness_n or_o how_o can_v a_o believer_n better_a evidence_n his_o high_a esteem_n of_o the_o promise_n then_o by_o his_o continual_a press_n forward_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o sanctity_n now_o as_o aristotle_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o rhetoric_n that_o there_o be_v two_o way_n by_o which_o man_n grow_v rich_a either_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o add_v to_o their_o present_a store_n or_o else_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o substract_v and_o take_v away_o from_o their_o expense_n so_o also_o holiness_n be_v perfect_v by_o a_o double_a mean_n either_o by_o the_o addition_n of_o one_o grace_n unto_o another_o which_o be_v the_o duty_n that_o saint_n peter_n call_v for_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 5._o add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n etc._n etc._n or_o else_o by_o not_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o which_o be_v the_o counsel_n that_o saint_n paul_n give_v to_o believer_n rom._n 13._o 14._o and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o both_o these_o way_n endeavour_v the_o increase_n of_o holiness_n starve_v the_o boundless_a desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o strengthen_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o renew_v act_n of_o godliness_n can_v never_o be_v rich_a either_o in_o grace_n or_o comfort_n second_o let_v thankfulness_n for_o the_o promise_n be_v express_v in_o proclaim_v that_o mercy_n salvation_n and_o assure_a peace_n which_o you_o have_v receive_v from_o they_o if_o so_o be_v you_o have_v taste_v that_o god_n be_v good_a do_v as_o the_o bird_n which_o when_o they_o come_v to_o a_o full_a heap_n chirp_v and_o invite_v their_o fellow_n tell_v the_o hungry_a soul_n what_o satisfy_v and_o bless_a food_n the_o promise_n be_v the_o deject_a what_o revive_v cordial_n the_o poor_a what_o endure_v riches_n the_o break_a and_o wound_v what_o heal_v balsam_n they_o be_v that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v encourage_v to_o take_v hold_n of_o these_o promise_n by_o a_o hand_n of_o faith_n cripple_n that_o return_v with_o health_n from_o the_o bath_n hang_v up_o their_o crutch_n on_o the_o tree_n and_o their_o rag_n on_o the_o hedge_n that_o be_v near_o that_o thereby_o they_o may_v win_v credit_n and_o esteem_v to_o the_o water_n and_o so_o to_o honour_v the_o well_n of_o salvation_n shall_v christian_n make_v know_v the_o great_a thing_n that_o god_n have_v do_v for_o they_o and_o leave_v in_o every_o place_n where_o they_o come_v some_o testimony_n of_o their_o thankfulness_n and_o god_n goodness_n come_v say_v david_n all_o you_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o my_o soul_n psal_n 66._o 16._o he_o do_v not_o call_v they_o as_o austin_n observe_v to_o acquaint_v they_o with_o speculation_n how_o wide_o the_o earth_n be_v how_o far_o the_o heaven_n be_v stretch_v out_o what_o the_o number_n of_o the_o star_n be_v or_o what_o be_v the_o course_n of_o the_o sun_n but_o come_v and_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o the_o wonder_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o promise_n the_o riches_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o my_o soul_n oh_o that_o believer_n will_v be_v persuade_v to_o declare_v thus_o the_o experience_n that_o they_o have_v any_o time_n have_v of_o god_n truth_n and_o power_n in_o his_o word_n and_o in_o a_o way_n of_o gratitude_n to_o communicate_v they_o unto_o other_o how_o instrumental_a may_v they_o thereby_o become_v in_o the_o comfort_a and_o establish_v of_o other_o experience_n be_v