true_a believer_n have_v by_o christ_n in_o this_o life_n above_o all_o other_o man_n that_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o he_o by_o faith_n and_o examine_v thyself_o hereby_o what_o thou_o have_v gain_v by_o he_o if_o thou_o have_v use_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o his_o good_a creature_n sober_o and_o temperate_o to_o his_o glory_n and_o not_o to_o pamper_v or_o cherish_v any_o sin_n to_o dishonour_v he_o thereby_o and_o do_v return_v thanks_o unto_o god_n for_o they_o with_o a_o sincere_a heart_n because_o he_o be_v the_o sole_a giver_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o thou_o injoye_v then_o christ_n have_v take_v away_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v upon_o they_o and_o have_v make_v they_o blessing_n to_o thou_o which_o thou_o may_v free_o use_v to_o thy_o comfort_n otherwise_o thou_o can_v find_v little_a comfort_n in_o they_o also_o if_o thou_o do_v true_o believe_v that_o thy_o sin_n be_v impute_v unto_o christ_n and_o have_v a_o holy_a assurance_n hereof_o by_o the_o daily_o renew_v of_o thy_o repentance_n for_o thy_o daily_a sin_n then_o thou_o may_v be_v full_o persuade_v that_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o burden_n to_o thy_o conscience_n and_o do_v cleave_v close_o to_o thy_o soul_n be_v take_v away_o and_o that_o christ_n have_v nail_v it_o to_o his_o cross_n whereby_o thou_o be_v free_v from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o from_o the_o condemnation_n of_o sin_n this_o consideration_n will_v much_o comfort_v thou_o when_o thou_o be_v under_o the_o cross_n for_o the_o evil_a of_o punishment_n that_o be_v in_o thy_o affliction_n be_v take_v away_o it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o curse_n and_o thou_o be_v but_o chastise_v for_o thy_o good_a and_o not_o punish_v for_o thy_o hurt_n examine_v thyself_o yet_o further_o what_o thou_o have_v gain_v by_o christ_n for_o if_o thou_o can_v overpower_v thy_o corruption_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o grace_n and_o can_v leave_v thy_o sin_n before_o they_o leave_v thou_o and_o that_o the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o be_v bitter_a to_o thy_o soul_n and_o do_v daily_o strive_v with_o a_o true_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o newness_n of_o life_n then_o thou_o have_v a_o evident_a sign_n that_o christ_n have_v take_v away_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n in_o thou_o 25._o thou_o ezek._n 36._o 25._o and_o have_v pour_v clean_a water_n upon_o thy_o soul_n to_o purify_v &_o cleanse_v thou_o from_o all_o thy_o filthiness_n also_o if_o thou_o do_v find_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n that_o thou_o have_v a_o holy_a desire_n to_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o faithful_a endeavour_n to_o grow_v strong_a in_o grace_n that_o thy_o heart_n may_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o thy_o faith_n firm_a to_o uphold_v thou_o in_o thy_o suffering_n and_o trial_n then_o thou_o have_v get_v great_a gain_n and_o much_o advantage_n by_o christ_n but_o if_o thou_o be_v persuade_v of_o thy_o adoption_n by_o faith_n in_o he_o thou_o can_v not_o conceive_v how_o great_a thy_o gain_n will_v be_v for_o whatsoever_o a_o child_n can_v desire_v of_o a_o love_a father_n thou_o may_v expect_v much_o more_o from_o god_n nothing_o shall_v be_v too_o dear_a for_o thou_o nothing_o shall_v be_v hurtful_a to_o thou_o and_o nothing_o shall_v be_v conceal_v from_o thou_o that_o may_v be_v profitable_a and_o advantageous_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o thy_o soul_n let_v we_o consider_v now_o that_o our_o heart_n may_v ruminate_v well_o upon_o it_o for_o our_o great_a comfort_n what_o honour_n we_o have_v by_o be_v make_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 23._o god_n 1_o sam._n 18._o 23._o when_o saul_n servant_n come_v to_o persuade_v david_n to_o be_v the_o king_n son_n in_o law_n he_o give_v they_o this_o answer_n seem_v it_o to_o you_o a_o light_a thing_n to_o be_v a_o king_n son_n in_o law_n see_v that_o i_o be_o a_o poor_a man_n and_o light_o esteem_v how_o great_a then_o be_v the_o honour_n and_o how_o high_o to_o be_v esteem_v for_o a_o poor_a wretched_a captive_a to_o be_v make_v the_o son_n of_o the_o eternal_a and_o everliving_a god_n to_o have_v such_o a_o father_n to_o come_v to_o in_o all_o our_o necessity_n such_o a_o refuge_n in_o all_o our_o distress_n such_o a_o protector_n against_o all_o our_o enemy_n and_o to_o be_v heir_n to_o such_o a_o inheritance_n as_o be_v incorruptible_a and_o eternal_a which_o christ_n have_v reserve_v for_o we_o in_o heaven_n wherefore_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o undefiled_a in_o our_o conversation_n as_o become_v the_o son_n of_o such_o a_o father_n we_o shall_v not_o walk_v stubborn_o before_o he_o but_o in_o filial_a fear_n and_o reverence_n obey_v his_o holy_a will_n and_o command_n with_o filial_a love_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o rod_n and_o correction_n as_o a_o child_n ought_v to_o submit_v to_o his_o father_n if_o our_o service_n be_v thus_o perform_v to_o god_n he_o will_v then_o be_v a_o tender_a and_o a_o gracious_a father_n to_o we_o if_o we_o have_v this_o gain_n by_o christ_n in_o this_o life_n what_o be_v the_o gain_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o it_o what_o be_v all_o earthly_a honour_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o a_o true_a christian_n and_o yet_o most_o man_n covet_v and_o desire_v that_o gain_n and_o that_o honour_n and_o they_o neglect_v the_o true_a gain_n and_o the_o true_a honour_n of_o a_o christian_a which_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v desire_v 26_o desire_v mat._n 16._o 26_o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v say_v christ_n if_o be_v shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n if_o we_o enjoy_v christ_n we_o have_v a_o rich_a patrimony_n we_o can_v want_v no_o comfort_n whatsoever_o shall_v betide_v we_o in_o soul_n or_o in_o body_n in_o good_n or_o good_a name_n he_o will_v repair_v all_o our_o loss_n in_o adam_n with_o his_o abundant_a righteousness_n he_o will_v also_o repair_v all_o our_o loss_n in_o child_n servant_n or_o estate_n either_o in_o this_o life_n 10_o life_n job_n 42_o 10_o as_o he_o do_v unto_o job_n or_o else_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v in_o a_o more_o plentiful_a manner_n christ_n will_v likewise_o furnish_v we_o with_o all_o spiritual_a ability_n to_o encounter_v with_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n to_o stand_v firm_o for_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o to_o endure_v the_o trial_n of_o our_o faith_n love_n hope_v and_o patience_n and_o he_o will_v make_v perfect_a whatsoever_o be_v want_v or_o imperfect_a in_o we_o 9_o we_o 2_o cor._n 12._o 9_o for_o his_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o and_o his_o strength_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o weakness_n his_o love_n and_o his_o care_n of_o we_o do_v most_o shine_v forth_o when_o we_o do_v most_o a_o base_a and_o humble_a ourselves_o and_o when_o we_o do_v acknowledge_v our_o unworthiness_n of_o it_o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o shall_v meditate_v with_o all_o thankfulness_n upon_o the_o great_a benefit_n that_o we_o have_v by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o christ_n have_v seal_v for_o we_o with_o his_o blood_n for_o we_o may_v faithful_o believe_v and_o comfortable_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v perform_v his_o condition_n express_v therein_o to_o we_o though_o we_o can_v perfect_o perform_v our_o condition_n to_o he_o also_o that_o he_o will_v purify_v and_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o our_o filthiness_n 40._o filthiness_n jer._n 32._o 40._o and_o will_v put_v his_o fear_n in_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o he_o wherefore_o let_v not_o the_o fail_n and_o frailty_n of_o the_o flesh_n discomfort_v we_o nor_o weaken_v our_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o in_o christ_n for_o the_o flesh_n will_v rebel_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o unregenerate_a part_n will_v sometime_o break_v out_o upon_o we_o to_o dash_v and_o hinder_v our_o comfort_n in_o this_o gracious_a covenant_n therefore_o christ_n have_v ordain_v the_o two_o sacrament_n to_o seal_v this_o covenant_n to_o our_o soul_n for_o the_o better_a confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n 27._o faith_n gal._n 3._o 26_o 27._o for_o if_o we_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n by_o faith_n we_o have_v put_v on_o christ_n we_o be_v member_n of_o his_o church_n and_o this_o covenant_n be_v seal_v to_o we_o 7_o we_o 1_o john_n 1._o 7_o and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n have_v cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n if_o age_n or_o sickness_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o beside_o sanctify_a grace_n do_v keep_v we_o from_o sin_v against_o god_n this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a purge_n away_o of_o sin_n nor_o the_o regeneration_n and_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n because_o the_o evil_a concupiscence_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o sinful_a desire_n of_o the_o mind_n will_v remain_v strong_a and_o
sickness_n under_o the_o cross_n or_o under_o the_o buffet_n of_o satan_n this_o will_n much_o increase_v our_o faith_n and_o confirm_v our_o hope_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n 37._o god_n 1_o sam._n 17._o 37._o this_o consideration_n make_v david_n bold_a to_o encounter_v with_o goliath_n that_o great_a giant_n because_o god_n have_v former_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o paw_n of_o the_o lion_n and_o from_o the_o paw_n of_o the_o bear_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v now_o deliver_v he_o from_o that_o uncircumcised_a philistine_n we_o shall_v make_v the_o same_o use_n of_o the_o former_a experience_n that_o we_o have_v any_o way_n have_v of_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o we_o to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o affiance_n in_o god_n when_o we_o be_v in_o any_o distress_n and_o can_v see_v no_o mean_n to_o give_v we_o any_o hope_n of_o safety_n or_o of_o deliverance_n six_o if_o we_o be_v of_o low_a esteem_n in_o our_o own_o eye_n and_o poor_a in_o spirit_n to_o walk_v humble_o before_o god_n in_o a_o true_a sight_n and_o sense_n of_o our_o unworthiness_n and_o of_o our_o emptiness_n of_o grace_n and_o goodness_n then_o god_n will_v give_v we_o more_o grace_n more_o holy_a zeal_n and_o he_o will_v make_v we_o rich_a in_o faith_n 5._o faith_n 1_o pet._n 5._o 5._o for_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a thus_o we_o may_v have_v more_o strength_n of_o faith_n from_o god_n because_o he_o will_v deal_v like_o a_o tender_a father_n with_o these_o that_o know_v their_o own_o weakness_n to_o supply_v their_o want_n with_o a_o gracious_a increase_n of_o their_o faith_n 3._o faith_n isa_n 42._o 3._o for_o he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n neither_o will_v he_o require_v of_o the_o weak_a so_o much_o as_o of_o these_o that_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n and_o whatsoever_o he_o require_v of_o they_o he_o will_v give_v such_o ability_n of_o grace_n as_o shall_v make_v they_o able_a to_o perform_v it_o last_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o have_v our_o faith_n increase_v we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o give_v no_o liberty_n to_o sin_n for_o that_o will_v weaken_v our_o faith_n it_o will_v stop_v the_o influence_n of_o grace_n to_o our_o heart_n and_o hinder_v the_o free_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o we_o how_o can_v we_o confide_v and_o trust_v in_o god_n mercy_n and_o goodness_n when_o we_o have_v deserve_v his_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n for_o some_o sin_n that_o do_v over_o power_n we_o without_o repentance_n how_o can_v grace_n be_v strong_a in_o we_o if_o sin_n do_v still_o reign_v in_o our_o mortal_a body_n there_o can_v be_v no_o increase_n of_o faith_n if_o sin_n be_v strong_a in_o we_o if_o god_n be_v please_v to_o try_v our_o faith_n or_o any_o other_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o we_o as_o he_o do_v abrahaâ—s_n faith_n joseph_n chastity_n and_o job_n patience_n we_o shall_v be_v find_v very_o weak_a if_o our_o conscience_n can_v accuse_v we_o of_o any_o sin_n that_o be_v not_o mortify_v and_o subdue_v in_o we_o wherefore_o now_o if_o thou_o be_v conscious_a of_o the_o weakness_n of_o thy_o faith_n by_o thy_o inability_n to_o resist_v any_o temptation_n or_o provocation_n unto_o sin_n by_o thy_o waver_a and_o doubt_v in_o the_o true_a performance_n of_o god_n promise_n if_o they_o be_v above_o thy_o capacity_n and_o by_o thy_o perplex_a fear_n when_o trouble_n or_o danger_n be_v ready_a to_o seize_v upon_o thou_o thou_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o thy_o own_o deserve_n except_o iâ—_n be_v for_o thy_o humiliation_n for_o thou_o must_v know_v that_o god_n do_v not_o make_v his_o gracious_a promise_n for_o thy_o sake_n though_o they_o be_v make_v for_o thy_o good_a but_o god_n make_v they_o to_o thou_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n in_o who_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o all_o merit_n 20_o merit_n 2_o cor_n 1._o 20_o and_o in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_n so_o that_o if_o thou_o be_v in_o christ_n thou_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o question_v the_o performance_n of_o any_o of_o god_n promise_n also_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o thy_o faith_n meditate_v pious_o upon_o those_o former_a direction_n and_o then_o have_v recourse_n by_o prayer_n to_o thy_o bless_a saviour_n and_o he_o will_v uphold_v thy_o faith_n against_o all_o adversary_n power_n that_o shall_v oppose_v it_o but_o if_o thou_o be_v not_o in_o christ_n no_o promise_n of_o grace_n belong_v unto_o thou_o and_o thou_o can_v find_v no_o comfort_n therein_o how_o to_o esteem_v of_o faith_n though_o it_o be_v sufficient_a high_o to_o prize_n and_o esteem_v of_o true_a justify_v faith_n if_o we_o do_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v those_o excellent_a benefit_n and_o comfort_n of_o faith_n former_o set_v down_o to_o make_v we_o happy_a here_o in_o this_o life_n and_o eternal_o bless_v in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v yet_o the_o great_a worth_n and_o esteem_n of_o it_o will_v further_o appear_v by_o these_o follow_a consideration_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v set_v down_o in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n first_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v set_v several_a high_a commendation_n on_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n of_o great_a price_n 20_o price_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 20_o for_o by_z peter_z he_o call_v it_o precious_a faith_n because_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o righteousness_n of_o our_o god_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o because_o we_o do_v enjoy_v christ_n himself_o by_o it_o we_o must_v needs_o therefore_o esteem_v it_o as_o a_o most_o precious_a jewel_n because_o god_n will_v bestow_v it_o upon_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v his_o dear_a child_n and_o elect_v unto_o salvation_n holy_a david_n be_v a_o great_a king_n renown_v for_o his_o honour_n riches_n and_o valour_n he_o be_v victorious_a in_o all_o his_o battle_n and_o he_o prosper_v in_o all_o his_o enterprise_n yet_o his_o faith_n and_o hope_n be_v in_o none_o of_o these_o 1._o these_o psal_n 7._o 1._o but_o his_o trust_n be_v in_o the_o lord_n he_o do_v slight_v all_o his_o earthly_a greatness_n and_o do_v count_v himself_o happy_a only_o by_o his_o faith_n in_o god_n for_o thus_o he_o say_v 4_o say_v psal_n 40._o 4_o blessed_a be_v that_o man_n that_o make_v the_o lord_n his_o trust_n but_o some_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o fix_v their_o faith_n on_o god_n for_o they_o put_v their_o confidence_n in_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o host_n and_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n these_o have_v no_o ground_n for_o their_o faith_n to_o rest_v upon_o but_o what_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v they_o which_o they_o will_v find_v to_o be_v vain_a and_o like_o a_o break_a reed_n no_o way_n able_a to_o save_v they_o hadadezer_n trust_v in_o his_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n 4_o horseman_n 2_o sam._n 8._o 4_o but_o david_n smite_v he_o with_o a_o very_a great_a slaughter_n and_o take_v from_o he_o a_o thousand_o chariot_n because_o he_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n 9_o lord_n 2_o chro._n 14._o 9_o zerah_n the_o ethiopian_a put_v his_o trust_n in_o his_o numerous_a army_n which_o be_v a_o thousand_o thousand_o but_o the_o lord_n overthrow_v they_o before_o king_n asa_n the_o faith_n that_o worldly_a man_n have_v in_o their_o riches_n and_o in_o their_o greatness_n be_v not_o this_o faith_n which_o be_v so_o precious_a and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v esteem_v for_o their_o faith_n be_v ground_v upon_o worldly_a strength_n and_o it_o reach_v no_o further_a than_o humane_a reason_n can_v carry_v it_o no_o marvel_n then_o if_o it_o do_v deceive_v they_o in_o the_o end_n but_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a be_v fix_v upon_o christ_n and_o upon_o no_o other_o object_n who_o be_v a_o sure_a rock_n to_o rest_v upon_o and_o it_o reach_v up_o to_o heaven_n even_o to_o god_n himself_o and_o it_o will_v fetch_v down_o help_v and_o succour_n comfort_n and_o consolation_n from_o he_o upon_o all_o occasion_n when_o we_o need_v it_o judas_n call_v it_o 2d_o it_o judas_n 2d_o most_o holy_a faith_n because_o it_o make_v we_o holy_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n by_o put_v upon_o we_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o because_o by_o it_o as_o it_o have_v relation_n unto_o christ_n our_o prayer_n and_o all_o other_o our_o service_n to_o god_n be_v holy_a and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o wherefore_o see_v faith_n be_v so_o precious_a that_o god_n will_v bestow_v it_o upon_o none_o but_o upon_o his_o own_o child_n and_o so_o holy_a that_o it_o make_v all_o our_o service_n to_o god_n to_o be_v holy_a we_o ought_v to_o esteem_v it_o as_o a_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n and_o to_o keep_v it_o as_o a_o most_o precious_a jewel_n second_o we_o
as_o rebel_n to_o he_o but_o he_o take_v we_o for_o his_o own_o people_n and_o as_o his_o servant_n 33._o servant_n jer._n 31._o 33._o according_a to_o his_o promise_n in_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o also_o as_o his_o child_n by_o adoption_n in_o christ_n which_o make_v the_o meditation_n of_o our_o heart_n sweet_a and_o comfortable_a to_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o great_a honour_n to_o be_v servant_n to_o a_o earthly_a prince_n but_o it_o be_v a_o far_o high_a title_n of_o honour_n to_o be_v servant_n to_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n the_o holy_a patriarch_n and_o prophet_n all_o the_o apostle_n and_o saint_n of_o god_n do_v account_v it_o their_o high_a honour_n to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o they_o do_v much_o glory_n in_o this_o honourable_a title_n thus_o say_v that_o kingly_a prophet_n david_n 16._o david_n psal_n 116._o 16._o o_o lord_n true_o i_o be_o thy_o servant_n and_o the_o son_n of_o thy_o handmaid_n thou_o have_v loose_v my_o bond_n david_n use_v this_o as_o a_o strong_a motive_n to_o god_n to_o hear_v his_o prayer_n and_o to_o grant_v his_o request_n 16._o request_n psal_n 86._o 2_o 4_o 16._o o_o thou_o my_o god_n save_v thy_o servant_n that_o trust_v in_o thou_o rejoice_v the_o soul_n of_o thy_o servant_n fâ—r_v unto_o thou_o o_o lord_n do_v i_o lift_v up_o my_o soul_n o_o turn_n unto_o i_o and_o have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o give_v thy_o strength_n unto_o thy_o servant_n and_o save_v the_o son_n of_o thy_o handmaid_n god_n give_v this_o title_n of_o honour_n to_o his_o choice_a servant_n as_o to_o abraham_n to_o jacob_n to_o moses_n to_o david_n job_n zorâ—babâ—l_n and_o to_o christ_n himself_o as_o he_o be_v man_n for_o thus_o he_o say_v by_o his_o prophet_n 8._o prophet_n zech._n 3._o 8._o behold_v i_o will_v bring_v forth_o my_o servant_n the_o branch_n this_o honour_n have_v all_o they_o that_o true_o believe_v in_o christ_n because_o he_o have_v reconcile_v they_o to_o god_n his_o father_n and_o have_v make_v they_o his_o servant_n by_o grace_n wherefore_o now_o if_o we_o have_v any_o clear_a evidence_n to_o our_o conscience_n that_o we_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o atonement_n if_o we_o do_v serve_v and_o obey_v he_o with_o faithful_a heart_n in_o sincerity_n and_o in_o truth_n we_o may_v then_o cheerful_o fix_v our_o meditation_n upon_o god_n which_o will_v be_v acceptable_a in_o his_o sight_n and_o comfortable_a to_o our_o own_o soul_n for_o by_o this_o sweet_a relation_n that_o we_o have_v unto_o god_n through_o faith_n in_o christ_n our_o duty_n and_o service_n to_o he_o will_v be_v accept_v though_o they_o be_v imperfect_o perform_v by_o we_o if_o we_o show_v our_o best_a care_n to_o please_v he_o from_o a_o upright_a heart_n as_o his_o faithful_a servant_n ought_v to_o do_v also_o we_o may_v apply_v ourselves_o by_o holy_a supplication_n to_o our_o heavenly_a lord_n as_o be_v his_o servant_n to_o protect_v we_o from_o our_o enemy_n to_o provide_v for_o we_o in_o our_o necessity_n to_o succour_v we_o in_o our_o tribulation_n and_o to_o countenance_v we_o as_o his_o servant_n in_o all_o our_o temptation_n that_o our_o faith_n may_v not_o fail_v we_o and_o that_o our_o spirit_n may_v not_o sink_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o they_o whatsoever_o we_o want_v we_o may_v have_v it_o of_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o we_o fear_v may_v come_v upon_o we_o he_o will_v prevent_v it_o or_o fit_v we_o for_o it_o or_o else_o he_o will_v sanctify_v it_o for_o our_o good_a that_o we_o may_v find_v comfort_n in_o it_o wherefore_o we_o need_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o contemplate_v his_o greatness_n for_o his_o goodness_n will_v sweeten_v that_o fear_n we_o need_v not_o fear_v death_n in_o a_o servile_a way_n for_o it_o have_v no_o sting_n to_o hurt_v we_o and_o we_o need_v not_o be_v terrify_v at_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o quick_a and_o dead_a nor_o at_o the_o rigour_n and_o severity_n of_o his_o justice_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v be_v then_o our_o judge_n who_o be_v now_o our_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n we_o can_v then_o but_o show_v our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n by_o our_o willing_a and_o ready_a obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o by_o our_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o our_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n by_o ruminate_v on_o his_o word_n and_o by_o contemplate_v his_o wonderful_a work_n our_o thought_n will_v be_v continual_o upon_o he_o our_o delight_n will_v be_v to_o meditate_v on_o he_o and_o the_o affection_n of_o our_o heart_n will_v be_v always_o towards_o he_o consider_v further_a what_o christ_n have_v do_v for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v the_o more_o comfortable_o meditate_v on_o god_n he_o have_v not_o only_o redeem_v we_o out_o of_o the_o servitude_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o make_v we_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n by_o grace_n but_o also_o 12_o also_o john_n 1._o 12_o he_o have_v give_v power_n to_o as_o many_o as_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o privilege_n and_o honour_n we_o have_v only_o by_o faith_n 6._o faith_n gal._n 4._o 5_o 6._o who_o have_v redeem_v we_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v the_o adoption_n of_o son_n and_o because_o we_o be_v son_n god_n have_v send_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o our_o heart_n cry_v abba_n ftther_o how_o comfortable_a then_o will_v our_o meditation_n be_v to_o our_o soul_n when_o we_o ruminate_v upon_o god_n as_o he_o be_v our_o father_n what_o can_v deject_v our_o spirit_n or_o make_v we_o afraid_a if_o we_o have_v a_o sure_a confidence_n that_o god_n be_v our_o father_n can_v we_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o misery_n than_o 19_o than_o luk._n 15._o 18_o 19_o the_o poor_a prodigal_a in_o the_o gospel_n be_v and_o yet_o when_o he_o remember_v his_o father_n he_o be_v comfort_v and_o refresh_v can_v any_o poor_a soul_n be_v deep_a plunge_v in_o sin_n or_o lead_v a_o more_o vicious_a life_n than_o this_o prodigal_a do_v and_o yet_o his_o father_n do_v not_o cast_v he_o off_o but_o upon_o his_o true_a submission_n he_o receive_v he_o again_o as_o his_o son_n why_o then_o shall_v we_o despair_v of_o mercy_n though_o our_o sin_n be_v many_o and_o very_o great_a why_o shall_v we_o fear_v the_o terror_n of_o death_n if_o we_o be_v well_o persuade_v of_o our_o adoption_n for_o 7._o for_o gal._n 4._o 7._o we_o be_v heir_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o we_o go_v to_o possess_v that_o inheritance_n which_o belong_v to_o we_o as_o son_n and_o why_o shall_v the_o thought_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v terrible_a to_o we_o see_v christ_n our_o redeemer_n will_v make_v up_o our_o account_n for_o we_o and_o will_v perfect_v with_o his_o own_o righteousness_n whatsoever_o be_v want_v on_o our_o part_n do_v we_o think_v that_o christ_n will_v redeem_v we_o out_o of_o the_o bondage_n of_o satan_n and_o will_v free_v we_o from_o the_o strictness_n of_o the_o law_n the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n &_o from_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n and_o at_o last_o will_v leave_v we_o to_o ourselves_o to_o answer_v the_o rigour_n of_o god_n justice_n for_o whatsoever_o we_o have_v do_v here_o in_o the_o flesh_n sure_o not_o for_o then_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n have_v not_o be_v perfect_o finish_v but_o christ_n will_v be_v then_o our_o hide_v place_n he_o will_v cover_v all_o our_o sin_n under_o the_o robe_n of_o his_o own_o righteousness_n and_o will_v shelter_v we_o from_o the_o fierceness_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o from_o the_o severity_n of_o god_n justice_n we_o have_v now_o much_o matter_n for_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a meditation_n to_o comfort_n and_o refresh_v our_o languish_a soul_n when_o they_o be_v any_o way_n perplex_v with_o sorrow_n fear_n or_o doubt_n if_o we_o ruminate_v upon_o our_o happy_a condition_n by_o be_v in_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n for_o we_o have_v the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n by_o the_o right_n of_o purchase_n and_o so_o be_v none_o but_o such_o only_a who_o christ_n have_v buy_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n also_o if_o we_o meditate_v upon_o our_o adoption_n it_o will_v be_v very_o comfortable_a to_o we_o and_o exceed_v sweet_a to_o our_o spiritual_a taste_n for_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o hereby_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o son_n both_o in_o what_o we_o be_v free_v from_o and_o in_o what_o we_o have_v right_a unto_o for_o we_o be_v free_v from_o all_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o from_o all_o evil_a of_o punishment_n sin_n have_v no_o power_n to_o condemn_v we_o though_o it_o
son_n commit_v iniquity_n i_o will_v chastise_v he_o with_o the_o rod_n of_o man_n and_o with_o the_o stripe_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n but_o my_o mercy_n shall_v not_o depart_v away_o from_o he_o but_o god_n punish_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o wicked_a in_o anger_n and_o with_o much_o severity_n for_o their_o destruction_n his_o own_o child_n be_v reform_v by_o their_o correction_n but_o the_o wicked_a be_v more_o harden_v in_o their_o sin_n by_o their_o punishment_n this_o of_o the_o prophet_n be_v verify_v in_o they_o 3._o they_o jer._n 5._o 3._o o_o lord_n thou_o have_v strike_v they_o but_o they_o have_v not_o grieve_v thou_o have_v consume_v they_o but_o they_o have_v refuse_v to_o receive_v correction_n they_o have_v make_v their_o face_n hard_a than_o a_o rock_n they_o have_v refuse_v to_o return_v god_n do_v also_o bestow_v his_o mercy_n and_o blessing_n upon_o they_o both_o he_o do_v common_o give_v more_o of_o his_o temporal_a blessing_n to_o the_o wicked_a than_o he_o do_v to_o the_o godly_a to_o leave_v they_o without_o excuse_n and_o to_o give_v they_o mean_n and_o ability_n to_o glorify_v god_n but_o they_o abuse_v they_o to_o sin_n and_o uncleanness_n to_o excess_n and_o riot_n 13_o riot_n eccl._n 5._o 13_o this_o be_v that_o evil_n which_o the_o preacher_n do_v see_v under_o the_o sun_n namely_o riches_n keep_v for_o the_o owner_n thereof_o to_o their_o hurt_n but_o god_n have_v special_a gift_n and_o blessing_n which_o he_o bestow_v only_o upon_o the_o godly_a and_o these_o be_v the_o save_n and_o sanctify_a grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v peculiar_a only_o to_o they_o and_o reserve_v for_o they_o wherefore_o now_o if_o we_o serious_o ruminate_v upon_o the_o work_v of_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v much_o matter_n for_o our_o instruction_n and_o for_o our_o spiritual_a consolation_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v a_o ready_a way_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o creator_n and_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n will_v bring_v we_o to_o the_o love_n of_o he_o to_o the_o fear_n and_o dread_n of_o he_o and_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o command_n we_o have_v daily_a experience_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o of_o his_o goodness_n to_o we_o in_o christ_n which_o shall_v strengthen_v our_o faith_n hope_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o though_o he_o do_v sometime_o bring_v we_o into_o great_a strait_n and_o lay_v great_a trial_n upon_o we_o and_o it_o shall_v keep_v we_o from_o murmur_v and_o repine_v though_o he_o do_v long_o delay_v to_o send_v we_o help_v and_o comfort_n in_o time_n of_o need_n also_o it_o shall_v keep_v we_o from_o cark_n care_n and_o from_o immoderate_a seek_v of_o earthly_a thing_n because_o god_n will_v provide_v for_o we_o and_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o lack_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a we_o shall_v therefore_o wait_v upon_o he_o and_o wait_v patient_o for_o his_o salvation_n in_o all_o our_o want_n and_o necessity_n in_o all_o our_o trouble_n and_o tribulation_n and_o in_o all_o strait_n and_o distress_n which_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o wicked_a man_n can_v bring_v upon_o we_o for_o god_n can_v and_o will_v by_o his_o wise_a providence_n turn_v that_o to_o our_o good_a which_o they_o intend_v and_o purpose_n for_o our_o hurt_n how_o shall_v we_o then_o delight_v to_o meditate_v on_o god_n in_o all_o his_o work_n see_v 17._o see_v psal_n 145._o 17._o the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o holy_a in_o all_o his_o work_n what_o comfort_n can_v we_o want_v in_o the_o sad_a time_n see_v god_n watch_v over_o we_o by_o his_o divine_a providence_n for_o our_o good_a what_o need_v we_o fear_v the_o malice_n or_o power_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n see_v we_o have_v god_n protection_n to_o keep_v and_o defend_v we_o from_o they_o if_o we_o â—ay_v up_o these_o thing_n in_o our_o heart_n our_o soul_n will_v have_v the_o comfort_n of_o they_o in_o all_o the_o sadness_n and_o sorrow_n that_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o in_o this_o life_n concern_v the_o creation_n of_o man._n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o principal_a piece_n of_o god_n workmanship_n which_o he_o wrought_v here_o upon_o earth_n and_o that_o be_v the_o creation_n of_o man_n in_o which_o great_a work_n the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n do_v agree_v with_o one_o consent_n and_o give_v he_o such_o a_o body_n as_o shall_v be_v capable_a of_o immortality_n and_o such_o a_o soul_n as_o shall_v receive_v the_o impression_n of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n for_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n 26_o lord_n gen._n 1._o 26_o let_v we_o make_v man_n in_o our_o image_n after_o our_o likeness_n man_n must_v needs_o then_o be_v create_v in_o innocency_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n without_o spot_n and_o blemish_n or_o any_o imperfection_n either_o in_o his_o soul_n or_o body_n there_o be_v no_o perverseness_n in_o his_o will_n no_o folly_n in_o his_o understanding_n &_o no_o corruption_n in_o his_o heart_n for_o god_n give_v he_o ability_n and_o a_o willing_a mind_n to_o obey_v he_o and_o a_o wise_a and_o a_o understand_a heart_n able_a right_o to_o know_v god_n his_o creator_n and_o to_o worship_n and_o serve_v he_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v serve_v also_o he_o do_v know_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o the_o beast_n in_o the_o field_n of_o all_o the_o fowl_n in_o the_o air_n and_o the_o virtue_n of_o all_o herb_n and_o plant_n and_o god_n make_v he_o present_o fit_a for_o that_o rule_n and_o sovereignty_n which_o he_o give_v he_o over_o the_o creature_n god_n do_v also_o set_v his_o love_n upon_o he_o and_o crown_v he_o with_o glory_n and_o honour_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n david_n 6._o david_n psal_n 8._o 4_o 5_o 6._o what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o he_o or_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 and_o have_v crown_v he_o with_o glory_n and_o honour_n thou_o maâ—est_v he_o to_o have_v dominion_n over_o the_o work_n of_o thy_o hand_n thou_o have_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o his_o foot_n for_o he_o be_v create_v in_o his_o full_a perfection_n fit_a to_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o creature_n who_o god_n have_v make_v for_o his_o use_n and_o service_n as_o god_n do_v show_v his_o wonderful_a wisdom_n and_o power_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n because_o he_o make_v he_o such_o a_o excellent_a creature_n of_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o he_o now_o show_v no_o less_o power_n and_o wisdom_n in_o fashion_v he_o in_o the_o womb_n for_o thus_o say_v holy_a david_n 15._o david_n psal_n 1_o 39_o 1â—_n 15._o i_o will_v praise_v thou_o for_o i_o be_o fearful_o and_o wonderful_o make_v marvellous_a be_v thy_o work_n and_o that_o my_o soul_n know_v right_a well_o my_o substance_n be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o when_o i_o be_v make_v in_o secret_a and_o curious_o wrought_v in_o the_o low_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o preacher_n also_o say_v 5_o say_v eccl._n 11._o 5_o that_o we_o know_v not_o how_o the_o bone_n do_v grow_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o she_o that_o be_v with_o child_n there_o be_v more_o wonder_n in_o man_n than_o there_o be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o his_o body_n and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o call_v for_o due_a consideration_n the_o eye_n be_v but_o a_o little_a member_n and_o yet_o the_o best_a oculist_n can_v find_v out_o all_o the_o wonder_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o who_o can_v discover_v the_o wind_n and_o turn_n of_o the_o brain_n how_o it_o work_v upon_o whatsoever_o it_o apprehend_v it_o be_v trouble_v with_o vision_n and_o dream_n in_o the_o night_n it_o be_v at_o no_o quiet_a all_o the_o day_n man_n have_v no_o command_n over_o his_o own_o thought_n but_o they_o fly_v swift_o from_o the_o east_n to_o the_o west_n and_o they_o bring_v back_o to_o remembrance_n thing_n that_o be_v long_o pass_v and_o go_v so_o likewise_o there_o be_v such_o secret_a corner_n in_o the_o heart_n that_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o discover_v what_o be_v hide_v there_o god_n only_o that_o form_v it_o know_v the_o breadth_n and_o deepth_n of_o it_o his_o all-seeing_a eye_n can_v search_v into_o it_o and_o nothing_o that_o lurk_v there_o can_v be_v hide_v from_o he_o who_o can_v declare_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n in_o the_o faculty_n and_o endowment_n of_o his_o soul_n in_o the_o structure_n of_o his_o body_n and_o how_o he_o be_v fashion_v in_o the_o womb_n we_o may_v admire_v at_o these_o thing_n but_o we_o can_v comprehend_v they_o now_o let_v we_o bring_v down_o our_o thought_n
prophecy_n be_v then_o fulfil_v that_o be_v speak_v of_o he_o in_o his_o life_n 46._o life_n luk._n 23._o 46._o then_o he_o commend_v his_o spirit_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o father_n and_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n as_o this_o lamb_n of_o god_n live_v in_o perfect_a innocency_n so_o he_o die_v in_o perfect_a meekness_n then_o present_o after_o 34_o after_o joh._n 19_o 34_o one_o of_o the_o soldier_n pierce_v his_o side_n with_o a_o spear_n to_o his_o very_a heart_n and_o forthwith_o câ—me_v thereout_o blood_n and_o water_n that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v fulfil_v 10._o fulfil_v zech._n 12_o 10._o they_o shall_v look_v on_o he_o who_o they_o pierce_v this_o be_v also_o do_v that_o we_o may_v faithful_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o death_n this_o be_v a_o special_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o we_o must_v steadfast_o believe_v if_o we_o will_v have_v comfort_n in_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o redemption_n for_o if_o christ_n have_v not_o true_o dye_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n have_v not_o be_v full_o satisfy_v for_o our_o sin_n we_o can_v have_v have_v no_o power_n to_o die_v unto_o sin_n or_o to_o mortify_v our_o corruption_n and_o sinful_a lust_n and_o death_n will_v be_v most_o bitter_a fearful_a and_o terrible_a to_o we_o if_o christ_n have_v not_o dye_v and_o rise_v again_o how_o can_v death_n have_v be_v destroy_v how_o can_v the_o sting_n of_o death_n be_v take_v out_o who_o shall_v have_v sanctify_v death_n unto_o we_o and_o how_o can_v we_o be_v willing_a to_o embrace_v it_o wherefore_o if_o we_o do_v true_o believe_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o he_o die_v for_o we_o it_o will_v minister_v much_o matter_n of_o exceed_v great_a consolation_n to_o our_o soul_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o our_o dissolution_n from_o the_o former_a consideration_n we_o may_v draw_v much_o comfortable_a matter_n for_o our_o heart_n to_o meditate_v upon_o first_o it_o do_v evident_o appear_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n do_v assume_v to_o his_o deity_n our_o whole_a nature_n soul_n and_o body_n which_o do_v still_o retain_v all_o the_o property_n of_o humane_a nature_n unconfound_v with_o his_o deity_n 17_o deity_n heb._n 2._o 17_o he_o be_v like_a unto_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n 25._o thing_n heb_fw-mi 4._o 25._o sin_n only_o except_v his_o soul_n be_v sensible_a of_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n his_o body_n do_v feel_v the_o smart_n of_o pain_n he_o be_v subject_a to_o all_o our_o natural_a passion_n and_o infirmity_n which_o may_v be_v without_o sin_n he_o be_v sensible_a of_o hunger_n thirst_n weariness_n and_o the_o like_a he_o be_v also_o subject_a to_o mortality_n though_o not_o to_o corruption_n for_o 10_o for_o psal_n 16._o 10_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o holy_a one_o to_o see_v corruption_n because_o he_o have_v no_o spot_n or_o stain_v of_o sin_n in_o he_o and_o there_o be_v a_o true_a dissolution_n of_o his_o soul_n from_o his_o body_n when_o he_o die_v if_o christ_n have_v not_o assume_v our_o whole_a nature_n he_o can_v not_o have_v perfect_o save_v and_o redeem_v we_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o then_o the_o work_n which_o god_n send_v he_o to_o do_v have_v not_o be_v finish_v but_o we_o have_v still_o remain_v in_o our_o sin_n 10_o heb._n 10._o 10_o but_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v full_o wrought_v by_o that_o which_o he_o suffer_v both_o in_o his_o soul_n and_o in_o his_o body_n to_o give_v we_o a_o holy_a assurance_n that_o we_o be_v free_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n here_o and_o save_v from_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o sin_n hereafter_o second_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o thence_o this_o instruction_n so_o to_o regulate_v our_o thirsty_a desire_n that_o they_o may_v be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o not_o for_o own_o sinful_a end_n if_o we_o thirst_v after_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n for_o any_o other_o end_n than_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n our_o thirst_n be_v sinful_a and_o it_o will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o vinegar_n or_o gall_n and_o if_o we_o thirst_v after_o blood_n rapine_n or_o revenge_n the_o end_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a thirsty_a desire_n will_v be_v the_o death_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o if_o our_o thirst_n be_v holy_a and_o heavenly_a we_o shall_v then_o have_v thirsty_a desire_n and_o holy_a endeavour_n 613._o endeavour_n isal_n 613._o how_o to_o enjoy_v god_n and_o to_o do_v his_o will_n how_o to_o preserve_v our_o neighbour_n safety_n and_o how_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o undefiled_a and_o if_o we_o can_v say_v as_o david_n do_v 6._o do_v psal_n 143._o 6._o my_o soul_n thirst_v after_o thou_o o_o lord_n as_o a_o thirsty_a land_n then_o our_o thirst_n shall_v be_v quench_v and_o our_o soul_n shall_v be_v refresh_v with_o the_o sweet_a comfort_n of_o god_n also_o if_o we_o thirst_v after_o christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a honour_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o after_o grace_n and_o godliness_n which_o be_v the_o true_a riches_n of_o the_o soul_n then_o christ_n will_v be_v a_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n to_o we_o which_o only_o can_v quench_v our_o spiritual_a 10._o o_o joh._n 4._o 10._o thirst_n and_o refresh_v our_o pant_a soul_n and_o it_o shall_v spring_v up_o in_o we_o to_o everlasting_a life_n christ_n call_v every_o one_o to_o drink_v of_o this_o water_n 37_o water_n john_n 7._o 37_o be_v any_o man_n thirst_n let_v he_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o drink_n thus_o say_v the_o prophet_n 1._o prophet_n isa_n 55._o 1._o ho_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n and_o you_o that_o have_v no_o silver_n come_v buy_v and_o eat_v come_v i_o say_v buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n without_o silver_n and_o without_o money_n here_o christ_n offer_v himself_o and_o his_o grace_n free_o but_o to_o who_o it_o be_v only_o to_o such_o as_o have_v a_o spiritual_a thirst_n after_o he_o wherefore_o if_o this_o be_v the_o thirst_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o enjoy_v christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v we_o shall_v see_v such_o a_o fountain_n of_o water_n of_o life_n flow_v out_o of_o his_o bless_a fide_fw-la as_o will_v purify_v our_o heart_n from_o all_o sin_n and_o cleanse_v our_o conscience_n from_o all_o iniquity_n whereby_o our_o thirsty_a soul_n will_v be_v more_o comfort_v and_o refresh_v than_o our_o body_n can_v be_v by_o any_o fountain_n of_o water_n in_o our_o natural_a thirst_n 42._o thirst_n psal_n 42._o this_o holy_a thirst_n make_v david_n soul_n pant_v more_o after_o god_n than_o the_o hart_n pant_v after_o the_o water-brook_n three_o from_o this_o consideration_n that_o christ_n have_v vinegar_n give_v he_o in_o a_o sponge_n we_o may_v learn_v this_o profitable_a doctrine_n that_o there_o be_v no_o content_n nor_o stability_n in_o any_o earthly_a thing_n for_o though_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v all_o the_o contentment_n that_o the_o world_n can_v give_v we_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o satisfy_v our_o desire_n something_o will_v be_v want_v and_o we_o shall_v still_o thirst_v after_o more_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v soureness_n and_o bitterness_n in_o the_o best_a of_o earthly_a thing_n also_o that_o which_o we_o do_v possess_v we_o have_v it_o but_o in_o a_o sponge_n a_o sudden_a casualty_n by_o fire_n or_o water_n a_o word_n speak_v against_o king_n or_o state_n will_v wring_v it_o out_o a_o little_a pain_n or_o sickness_n a_o little_a trouble_n or_o sorrow_n will_v soon_o blast_n the_o comfort_n of_o of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o like_o vinegar_n to_o our_o taste_n if_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o nothing_o to_o embitter_v or_o blast_v our_o earthly_a joy_n yet_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n they_o be_v transitory_a and_o unstable_a 1._o unstable_a eccl._n 12._o 1._o and_o when_o old_a age_n come_v we_o shall_v take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o they_o and_o death_n will_v quite_o bereave_v we_o of_o they_o all_o now_o than_o if_o we_o put_v our_o trust_n in_o these_o vain_a thing_n they_o will_v deceive_v and_o will_v give_v we_o no_o solid_a comfort_n except_o we_o do_v enjoy_v they_o in_o christ_n for_o without_o he_o the_o best_a of_o all_o earthly_a blessing_n be_v but_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n wherefore_o let_v this_o be_v our_o great_a care_n our_o chief_a joy_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o enjoy_v christ_n to_o be_v join_v unto_o he_o with_o the_o bond_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o than_o whatsoever_o our_o estate_n or_o condition_n be_v we_o shall_v find_v comfort_n in_o it_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v it_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n we_o shall_v glorify_v god_n with_o it_o and_o if_o we_o do_v casual_o lose_v it_o we_o shall_v lose_v nothing_o by_o it_o for_o we_o shall_v still_o enjoy_v christ_n who_o will_v abundant_o recompense_v our_o earthly_a loss_n with_o spiritual_a comfort_n here_o and_o with_o a_o eternal_a
david_n delight_n to_o meditate_v on_o the_o law_n of_o god_n because_o he_o find_v great_a sweetness_n in_o it_o 163._o it_o psal_n 119._o 163._o how_o sweet_a say_v he_o be_v thy_o word_n unto_o my_o taste_n yea_o sweet_a than_o honey_n to_o my_o mouth_n if_o we_o have_v david_n spiritual_a palate_n 13._o palate_n isa_n 58._o 13._o we_o shall_v delight_v in_o the_o lord_n sabbath_n as_o he_o say_v by_o his_o prophet_n we_o shall_v delight_v to_o hear_v his_o word_n to_o come_v to_o his_o holy_a table_n to_o meditate_v on_o his_o law_n and_o to_o practice_v all_o holy_a duty_n to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n also_o if_o we_o do_v set_v ourselves_o to_o meditate_v on_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o faith_n will_v give_v we_o sufficient_a power_n against_o all_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n hope_n will_v uphold_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n when_o it_o be_v weak_a patience_n will_v make_v we_o bear_v our_o affliction_n and_o trial_n with_o a_o willing_a mind_n holy_a zeal_n will_v make_v our_o prayer_n effectual_a to_o prevail_v with_o god_n to_o grant_v what_o we_o desire_v or_o what_o be_v better_o for_o we_o and_o constancy_n will_v make_v we_o continue_v in_o well-doing_n unto_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v that_o recompense_n of_o reward_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n have_v promise_v as_o faith_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o all_o other_o spiritual_a grace_n so_o it_o will_v always_o go_v along_o with_o every_o particular_a grace_n to_o make_v it_o the_o more_o effectual_a and_o powerful_a to_o help_v we_o in_o time_n of_o need_n now_o we_o know_v the_o quickness_n of_o our_o spiritual_a taste_n by_o our_o delight_n in_o holy_a duty_n and_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o we_o may_v know_v the_o strength_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o every_o particular_a grace_n also_o the_o truth_n of_o every_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o we_o will_v appear_v and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n if_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n go_v along_o with_o it_o how_o to_o increase_v faith_n every_o man_n have_v not_o alike_o measure_v of_o faith_n he_o that_o iâ—_n weak_a in_o faith_n may_v be_v make_v strong_a and_o he_o that_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n may_v yet_o have_v more_o for_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a grace_n which_o will_v grow_v and_o increase_v if_o it_o be_v spiritual_o water_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n christ_n do_v find_v a_o great_a faith_n in_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n and_o in_o some_o other_o 28._o other_o mat._n 15._o 28._o o_o woman_n say_v he_o to_o she_o great_a be_v thy_o faith_n but_o he_o do_v often_o reprove_v his_o disciple_n for_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o thus_o he_o say_v in_o particular_a unto_o peter_n 31_o peter_n mat._n 14._o 31_o o_o thou_o of_o little_a faith_n wherefoer_n do_v thou_o doubt_v peter_n doubt_v make_v he_o ready_a to_o sink_v as_o he_o walk_v upon_o the_o water_n unto_o christ_n and_o it_o do_v discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o christ_n as_o if_o he_o can_v not_o give_v he_o power_n to_o walk_v upon_o the_o water_n as_o he_o do_v this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o many_o of_o god_n dear_a servant_n that_o when_o they_o see_v peril_n and_o danger_n ready_a to_o fall_v upon_o they_o and_o no_o mean_n either_o to_o escape_v they_o or_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o they_o then_o fear_n and_o doubt_n will_v rise_v in_o their_o mind_n to_o discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o to_o make_v they_o distrust_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o doubt_v of_o his_o fatherly_a care_n of_o they_o and_o of_o his_o almighty_a power_n to_o save_v they_o for_o sometime_o their_o faith_n may_v be_v so_o weak_a that_o it_o can_v mount_v above_o their_o humane_a capacity_n &_o they_o can_v see_v the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n to_o be_v far_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o understanding_n when_o god_n see_v such_o weakness_n in_o our_o faith_n he_o will_v tender_o visit_v we_o and_o will_v give_v we_o hope_v by_o some_o manifest_a sign_n to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n against_o all_o our_o fear_n and_o doubt_n though_o our_o faith_n be_v weak_a yet_o if_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v save_v it_o be_v grow_v and_o it_o be_v last_v faith_n be_v save_v because_o it_o do_v unite_v we_o unto_o christ_n with_o a_o unseparable_a union_n who_o be_v the_o rock_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o by_o who_o only_o we_o must_v be_v save_v 12._o save_v act._n 4._o 11_o 12._o christ_n be_v that_o stone_n which_o be_v set_v at_o nought_o of_o the_o bvilder_n which_o be_v becâ—me_v the_o head_n of_o the_o corner_n neither_o be_v there_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o for_o there_o be_v none_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n give_v among_o man_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v save_v also_o we_o may_v grow_v in_o faith_n first_o 2._o first_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 2._o if_o we_o desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n as_o new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o milk_n of_o the_o breast_n that_o we_o may_v thereby_o grow_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v pure_o preach_v without_o the_o mixture_n of_o erroneous_a doctrine_n it_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n sow_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o his_o minister_n and_o he_o will_v water_v it_o with_o his_o spirit_n to_o make_v it_o increase_v and_o fructify_v that_o we_o may_v grow_v in_o grace_n until_o we_o come_v to_o a_o full_a stature_n in_o christ_n if_o we_o do_v hear_v iâ—_n with_o sanctify_a heart_n and_o pure_a affection_n second_o we_o may_v great_o increase_v our_o faith_n in_o christ_n if_o we_o do_v spiritual_o feed_v upon_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n which_o be_v the_o true_a food_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o heavenly_a nourishment_n of_o that_o spiritual_a life_n which_o we_o have_v in_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o the_o often_o we_o do_v thus_o feed_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n the_o more_o we_o cherish_v this_o spiritual_a life_n and_o the_o more_o we_o increase_v our_o faith_n and_o make_v all_o other_o save_v grace_n the_o strong_a in_o we_o three_o prayer_n be_v a_o special_a mean_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o we_o have_v the_o beginning_n of_o faith_n from_o god_n the_o increase_n of_o it_o also_o and_o the_o establishment_n of_o it_o be_v from_o god_n and_o we_o must_v beg_v it_o of_o he_o by_o our_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n or_o else_o we_o can_v obtain_v it_o thus_o say_v the_o apostle_n unto_o christ_n 5._o christ_n lu._n 17._o 5._o lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n also_o thus_o say_v the_o father_n of_o the_o dumb_a child_n unto_o christ_n 24_o christ_n mar._n 9_o 24_o lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n god_n be_v ready_a to_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o his_o servant_n but_o special_o when_o they_o make_v such_o petition_n as_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o grant_v which_o be_v such_o as_o do_v make_v most_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o nothing_o can_v advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n more_o than_o when_o they_o crave_v the_o increase_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o which_o they_o can_v glorify_v god_n in_o no_o service_n which_o they_o perform_v unto_o he_o for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o so_o consequent_o to_o honour_v he_o in_o any_o holy_a duty_n which_o he_o command_v four_o faith_n will_v grow_v and_o increase_v by_o our_o daily_a meditation_n on_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n how_o faithful_o he_o have_v perform_v all_o his_o promise_n how_o ready_a and_o how_o able_a he_o be_v still_o to_o perform_v they_o if_o we_o can_v rest_v and_o depend_v upon_o they_o by_o faith_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v immutable_a and_o omnipotent_a in_o his_o own_o essence_n that_o he_o be_v truth_n itself_o that_o he_o will_v not_o alter_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v decree_v in_o his_o secret_a counsel_n and_o that_o he_o will_v perform_v all_o that_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o his_o word_n it_o will_v great_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o uphold_v our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n when_o any_o difficulty_n or_o danger_n press_v hard_a upon_o we_o which_o otherwise_o will_v shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n five_o the_o daily_a experience_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o goodness_n to_o we_o in_o all_o condition_n of_o life_n whether_o we_o be_v in_o prosperity_n or_o in_o adversity_n in_o health_n or_o in_o