translate_v from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n a_o child_n of_o god_n a_o new_a bear_v babe_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o heir_n in_o hope_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n and_o true_o i_o find_v by_o experience_n the_o necessity_n of_o meditate_v upon_o and_o handle_v of_o this_o subject_a by_o we_o minister_n who_o be_v often_o to_o deal_v with_o sick_a person_n on_o their_o deathbed_n for_o to_o administer_v unto_o they_o some_o spiritual_a physic_n for_o the_o health_n of_o their_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o usual_a practice_n and_o method_n of_o our_o grand_a enemy_n the_o devil_n to_o act_v the_o part_n of_o job_n wife_n by_o endeavour_v to_o make_v a_o believer_n to_o curse_n god_n before_o he_o die_v in_o present_v he_o with_o his_o sin_n in_o the_o magnify_n and_o multiply_v glass_n of_o the_o law_n and_o so_o tempt_v he_o to_o despair_v if_o he_o can_v at_o least_o he_o will_v blow_v out_o the_o candle_n that_o the_o poor_a christian_a be_v force_v to_o go_v to_o his_o bed_n of_o earth_n in_o the_o dark_a this_o prince_n of_o darkness_n will_v cast_v a_o mist_n between_o the_o christian_n eye_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o see_v the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n and_o then_o death_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o king_n of_o terror_n to_o he_o therefore_o to_o be_v well_o satisfy_v in_o this_o particular_a must_v exceed_o encourage_v a_o believer_n and_o infinite_o comfort_v he_o in_o that_o day_n of_o trouble_n and_o trial_n when_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o brink_n of_o eternity_n even_o now_o enter_v into_o those_o mansion_n of_o glory_n and_o satan_n tread_v upon_o his_o heel_n endeavour_v to_o send_v he_o halt_v thither_o when_o he_o can_v shut_v the_o door_n against_o he_o this_o subject_a therefore_o be_v well_o worth_a your_o christian_a attention_n and_o serious_a consideration_n yet_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o my_o first_o proposal_n i_o must_v necessary_o premise_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a for_o any_o one_o to_o discern_v in_o himself_o whether_o he_o have_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n whether_o he_o be_v this_o bruise_a reed_n or_o no_o though_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v easy_o discernible_a and_o therefore_o the_o schoolman_n distinguish_v betwixt_o grace_n in_o naturâ_fw-la suâ_fw-la and_o grace_n in_o personâ_fw-la gratiosâ_fw-la grace_n in_o ideâ_fw-la and_o grace_n in_o subjecto_fw-la in_o it_o be_v own_o nature_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o know_v it_o by_o plain_a scripture_n rule_n and_o sign_n but_o in_o the_o gracious_a person_n it_o be_v hard_a for_o he_o by_o a_o reflex_n act_n of_o faith_n to_o perceive_v it_o for_o these_o reason_n first_o as_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o damnable_a self_n love_n and_o self_n conceit_n in_o the_o ungodly_a so_o be_v there_o a_o self_n prejudice_n in_o the_o godly_a the_o one_o be_v blow_v up_o with_o a_o false_a ill_o ground_v hope_n and_o the_o other_o be_v keep_v down_o by_o a_o weak_a faith_n it_o be_v therefore_o equal_o difficult_a to_o make_v the_o one_o believe_v he_o have_v grace_n as_o the_o other_o to_o believe_v he_o have_v none_o for_o so_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n describe_v they_o the_o true_a believer_n be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n low_a and_o vile_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n the_o great_a of_o sinner_n and_o the_o least_o of_o all_o saint_n and_o therefore_o he_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v after_o righteousness_n in_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o want_n of_o it_o the_o other_o be_v of_o a_o laodicean_n temper_n lukewarm_a in_o his_o devotion_n careless_a in_o his_o profession_n be_v rich_a and_o full_a and_o see_v no_o need_n of_o any_o thing_n when_o indeed_o he_o want_v all_o thing_n his_o riches_n be_v but_o emptiness_n the_o lord_n will_v send_v he_o empty_a away_o so_o we_o find_v the_o proud_a hypocritical_a pharisee_n blow_v up_o like_o the_o toad_n in_o the_o fable_n with_o the_o wind_n of_o self_n applause_n lift_v himself_o above_o his_o brethren_n by_o his_o odious_a comparison_n when_o the_o poor_a humble_a publican_n by_o a_o serious_a reflection_n on_o the_o infirmity_n of_o his_o nature_n have_v not_o so_o much_o confidence_n as_o to_o look_v up_o second_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o discern_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n because_o false_a grace_n so_o near_o resemble_v it_o there_o have_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o stir_v keep_v in_o the_o late_a time_n about_o common_a grace_n and_o special_a grace_n true_a grace_n and_o counterfeit_v whether_o they_o differ_v gradual_o or_o specifical_o and_o if_o they_o differ_v specifical_o whether_o moral_o or_o physical_o and_o many_o such_o distinction_n and_o notion_n i_o think_v to_o little_a purpose_n at_o last_o it_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o combatant_n that_o there_o be_v a_o specifical_a moral_a difference_n between_o they_o as_o between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n as_o virtue_n and_o vice_n do_v differ_v gradual_o and_o yet_o specifical_o too_o as_o for_o example_n the_o excessive_a degree_n of_o liberality_n which_o be_v a_o virtue_n be_v prodigality_n which_o be_v a_o vice_n but_o however_o they_o differ_v in_o themselves_o it_o be_v certain_a from_o scripture_n and_o example_n that_o the_o true_a believer_n especial_o the_o weak_a believer_n and_o the_o hypocrite_n do_v differ_v very_o little_a yea_o many_o time_n the_o hypocrite_n exceed_v the_o true_o pious_a in_o outward_a appearance_n which_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o repentance_n of_o ahab_n the_o zeal_n of_o jehu_n the_o faith_n and_o joy_n that_o be_v in_o the_o hearer_n compare_v to_o the_o stony_a ground_n and_o how_o herod_n hear_v john_n the_o baptist_n glad_o and_o do_v many_o thing_n and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n lack_v in_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o wit_v his_o secret_a sin_n of_o covetousness_n which_o be_v the_o only_a remora_n that_o keep_v he_o from_o christ_n and_o so_o blameless_a be_v the_o outward_a conversation_n of_o judas_n among_o the_o disciple_n that_o each_o of_o they_o may_v suspect_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o traitor_n as_o well_o as_o he_o this_o make_v many_o a_o poor_a christian_a to_o work_n out_o his_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o outrun_v the_o most_o refine_a hypocrite_n in_o the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o and_o this_o make_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n so_o imperceptible_a by_o we_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n jesus_n alone_o that_o have_v the_o fan_n in_o his_o hand_n who_o will_v thorough_o purge_v his_o floor_n and_o separate_v the_o wheat_n from_o the_o chaff_n 2._o the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v premise_v be_v that_o wherever_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n be_v there_o will_v be_v a_o long_a desire_n and_o a_o earnest_a endeavour_n after_o more_o grace_n and_o a_o constant_a use_n of_o the_o mean_v appoint_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o but_o the_o hypocritical_a professor_n be_v content_v if_o he_o can_v keep_v up_o a_o more_o formal_a profession_n and_o a_o external_a conformity_n so_o far_o as_o to_o keep_v up_o his_o reputation_n among_o man_n and_o he_o care_v for_o no_o more_o if_o he_o know_v how_o much_o grace_n will_v bring_v he_o once_o within_o the_o precinct_n of_o heaven_n he_o will_v never_o look_v after_o one_o degree_n of_o grace_n more_o but_o the_o true_o gracious_a like_a st._n paul_n forget_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forward_o to_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o and_o still_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o price_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n phil._n 3.13_o 14._o he_o be_v as_o eager_a for_o the_o obtain_n of_o that_o perfection_n of_o grace_n which_o accompany_v the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a as_o he_o be_v in_o persecute_v the_o church_n wherein_o he_o confess_v he_o be_v mad_a and_o enrage_v with_o a_o furious_a blind_a zeal_n for_o he_o express_v both_o by_o the_o same_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act_v 20.11_o compare_v with_o phil._n 3.14_o and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o grace_n be_v express_v in_o scripture_n in_o term_n of_o indigency_n and_o industry_n such_o as_o poverty_n hunger_n thirst_n pant_v breathe_a run_a wrestle_a press_v forward_o follow_v hard_o after_o strive_v earnest_n seek_v fight_a resist_v even_o to_o blood_n etc._n etc._n oh_o say_v the_o true_a believer_n that_o i_o have_v communion_n with_o god_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n upon_o i_o for_o that_o will_v be_v better_o than_o life_n oh_o have_v i_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o it_o and_o i_o shall_v never_o grieve_v more_o oh_o
of_o grace_n differ_v only_o gradual_o from_o the_o great_a measure_n they_o be_v the_o same_o in_o kind_n and_o nature_n as_o the_o least_o drop_n of_o water_n be_v water_n and_o the_o least_o spark_n of_o fire_n be_v fire_n therefore_o christ_n care_n and_o love_n be_v not_o restrain_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o grace_n but_o extend_v to_o the_o whole_a species_n of_o new_a creature_n small_a and_o great_a weak_a and_o strong_a 2_o pet._n 1.1_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o they_o that_o have_v obtain_v like_o precious_a faith_n with_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v not_o equal_a in_o degree_n with_o he_o but_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o kind_a it_o be_v of_o equal_a price_n and_o value_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o christ_n will_v be_v exceed_o careful_a to_o keep_v this_o heavenly_a treasure_n little_a grace_n be_v a_o little_a grain_n of_o mustardseed_n which_o grow_v and_o spread_v into_o a_o great_a tree_n and_o it_o be_v compare_v so_o for_o its_o smallness_n at_o first_o as_o well_o as_o for_o its_o growth_n at_o last_o and_o if_o thou_o have_v but_o the_o least_o grace_n i_o dare_v tell_v thou_o that_o god_n have_v do_v more_o for_o thou_o in_o that_o than_o if_o he_o shall_v in_o make_v that_o which_o be_v now_o so_o weak_a as_o perfect_a as_o the_o saint_n grace_n be_v now_o in_o heaven_n and_o that_o for_o two_o reason_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o great_a power_n to_o work_v grace_n out_o of_o no_o grace_n than_o to_o add_v that_o grace_n by_o perfectional_a grace_n there_o be_v a_o great_a gulf_n between_o no_o grace_n and_o grace_n than_o between_o weak_a grace_n and_o strong_a between_o a_o chaos_n and_o nothing_o than_o between_o a_o chaos_n and_o the_o beautiful_a frame_n of_o this_o world_n the_o first_o day_n work_n of_o both_o creation_n be_v the_o great_a and_o therefore_o god_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n despise_v the_o day_n of_o these_o small_a thing_n which_o as_o inconsiderable_a as_o we_o think_v they_o to_o be_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o same_o almighty_a power_n as_o create_v the_o world_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o great_a mercy_n to_o give_v we_o the_o first_o grace_n in_o conversion_n than_o to_o crown_v that_o grace_n with_o glory_n it_o be_v a_o great_a favour_n and_o condescension_n in_o a_o prince_n to_o marry_v a_o poor_a damsel_n than_o have_v marry_v she_o to_o clothe_v she_o like_o a_o princess_n he_o be_v free_a to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v the_o former_a but_o now_o his_o relation_n to_o she_o oblige_v he_o to_o do_v the_o latter_a even_o so_o may_v god_n have_v choose_v whether_o he_o will_v have_v give_v thou_o grace_n or_o not_o at_o the_o first_o but_z have_v do_v this_o thy_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o his_o covenant_n also_o do_v oblige_v he_o to_o preserve_v that_o grace_n and_o add_v more_o till_o he_o have_v fit_v thou_o as_o a_o bride_n for_o himself_o in_o glory_n therefore_o let_v the_o weak_a christian_n never_o doubt_v of_o crist_n care_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o he_o for_o he_o that_o have_v do_v the_o great_a act_n of_o power_n and_o mercy_n to_o he_o will_v certain_o do_v the_o lesser_a he_o that_o give_v he_o spiritual_a life_n equal_a to_o the_o best_a saint_n in_o heaven_n in_o quality_n and_o nature_n will_v sure_o give_v it_o nourishment_n and_o growth_n till_o it_o come_v to_o perfection_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o my_o text_n till_o he_o bring_v forth_o judgement_n unto_o victory_n 5._o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n comprehend_v the_o weak_a as_o well_o as_o the_o strong_a christian_a if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o coheir_n with_o christ_n rom._n 8.17_o the_o promise_n there_o be_v not_o to_o child_n grow_v to_o this_o or_o that_o strength_n or_o stature_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o child_n though_o in_o the_o cradle_n the_o promise_n be_v thy_o portion_n yea_o thou_o may_v plead_v for_o his_o care_n and_o maintenance_n till_o thou_o possess_v the_o inheritance_n in_o heaven_n upon_o thy_o state_n and_o relation_n and_o not_o upon_o thy_o weak_a or_o strong_a grace_n some_o believer_n have_v more_o grace_n from_o christ_n than_o other_o and_o so_o have_v more_o skill_n to_o improve_v these_o promise_n than_o their_o weak_a brethren_n whereby_o their_o present_a profit_n and_o income_n from_o the_o promise_n be_v great_a but_o they_o have_v no_o more_o interest_n in_o christ_n than_o the_o other_o and_o consequent_o the_o weak_a christian_n title_n be_v as_o true_a to_o the_o promise_n as_o that_o of_o the_o strong_a though_o the_o foot_n be_v the_o low_a member_n of_o the_o body_n yet_o it_o can_v say_v but_o that_o the_o tongue_n will_v speak_v for_o it_o and_o the_o head_n take_v care_n of_o it_o for_o the_o foot_n be_v in_o the_o body_n and_o so_o be_v the_o mean_a believer_n in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n therefore_o those_o do_v disfigure_v the_o promise_n that_o make_v they_o look_v asquint_o with_o a_o eye_n upon_o one_o believer_n and_o not_o upon_o another_o whereas_o they_o equal_o belong_v to_o all_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n have_v everlasting_a life_n jo._n 3.36_o and_o who_o be_v mean_v there_o be_v it_o he_o that_o believe_v above_o doubt_v sure_o no_o but_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o this_o that_o he_o that_o command_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o weak_a in_o faith_n will_v not_o himself_o reject_v they_o 6._o grace_n may_v be_v weak_a in_o one_o respect_n and_o yet_o strong_a in_o another_o a_o christian_a may_v be_v weak_a in_o his_o active_a and_o strong_a and_o resolute_a in_o his_o passive_a obedience_n rahab_n faith_n be_v but_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n yet_o it_o be_v of_o the_o right_a kind_n because_o she_o hold_v out_o a_o professor_n in_o jericho_n her_o godly_a courage_n and_o hope_v be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n else_o she_o have_v never_o continue_v her_o obedience_n to_o the_o true_a god_n among_o such_o a_o number_n of_o idolater_n a_o believer_n may_v be_v want_v in_o his_o zeal_n and_o activity_n in_o god_n service_n and_o resist_a temptation_n in_o master_v corruption_n yet_o as_o a_o tree_n in_o winter_n he_o grow_v downward_o in_o humility_n self-abhorrence_a and_o his_o whole_a dependence_n be_v upon_o god_n through_o christ_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o want_n and_o so_o be_v deep_o root_v in_o these_o the_o lord_n will_v soon_o dispense_v with_o his_o outward_a infirmity_n 7._o the_o number_n of_o weak_a believer_n be_v far_o great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o strong_a and_o therefore_o if_o christ_n take_v not_o special_a care_n to_o carry_v his_o lamb_n in_o his_o bosom_n his_o fold_n be_v like_a to_o be_v very_o empty_a there_o be_v more_o sparrow_n than_o eagle_n more_o bruise_v reed_n than_o cedar_n and_o more_o babe_n in_o christ_n than_o strong_a well_o grow_v christian_n in_o god_n family_n therefore_o if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o very_a tender_a nurse_n father_n to_o these_o those_o eternal_a mansion_n of_o glory_n shall_v be_v like_a to_o want_v inhabitant_n 8_o and_o last_o hereby_o god_n show_v his_o strength_n and_o power_n and_o so_o more_o glory_n redound_v to_o christ_n by_o this_o care_n in_o keep_v alive_a a_o sparkle_n of_o grace_n in_o a_o ocean_n of_o corruption_n 2_o cor._n 12.9_o my_o strength_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o weakness_n that_o be_v not_o intrinsical_o but_o declarative_o not_o make_v so_o but_o manifest_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o be_v so_o this_o cut_v the_o very_a comb_n of_o pride_n in_o all_o and_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o self-exaltation_n when_o god_n be_v both_o the_o founder_n and_o finisher_n of_o their_o grace_n and_o that_o which_o high_o advance_v his_o glory_n be_v that_o he_o alone_o hold_v as_o our_o soul_n so_o our_o grace_n in_o life_n this_n not_o only_o magnify_v but_o omnify_v his_o power_n and_o cause_v the_o poor_a christian_n to_o lay_v the_o crown_n of_o all_o his_o service_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o cry_v out_o with_o st._n paul_n it_o be_v not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v with_o i_o and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v and_o the_o race_n be_v run_v in_o glory_n to_o cast_v his_o crown_n with_o the_o elder_n before_o the_o throne_n of_o christ_n say_v thou_o be_v worthy_a o_o lord_n to_o receive_v glory_n honour_n and_o power_n rev._n 4.10_o 11._o have_v thus_o do_v with_o the_o reason_n i_o shall_v answer_v a_o objection_n that_o meet_v i_o in_o my_o way_n which_o be_v this_o if_o christ_n be_v so_o tender_a of_o they_o why_o be_v they_o so_o full_a of_o fear_n and_o doubt_n and_o hard_a thought_n of_o themselves_o touch_v their_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a condition_n as_o usual_o they_o be_v 1._o i_o answer_v it_o be_v by_o reason_n
will_v quench_v it_o this_o be_v the_o smoke_a flax_n 3._o and_o last_o where_o there_o be_v a_o measure_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v a_o real_a love_n to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n as_o such_o if_o you_o love_v god_n image_n of_o holiness_n wherever_o you_o meet_v with_o it_o in_o the_o poor_a as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o rich_a it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o you_o be_v translate_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o death_n to_o life_n as_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o john_n 3.14_o ii_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v tender_a and_o careful_a of_o those_o that_o have_v this_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v 1._o from_o his_o many_o promise_n to_o such_o which_o be_v his_o own_o handwriting_n and_o the_o weak_a christian_n may_v plead_v they_o and_z with_o a_o humble_a boldness_n press_v god_n to_o perform_v they_o for_o he_o be_v faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v in_o psal_n 40.11_o there_o be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o christ_n where_o he_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o shepherd_n he_o shall_v feed_v his_o flock_n like_o a_o shepherd_n he_o shall_v gather_v his_o lamb_n with_o his_o arm_n and_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o bosom_n and_o shall_v gentle_o lead_v those_o that_o be_v with_o young_a and_o v._o 29._o he_o give_v power_n to_o the_o faint_a and_o to_o they_o who_o have_v no_o might_n he_o increase_v strength_n here_o be_v most_o pregnant_a promise_n of_o christ_n care_n towards_o weak_a believer_n they_o have_v his_o arm_n to_o defend_v they_o and_o his_o bosom_n to_o nourish_v they_o his_o hand_n to_o provide_v for_o they_o and_o his_o heart_n to_o love_v they_o and_z lest_o they_o shall_v doubt_v of_o this_o as_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o do_v he_o far_a press_v his_o truth_n and_o power_n his_o faithfulness_n and_o goodness_n to_o all_o that_o wait_v on_o he_o but_o especial_o the_o weak_a and_o weary_v v._o 28_o 29_o 31._o ps_n 72.12_o 13_o 14._o david_n pray_v for_o his_o son_n solomon_n and_o from_o a_o priest_n turn_v prophet_n in_o foretell_v the_o happiness_n of_o solomon_n reign_n as_o the_o type_n and_o of_o christ_n as_o the_o antitype_n the_o one_o for_o temporal_a the_o other_o for_o spiritual_a he_o shall_v deliver_v the_o needy_a when_o he_o cry_v the_o poor_a and_o he_o that_o have_v no_o helper_n he_o shall_v spare_v the_o poor_a and_o needy_a and_o shall_v save_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o needy_a etc._n etc._n psal_n 10.17_o lord_n thou_o have_v hear_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o humble_a thou_o will_v prepare_v their_o heart_n and_o cause_v thy_o ear_n to_o hear_v this_o promise_n be_v to_o such_o weak_a humble_a christian_n that_o have_v not_o heart_n to_o pray_v the_o lord_n will_v prepare_v their_o heart_n and_o fill_v their_o mouth_n so_o ez._n 34.16_o i_o will_v seek_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v and_o bring_v again_o that_o which_o be_v drive_v away_o and_o will_v bind_v up_o that_o which_o be_v break_v and_o will_v strengthen_v that_o which_o be_v sick_a and_o to_o these_o belong_v all_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v make_v to_o the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n the_o hungry_a and_o thirsty_a the_o weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v for_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o want_n of_o grace_n be_v grace_n so_o these_o promise_n of_o peace_n comfort_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v entail_v upon_o it_o matt._n 5.6_o ps_n 101.9_o isa_n 55.1_o 2._o luke_n 1.53_o john_n 7.47_o matt._n 11.28_o 29._o rev._n 21.6_o rev._n 22.17_o ps_n 44.3_o 4._o 2._o this_o appear_v from_o the_o strict_a charge_n he_o give_v his_o substitute_n and_o deputy_n on_o earth_n to_o wit_n magistrate_n and_o minister_n to_o take_v care_n of_o they_o and_o be_v tender_a of_o they_o isa_n 49.22_o 23._o he_o command_v king_n to_o be_v their_o nurse_n father_n and_o queen_n to_o be_v their_o nurse_n mother_n it_o be_v in_o his_o own_o commission_n at_o first_o isa_n 61.1_o 2._o and_o he_o will_v have_v his_o messenger_n and_o ambassador_n that_o speak_v in_o his_o name_n to_o do_v the_o like_a to_o wit_n to_o bring_v glad_a tiding_n to_o the_o meek_a to_o heal_v the_o break_a heart_a and_o to_o comfort_v they_o that_o mourn_v the_o only_a way_n that_o st._n peter_n be_v to_o manifest_v his_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o make_v some_o amends_o for_o his_o shameful_a denial_n of_o he_o be_v by_o his_o feed_v his_o lamb_n john_n 21.5_o and_o who_o be_v those_o but_o young_a and_o weak_a christian_n not_o in_o respect_n of_o age_n and_o stature_n in_o body_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o growth_n and_o strength_n in_o grace_n and_o the_o double_a charge_n he_o give_v he_o call_v for_o his_o double_a care_n so_o he_o command_v his_o church_n in_o cant._n 1.8_o to_o be_v careful_a of_o his_o kid_n and_o feed_v they_o beside_o the_o shepherd_n tent_n and_o take_v heed_n lest_o they_o turn_v aside_o by_o the_o flock_n of_o his_o companion_n that_o be_v be_v seduce_v by_o false_a apostle_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o companion_n and_o friend_n but_o indeed_o be_v his_o real_a enemy_n wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n zech._n 4.10_o he_o expostulate_v with_o the_o people_n there_o and_o clear_v himself_o say_v who_o have_v despise_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n not_o i_o neither_o will_v i_o have_v any_o other_o despise_v that_o temple_n which_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o every_o member_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o so_o glorious_a as_o the_o first_o temple_n and_o therefore_o the_o people_n that_o have_v see_v the_o first_o weep_v when_o they_o see_v this_o hag._n 2.3_o but_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o despise_v it_o iii_o the_o three_o particular_a be_v to_o show_v how_o christ_n do_v manifest_v this_o care_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o weak_a christian_n this_o he_o do_v first_o by_o preserve_v they_o from_o strong_a temptation_n that_o be_v too_o heavy_a for_o they_o to_o bear_v which_o well-grown_a christian_n may_v undergo_v a_o instance_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o st._n peter_n jo._n 21.18_o when_o he_o be_v young_a he_o have_v his_o liberty_n to_o go_v whither_o he_o will_v because_o his_o weakness_n in_o faith_n can_v not_o endure_v restraint_n and_o hardship_n but_o when_o he_o become_v a_o old_a grow_v strong_a believer_n he_o shall_v be_v lead_v in_o chain_n whither_o he_o will_v not_o for_o then_o his_o strength_n can_v bear_v it_o when_o he_o can_v reckon_v his_o shackle_n of_o iron_n as_o great_a ornament_n as_o chain_n of_o gold_n and_o glory_n in_o tribulation_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n then_o shall_v he_o be_v load_v with_o they_o and_o no_o soon_o but_o more_o particular_o he_o exercise_v his_o very_a tender_a care_n of_o their_o weakness_n 1._o in_o not_o impose_v such_o hard_a service_n upon_o they_o as_o on_o other_o of_o a_o great_a stand_n in_o christianity_n as_o we_o see_v clear_o in_o christ_n tenderness_n of_o his_o weak_a disciple_n he_o grant_v they_o a_o immunity_n from_o the_o severe_a duty_n of_o fast_v and_o watch_v when_o the_o baptist_n disciple_n charge_v they_o with_o the_o neglect_n thereof_o matt._n 9.14_o christ_n make_v a_o apology_n for_o they_o v._o 15_o 16_o 17._o by_o compare_v their_o weakness_n to_o old_a bottle_n that_o be_v not_o fit_a nor_o able_a to_o hold_v strong_a new_a liquor_n and_o to_o old_a garment_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o new_a cloth_n because_o subject_a to_o rent_n and_o breach_n and_o so_o be_v they_o to_o temptation_n and_o discouragement_n if_o put_v upon_o such_o hard_a service_n and_o salute_v with_o such_o unwelcome_a duty_n upon_o the_o very_a threshold_n of_o their_o profession_n their_o entrance_n into_o christianity_n so_o do_v he_o indulge_v their_o weakness_n in_o matt._n 26.40_o 41._o what_o can_v you_o not_o watch_v with_o i_o one_o hour_n methinks_v the_o shortness_n of_o the_o time_n may_v lessen_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v so_o overcome_v with_o sleep_n that_o they_o can_v not_o watch_v one_o hour_n but_o for_o all_o that_o instead_o of_o sharp_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o sloth_n he_o put_v a_o excuse_n into_o their_o mouth_n the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a so_o merciful_a be_v our_o high_a priest_n that_o where_o the_o ability_n be_v want_v he_o will_v accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o he_o be_v so_o indulgent_a of_o the_o catechumeni_fw-la we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o gospel_n mark_v 8.1_o 2_o 3._o his_o bowel_n yearn_v within_o he_o for_o pity_n as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v because_o they_o be_v come_v from_o far_o and_o if_o dismiss_v they_o without_o meat_n they_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o faint_v by_o the_o way_n and_o so_o may_v
of_o their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o grace_n and_o their_o mistake_n about_o the_o exercise_n and_o operation_n of_o grace_n especial_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o mote_n in_o their_o eye_n of_o faith_n they_o think_v they_o have_v no_o faith_n because_o they_o want_v the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o faith_n but_o a_o consequent_a of_o it_o and_o a_o reflex_n act_n of_o the_o soul_n upon_o itself_o attain_v by_o a_o long_a continue_a course_n of_o holy_a and_o close_o walk_v with_o god_n which_o few_o believer_n have_v but_o faith_n be_v a_o recumbant_fw-la act_n of_o the_o soul_n upon_o christ_n and_o be_v usual_o express_v by_o the_o instance_n of_o one_o that_o have_v suffer_v shipwreck_n cast_v himself_o upon_o a_o float_a plank_n of_o the_o ship_n and_o there_o stick_v in_o a_o tremble_a doubtful_a hope_n of_o come_v ashore_o 2._o because_o they_o can_v distinguish_v betwixt_o grace_n in_o ideâ_fw-la and_o grace_n in_o subjecto_fw-la in_fw-la actu_fw-la signato_fw-la and_o in_o actu_fw-la exercito_fw-la as_o in_o 1_o cor._n 13.7_o 8_o 9_o etc._n etc._n the_o wonderful_a operation_n of_o charity_n be_v describe_v there_o now_o because_o weak_a christian_n can_v find_v no_o such_o effect_n in_o themselves_o they_o present_o conclude_v themselves_o to_o be_v no_o better_o than_o sound_a brass_n and_o tinkle_a cymbal_n mere_a empty_a nothing_o and_o no_o real_a christian_n but_o they_o ought_v to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o this_o grace_n in_o its_o own_o abstract_a nature_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o subject_n mix_v with_o the_o flesh_n and_o contrary_a element_n of_o corruption_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o so_o operative_a in_o the_o best_a of_o christian_n as_o be_v obstruct_v by_o its_o contrary_a quality_n fire_n by_o itself_o be_v visible_a and_o active_a but_o not_o so_o in_o the_o flint_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v it_o be_v there_o though_o conceal_v under_o the_o other_o element_n so_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o charity_n and_o other_o grace_n with_o the_o mixture_n of_o contrary_a imperfection_n which_o do_v retard_v and_o make_v they_o come_v short_a of_o their_o genuine_a production_n 3._o it_o be_v because_o they_o compare_v themselves_o with_o the_o uppermost_a in_o christ_n school_n for_o proficiency_n and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o such_o glorious_a light_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o the_o church_n as_o st._n paul_n st._n john_n and_o other_o scripture_n saint_n therefore_o in_o their_o own_o opinion_n they_o be_v but_o meteor_n and_o wander_a star_n hypocrite_n and_o unbeliever_n but_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n one_o star_n differ_v from_o another_o and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n mystical_a as_o in_o the_o body_n natural_a be_v not_o of_o equal_a strength_n and_o bigness_n all_o christian_n shall_v therefore_o labour_v to_o be_v of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o be_v discourage_v though_o they_o be_v but_o the_o mean_a finger_n or_o the_o low_a toe_n for_o their_o head_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o take_v care_n of_o they_o and_o bring_v they_o at_o last_o to_o himself_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o get_v the_o same_o grace_n as_o other_o for_o truth_n though_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o the_o same_o grace_n for_o measure_n we_o must_v try_v ourselves_o by_o the_o same_o touchstone_n though_o not_o weigh_v ourselves_o in_o the_o same_o balance_n we_o must_v be_v of_o the_o same_o metal_n as_o other_o though_o not_o of_o the_o same_o weight_n 4._o because_o they_o examine_v themselves_o in_o a_o unseasonable_a time_n when_o overcome_v with_o sadness_n and_o black_a melancholic_a thought_n then_o indeed_o they_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o least_o grace_n but_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o though_o this_o self-examination_n be_v necessary_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o time_n to_o be_v use_v have_v thus_o brief_o dispatch_v what_o i_o at_o first_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o apply_v the_o whole_a this_o truth_n concern_v four_o sort_n of_o people_n 1._o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o strong_a christian_n 3._o weak_a christian_n 4._o such_o as_o be_v alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n 1._o minister_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o mind_n in_o they_o as_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n when_o they_o see_v a_o bruise_a reed_n to_o support_v it_o and_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o christian_a heart_n we_o must_v encourage_v the_o weak_a heart_a and_o strengthen_v feeble_a knee_n for_o we_o be_v the_o immediate_a subordinate_a outward_a agent_n to_o do_v this_o work_n for_o christ_n and_o to_o fulfil_v this_o promise_n of_o he_o epiphanius_n call_v st._n james_n the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o wall_n of_o the_o people_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v a_o impregnable_a wall_n about_o our_o people_n for_o to_o defend_v they_o especial_o at_o this_o time_n of_o apostasy_n from_o seducer_n and_o false_a teacher_n there_o be_v wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n that_o will_v soon_o make_v a_o havoc_n of_o christ_n lamb_n that_o will_v by_o their_o sophistry_n seduce_v young_a christian_n unless_o we_o fortify_v they_o not_o only_o by_o our_o constant_a preach_v of_o the_o truth_n in_o public_a but_o also_o by_o our_o personal_a application_n of_o that_o truth_n to_o they_o in_o private_a 2._o strong_a christian_n shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v so_o by_o serve_v the_o lord_n christ_n in_o this_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n by_o take_v their_o weak_a brethren_n by_o the_o hand_n and_o help_v they_o out_o of_o the_o mire_n of_o temptation_n you_o know_v who_o language_n it_o be_v be_o i_o my_o brother_n keeper_n a_o curse_a cain_n be_v you_o therefore_o bless_a in_o encourage_v the_o feeble_a instruct_v the_o ignorant_a and_o confirm_v the_o doubtful_a comfort_v weak_a believer_n against_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o persecutor_n arm_v they_o against_o the_o sophistry_n of_o the_o seducer_n and_o by_o your_o exemplary_a life_n teach_v they_o to_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n to_o bridle_v the_o tongue_n to_o adorn_v their_o profession_n with_o a_o holy_a conversation_n and_o to_o prepare_v themselves_o against_o approach_a misery_n in_o all_o your_o station_n and_o relation_n do_v all_o the_o good_a you_o can_v for_o your_o lord_n and_o master_n sake_n 3._o here_o be_v a_o word_n to_o weak_a christian_n here_o be_v a_o cordial_a for_o they_o to_o restore_v their_o faint_a spirit_n when_o surprise_v with_o any_o fear_n touch_v their_o persevere_v to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o warfare_n 1._o be_v of_o good_a comfort_n thy_o life_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n say_v not_o thou_o be_v a_o bruise_a reed_n for_o with_o this_o will_n christ_n break_v satan_n head_n and_o he_o will_v not_o cease_v till_o he_o have_v bring_v forth_o judgement_n unto_o complete_a victory_n in_o thy_o soul_n all_o the_o power_n and_o malice_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o extinguish_v the_o least_o spark_n of_o grace_n in_o any_o soul_n 2._o take_v the_o cup_n of_o thanksgiving_n and_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n bless_v god_n whilst_o thou_o live_v for_o thy_o new_a creation_n and_o preservation_n take_v up_o david_n language_n my_o soul_n praise_v thou_o the_o lord_n all_z that_o be_v within_o i_o bless_v his_o holy_a name_n what_o shall_v i_o render_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o his_o care_n and_o kindness_n his_o preservation_n and_o providence_n alas_o how_o soon_o have_v satan_n winnow_v i_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o pray_v for_o i_o and_o uphold_v i_o his_o almighty_a arm_n support_v i_o else_o i_o have_v long_o ago_o inevitable_o drop_v into_o everlasting_a burn_n 3._o love_v he_o with_o all_o your_o heart_n with_o all_o your_o soul_n all_o this_o care_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o you_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o love_n oh_o then_o let_v love_n in_o he_o beget_v the_o like_a love_n in_o you_o beget_v a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o run_v the_o way_n of_o his_o commandment_n with_o great_a delight_n oh_o pant_v and_o breath_n after_o he_o and_o rest_v not_o where_o but_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o love_n 4._o be_v you_o tender_a of_o he_o and_o careful_a to_o please_v he_o as_o the_o spouse_n be_v cant._n 2.6_o 7._o she_o be_v weak_a in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o grace_n and_o therefore_o christ_n left_a hand_n be_v under_o her_o head_n and_o his_o right_a hand_n embrace_v she_o then_o she_o charge_v herself_o in_o her_o particular_a member_n not_o to_o disturb_v he_o 5._o take_v heed_n you_o quench_v not_o this_o smoke_a flax_n yourselves_o which_o be_v do_v first_o by_o negligence_n and_o carelessness_n in_o god_n service_n we_o must_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d stir_v up_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o we_o or_o else_o it_o will_v die_v of_o itself_o if_o we_o do_v not_o blow_v this_o fire_n into_o a_o flame_n it_o will_v quench_v unknown_a to_o we_o second_o by_o return_v to_o folly_n again_o this_o be_v the_o water_n that_o quench_v the_o sparkle_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v abominable_a to_o god_n and_o therefore_o compare_v by_o he_o to_o the_o vomit_v of_o a_o dog_n and_o to_o the_o wallow_n of_o a_o sow_n in_o the_o mire_n three_o by_o accompany_v wicked_a man_n which_o be_v as_o flood_n of_o water_n and_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n to_o quench_v this_o sparkle_n and_o so_o term_v by_o the_o prophet_n david_n in_o several_a psalm_n therefore_o avoid_v they_o as_o you_o will_v avoid_v the_o devil_n for_o they_o be_v his_o instrument_n 4._o the_o four_o use_n be_v to_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n that_o they_o will_v consider_v what_o a_o bless_a condition_n it_o be_v to_o have_v christ_n for_o a_o guardian_n and_o how_o happy_a be_v the_o people_n that_o be_v under_o his_o tuition_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v how_o wonderful_o careful_a and_o tender_a he_o be_v of_o the_o weak_a believer_n the_o relation_n of_o a_o shepherd_n a_o father_n of_o a_o mother_n husband_n etc._n etc._n do_v prove_v it_o and_o preach_v it_o oh_o then_o let_v all_o be_v hence_o incite_v to_o take_v he_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n that_o they_o may_v be_v under_o his_o care_n and_o tenderness_n that_o he_o may_v keep_v you_o in_o all_o your_o way_n defer_v not_o therefore_o to_o close_v with_o he_o that_o you_o may_v be_v thus_o and_o eternal_o happy_a now_o to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n praise_n and_o dominion_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n finis_fw-la