and_o sister_n and_o our_o own_o life_n certain_o that_o be_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o offer_v violation_n to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o speak_v therefore_o simple_o but_o comparative_o he_o that_o do_v not_o love_v i_o so_o much_o so_o as_o to_o hate_v all_o other_o in_o comparison_n of_o i_o he_o that_o do_v not_o prize_v i_o before_o father_n mother_n wife_n child_n brethren_n house_n land_n yea_o life_n itself_o and_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v desirable_a such_o a_o one_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o i_o and_o shall_v have_v no_o benefit_n by_o i_o now_o because_o it_o be_v a_o exhortation_n of_o such_o infinite_a concernment_n therefore_o i_o shall_v divide_v it_o into_o three_o branch_n first_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o the_o manner_n how_o you_o shall_v prize_v christ_n second_o the_o motive_n which_o may_v persuade_v you_o to_o it_o three_o the_o mean_n that_o may_v help_v you_o in_o it_o 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displeasure_n and_o from_o the_o leak_a boat_n of_o your_o own_o grace_n prize_v he_o in_o your_o affection_n four_o prize_v he_o in_o his_o ordinance_n in_o his_o word_n oh_o how_o sweet_a be_v thy_o word_n o_o lord_n that_o bring_v i_o good_a tiding_n of_o a_o bless_a redeemer_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v as_o a_o letter_n send_v from_o a_o dear_a and_o precious_a husband_n to_o his_o wife_n and_o prize_v he_o in_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v as_o a_o love_n token_n or_o ring_n send_v to_o you_o from_o the_o belove_a of_o your_o soul_n oh_o how_o shall_v you_o prize_v these_o ordinance_n in_o the_o sacrament_n by_o a_o eye_n of_o faith_n you_o may_v see_v he_o bleed_v and_o pour_v out_o his_o soul_n a_o offering_n for_o sin_n in_o the_o sacrament_n you_o may_v see_v he_o cry_v and_o die_v for_o your_o sake_n in_o a_o word_n esteem_v one_o hour_n communion_n with_o he_o better_a worth_n than_o all_o the_o pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n as_o that_o noble_a marquis_n of_o italy_n do_v who_o say_v he_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o christ_n that_o do_v not_o esteem_v one_o hour_n communion_n with_o he_o better_o than_o all_o the_o treasure_n in_o the_o world_n so_o much_o for_o the_o manner_n how_o we_o must_v prize_v jesus_n christ_n second_o for_o the_o motive_n that_o may_v persuade_v you_o to_o it_o and_o oh_o that_o i_o know_v what_o motive_n may_v raise_v up_o your_o esteem_n of_o this_o precious_a redeemer_n i_o will_v name_v but_o these_o three_o will_v either_o worth_n or_o beauty_n or_o excellency_n or_o sweetness_n or_o soul-satisfaction_n win_v upon_o your_o heart_n all_o these_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o he_o he_o be_v a_o all-sufficient-saviour_n all-sufficient_a for_o justification_n his_o blood_n can_v pardon_v all-sufficient_a for_o sanctification_n also_o for_o his_o blood_n can_v purify_v all-sufficient_a for_o redemption_n his_o blood_n can_v deliver_v from_o wrath_n to_o come_v do_v but_o consider_v how_o precious_a this_o christ_n be_v in_o himself_o as_o i_o show_v you_o in_o the_o former_a doctrine_n precious_a in_o his_o person_n precious_a in_o his_o title_n precious_a in_o his_o office_n be_v a_o king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n precious_a in_o the_o purchase_n of_o his_o blood_n second_o i_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a desirable_a good_a the_o common_a vote_n and_o voice_n of_o the_o world_n be_v this_o who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a psalm_n 4.6_o but_o why_o do_v you_o not_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v indeed_o the_o only_a needful_a good_a the_o all-sufficient_a good_a the_o soul-satisfying_a good_a assure_v yourselves_o nothing_o under_o heaven_n can_v do_v you_o good_a without_o he_o nothing_o under_o heaven_n can_v be_v good_a if_o you_o want_v he_o what_o be_v riches_n without_o jesus_n christ_n what_o be_v gold_n and_o silver_n without_o jesus_n christ_n but_o rot_a stink_a dung_n what_o be_v the_o most_o royal_a robe_n that_o ever_o be_v put_v on_o by_o the_o great_a emperor_n without_o jesus_n christ_n what_o be_v they_o but_o pollute_a clout_n what_o be_v the_o most_o princely_a palace_n without_o jesus_n christ_n but_o a_o pest-house_n what_o be_v birth_n endowment_n education_n without_o jesus_n christ_n but_o glitter_a sin_n so_o your_o choice_a comfort_n and_o accommodation_n without_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v no_o better_a than_o gild_a damnation_n what_o be_v all_o your_o outward_a blessing_n without_o christ_n no_o better_a than_o curse_n and_o as_o nothing_o be_v good_a without_o he_o so_o nothing_o can_v do_v you_o good_a without_o he_o there_o be_v no_o creature_n in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n that_o can_v do_v you_o good_a without_o christ_n neither_o man_n nor_o angel_n if_o you_o have_v all_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n to_o speak_v for_o you_o they_o can_v do_v you_o no_o good_a without_o christ_n god_n himself_o will_v do_v you_o no_o good_a without_o christ_n he_o will_v not_o if_o i_o may_v use_v such_o a_o expression_n truck_v or_o trade_v with_o you_o he_o will_v not_o exchange_v one_o word_n in_o the_o business_n of_o salvation_n but_o by_o christ_n john_n 14.6_o jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o you_o can_v have_v any_o access_n to_o god_n approach_v to_o he_o to_o stand_v up_o for_o your_o life_n or_o the_o life_n of_o your_o soul_n without_o he_o who_o be_v the_o life_n of_o your_o life_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o your_o soul_n pray_v tell_v i_o therefore_o be_v you_o content_v to_o perish_v for_o ever_o in_o your_o sin_n be_v you_o content_v that_o the_o curse_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n those_o treasure_n of_o wrath_n that_o
so_o tit._n 1.9_o hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a word_n as_o he_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a by_o sound_a doctrine_n both_o to_o exhort_v and_o convince_v gainsayer_n hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a word_n as_o adversasary_n pluck_v one_o way_n so_o do_v you_o pluck_v another_o way_n strive_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o heb._n 10.23_o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v prov._n 4.13_o take_v fast_o hold_v of_o instruction_n let_v she_o not_o go_v keep_v she_o for_o she_o be_v thy_o life_n prov._n 23.23_o buy_v the_o truth_n and_o sell_v it_o not_o buy_v it_o at_o any_o rate_n sell_v it_o at_o no_o rate_n thus_o you_o see_v this_o duty_n command_v see_v it_o commend_v in_o one_o example_n most_o remarkable_a and_o imitable_a because_o it_o be_v in_o the_o pure_a time_n the_o primitive-time_n of_o the_o church_n act_v 2.42_o and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n for_o the_o better_a explication_n of_o this_o point_n it_o may_v be_v demand_v 1._o how_o must_v christian_n hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v receive_v 2._o why_o must_v christian_n hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v receive_v 1._o how_o must_v christian_n hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v receive_v i_o answer_v they_o must_v hold_v it_o fast_o these_o three_o way_n in_o their_o memory_n affection_n practice_n and_o conversation_n 1._o they_o must_v hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n in_o their_o memory_n heb._n 2.1_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v let_v they_o slip_v we_o shall_v learn_v of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n mary_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o she_o keep_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o ponder_v they_o in_o her_o heart_n luke_n 2.19_o it_o be_v not_o the_o great_a getter_n but_o the_o great_a saver_n that_o become_v the_o rich_a man_n it_o be_v not_o the_o hear_n but_o the_o keep_n of_o truth_n that_o will_v make_v we_o spiritual_o rich._n 2._o we_o must_v hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n in_o our_o affection_n we_o must_v cleave_v to_o the_o truth_n in_o love_n and_o like_n thus_o do_v david_n psal_n 119.31_o i_o have_v stick_v unto_o thy_o testimony_n o_o lord_n put_v i_o not_o to_o shame_v and_o in_o ver_fw-la 20_o my_o soul_n break_v for_o the_o longing_n that_o it_o have_v unto_o thy_o judgement_n at_o all_o time_n o_o how_o love_v i_o thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n all_o the_o day_n ver._n 97_o and_o ver_fw-la 167_o of_o the_o same_o psalm_n my_o soul_n have_v keep_v thy_o testimony_n and_o i_o love_v they_o exceed_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o man_n have_v not_o a_o sincere_a love_n to_o the_o truth_n they_o lose_v both_o the_o truth_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n too_o 2_o thess_n 2.10_o 11_o because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o papist_n and_o atheist_n at_o this_o day_n they_o be_v draw_v away_o to_o believe_v lie_n lie_v miracle_n lie_v doctrine_n when_o god_n see_v man_n careless_a and_o remiss_a in_o their_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n he_o say_v to_o such_o careless_a wretch_n take_v he_o jesuit_n take_v he_o satan_n bound_v he_o and_o blind_v he_o and_o lead_v he_o to_o destruction_n hence_o be_v all_o those_o frequent_a exhortation_n which_o be_v fcatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o love_v wisdom_n understanding_n and_o instruction_n prov._n 3.3_o my_o son_n forget_v not_o my_o law_n but_o let_v thy_o heart_n keep_v my_o commandment_n let_v not_o mercy_n and_o truth_n forsake_v thou_o bound_v they_o about_o thy_o neck_n write_v they_o upon_o the_o table_n of_o thy_o heart_n prov._n 4.6_o forsake_v not_o wisdom_n and_o she_o shall_v preserve_v thou_o love_v she_o and_o she_o shall_v keep_v thou_o prov._n 7.4_o say_v unto_o wisdom_n thou_o be_v my_o sister_n and_o call_v understanding_n thy_o kinswoman_n what_o a_o man_n love_v that_o he_o will_v keep_v careful_o if_o he_o love_v a_o jewel_n he_o will_v be_v careful_a to_o preserve_v it_o if_o he_o love_v a_o picture_n he_o will_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o deface_v it_o a_o man_n will_v part_v with_o that_o last_o which_o he_o love_v best_o 3._o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n not_o only_o in_o memory_n and_o affection_n but_o likewise_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n in_o practice_n and_o conversation_n you_o shall_v yield_v conscionable_a subjection_n to_o every_o know_a truth_n without_o hold_v any_o one_o part_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n the_o more_o a_o man_n practise_v what_o he_o know_v the_o more_o he_o shall_v know_v what_o to_o practice_n john_n 7.17_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o true_a knowledge_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o obedience_n but_o obedience_n be_v thenurse_n of_o knowledge_n when_o a_o scholar_n have_v take_v out_o one_o lesson_n well_o it_o be_v a_o encouragement_n to_o a_o master_n to_o teach_v he_o another_o certain_o if_o we_o will_v practise_v more_o we_o shall_v know_v more_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o he_o will_v show_v they_o his_o covenant_n psal_n 25.14_o look_v as_o the_o widow_n oil_n by_o lay_v it_o out_o be_v increase_v so_o knowledge_n lay_v out_o in_o practice_n be_v put_v forth_o to_o advantage_n therefore_o put_v forth_o every_o know_a truth_n into_o practice_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n you_o have_v receive_v the_o second_o quaery_n by_o way_n of_o explication_n be_v this_o but_o why_o must_v christian_n hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v receive_v with_o constaney_n and_o perseverance_n the_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o because_o the_o truth_n have_v many_o enemy_n to_o oppose_v it_o corrupt_v it_o gainsay_v it_o malign_v it_o deface_v it_o and_o disgrace_v it_o though_o truth_n can_v be_v ashamed_a yet_o it_o be_v many_o time_n blame_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o have_v not_o more_o enemy_n upon_o earth_n than_o his_o truth_n have_v at_o this_o day_n yea_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v the_o more_o enemy_n because_o he_o do_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n john_n 8.40_o but_o now_o you_o seek_v to_o kill_v i_o a_o man_n that_o have_v tell_v you_o the_o truth_n which_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o god_n this_o do_v not_o abraham_n that_o be_v the_o great_a quarrel_n they_o have_v against_o our_o saviour_n because_o he_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n now_o as_o jesus_n christ_n the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n be_v oppose_v so_o will_v his_o truth_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n first_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o grand_a enemy_n to_o the_o truth_n that_o prince_n of_o darkness_n will_v not_o willing_o have_v one_o lamp_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n unblown_a out_o the_o most_o of_o his_o rage_n be_v against_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n to_o god_n people_n second_o ignorant_a unbelieving_a atheistical_a wretch_n that_o count_v preach_v foolishness_n that_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o undervalue_v it_o three_o subtle_a and_o undermine_a priest_n and_o jesuit_n those_o frog_n out_o of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n they_o will_v endeavour_v to_o corrupt_v it_o four_o scandalous_a protestant_n which_o bring_v not_o forth_o fruit_n these_o will_v cast_v a_o aspersion_n and_o scandal_n upon_o the_o truth_n therefore_o because_o of_o these_o enemy_n christian_n shall_v hold_v forth_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v receive_v that_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n second_o the_o second_o reason_n be_v this_o truth_n be_v worth_a the_o hold_v fast_o because_o we_o have_v many_o bless_a privilege_n by_o it_o as_o for_o example_n 1._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v our_o cap_n of_o maintenance_n it_o be_v the_o charter_n of_o our_o privilege_n it_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o our_o everlasting_a inheritance_n thy_o testimony_n have_v i_o claim_v for_o my_o heritage_n say_v david_n and_o will_v you_o not_o keep_v your_o evidence_n for_o a_o good_a inheritance_n 2._o here_o be_v another_o privilege_n if_o you_o will_v keep_v the_o truth_n you_o may_v be_v sure_a the_o truth_n will_v keep_v you_o as_o we_o say_v of_o a_o tradesman_n if_o he_o will_v
trial_n that_o be_v to_o be_v endure_v you_o have_v often_o hear_v and_o you_o will_v know_v it_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o you_o will_v not_o believe_v we_o but_o you_o will_v believe_v one_o day_n your_o own_o experience_n that_o through_o many_o affliction_n you_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o 2_o tim._n 3.12_o yea_o and_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n they_o must_v look_v for_o persecution_n in_o one_o kind_a or_o other_o and_o in_o the_o world_n you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n say_v our_o saviour_n you_o must_v look_v for_o it_o say_v he_o if_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n john_n 16.33_o and_o say_v luther_n if_o thou_o be_v not_o a_o cross-bearing_a christian_a thou_o be_v no_o christian_a indeed_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a now_o for_o a_o man_n to_o climb_v this_o rocky_a way_n if_o he_o have_v not_o strength_n for_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v like_o the_o way_n that_o jonathan_n and_o 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what_o be_v they_o think_v you_o they_o be_v just_a in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o god_n threaten_v babylon_n shall_v be_v isa_n 13.14_o god_n say_v that_o babylon_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o chase_a roe_n and_o as_o a_o sheep_n that_o no_o man_n take_v up_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o one_o that_o be_v yet_o out_o of_o christ_n expose_v to_o be_v a_o prey_n to_o that_o roar_a lion_n that_o walk_v about_o seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v those_o that_o have_v not_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n god_n threaten_v they_o hos_n 4.16_o i_o will_v feed_v they_o as_o a_o lamb_n in_o a_o large_a place_n i_o will_v feed_v they_o the_o same_o hebrew_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o signify_v to_o feed_v signify_v to_o let_v they_o wander_v num._n 14.33_o god_n let_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n wander_v in_o the_o wilderness_n for_o forty_o year_n together_o so_o god_n let_v those_o that_o have_v not_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n to_o wander_v in_o the_o wilderness_n to_o 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heart_n what_o operation_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v have_v upon_o our_o spirit_n whether_o it_o have_v be_v a_o enlighten_v a_o quicken_a a_o convince_a a_o heart-warming_a a_o seal_n and_o a_o heal_a spirit_n certain_o the_o heal_n and_o sealing-work_n of_o the_o spirit_n go_v together_o as_o i_o have_v former_o show_v you_o many_o boast_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o question_v not_o but_o they_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n never_o set_v his_o feal_z to_o a_o blank_a there_o be_v first_o some_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n enlighten_v convince_a quicken_a and_o draw_v the_o heart_n to_o jesus_n christ_n so_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o soul_n now_o there_o be_v four_o fruit_n especial_o whereby_o a_o man_n may_v know_v he_o have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2.12_o by_o these_o four_o effect_n first_o a_o unseigned_a love_n to_o the_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v one_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o prove_v jesus_n christ_n have_v set_v his_o mark_n upon_o he_o that_o have_v it_o john_n 13.35_o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o have_v love_v one_o to_o another_o this_o be_v a_o mark_n i_o set_v upon_o my_o sheep_n so_o 1_o john_n 4.7_o 8_o 12_o beloved_n let_v we_o love_v one_o another_o for_o love_n be_v of_o god_n and_o every_o one_o that_o love_v
be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o know_v god_n he_o that_o love_v not_o know_v not_o god_n for_o god_n be_v love_n and_o in_o ver_fw-la 12_o if_o we_o love_v one_o another_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o his_o love_n be_v perfect_v in_o we_o 2._o we_o may_v know_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v bestow_v upon_o we_o by_o constancy_n in_o our_o profession_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n this_o be_v one_o certain_a mark_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n when_o a_o man_n can_v hold_v fast_o his_o profession_n and_o that_o without_o waver_v can_v keep_v close_o to_o the_o truth_n how_o do_v job_n approve_v himself_o to_o be_v one_o that_o belong_v to_o god_n my_o foot_n have_v hold_v his_o step_n say_v he_o his_o way_n have_v i_o keep_v and_o not_o decline_v job_n 23.11_o and_o how_o do_v david_n prove_v himself_o to_o be_v one_o of_o his_o sheep_n i_o have_v choose_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o i_o have_v stick_v unto_o thy_o testimony_n psal_n 119.30_o 31._o that_o be_v a_o dreadful_a scripture_n in_o john_n 2.9_o whosoever_o transgress_v and_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o god_n he_o speak_v of_o transgression_n in_o judgement_n in_o run_v into_o corrupt_a opinion_n and_o he_o that_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n but_o fall_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n he_o have_v no_o part_n in_o god_n 3._o by_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n his_o cause_n his_o truth_n especial_o in_o evil_a time_n that_o man_n that_o can_v stand_v up_o for_o god_n when_o other_o forsake_v he_o and_o sin_n againsthim_n that_o man_n that_o can_v be_v most_o zealous_a in_o maintain_v of_o god_n truth_n and_o can_v say_v with_o david_n in_o psalm_n 69.9_o the_o zeal_n of_o thy_o house_n have_v eat_v i_o up_o and_o the_o reproach_n of_o they_o that_o reproach_v thou_o be_v fall_v upon_o i_o and_o psalm_n 119.158_o i_o behold_v the_o transgressor_n and_o be_v grieve_v because_o they_o keep_v not_o thy_o word_n by_o this_o may_v we_o know_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v in_o we_o 4._o by_o sympathy_n and_o compassion_n towards_o our_o brethren_n that_o be_v in_o affliction_n and_o misery_n if_o one_o member_n suffer_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n suffer_v with_o it_o when_o we_o can_v sigh_v in_o their_o sorrow_n and_o bleed_v in_o their_o wound_n and_o be_v affect_v with_o their_o misery_n and_o calamity_n as_o if_o they_o be_v our_o own_o by_o these_o effect_n we_o may_v know_v whether_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o mark_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o first_o sign_n if_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o mark_n of_o christ_n second_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o sheep_n of_o christ_n thou_o be_v return_v from_o thy_o former_a wander_n 1_o pet._n 2.25_o you_o be_v as_o sheep_n go_v astray_o but_o be_v now_o return_v to_o the_o shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n can_v thou_o say_v there_o have_v be_v a_o work_n of_o conversion_n wrought_v on_o thy_o soul_n once_o thou_o be_v unprofitable_a but_o now_o be_v profitable_a once_o thou_o be_v wander_v in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o sin_n but_o now_o thou_o be_v bring_v home_o to_o jesus_n christ_n be_v there_o a_o work_n of_o conversion_n wrought_v in_o thy_o soul_n can_v not_o thou_o say_v now_o i_o be_o not_o the_o same_o man_n i_o be_v the_o same_o woman_n i_o be_v certain_o if_o there_o be_v a_o return_v from_o your_o way_n of_o wander_a and_o walk_v in_o path_n of_o new_a obedience_n and_o keep_v in_o the_o fold_n of_o christ_n than_o you_o be_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n three_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o sheep_n of_o jesus_n christ_n thou_o may_v know_v it_o by_o thy_o carriage_n towards_o thy_o shepherd_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o sheep_n of_o christ_n thou_o will_v know_v thy_o shepherd_n thou_o will_v know_v and_o see_v so_o much_o sweetness_n fullness_n and_o all-sufficiency_n in_o he_o that_o thou_o will_v say_v none_o but_o christ_n none_o but_o christ_n thou_o will_v count_v all_o thing_n but_o dross_n and_o dung_n in_o comparison_n of_o christ_n three_o thou_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o i_o know_v they_o and_o they_o follow_v i_o john_n 10.27_o now_o to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v his_o voice_n from_o the_o voice_n of_o stranger_n the_o spouse_n be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o her_o belove_a cant._n 2.8_o the_o voice_n of_o my_o belove_a the_o great_a work_n he_o be_v to_o do_v be_v to_o work_v out_o redemption_n for_o i_o he_o be_v to_o do_v and_o suffer_v much_o but_o all_o can_v not_o daunt_v he_o but_o he_o come_v leap_v on_o the_o mountain_n and_o skip_v on_o the_o hill_n then_o they_o follow_v he_o christ_n sheep_n have_v not_o only_o the_o ear-mark_a to_o hear_v his_o voice_n but_o also_o the_o foot-mark_a they_o follow_v he_o whithersoever_o he_o go_v when_o christ_n call_v they_o they_o say_v lo_o here_o we_o be_v they_o follow_v he_o by_o imitate_v he_o in_o his_o patience_n meekness_n humility_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o thou_o will_v study_v how_o to_o be_v like_o he_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v make_v more_o and_o more_o conformable_a to_o his_o image_n by_o thy_o carriage_n towards_o thy_o shepherd_n thou_o may_v know_v if_o thou_o be_v his_o sheep_n thou_o will_v know_v he_o hear_v his_o voice_n follow_v he_o and_o labour_n to_o be_v make_v conformable_a to_o he_o a_o four_o mark_v whereby_o thou_o may_v know_v whether_o thou_o be_v a_o sheep_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v this_o thou_o may_v know_v it_o by_o thy_o carriage_n towards_o the_o flock_n that_o be_v towards_o thy_o fellow_n servant_n towards_o those_o that_o be_v the_o member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v observe_v of_o sheep_n that_o they_o be_v the_o most_o profitable_a creature_n you_o can_v name_v so_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o sheep_n of_o jesus_n christ_n thou_o will_v not_o be_v a_o unprofitable_a burden_n in_o thy_o station_n but_o thou_o will_v be_v fruitful_a in_o thy_o place_n and_o profitable_a to_o other_o 1_o cor._n 10.33_o even_o as_o i_o please_v all_o man_n in_o all_o thing_n not_o seek_v my_o own_o profit_n but_o the_o profit_n of_o many_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o sheep_n as_o they_o be_v profitable_a so_o they_o be_v innocent_a and_o harmless_a creature_n they_o wrong_v they_o injure_v none_o so_o if_o thou_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n thou_o will_v be_v harmless_a phil._n 2.15_o that_o you_o may_v be_v blameless_a and_o harmless_a the_o son_n of_o god_n without_o rebuke_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a nation_n the_o greek_a word_n for_o harmless_a be_v there_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v without_o horn_n not_o push_v one_o another_o if_o you_o be_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n you_o will_v dear_o love_v one_o another_o but_o if_o you_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o you_o be_v dog_n and_o not_o sheep_n five_o sheep_n be_v content_v with_o their_o pasture_n oh_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o sheep_n of_o jesus_n christ_n thou_o will_v bless_v god_n in_o any_o state_n and_o condition_n whatsoever_o thou_o be_v in_o thou_o will_v say_v if_o i_o have_v get_v jesus_n christ_n no_o matter_n how_o poor_a and_o low_a and_o despicable_a my_o condition_n on_o earth_n be_v six_o sheep_n usual_o be_v unite_v one_o to_o another_o they_o go_v in_o flock_n and_o herd_n they_o do_v not_o willing_o forsake_v one_o another_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o sheep_n of_o christ_n thou_o will_v keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n ephes_n 4.3_o thou_o will_v not_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n of_o god_n saint_n heb._n 10.25_o oh_o my_o brethren_n you_o shall_v labour_v to_o find_v these_o sneepmark_n upon_o your_o soul_n a_o three_o use_v it_o be_v for_o exhortation_n if_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o bless_a shepherd_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v he_o describe_v that_o have_v the_o great_a care_n and_o love_n and_o power_n and_o reward_n oh_o what_o a_o invitation_n may_v this_o be_v to_o every_o one_o to_o come_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o stand_v out_o no_o long_o many_o persuasion_n have_v be_v tender_v to_o you_o many_o hundred_o time_n and_o yet_o some_o of_o you_o never_o bring_v home_o to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o this_o day_n oh_o that_o this_o may_v be_v that_o bless_a day_n wherein_o jesus_n christ_n and_o some_o wander_a sheep_n may_v be_v bring_v together_o consider_v who_o call_v thou_o it_o be_v not_o a_o judge_n but_o a_o shepherd_n and_o consider_v why_o he_o call_v not_o to_o hurt_v but_o to_o heal_v thou_o not_o to_o kill_v but_o to_o cure_v thou_o not_o to_o
of_o grape_n if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o cluster_n if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o cherry_n on_o a_o tree_n it_o show_v there_o be_v some_o life_n in_o the_o tree_n one_o cherry_n upon_o a_o tree_n it_o show_v there_o be_v life_n as_o well_o as_o if_o there_o be_v twenty_o pound_n upon_o it_o one_o cherry_n show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o live_a tree_n and_o a_o man_n will_v not_o cut_v down_o that_o tree_n the_o lord_n christ_n will_v cherish_v the_o least_o beginning_n of_o grace_n if_o there_o be_v but_o a_o spark_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n he_o will_v not_o quench_v it_o but_o blow_v it_o up_o into_o a_o flame_n look_v as_o physician_n deal_v with_o disease_a patient_n they_o do_v not_o administer_v purge_v potion_n according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o distemper_n but_o according_a to_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o patient_n so_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n deal_v with_o his_o own_o child_n not_o according_a to_o the_o disease_n and_o distemper_n that_o be_v in_o they_o not_o according_a to_o the_o distemper_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o strength_n he_o will_v not_o lay_v on_o they_o more_o than_o he_o will_v give_v they_o strength_n to_o bear_v these_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o application_n of_o the_o point_n because_o this_o be_v child_n bread_n and_o dog_n be_v ready_a to_o snatch_v at_o it_o that_o yet_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o therefore_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o point_n there_o be_v these_o three_o query_n that_o will_v be_v satisfy_v first_o what_o a_o infirmity_n be_v second_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o those_o infirmity_n three_o what_o be_v the_o sign_n and_o symptom_n of_o those_o infirmity_n first_o what_o a_o infirmity_n be_v a_o infirmity_n brief_o in_o the_o soul_n be_v this_o some_o sickness_n or_o indisposition_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o arise_v from_o the_o weakness_n of_o grace_n or_o a_o infirmity_n be_v this_o when_o the_o purpose_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v upright_o but_o a_o man_n want_v strength_n to_o perform_v that_o purpose_n when_o the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a matth._n 26.41_o when_o a_o man_n can_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n to_o will_n be_v present_a with_o i_o but_o how_o to_o perform_v that_o which_o be_v good_a i_o find_v not_o rom._n 7.18_o when_o the_o bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v right_a but_o either_o through_o some_o violence_n of_o corruption_n or_o strength_n of_o temptation_n a_o man_n be_v divert_v and_o turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n as_o the_o needle_n in_o the_o seaman_n compass_n you_o know_v if_o it_o be_v right_a it_o will_v stand_v always_o northward_o and_o the_o bent_n of_o it_o will_v be_v towards_o the_o north-pole_n be_v jog_v and_o trouble_v it_o may_v sometime_o be_v put_v out_o of_o frame_n and_o order_n yet_o the_o bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o it_o be_v still_o northward_o this_o be_v a_o infirmity_n that_o be_v the_o first_o second_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o these_o infirmity_n there_o be_v divers_a cause_n you_o must_v know_v of_o our_o infirmity_n as_o first_o a_o infirmity_n may_v arise_v from_o want_n of_o age_n for_o want_v of_o time_n to_o gather_v strength_n the_o lord_n christ_n you_o must_v know_v have_v lamb_n in_o his_o fold_n as_o well_o as_o sheep_n and_o he_o have_v plant_n in_o his_o orchard_n as_o well_o as_o strong_a tree_n and_o babe_n as_o well_o as_o strong_a men._n now_o say_v the_o apostle_n i_o write_v to_o you_o babe_n and_o little_a child_n because_o your_o sin_n be_v pardon_v for_o his_o namesake_n 1_o john_n 2.12_o observe_v there_o that_o remission_n of_o sin_n be_v bestow_v not_o only_o upon_o young_a man_n that_o be_v strong_a to_o resist_v temptation_n not_o only_o upon_o age_a man_n that_o be_v well_o experience_v in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n but_o it_o be_v bestow_v even_o upon_o babe_n i_o write_v unto_o you_o little_a child_n because_o your_o sin_n be_v pardon_v for_o his_o namesake_n second_o our_o infirmity_n may_v arise_v also_o from_o a_o want_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n either_o when_o man_n want_v milk_n or_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n 1_o pet._n 2.2_o or_o have_v but_o little_a of_o it_o three_o infirmity_n may_v arise_v from_o some_o secret_a corruption_n that_o be_v undiscovered_a in_o our_o first_o conversion_n this_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o a_o infirmity_n for_o that_o may_v both_o weaken_v the_o soul_n and_o exceed_o distemper_v and_o disquiet_v it_o four_o our_o infirmity_n may_v arise_v from_o forsake_v sound_n and_o solid_a truth_n and_o disquiet_v our_o thought_n with_o doubtful_a disputation_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o rom._n 14.1_o when_o man_n trouble_v their_o head_n with_o trifle_n or_o with_o matter_n of_o less_o moment_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n neglect_v the_o marrow_n of_o religion_n even_o as_o little_a child_n that_o forsake_v 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that_o thou_o shall_v not_o only_o look_v on_o i_o but_o set_v i_o at_o thy_o table_n what_o a_o beggar_n a_o loathsome_a leprous_a beggar_n to_o sit_v at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n then_o act_n love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n what_o have_v he_o love_v i_o so_o dear_o oh_o how_o shall_v i_o love_v he_o above_o all_o expression_n of_o love_n and_o be_v sick_a of_o love_n to_o he_o then_o act_n faith_n especial_o for_o that_o be_v a_o grace_n you_o have_v most_o need_v of_o when_o you_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n as_o now_o faith_n be_v the_o very_a eye_n whereby_o we_o look_v upon_o he_o it_o be_v the_o hand_n whereby_o we_o receive_v he_o it_o be_v the_o mouth_n whereby_o we_o feed_v on_o he_o say_v christ_n except_o you_o eat_v my_o flesh_n and_o drink_v my_o blood_n you_o have_v no_o life_n in_o you_o joh._n 6.52_o 53._o he_o do_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o a_o corporal_n eat_v of_o he_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o have_v such_o a_o thought_n as_o they_o 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it_o to_o pass_v that_o man_n may_v be_v so_o confident_a that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o yet_o come_v short_a of_o heaven_n the_o reason_n be_v this_o because_o of_o their_o own_o self-flattery_n and_o self-delusion_n they_o think_v themselves_o something_o when_o they_o be_v nothing_o and_o so_o deceive_v themselves_o they_o think_v themselves_o rich_a and_o increase_v in_o good_n and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o nothing_o whereas_o they_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a they_o think_v they_o have_v grace_n when_o indeed_o they_o have_v none_o they_o think_v their_o grace_n be_v true_a when_o it_o be_v but_o counterfeit_n they_o think_v
the_o popish_a religion_n be_v a_o loose_a and_o licentious_a religion_n a_o sintolerate_a religion_n for_o the_o pope_n can_v dispense_v with_o murder_v of_o prince_n and_o the_o like_a if_o it_o will_v promote_v his_o interest_n forbid_v priest_n marriage_n and_o yet_o suffer_v at_o the_o same_o time_n stew_n and_o brothel-house_n it_o be_v a_o say_n of_o sir_n walter_n raleigh_n be_v i_o to_o choose_v a_o religion_n for_o liberty_n and_o wickedness_n i_o will_v choose_v the_o popish_a religion_n therefore_o in_o god_n fear_n hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n against_o popery_n and_o hold_v it_o fast_o likewise_o against_o the_o error_n of_o arminianism_n which_o advance_v man_n freewill_n above_o god_n freegrace_n and_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n against_o socinian_o that_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o brief_a be_v root_v settle_a and_o establish_v in_o the_o present_a truth_n stick_v close_o unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o david_n do_v stand_v 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gospel_n that_o you_o may_v say_v lord_n i_o love_v thy_o truth_n exceed_o 2._o love_v not_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o person_n sake_n but_o love_v the_o person_n for_o the_o truth_n sake_n love_v no_o man_n part_n or_o person_n to_o admire_v he_o and_o be_v a_o follower_n of_o he_o far_o than_o he_o follow_v christ_n be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o even_o as_o i_o also_o be_o of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 11.1_o say_v the_o apostle_n it_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n in_o barnabas_n gal._n 2.13_o that_o he_o be_v carry_v away_o by_o peter_n dissimulation_n by_o his_o admire_a peter_n person_n so_o much_o by_o his_o rest_a and_o rely_v too_o much_o upon_o peter_n he_o fall_v into_o peter_n error_n 3._o be_v ever_o jealous_a of_o your_o own_o strength_n and_o trust_v not_o too_o much_o to_o your_o own_o ability_n this_o will_v provoke_v god_n to_o leave_v you_o to_o yourselves_o and_o then_o you_o will_v fall_v fearful_o 2_o cor._n 12.10_o for_o when_o i_o be_o weak_a then_o be_o i_o strong_a when_o i_o be_o weak_a in_o myself_o then_o be_o i_o strong_a in_o a_o saviour_n but_o when_o i_o be_o strong_a in_o myself_o in_o my_o own_o opinion_n then_o be_o i_o weak_a in_o a_o saviour_n no_o man_n stand_v by_o his_o own_o strength_n for_o by_o humane_a strength_n can_v none_o prevail_v 4._o and_o last_o get_v your_o heart_n establish_v with_o grace_n heb._n 13.9_o it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v establish_v with_o grace_n be_v ballast_v with_o grace_n as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v a_o ship_n that_o be_v well_o bala_v be_v not_o so_o ready_a and_o apt_a to_o reel_v as_o one_o that_o be_v not_o and_o when_o the_o apostle_n put_v in_o a_o caveat_n against_o unsetledness_n and_o fall_v from_o grace_n what_o mean_n do_v he_o prescribe_v 2_o pet._n 3.17_o 18_o you_o therefore_o belove_v see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o 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have_v receive_v with_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o the_o scripture_n be_v abundant_o plain_a and_o pregnant_a in_o psal_n 119.23_o teach_v i_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o statute_n o_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v keep_v it_o to_o the_o end_n matth._n 24.13_o he_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v it_o be_v not_o set_v our_o foot_n in_o the_o way_n of_o christianity_n but_o it_o be_v a_o continuance_n in_o that_o course_n that_o will_v bring_v you_o to_o the_o end_n of_o your_o hope_n the_o salvation_n of_o your_o soul_n so_o in_o heb._n 3.14_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n say_v the_o apostle_n if_o we_o hold_v the_o begin_n of_o our_o confidence_n firm_a unto_o the_o end_n this_o will_v be_v a_o evidence_n that_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o christ_n indeed_o if_o we_o persevere_v and_o continue_v in_o the_o grace_n we_o have_v receive_v to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o day_n so_o we_o be_v command_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n not_o some_o few_o day_n but_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n luke_n 1.75_o he_o that_o put_v his_o hand_n to_o the_o blow_n and_o look_v back_o say_v our_o saviour_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n luke_n 9_o ult_n and_o in_o john_n 8.31_o if_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n then_o be_v you_o my_o disciple_n indeed_o without_o this_o perseverance_n we_o be_v but_o nominal_a not_o real_a disciple_n but_o if_o you_o ask_v i_o why_o must_v christian_n continue_v in_o grace_n and_o hold_v fast_o the_o grace_n they_o have_v receive_v hear_v but_o some_o scripture_n argument_n strong_o plead_v for_o this_o truth_n first_o unless_o christian_n hold_v fast_o the_o grace_n and_o holiness_n
they_o have_v receive_v they_o lose_v all_o they_o have_v and_o all_o they_o hope_v for_o all_o they_o have_v viz._n their_o present_a endeavour_n and_o all_o they_o hope_v for_o their_o future_a reward_n 1._o they_o lofe_z all_z they_o have_v all_o their_o pray_n read_v hear_v and_o communicate_v and_o humble_v themselves_o before_o god_n all_o this_o will_v be_v lose_v if_o they_o do_v not_o persevere_v do_v not_o god_n himself_o say_v so_o ezek._n 18.24_o when_o the_o righteous_a turn_v away_o from_o his_o righteousness_n he_o do_v not_o speak_v there_o of_o one_o true_o and_o real_o righteous_a in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n one_o that_o be_v save_o righteous_a when_o he_o turn_v away_o from_o his_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o do_v according_a to_o all_o the_o abomination_n that_o the_o wicked_a man_n do_v shall_v he_o live_v all_o the_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v in_o his_o trespass_n that_o he_o have_v trespass_v and_o in_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o they_o shall_v he_o die_v so_o that_o a_o man_n lose_v all_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n say_v hierom_n we_o must_v be_v judge_v not_o by_o our_o past_a but_o by_o our_o present_a condition_n as_o the_o tree_n fall_v so_o it_o lie_v as_o death_n leave_v we_o so_o shall_v judgement_n find_v we_o 2._o he_o lose_v all_o he_o hope_n for_o too_o for_o the_o crown_n be_v promise_v to_o none_o but_o to_o those_o that_o do_v hold_v out_o be_v thou_o faithful_a to_o the_o death_n and_o thou_o shall_v receive_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n rev._n 2.10_o christianity_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o race_n let_v we_o run_v the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o heb._n 12.1_o now_o as_o in_o a_o race_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o a_o man_n to_o begin_v well_o but_o he_o must_v hold_v out_o else_o he_o lose_v the_o goal_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o race_n of_o christianity_n therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n so_o run_v that_o you_o may_v obtain_v not_o only_o run_v but_o so_o run_v that_o you_o may_v not_o lose_v the_o goal_n 1_o cor._n 9.24_o 2._o such_o as_o christ_n love_n be_v to_o we_o such_o must_v our_o love_n to_o christ_n be_v christ_n love_n to_o we_o be_v a_o constant_a and_o unchangeable_a love_n who_o he_o love_v he_o love_v to_o the_o end_n john_n 13.1_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v not_o only_o the_o beginner_n but_o the_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n heb._n 12.2_o he_o do_v not_o leave_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n imperfect_a but_o he_o hold_v out_o until_o he_o come_v to_o consummatum_fw-la est_fw-la till_o he_o cry_v out_o upon_o the_o cross_n it_o be_v finish_v reason_n three_o may_v be_v this_o christian_n must_v hold_v fast_o the_o grace_n they_o have_v receive_v because_o apostatise_v and_o turn_v our_o back_n upon_o god_n be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a damnable_a soul-destroying_a sin_n 1._o it_o be_v dangerous_a in_o the_o original_a of_o it_o it_o spring_v from_o four_o bitter_a root_n 1._o it_o spring_v from_o infidenlity_n or_o unbelief_n take_v heed_n say_v the_o apostle_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o you_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbely_n in_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n heb._n 3.12_o unbelief_n be_v a_o damnable_a sin_n where_o it_o be_v not_o bemoan_v bewail_v and_o strive_v against_o but_o reign_v unbelief_n be_v a_o damnable_a sin_n so_o say_v our_o saviour_n mark_v 16._o ult_n he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v upon_o he_o for_o ever_o john_n 3._o ult_n now_o this_o infidelity_n make_v the_o soul_n depart_v from_o god_n and_o it_o make_v god_n depart_v from_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o great_a observation_n of_o a_o eminent_a divine_a now_o with_o god_n look_v as_o the_o first_o return_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n be_v by_o faith_n for_o faith_n set_v the_o soul_n in_o joint_n it_o bring_v christ_n and_o the_o soul_n together_o so_o the_o first_o depart_v of_o the_o soul_n from_o god_n be_v by_o unbelief_n for_o from_o thence_o come_v a_o depart_n to_o other_o sin_n and_o this_o depart_n to_o other_o sin_n increase_v our_o unbelief_n and_o unbelief_n be_v increase_v the_o rent_n or_o breach_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v make_v wide_a and_o wide_o till_o at_o last_o the_o soul_n come_v to_o a_o total_a depart_n from_o god_n and_o then_o god_n total_o depart_v from_o the_o soul_n and_o say_v depart_v from_o i_o thou_o curse_a wretch_n i_o know_v thou_o not_o now_o this_o same_o apostasy_n it_o spring_v from_o unbelief_n 2._o this_o apostasy_n spring_v from_o hypocrisy_n for_o usual_o hypocrisy_n end_v in_o apostasy_n as_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o often_o judas_n the_o hypocrite_n prove_v judas_n the_o apostate_n amaziah_n do_v that_o that_o be_v right_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o not_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n 2_o chr._n 25.2_o therefore_o amaziah_n the_o hypocrite_n prove_v amaziah_n the_o apostate_n in_o psal_n 78.37_o it_o be_v say_v there_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o upright_o neither_o remain_v they_o steadfast_a in_o his_o covenant_n why_o be_v they_o not_o steadfast_a why_o do_v not_o they_o keep_v constant_a to_o the_o way_n of_o god_n to_o the_o vow_n and_o covenant_n make_v with_o god_n their_o heart_n be_v not_o upright_o where_o grace_n be_v sincere_a it_o will_v be_v last_v but_o that_o which_o be_v counterfeit_a will_v be_v lose_v whatever_o be_v counterfeit_a be_v fade_v 3._o it_o spring_v from_o pride_n and_o presumption_n when_o man_n think_v they_o have_v grace_n enough_o and_o holiness_n enough_o and_o have_v go_v far_o enough_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o root_n of_o apostasy_n there_o be_v a_o gradual_a as_o well_o as_o a_o total_a apostasy_n the_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o gradual_a apostasy_n so_o peter_n be_v though_o not_o of_o total_a apostasy_n it_o be_v peter_n presumption_n that_o be_v one_o principal_a cause_n of_o his_o fall_n lofty_a cedar_n be_v throw_v down_o with_o a_o tempest_n when_o the_o low_a tree_n in_o the_o valley_n stand_v firm_a and_o fast_o so_o likewise_o lofty_a christian_n high_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n many_o time_n nestle_v themselves_o on_o high_a and_o their_o fall_n be_v great_a whereas_o christian_n that_o walk_n humble_o be_v support_v and_o preserve_v look_v as_o a_o man_n that_o gaze_v at_o the_o star_n look_v up_o on_o high_a quick_o catch_v a_o fall_n because_o he_o look_v not_o to_o his_o foot_n so_o a_o man_n that_o be_v high_o conceit_v in_o his_o own_o opinion_n lift_v up_o his_o head_n on_o high_a many_o time_n catch_v a_o feaful_a fall_n it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o leave_v such_o man_n to_o try_v they_o hezekiah_n though_o a_o very_a gracious_a king_n yet_o when_o his_o heart_n be_v list_v up_o with_o pride_n 2_o chron._n 32.25_o the_o text_n say_v god_n leave_v he_o to_o himself_o to_o try_v what_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n in_o ver_fw-la 31._o that_o solomon_n speak_v of_o fall_v into_o misery_n be_v as_o true_a of_o fall_v and_o decline_v in_o grace_n prov._n 16.18_o pride_n go_v before_o destruction_n and_o a_o haughty_a spirit_n before_o a_o fall_n 4._o apostasy_n spring_v from_o covetousness_n and_o worldliness_n look_v as_o the_o seed_n in_o the_o thorny_a ground_n it_o bring_v nothing_o to_o perfection_n because_o it_o be_v choke_v with_o the_o care_n riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n as_o you_o may_v read_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a luke_n 8.14_o so_o it_o be_v here_o where_o the_o heart_n be_v stuff_v with_o covetousness_n and_o the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n that_o be_v usual_o a_o forerunner_n of_o a_o fearful_a fall_n demas_n have_v forsake_v i_o have_v embrace_v this_o present_a world_n what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o apostasy_n but_o his_o worldliness_n and_o selfishness_n so_o that_o apostasy_n be_v dangerous_a in_o the_o original_a of_o it_o second_o it_o be_v damnable_a in_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o for_o 1._o this_o put_v jesus_n christ_n to_o open_a shame_n in_o heb._n 6.6_o apostate_n crucify_v christ_n afresh_o and_o put_v he_o to_o open_a shame_n for_o by_o fall_v away_o from_o he_o we_o do_v as_o much_o as_o tell_v the_o world_n we_o have_v find_v his_o service_n that_o it_o be_v a_o unprofitable_a service_n the_o service_n of_o the_o world_n be_v better_a than_o his_o service_n and_o that_o we_o have_v not_o find_v in_o christ_n what_o we_o expect_v when_o we_o turn_v our_o back_n on_o christ_n and_o go_v to_o the_o world_n we_o do_v as_o much_o as_o open_o proclaim_v the_o world_n be_v a_o better_a master_n than_o christ_n be_v when_o soldier_n forsake_v their_o
general_n it_o be_v a_o dishonour_n to_o he_o 2._o then_o it_o be_v damnable_a in_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o because_o it_o put_v religion_n to_o open_a shame_n it_o make_v the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o be_v blaspheme_v rom._n 2.24_o it_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o weak_a it_o staff_n man_n off_o from_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o open_v the_o mouth_n of_o adversary_n to_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n thus_o it_o be_v damnable_a in_o the_o effect_n three_o it_o be_v destructive_a in_o the_o end_n and_o issue_n of_o it_o for_o first_o god_n will_v reckon_v apostate_n among_o reprobate_n god_n will_v lead_v they_o forth_o with_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n those_o that_o turn_v aside_o to_o their_o crooked_a way_n psal_n 125._o ult_n lead_v they_o forth_o that_o be_v put_v they_o in_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o the_o most_o profligate_v and_o scandalous_a sinner_n that_o be_v 2._o their_o latter_a end_n shall_v be_v worse_o than_o their_o beginning_n as_o our_o saviour_n show_v in_o the_o parable_n mat._n 12.43_o when_o the_o unclean_a spirit_n be_v go_v out_o of_o a_o man_n and_o return_v again_o he_o bring_v seven_o devil_n more_o and_o the_o end_n of_o that_o man_n be_v worse_a than_o his_o beginning_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o 2_o pet._n 2_o and_o the_o two_o last_o verse_n it_o have_v be_v better_a man_n have_v never_o know_v the_o way_n of_o holiness_n than_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v aside_o from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n it_o fare_v with_o they_o according_a to_o the_o proverb_n the_o dog_n be_v turn_v to_o his_o vomit_n again_o and_o the_o sow_n that_o be_v wash_v to_o her_o wallow_n in_o the_o mire_n before_o i_o come_v to_o make_v application_n of_o this_o truth_n there_o be_v one_o doubt_v to_o be_v resolve_v you_o say_v christian_n must_v hold_v fast_o the_o grace_n they_o have_v receive_v why_o may_v some_o say_v can_v a_o man_n that_o have_v receive_v save_v grace_n lose_v that_o grace_n he_o have_v receive_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v no_o he_o can_v lose_v saving-grace_n total_o or_o final_o this_o be_v mary_n part_n which_o can_v be_v take_v away_o mary_n have_v choose_v that_o good_a part_n which_o can_v be_v take_v away_o luke_n 10.42_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o can_v sin_v to_o death_n because_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n as_o a_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n abide_v in_o he_o 1_o john_n 3.9_o therefore_o he_o can_v sin_v unto_o death_n the_o righteous_a be_v say_v to_o be_v build_v on_o a_o everlasting_a foundation_n prov._n 10.25_o that_o be_v he_o abide_v unmovable_a in_o grace_n till_o grace_v be_v turn_v into_o glory_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v saving-grace_n bestow_v upon_o the_o elect_n be_v build_v on_o four_o immutable_a and_o unmovable_a pillar_n 1._o the_o love_n that_o god_n bear_v to_o his_o people_n it_o be_v a_o everlasting_a love_n jer._n 31.3_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o with_o a_o everlasting_a love_n we_o be_v very_o fickle_a and_o unconstant_a in_o our_o love_n to_o god_n but_o god_n be_v not_o fickle_a or_o unconstant_a in_o his_o love_n to_o we_o 2._o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o steadfast_a covenant_n so_o say_v david_n in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o that_o sweet_a singer_n of_o israel_n when_o he_o be_v to_o leave_v the_o world_n he_o have_v make_v with_o i_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n sure_a and_o steadfast_a and_o order_v in_o all_o thing_n 2_o sam._n 23.5_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n seal_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n heb._n 13.20_o this_o everlasting_a covenant_n can_v be_v break_v true_a indeed_o sin_n may_v break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o it_o can_v break_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n it_o may_v break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o covenant_n psal_n 89.31_o if_o thy_o child_n break_v my_o statute_n and_o keep_v not_o my_o commandment_n then_o will_v i_o visit_v their_o transgression_n with_o a_o red_a and_o their_o iniquity_n with_o stripe_n but_o i_o will_v not_o suffer_v my_o faithfulness_n to_o fail_v my_o covenant_n will_v i_o not_o break_v nor_o alter_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o my_o mouth_n 3._o the_o three_o pillar_n be_v this_o the_o power_n of_o god_n which_o be_v irresistible_a and_o unconquerable_a on_o this_o pillar_n our_o bless_a saviour_n build_v the_o salvation_n of_o his_o elect_n john_n 10.29_o my_o father_n that_o give_v i_o these_o sheep_n be_v great_a than_o all_o and_o none_o can_v take_v they_o out_o of_o my_o father_n hand_n and_o on_o this_o pillar_n st._n paul_n build_v his_o hope_n of_o salvation_n he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o i_o have_v commit_v to_o he_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v my_o depositum_fw-la 2_o tim._n 1.12_o 4._o the_o four_o pillar_n be_v the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o intercession_n be_v a_o prevail_a intercession_n heb._n 7.25_o wherefore_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o see_v he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o peter_n though_o he_o fall_v fearful_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o fall_v final_o because_o our_o saviour_n pray_v for_o peter_n i_o have_v pray_v for_o thou_o that_o thy_o faith_n fail_v not_o luke_n 22.31_o but_o mark_v though_o this_o be_v true_a that_o save_a grace_n once_o wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n can_v be_v lose_v for_o it_o be_v build_v on_o these_o four_o immutable_a pillar_n the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n yet_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n to_o have_v his_o declining_n as_o i_o show_v you_o not_o long_o ago_o he_o may_v have_v his_o declining_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o comfortable_a feel_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o operation_n and_o vigour_n of_o his_o grace_n first_o a_o child_n of_o god_n may_v lose_v the_o former_a heat_n and_o fervency_n that_o he_o have_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n fall_v from_o her_o first_o love_n second_o he_o may_v lose_v the_o comfortable_a feel_n of_o grace_n david_n pray_v restore_v to_o i_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o salvation_n 3._o grace_n may_v be_v as_o a_o spark_n of_o fire_n cover_v over_o with_o a_o heap_n of_o ash_n that_o yield_v neither_o light_n nor_o heat_n and_o so_o he_o may_v lose_v the_o vigour_n of_o his_o grace_n therefore_o christian_n shall_v take_v heed_n of_o these_o declining_n and_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o grace_n they_o have_v receive_v now_o to_o make_v some_o application_n 1._o by_o way_n of_o reproof_n how_o just_o taxable_a and_o reprovable_a be_v they_o that_o do_v not_o hold_v fast_o the_o grace_n they_o have_v receive_v but_o fall_v from_o their_o first_o love_n oh_o how_o many_o backsliders_a be_v there_o many_o that_o do_v begin_v well_o but_o they_o be_v weary_a of_o well-doing_n the_o lord_n awaken_v they_o out_o of_o their_o drowsiness_n know_v you_o not_o it_o will_v be_v bitterness_n in_o the_o latter_a end_n will_v you_o lose_v all_o you_o have_v and_o all_o you_o hope_v for_o god_n forbid_v therefore_o to_o close_v up_o this_o point_n with_o a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n i_o beseech_v and_o exhort_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o will_v hold_v fast_o the_o grace_n you_o have_v receive_v the_o savour_n of_o religion_n that_o you_o have_v get_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a conversation_n hold_v fast_o these_o take_v heed_n of_o apostasy_n as_o you_o love_v your_o god_n as_o you_o love_v your_o soul_n as_o you_o tender_v your_o own_o everlasting_a salvation_n be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o draw_v back_o to_o perdition_n but_o be_v steadfast_a and_o immovable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o you_o know_v your_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 15._o ult_n that_o you_o may_v persevere_v and_o not_o be_v weary_a let_v i_o give_v you_o these_o three_o or_o four_o help_n 1._o be_v not_o content_a with_o a_o notional_a and_o traditional_a faith_n for_o such_o a_o faith_n will_v change_v as_o the_o time_n change_v but_o labour_n for_o a_o divine_a wellgrounded_n lively_a work_v effectual_a faith_n experimental_a faith_n such_o as_o the_o samaritan_n have_v now_o do_v we_o believe_v say_v they_o not_o because_o thou_o tell_v we_o this_o be_v the_o christ_n but_o because_o we_o have_v hear_v he_o ourselves_o and_o we_o know_v indeed_o this_o be_v the_o
that_o pleasant_a land_n this_o be_v a_o grievous_a provocation_n indeed_o so_o the_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o from_o the_o word_n consider_v in_o this_o notion_n or_o sense_n be_v this_o doct._n that_o despise_v or_o undervalue_v that_o heavenly_a inheritance_n that_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n be_v a_o very_a grievous_a god-provoking_a sin_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n that_o one_o place_n of_o scriptue_n will_v be_v sufficient_a heb._n 2.2_o 3_o for_o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n 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shall_v answer_v this_o query_n and_o show_v it_o you_o in_o these_o four_o particular_n first_n then_o do_v a_o man_n despise_v and_o undervalue_v this_o heavenly_a inheritance_n when_o he_o be_v a_o earthly-minded_n man_n when_o he_o do_v overvalue_v earthly_a thing_n and_o undervalue_n heavenly_a thing_n when_o he_o do_v set_v his_o affection_n so_o much_o on_o thing_n below_o that_o he_o can_v set_v his_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o for_o these_o two_o be_v inconsistent_a they_o can_v stand_v together_o as_o appear_v by_o that_o in_o 1_o john_n 2.15_o love_v not_o the_o world_n neither_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v inconsistent_a so_o in_o col._n 3.2_o set_v your_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o and_o not_o on_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v if_o you_o set_v your_o affection_n on_o thing_n below_o you_o can_v set_v they_o on_o thing_n above_o now_o when_o a_o man_n prefer_v a_o present_a possession_n before_o a_o future_a expectation_n when_o he_o say_v give_v i_o a_o bird_n in_o hand_n rather_o than_o two_o in_o the_o bush_n give_v i_o the_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n and_o honour_n and_o contentment_n of_o this_o life_n let_v i_o have_v prefent_a pay_n but_o as_o for_o that_o glorious_a inheritance_n you_o speak_v of_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v let_v they_o look_v after_o it_o that_o will_v as_o he_o say_v let_v i_o have_v my_o part_n in_o paris_n let_v who_o will_v look_v after_o a_o part_n in_o paradise_n this_o be_v a_o undervalue_v of_o this_o heavenly_a inheritance_n second_o then_o may_v a_o man_n be_v say_v to_o despise_v and_o undervalue_v this_o heavenly_a inheritance_n when_o he_o be_v sluggish_a and_o slothful_a and_o will_v not_o stir_v up_o himself_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o god_n when_o he_o will_v not_o set_v about_o those_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o attain_n of_o those_o glorious_a hope_n that_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o heeven_n true_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o merit_n but_o much_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o this_o eternal_a happiness_n phil._n 2.12_o work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a mark_v it_o be_v not_o say_v work_v out_o your_o salvation_n christ_n have_v wrought_v out_o our_o salvation_n for_o we_o by_o way_n of_o merit_n but_o we_o must_v work_v out_o our_o salvation_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n orig_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d work_v it_o out_o as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o fire_n now_o when_o a_o man_n will_v not_o be_v content_v to_o take_v that_o pain_n that_o the_o lord_n require_v in_o this_o work_n out_o of_o his_o salvation_n when_o he_o sit_v still_o and_o be_v idle_a or_o when_o he_o be_v slothful_a or_o negligent_a in_o duty_n when_o he_o do_v either_o neglect_n duty_n or_o sleepy_o and_o careless_o perform_v every_o duty_n this_o be_v a_o despise_v and_o undervalue_v this_o salvation_n for_o you_o must_v know_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o race_n 1_o cor._n 9.24_o and_o he_o that_o will_v win_v the_o crown_n by_o first_o come_v to_o the_o goal_n must_v run_v for_o it_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o kingdom_n luke_n 13.24_o and_o he_o that_o will_v win_v it_o must_v strive_v for_o it_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d strive_v as_o in_o a_o agony_n and_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o crown_n 1_o cor._n 9.25_o and_o he_o that_o will_v obtain_v it_o must_v fight_v for_o it_o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n say_v the_o apostle_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o at_o that_o day_n 2_o tim._n 4.8_o the_o crown_n of_o glory_n there_o be_v call_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n not_o because_o it_o be_v merit_v by_o paul_n righteousness_n you_o must_v not_o understand_v it_o so_o but_o it_o be_v call_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n because_o it_o be_v promise_v and_o because_o it_o be_v purchase_v it_o be_v free_o promise_v by_o the_o father_n and_o it_o be_v full_o purchase_v by_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n say_v he_o henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o at_o that_o day_n but_o say_v he_o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n first_o and_o i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n now_o when_o man_n will_v neither_o so_o run_v as_o that_o they_o may_v obtain_v nor_o so_o strive_v as_o that_o they_o may_v gain_v a_o kingdom_n nor_o so_o fight_v that_o they_o may_v get_v a_o crown_n that_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o heaven_n for_o the_o saint_n then_o they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o despise_v and_o undervalue_v the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n that_o be_v the_o second_o three_o then_o may_v a_o man_n be_v say_v to_o despise_v this_o heavenly_a inheritance_n when_o he_o be_v a_o self-seeking_a christian_a or_o rather_o a_o pelt_a chapman_n as_o i_o may_v so_o call_v he_o that_o will_v not_o come_v up_o to_o the_o price_n of_o salvation_n that_o will_v not_o be_v content_v to_o take_v the_o pain_n that_o must_v be_v take_v if_o so_o be_v he_o may_v be_v the_o master_n of_o his_o own_o desire_n than_o he_o will_v be_v content_a to_o enjoy_v those_o glorious_a hope_n but_o when_o a_o man_n will_v not_o with_o the_o wise_a merchant_n sell_v
pour_v upon_o aaron_n head_n run_v down_o to_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o clothing_n so_o from_o that_o fullness_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n believer_n receive_v and_o grace_n for_o grace_n a_o continual_a supply_n of_o grace_n from_o he_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o their_o grace_n he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o their_o faith_n he_o be_v call_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o their_o faith_n heb._n 12.2_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o their_o love_n christ_n first_o warm_v their_o heart_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n before_o they_o can_v love_v he_o we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o first_o love_v we_o 1_o john_n 4.19_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o their_o repentance_n god_n have_v exalt_v he_o to_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o saviour_n to_o give_v repentance_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o his_o people_n act_v 5.31_o three_o and_o then_o they_o receive_v spiritual_a comfort_n by_o he_o too_o my_o peace_n i_o give_v unto_o you_o my_o peace_n i_o leave_v with_o you_o not_o as_o the_o world_n give_v give_v i_o unto_o yond_o let_v not_o your_o heart_n be_v trouble_v neither_o let_v it_o be_v afraid_a john_n 14.27_o he_o give_v believer_n that_o peace_n that_o the_o world_n can_v neither_o give_v nor_o take_v away_o from_o they_o that_o peace_n and_o comfort_n that_o can_v hold_v up_o their_o head_n in_o all_o outward_a storm_n in_o the_o world_n say_v he_o you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n but_o in_o i_o you_o shall_v have_v peace_n john_n 16._o ult_n at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o they_o have_v tribulation_n in_o the_o world_n they_o may_v have_v peace_n in_o christ_n at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o there_o be_v rattle_v upon_o the_o tile_n there_o may_v be_v music_n in_o the_o chamber_n outward_a tribulation_n and_o inward_a consolation_n they_o may_v stand_v together_o at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o my_o thought_n within_o i_o thy_o comfort_n delight_v my_o soul_n psalm_n 94.19_o so_o though_o there_o may_v be_v multitude_n of_o trouble_n within_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v comfort_n to_o refresh_v the_o soul_n this_o be_v the_o three_o reason_n why_o jesus_n christ_n be_v so_o precious_a to_o believer_n because_o they_o have_v much_o in_o hand_n from_o christ_n they_o have_v temporal_a mercy_n and_o spiritual_a mercy_n spiritual_a privilege_n justification_n sanctification_n and_o adoption_n and_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o spiritual_a comfort_n reas_n 4._o jesus_n christ_n be_v very_o precious_a to_o believer_n because_o they_o expect_v much_o from_o he_o as_o they_o have_v much_o in_o hand_n by_o he_o so_o they_o have_v more_o in_o hope_n from_o he_o they_o have_v much_o for_o the_o present_a but_o more_o for_o the_o future_a for_o what_o do_v they_o expect_v from_o he_o but_o a_o inheritance_n incorrupt_v undefiled_a reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o they_o a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n a_o kingdom_n that_o can_v be_v shake_v everlasting_a communion_n with_o himself_o bosom-communion_n with_o himself_o in_o glory_n to_o have_v their_o soul_n bathe_v in_o those_o river_n of_o pleasure_n that_o be_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n for_o evermore_o yea_o the_o follow_v the_o lamb._n wheresoever_o he_o go_v to_o be_v triumph_v in_o his_o praise_n to_o be_v sound_v forth_o those_o hallelujah_n to_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n for_o ever_o to_o live_v and_o lie_v in_o his_o continual_a embrace_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v what_o god_n have_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o now_o because_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n they_o look_v upon_o these_o thing_n and_o they_o full_o expect_v to_o enjoy_v they_o therefore_o hence_o it_o be_v they_o do_v so_o high_o prize_v jesus_n christ_n reas_n 5._o jesus_n christ_n be_v very_o precious_a to_o believer_n they_o do_v most_o high_o prize_v he_o because_o faith_n you_o must_v know_v be_v a_o unite_n grace_n a_o espouse_v grace_n it_o be_v the_o wedding-ring_n as_o i_o have_v sometime_o tell_v you_o that_o make_v up_o the_o match_n between_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o poor_a soul_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o a_o man_n come_v to_o be_v a_o believer_n to_o take_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v his_o head_n his_o husband_n his_o portion_n then_o be_v the_o match_n make_v up_o between_o they_o christ_n dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n ephes_n 3.17_o now_o then_o believer_n be_v thus_o espouse_v to_o he_o thus_o unite_v to_o he_o they_o can_v but_o dear_o love_v he_o as_o a_o wife_n that_o have_v pitch_v her_o affection_n upon_o a_o husband_n and_o forsake_v all_o other_o and_o have_v vow_v to_o cleave_v to_o he_o and_o he_o only_o while_o they_o both_o shall_v live_v therefore_o she_o do_v prize_v he_o above_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n so_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v once_o unite_a to_o christ_n marry_v to_o he_o thy_o maker_n be_v thy_o husband_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v espouse_v to_o christ_n it_o can_v but_o dear_o love_v he_o and_o forsake_v all_o other_o in_o comparison_n of_o he_o reas_n 6._o jesus_n christ_n be_v very_o precious_a to_o believer_n because_o true_a faith_n ever_o work_v by_o love_n gal._n 5.6_o for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n true_a faith_n will_v make_v a_o man_n dear_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n now_o if_o we_o love_v he_o we_o can_v but_o prize_v he_o who_o we_o love_v so_o dear_o the_o use_v i_o shall_v make_v of_o this_o point_n brief_o first_o for_o examination_n and_o o_o that_o you_o and_o i_o can_v engage_v our_o own_o heart_n a_o while_n and_o call_v ourselves_o to_o account_v in_o sad_a and_o serious_a thought_n whether_o jesus_n christ_n be_v precious_a to_o we_o yea_o or_o no_o be_v he_o high_o prize_v by_o you_o even_o by_o you_o that_o hear_v i_o this_o day_n can_v you_o say_v with_o the_o church_n my_o beloved_n be_v white_a and_o ruddy_a the_o chief_a of_o ten_o thousand_o and_o with_o st._n paul_n i_o esteem_v all_o thing_n but_o dross_n and_o dung_n in_o comparison_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o whole_a world_n the_o glory_n the_o beauty_n and_o treasure_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o but_o as_o a_o heap_n of_o dung_n in_o comparison_n of_o he_o this_o pitch_n and_o frame_v you_o must_v come_v unto_o or_o else_o you_o can_v never_o have_v any_o assurance_n that_o christ_n be_v you_o and_o that_o you_o be_v he_o for_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v in_o the_o like_a case_n he_o that_o love_v father_n or_o mother_n more_o than_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o etc._n etc._n matth._n 10.37_o so_o here_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v more_o prize_v than_o jesus_n christ_n you_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n that_o christ_n be_v your_o portion_n if_o any_o thing_n be_v prefer_v before_o he_o or_o prize_v more_o high_o than_o he_o be_v there_o not_o great_a need_n then_o that_o you_o shall_v inquire_v whether_o jesus-christ_n be_v precious_a to_o you_o yea_o or_o no_o that_o i_o may_v press_v you_o to_o this_o enquiry_n consider_v but_o this_o one_o motive_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sure_a character_n to_o distingnish_v between_o a_o sincere-hearted_n christian_n and_o a_o hypocrite_n for_o he_o that_o be_v sincere_a and_o upright-hearted_n do_v lay_v jesus_n christ_n the_o near_a to_o his_o heart_n and_o say_v none_o but_o christ_n nothing_o but_o christ_n whereas_o ever_o observe_v it_o and_o you_o shall_v see_v a_o hypocrite_n have_v always_o something_o that_o lie_v near_a to_o his_o heart_n than_o jesus_n christ_n do_v however_o he_o may_v show_v much_o love_n to_o christ_n with_o his_o mouth_n yet_o his_o heart_n go_v after_o his_o covetousness_n or_o after_o some_o base_a lust_n or_o other_o as_o god_n tell_v the_o prophet_n ezek._n 33.31_o and_o they_o come_v unto_o thou_o as_o my_o people_n and_o they_o sit_v before_o thou_o as_o my_o people_n and_o they_o hear_v thy_o word_n but_o they_o will_v not_o do_v they_o for_o with_o their_o mouth_n they_o show_v much_o love_n but_o their_o heart_n go_v after_o their_o covetousness_n so_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n he_o may_v have_v the_o mouth_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n a_o show_n of_o love_n but_o there_o be_v something_o still_o that_o do_v lie_v near_o his_o heart_n than_o christ_n do_v look_v into_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a and_o you_o will_v find_v that_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_o in_o the_o stony-ground_n it_o spring_v up_o and_o make_v a_o fair_a show_n for_o a_o while_n but_o there_o be_v something_o that_o lie_v between_o the_o seed_n and_o the_o soil_n so_o there_o be_v something_o that_o lie_v between_o
jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n you_o know_v the_o story_n of_o the_o young_a man_n in_o matth._n 19.22_o when_o jesus_n christ_n make_v he_o a_o fair_a proffer_n go_v and_o sell_v that_o thou_o have_v say_v he_o and_o give_v it_o to_o the_o poor_a and_o thou_o shall_v have_v treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o come_v and_o follow_v i_o he_o make_v a_o fair_a show_n but_o the_o world_n lie_v near_o his_o heart_n than_o jesus_n christ_n do_v therefore_o when_o he_o bid_v they_o sell_v all_o and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a he_o go_v away_o very_o sorrowful_a and_o you_o know_v the_o story_n of_o orpah_n and_o ruth_n ruth_n 1_o orpah_n she_o give_v her_o mother-in-law_n a_o kiss_n and_o bid_v she_o farewell_o but_o ruth_n cleave_v to_o her_o mother_n naomi_n so_o it_o be_v here_o it_o may_v be_v a_o hypocrite_n can_v compliment_v with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n can_v give_v he_o some_o outward_a ceremonial_a observance_n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o this_o that_o he_o must_v part_v with_o any_o thing_n for_o christ_n when_o christ_n tell_v he_o if_o thou_o will_v be_v i_o thou_o must_v take_v i_o on_o my_o own_o term_n thou_o must_v look_v to_o bear_v my_o cross_n as_o well_o as_o to_o wear_v my_o crown_n thou_o must_v look_v for_o hatred_n persecution_n a_o cross_n a_o prison_n for_o my_o sake_n than_o he_o begin_v to_o shrink_v and_o draw_v back_o i_o love_v jesus_n christ_n well_o say_v he_o but_o i_o love_v pleasure_n better_o the_o world_n better_o liberty_n better_a still_o there_o be_v something_o that_o a_o hypocrite_n prize_v before_o jesus_n christ_n but_o than_o you_o will_v say_v how_o may_v i_o do_v to_o know_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v precious_a to_o i_o indeed_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o brief_o first_o see_v whether_o your_o desire_n be_v strong_o carry_v out_o after_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n whether_o they_o be_v vehement_a constant_a and_o industrious_a desire_n or_o no_o for_o if_o your_o desire_n after_o jesus_n christ_n be_v right_a they_o will_v be_v very_o vehement_a desire_n like_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n that_o be_v command_v the_o appetite_n hunger_n it_o have_v this_o property_n not_o only_o to_o be_v violent_a in_o its_o desire_n but_o to_o be_v terminate_v to_o one_o object_n i_o must_v have_v food_n say_v a_o hungry_a man_n and_o nothing_o but_o food_n will_v please_v he_o offer_v he_o music_n no_o that_o will_v not_o content_v he_o offer_v he_o gold_n and_o silver_n that_o will_v not_o content_v he_o he_o must_v have_v food_n and_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n but_o food_n will_v content_v and_o satisfy_v he_o so_o that_o soul_n that_o have_v a_o true_a desire_n after_o christ_n say_v i_o must_v have_v christ_n and_o none_o but_o christ_n will_v content_v i_o riches_n pleasure_n honour_n will_v not_o satisfy_v my_o soul_n i_o must_v have_v christ_n none_o but_o christ_n second_o and_o be_v your_o desire_n constant_a and_o continue_a desire_n it_o may_v be_v some_o man_n may_v have_v flash_n of_o desire_n when_o their_o conscience_n be_v awaken_v when_o they_o lie_v tumble_v upon_o a_o sickbed_n or_o when_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n begin_v to_o be_v kindle_v against_o they_o but_o tell_v i_o be_v thy_o desire_n constant_a can_v thou_o say_v with_o david_n my_o soul_n break_v for_o the_o long_a it_o have_v unto_o thy_o judgement_n at_o all_o time_n psalm_n 119.20_o i_o know_v there_o may_v be_v a_o intermission_n of_o the_o act_n of_o desire_n but_o then_o the_o constant_a bent_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v chrisward_o as_o a_o tradesman_n that_o make_v it_o his_o tâ—â—â—â—_n to_o buy_v and_o sell_v though_o he_o do_v not_o always_o buy_v and_o sell_v so_o the_o soul_n will_v be_v always_o trade_v in_o desire_n for_o christ_n though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o intermission_n of_o desire_n three_o be_v they_o industrious_a desire_n that_o make_v you_o not_o only_o to_o desire_v he_o but_o to_o seek_v he_o the_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v to_o thy_o name_n o_o lord_n and_o to_o the_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o and_o then_o with_o my_o soul_n have_v i_o desire_v thou_o in_o the_o night_n yea_o with_o my_o spirit_n will_v i_o seek_v thou_o early_o isa_n 26.8_o 9_o if_o so_o be_v your_o desire_n after_o christ_n be_v right_a they_o will_v put_v you_o upon_o all_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o use_n of_o they_o careful_o and_o conscientious_o inquire_v after_o he_o and_o follow_v of_o he_o in_o the_o use_n of_o every_o ordinance_n this_o be_v the_o first_o way_n whereby_o you_o may_v know_v whether_o christ_n be_v precious_a to_o you_o see_v what_o your_o desire_n be_v if_o they_o be_v strong_o carry_v out_o after_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v vehement_a constant_a and_o industrious_a desire_n second_o will_v you_o know_v whether_o jesus_n christ_n be_v precious_a to_o your_o soul_n yea_o or_o no_o then_o see_v whether_o your_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o true_a love_n unfeigned_a love_n whether_o you_o love_v he_o in_o sincerity_n or_o no_o grace_n be_v with_o all_o they_o that_o love_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o sincerity_n amen_o ephes_n 6._o ult_n imply_v many_o love_v he_o not_o in_o sincerity_n thus_o you_o may_v know_v whether_o you_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o sincerity_n first_o you_o will_v remember_v christ_n your_o heart_n will_v be_v much_o take_v up_o with_o he_o when_o i_o remember_v thou_o upon_o my_o bed_n and_o meditate_v on_o thou_o in_o the_o night_n watch_v psalm_n 63.6_o be_v your_o thought_n take_v up_o with_o he_o second_o if_o you_o love_v he_o in_o sincerity_n you_o will_v hold_v no_o correspondency_n with_o sin_n you_o will_v hate_v sin_n and_o hate_v every_o sin_n three_o if_o your_o love_n to_o christ_n be_v sincere_a it_o will_v be_v accompany_v with_o smart_a sorrow_n for_o your_o former_a unkindness_n to_o he_o as_o mary_n magdalen_n because_o she_o love_v much_o she_o weep_v much_o thus_o will_v such_o a_o soul_n say_v against_o thou_o have_v i_o sin_v thou_o have_v i_o offend_v with_o judas_n i_o have_v betray_v thou_o though_o thou_o do_v never_o shed_v thy_o blood_n for_o he_o as_o thou_o do_v for_o i_o therefore_o my_o sin_n be_v the_o great_a because_o against_o thou_o i_o have_v sin_v three_o will_v you_o know_v whether_o christ_n be_v precious_a to_o you_o or_o no_o let_v i_o then_o propound_v to_o you_o these_o three_o soul-searching_a question_n first_o tell_v i_o what_o be_v you_o willing_a to_o give_v for_o christ_n second_o what_o be_v you_o willing_a to_o lose_v for_o christ_n three_o what_o pain_n be_v you_o willing_a to_o take_v that_o you_o may_v obtain_v he_o first_o if_o you_o will_v know_v whether_o christ_n be_v precious_a to_o you_o then_o answer_v this_o question_n what_o be_v you_o willing_a to_o give_v for_o christ_n i_o know_v nothing_o can_v be_v give_v by_o way_n of_o merit_n do_v not_o understand_v i_o so_o but_o what_o be_v you_o willing_a to_o give_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n first_o be_v you_o willing_a to_o give_v as_o much_o for_o christ_n now_o as_o you_o will_v give_v in_o a_o time_n of_o sickness_n when_o you_o be_v lie_v upon_o your_o deathbed_n when_o the_o soul_n sit_v upon_o the_o lip_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v its_o leave_n be_v you_o willing_a to_o give_v as_o much_o now_o in_o health_n as_o you_o will_v give_v in_o a_o time_n of_o sickness_n oh_o when_o a_o man_n lie_v on_o his_o sickbed_n and_o death_n knock_v at_o his_o door_n christ_n then_o it_o may_v be_v will_v be_v very_o precious_a to_o he_o oh_o what_o will_v he_o then_o give_v for_o a_o christ_n those_o in_o noah_n time_n that_o never_o regard_v the_o ark_n all_o the_o while_o it_o be_v a_o building_n yet_o when_o the_o flood_n come_v what_o will_v they_o have_v give_v for_o a_o ark_n then_o what_o will_v you_o give_v for_o christ_n at_o that_o time_n when_o you_o be_v upon_o a_o deathbed_n ready_a to_o be_v deliver_v by_o your_o deathbed_n to_o your_o cold_a grave_n certain_o christ_n be_v as_o precious_a now_o 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