certain_a season_n wherein_o grace_n must_v be_v especial_o act_v as_o there_o be_v certain_a season_n of_o the_o year_n in_o spring_n you_o have_v bud_n and_o blossom_n in_o summer_n you_o have_v fruit_n green_a and_o grow_v in_o the_o autumn_n you_o have_v the_o same_o fruit_n ripe_a and_o ready_a to_o be_v eat_v every_o thing_n be_v beautiful_a in_o its_o season_n eccles_n 3.11_o he_o have_v make_v every_o thing_n beautiful_a in_o his_o time_n so_o every_o grace_n be_v beautiful_o act_v when_o it_o be_v seasonable_o act_v five_o he_o that_o have_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n must_v not_o be_v discourage_v but_o must_v be_v act_v it_o still_o that_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o it_o may_v be_v increase_v nay_o certain_o a_o man_n that_o have_v but_o one_o talon_n mat._n 25.15_o that_o be_v but_o a_o little_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o do_v act_v it_o well_o he_o shall_v have_v more_o comfort_n a_o great_a deal_n than_o he_o that_o have_v five_o talent_n and_o do_v not_o wise_o act_v they_o thus_o you_o see_v the_o first_o thing_n open_v what_o be_v require_v of_o a_o christian_n that_o he_o may_v right_o act_v his_o grace_n the_o second_o thing_n for_o explication_n be_v but_o why_o must_v christian_n thus_o be_v act_v of_o their_o grace_n let_v i_o give_v you_o these_o four_o reason_n first_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n will_v be_v a_o certain_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v no_o more_o certain_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n than_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v some_o poor_a soul_n that_o hear_v i_o that_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v o_o what_o will_v i_o give_v that_o i_o may_v but_o have_v a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n though_o it_o be_v but_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n that_o i_o can_v but_o say_v that_o i_o have_v true_a faith_n and_o true_a repentance_n and_o true_a love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n have_v i_o a_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n what_o will_v i_o give_v i_o will_v tell_v thou_o for_o thy_o comfort_n here_o be_v a_o rule_n in_o the_o text_n if_o thou_o walk_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v if_o thou_o be_v act_v that_o little_a grace_n thou_o have_v receive_v it_o be_v a_o certain_a token_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o a_o paint_a fire_n will_v not_o warm_v a_o man_n a_o paint_a cow_n will_v give_v no_o milk_n a_o paint_a horse_n will_v not_o move_v a_o paint_a tree_n will_v not_o grow_v so_o here_o a_o paint_a christian_a a_o counterfeit_a christian_a a_o hypocrite_n counterfeit_a grace_n will_v never_o grow_v a_o counterfeit_a christian_n be_v always_o a_o dead_a and_o barren_a christian_a but_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o fruitful_a christian_a it_o be_v a_o token_n that_o grace_n that_o thou_o have_v be_v grace_n in_o truth_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 2_o pet._n 1.5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o and_o beside_o this_o give_v all_o diligence_n add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly-kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly-kindness_n charity_n for_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o you_o and_o abound_v they_o make_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v neither_o be_v barren_a nor_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n when_o a_o man_n be_v act_v of_o his_o grace_n he_o be_v add_v to_o his_o grace_n add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n etc._n etc._n when_o a_o man_n be_v act_v of_o his_o grace_n than_o he_o be_v not_o barren_a nor_o unfruitful_a when_o these_o two_o go_v together_o then_o may_v a_o man_n be_v confident_a that_o he_o be_v a_o real_a christian_a a_o disciple_n indeed_o and_o not_o a_o disciple_n in_o name_n only_o there_o be_v these_o two_o special_a property_n of_o grace_n the_o act_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o growth_n of_o grace_n and_o you_o have_v they_o both_o in_o that_o place_n 2_o pet._n 1.5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o the_o activity_n of_o grace_n when_o a_o man_n be_v not_o barren_a nor_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o growth_n of_o grace_n when_o a_o man_n add_v to_o his_o faith_n virtue_n to_o virtue_n knowledge_n to_o knowledge_n temperance_n to_o temperance_n patience_n etc._n etc._n compare_v these_o two_o place_n of_o scripture_n together_o gal._n 6.15_o with_o gal._n 5.6_o in_o gal._n 6.15_o say_v the_o apostle_n for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n compare_v that_o with_o 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 in_o the_o former_a place_n namely_o gal._n 6.15_o but_o a_o new_a creature_n there_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o latter_a namely_o gal._n 5.6_o but_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n there_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o activity_n of_o grace_n when_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n be_v turn_v into_o the_o activity_n of_o grace_n when_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n that_o be_v a_o token_n of_o true_a graceindeed_o a_o second_o reason_n be_v this_o the_o more_o you_o act_v your_o grace_n the_o more_o you_o shall_v increase_v they_o tradesman_n know_v the_o more_o they_o trade_n with_o their_o stock_n the_o more_o they_o increase_v their_o stock_n grace_n be_v like_o the_o window_n oil_n the_o more_o it_o be_v pour_v out_o the_o more_o it_o be_v increase_v 2_o king_n 4.6_o nay_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n make_v to_o that_o man_n that_o do_v well_o use_v his_o grace_n matth._n 25.29_o for_o unto_o every_o one_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n which_o place_n must_v be_v right_o understand_v our_o saviour_n speak_v there_o of_o gift_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o same_o order_n otherwise_o we_o will_v run_v into_o the_o pelagian_a and_o arminian_n opinion_n which_o be_v that_o the_o well-using_a of_o the_o gift_n of_o nature_n will_v merit_v the_o gift_n of_o grace_n so_o the_o arminian_n will_v have_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n to_o be_v he_o that_o well_o use_v the_o gift_n of_o nature_n to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v the_o gift_n of_o grace_n our_o saviour_n there_o speak_v no_o such_o matter_n but_o he_o speak_v thus_o he_o that_o have_v saving-grace_n shall_v have_v more_o saving-grace_n that_o man_n that_o have_v saving-grace_n by_o well-using_a of_o it_o shall_v have_v more_o saving-grace_n as_o a_o man_n the_o more_o he_o play_v upon_o a_o instrument_n the_o more_o dextrous_a he_o grow_v the_o more_o cunning_a and_o skilful_a he_o will_v be_v so_o here_o the_o more_o you_o act_v your_o grace_n the_o more_o a_o great_a deal_n shall_v you_o increase_v they_o to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n three_o a_o three_o reason_n be_v this_o because_o god_n have_v give_v grace_n for_o that_o very_a end_n that_o it_o may_v be_v act_v if_o god_n have_v give_v thou_o grace_n it_o be_v not_o that_o thou_o shall_v hide_v it_o like_o a_o candle_n under_o a_o bushel_n nor_o for_o thou_o to_o put_v in_o a_o dark_a lantern_n but_o that_o thou_o shall_v set_v it_o upon_o a_o table_n for_o the_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n of_o other_o but_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o 1_o cor._n 12.17_o and_o in_o 1_o pet._n 4.10_o as_o every_o man_n have_v receive_v the_o gift_n even_o so_o minister_v the_o same_o one_o to_o another_o as_o good_a steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o why_o be_v we_o say_v to_o be_v steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o god_n because_o we_o shall_v be_v dispense_n they_o as_o steward_n that_o have_v their_o master_n good_n not_o to_o put_v they_o in_o their_o own_o purse_n or_o to_o convert_v they_o to_o their_o own_o advantage_n but_o to_o be_v dispense_n of_o they_o and_o diffuse_v they_o for_o their_o master_n advantage_n we_o be_v steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o god_n look_v as_o god_n give_v to_o some_o more_o riches_n than_o to_o other_o because_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v more_o rich_a in_o good_a work_n than_o other_o so_o he_o give_v to_o some_o more_o grace_n than_o he_o give_v to_o other_o because_o he_o will_v have_v they_o diffusive_a of_o grace_n make_v other_o rich_a in_o grace_n he_o give_v to_o some_o more_o comfort_n than_o he_o give_v to_o other_o because_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o comfort_v other_o with_o the_o same_o comfort_n wherewith_o they_o themselves_o be_v comfort_v of_o god_n
work_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o three_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o likewise_o be_v purchase_v by_o he_o be_v precious_a grace_n faith_n be_v a_o precious_a grace_n as_o it_o be_v call_v 2_o pet._n 1.2_o simon_n peter_n a_o servant_n and_o a_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o they_o that_o have_v obtain_v like_o precious_a faith_n with_o we_o through_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o trial_n of_o your_o faith_n be_v much_o more_o precious_a than_o of_o gold_n that_o perish_v the_o trial_n of_o gold_n be_v the_o worst_a thing_n that_o belong_v to_o gold_n and_o the_o trial_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o worst_a thing_n that_o belong_v to_o faith_n yet_o say_v the_o apostle_n the_o trial_n of_o your_o faith_n be_v much_o more_o precious_a than_o that_o of_o gold_n 1_o pet._n 1.7_o so_o repentance_n that_o be_v a_o precious_a grace_n because_o it_o be_v repentance_n unto_o life_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o act_n 11.18_o when_o they_o hear_v these_o thing_n they_o hold_v their_o peace_n and_o glorify_a god_n say_v then_o have_v god_n also_o to_o the_o gentile_n grant_v repentance_n unto_o life_n and_o hope_v that_o be_v a_o steadfast_a grace_n it_o be_v the_o anchor_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o love_n that_o be_v a_o lovely_a grace_n it_o bring_v the_o soul_n into_o near_a communion_n with_o god_n then_o wisdom_n that_o be_v a_o precious_a grace_n a_o shine_a grace_n a_o man_n wisdom_n make_v his_o face_n to_o shine_v say_v solomon_n eccles_n 8.1_o and_o job_n speak_v of_o wisdom_n say_v he_o job_n 28.12_o 13_o but_o where_o shall_v wisdom_n be_v sound_a and_o where_o be_v the_o place_n of_o understanding_n man_n know_v not_o the_o price_n thereof_o neither_o be_v it_o find_v in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n it_o be_v of_o more_o price_n than_o ruby_n it_o be_v of_o a_o invaluable_a price_n and_o humility_n that_o be_v a_o honourable_a grace_n and_o fear_v that_o be_v a_o preserve_a grace_n and_o patience_n that_o be_v a_o support_a grace_n and_o perseverance_n that_o be_v a_o crown_v grace_n all_o these_o grace_n be_v precious_a grace_n and_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o bestow_v upon_o we_o mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o christ_n merit_n four_o the_o privilege_n that_o we_o have_v by_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v precious_a privilege_n u-union_n with_o he_o and_o communion_n in_o his_o life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o comfort_n access_n to_o god_n the_o father_n and_o that_o with_o boldness_n five_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v seal_v by_o his_o blood_n they_o be_v precious_a promise_n promise_n for_o this_o life_n and_o promise_n for_o the_o life_n to_o come_v that_o promise_n that_o all_o shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n a_o big-bellied_a promise_n as_o i_o may_v so_o say_v all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a and_o our_o prayer_n and_o our_o person_n shall_v be_v accept_v last_o the_o inheritance_n that_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o we_o be_v a_o precious_a inheritance_n a_o incorruptible_a and_o undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o reserve_v in_o heaven_n in_o brief_a such_o be_v the_o preciousness_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o compare_v he_o with_o the_o most_o precious_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v name_v and_o you_o shall_v see_v they_o be_v but_o vile_a and_o base_a in_o comparison_n of_o he_o for_o example_n 1._o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v precious_a but_o oh_o how_o infinite_o precious_a be_v jesus_n christ_n who_o blood_n be_v a_o valuable_a and_o equivalent_a price_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o the_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o light_n be_v say_v to_o be_v precious_a christ_n say_v of_o himself_o i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n john_n 8.12_o light_n be_v precious_a to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o a_o dungeon_n of_o darkness_n now_o say_v jesus_n christ_n i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o truth_n be_v precious_a so_o precious_a that_o we_o be_v to_o buy_v it_o at_o any_o rate_n and_o sell_v it_o at_o no_o rate_n jesus_n christ_n say_v of_o himself_o i_o be_o the_o truth_n john_n 14.6_o 4._o fountain_n and_o spring_n of_o water_n be_v precious_a in_o hot_a and_o dry_a country_n oh_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v the_o well_o of_o salvation_n isa_n 12.3_o therefore_o with_o joy_n shall_v you_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o the_o well_n of_o salvation_n 5._o bread_n be_v precious_a to_o those_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v a_o man_n will_v venture_v the_o get_n of_o bread_n with_o the_o hazard_n of_o his_o life_n lam._n 5.9_o we_o get_v our_o bread_n with_o the_o peril_n of_o our_o life_n now_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n john_n 6.48_o 6._o balm_n and_o balsam_n be_v precious_a his_o blood_n be_v the_o only_a balm_n that_o can_v cure_v wound_v soul_n so_o precious_a be_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v but_o a_o picture_n of_o that_o beauty_n and_o preciousness_n that_o be_v in_o he_o he_o be_v the_o abstract_n and_o epitome_n of_o all_o perfection_n how_o precious_a must_v he_o needs_o be_v to_o who_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n do_v contribute_v all_o their_o excellency_n to_o make_v he_o excellent_a and_o glorious_a thus_o you_o see_v the_o point_n open_v now_o for_o the_o use_v of_o it_o first_o by_o way_n of_o information_n be_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n so_o infinite_o precious_a you_o may_v see_v then_o why_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v so_o precious_a because_o they_o be_v purchase_v by_o a_o precious_a saviour_n purchase_v by_o his_o precious_a blood_n harken_v o_o son_n of_o man_n why_o be_v you_o tumble_v up_o and_o down_o in_o dirt_n and_o clay_n why_o do_v you_o not_o raise_v your_o heart_n and_o thought_n high_a and_o high_o see_v that_o you_o have_v such_o precious_a soul_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o precious_a inheritance_n why_o do_v you_o not_o look_v after_o a_o precious_a covenant_n of_o grace_n â—ealed_v to_o you_o and_o precious_a promise_n confirm_v to_o you_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n why_o do_v you_o not_o look_v after_o that_o precious_a pearl_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v worth_a more_o than_o ten_o thousand_o world_n oh_o the_o baseness_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n that_o shall_v prefer_v dirt_n and_o dross_n and_o dung_n before_o he_o who_o be_v so_o infinite_o precious_a that_o they_o shall_v so_o undervalue_v their_o precious_a soul_n that_o cost_v such_o a_o invaluable_a rate_n for_o their_o redemption_n second_o by_o way_n of_o information_n see_v the_o horrible_a greatness_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n that_o make_v the_o sinner_n undervalue_v this_o precious_a redeemer_n say_v jesus_n christ_n you_o will_v not_o come_v to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n john_n 5.40_o oh_o bewail_v your_o unbelief_n that_o keep_v christ_n and_o your_o soul_n a_o precious_a christ_n and_o your_o poor_a soul_n at_o such_o a_o distance_n three_o by_o way_n of_o information_n take_v notice_n what_o a_o bless_a condition_n they_o be_v in_o that_o have_v get_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n into_o their_o soul_n if_o the_o lord_n bestow_v this_o gift_n of_o all_o gift_n this_o precious_a christ_n upon_o you_o oh_o it_o be_v more_o than_o if_o he_o have_v give_v thou_o the_o world_n nay_o then_o if_o he_o have_v give_v thou_o ten_o thousand_o world_n for_o thy_o portion_n o_o rejoice_v in_o thy_o portion_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o thou_o be_v a_o believer_n thy_o heart_n be_v make_v a_o cabinet_n for_o this_o precious_a pearl_n the_o lord_n christ_n for_o he_o dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n ephes_n 3.17_o oh_o manifest_a to_o the_o world_n the_o brightness_n of_o this_o pearl_n let_v some_o lustre_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shine_v in_o thy_o conversation_n shine_v through_o this_o cabinet_n as_o light_n 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of_o the_o sour_a matth._n 13_o they_o that_o receive_v the_o seed_n into_o stony_a place_n the_o same_o be_v they_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o anon_o with_o joy_n receive_v it_o but_o they_o have_v no_o root_n and_o for_o a_o while_o believe_v but_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n and_o persecution_n they_o fall_v away_o luke_n 8.13_o not_o they_o i_o say_v that_o thus_o have_v only_o a_o historical_a faith_n or_o only_o a_o temporary_a faith_n but_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v believer_n that_o be_v content_v to_o take_v jesus_n christ_n upon_o his_o own_o term_n to_o receive_v he_o as_o their_o king_n and_o priest_n and_o prophet_n they_o that_o can_v be_v content_a to_o close_v with_o he_o and_o to_o cleave_v to_o he_o as_o to_o the_o work_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o that_o can_v say_v with_o job_n though_o thou_o kill_v i_o i_o will_v put_v my_o trust_n in_o thou_o job_n 13.15_o in_o a_o word_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v believer_n that_o can_v rest_v and_o rely_v 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faith_n that_o be_v easy_o let_v into_o the_o soul_n without_o any_o work_n of_o conviction_n contrition_n and_o humiliation_n that_o faith_n that_o have_v no_o tear_n nor_o prayer_n nor_o earnest_a endeavour_n pay_v for_o the_o purchase_n of_o it_o be_v cheap_a ware_n and_o not_o worth_a a_o farthing_n second_o that_o faith_n that_o be_v a_o idle_a and_o a_o ineffectual_a faith_n that_o be_v never_o work_v upon_o the_o precept_n of_o god_n to_o obey_v they_o nor_o on_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o embrace_v they_o nor_o on_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n to_o tremble_v at_o they_o three_o that_o faith_n that_o be_v a_o unthrive_a faith_n that_o never_o grow_v under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n true_a faith_n be_v a_o grow_a faith_n 2_o thess_n 1.3_o say_v the_o apostle_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o thank_v god_n always_o for_o you_o brethren_n as_o it_o be_v meet_v because_o that_o your_o faith_n grow_v exceed_o and_o the_o charity_n of_o every_o one_o of_o you_o all_o towards_o each_o 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it_o be_v call_v in_o the_o 26_o verse_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o saint_n judas_n but_o you_o beloved_n build_v up_o yourselves_o in_o your_o most_o holy_a faith_n pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o they_o that_o have_v this_o true_a faith_n to_o they_o jesus_n christ_n be_v precious_a and_o they_o be_v the_o believer_n the_o text_n here_o speak_v of_o so_o much_o of_o the_o first_o who_o be_v those_o believer_n to_o who_o jesus_n christ_n be_v precious_a second_o why_o be_v jesus_n christ_n so_o precious_a to_o such_o believer_n you_o see_v who_o they_o be_v but_o why_o be_v he_o so_o precious_a to_o they_o so_o high_o prize_v by_o they_o divers_a reason_n may_v be_v render_v i_o shall_v give_v you_o these_o five_o or_o or_o six_z first_o jesus_n christ_n be_v so_o high_o prize_v by_o believer_n because_o they_o see_v the_o indispensable_a need_n that_o they_o have_v of_o he_o that_o without_o he_o they_o be_v lose_v dead_a damn_a and_o undo_v for_o ever_o therefore_o they_o prize_v he_o because_o they_o know_v they_o can_v live_v without_o he_o they_o know_v that_o a_o condemn_a prisoner_n have_v not_o more_o need_n of_o a_o pardon_n a_o poor_a beggar_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o starve_v in_o the_o street_n have_v not_o more_o need_n of_o food_n nor_o a_o naked_a man_n more_o need_n of_o clothes_n nor_o a_o sick_a man_n more_o need_n of_o a_o physician_n than_o they_o have_v of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o they_o prize_v he_o they_o know_v they_o be_v foolish_a yea_o folly_n itself_o therefore_o they_o have_v need_n of_o he_o to_o be_v their_o wisdom_n to_o guide_v they_o they_o know_v they_o be_v guilty_a sinner_n therefore_o they_o know_v they_o have_v need_n of_o his_o righteousness_n to_o clear_v they_o they_o know_v they_o be_v pollute_v and_o defile_v sinner_n therefore_o they_o have_v need_n of_o his_o blood_n to_o purify_v they_o they_o know_v they_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o wrath_n of_o a_o sin-revenging_a god_n and_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o condemn_a law_n and_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o second_o death_n therefore_o they_o have_v need_n of_o he_o to_o be_v their_o redemption_n they_o know_v that_o they_o be_v infinite_o indebt_v that_o they_o owe_v to_o god_n a_o debt_n of_o ten_o thousand_o talent_n which_o they_o be_v never_o able_a to_o discharge_v and_o therefore_o they_o have_v need_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v their_o surety_n they_o know_v they_o be_v weak_a and_o able_a to_o do_v nothing_o without_o he_o without_o i_o say_v christ_n you_o can_v do_v nothing_o and_o they_o know_v christ_n be_v their_o strength_n as_o well_o as_o redeemer_n and_o that_o through_o christ_n they_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n phil._n 4.13_o
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
other_o four_o he_o that_o sin_n through_o infirmity_n will_v still_o keep_v his_o conjugal_a love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o although_o some_o fail_n in_o he_o may_v work_v a_o kind_n of_o estrangement_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o soul_n yet_o notwithstanding_o his_o heart_n will_v still_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o this_o appear_v thus_o because_o he_o will_v choose_v no_o other_o husband_n he_o will_v choose_v no_o other_o saviour_n for_o all_o this_o but_o he_o will_v rejoice_v with_o all_o his_o heart_n if_o he_o may_v be_v but_o reconcile_v to_o jesus_n christ_n though_o there_o have_v be_v some_o unkindness_n between_o christ_n and_o he_o he_o say_v i_o will_v return_v to_o my_o first_o husband_n for_o than_o be_v it_o better_a with_o i_o than_o now_o hos_fw-la 2.7_o and_o he_o be_v grieve_v for_o the_o unevenness_n of_o his_o carriage_n towards_o so_o sweet_a a_o husband_n we_o he_o have_v be_v to_o he_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o disposition_n in_o you_o to_o hold_v fast_o your_o conjugal_a love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o still_o keep_v close_o to_o he_o though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o unkindness_n yet_o thou_o pitche_v on_o no_o other_o husband_n certain_o this_o be_v but_o a_o infirmity_n but_o say_v the_o poor_a soul_n can_v that_o be_v a_o infirmity_n that_o cleave_v to_o i_o all_o my_o day_n that_o i_o have_v be_v vex_v and_o perplex_v with_o twenty_o thirty_o year_n together_o i_o answer_v possible_o there_o may_v be_v such_o infirmity_n cleave_v to_o god_n child_n as_o for_o example_n some_o deadness_n in_o duty_n dulness_n and_o deadness_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n it_o may_v be_v slipperiness_n of_o memory_n or_o forgetfulness_n of_o the_o word_n we_o have_v hear_v or_o it_o may_v be_v some_o strong_a corruption_n which_o be_v like_o a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v leave_v in_o thou_o to_o humble_v thou_o and_o to_o make_v thou_o base_a in_o thy_o own_o eye_n all_o thy_o day_n but_o it_o may_v be_v then_o you_o will_v object_v and_o say_v how_o then_o will_v this_o stand_v with_o the_o doctrine_n you_o deliver_v even_o now_o you_o make_v it_o a_o mark_n or_o token_n of_o spiritual_a life_n that_o grace_n will_v prevail_v against_o corruption_n that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n will_v be_v victorious_a i_o answer_v true_a grace_n will_v be_v victorious_a at_o last_o but_o i_o do_v not_o say_v it_o will_v be_v all_o at_o once_o but_o it_o will_v be_v by_o degree_n and_o it_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o victory_n and_o conquest_n over_o corruption_n when_o it_o be_v subdue_v though_o it_o be_v not_o quite_o extinguish_v if_o it_o be_v weaken_v and_o abate_v though_o it_o be_v not_o destroy_v when_o a_o man_n can_v feel_o cry_v out_o of_o it_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o this_o body_n of_o death_n and_o he_o break_v out_o and_o say_v thanks_o be_v to_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n rom._n 7.25_o second_o i_o answer_v god_n sometime_o work_v by_o contrary_n god_n be_v carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o child_n when_o corruption_n seem_v to_o be_v thrive_a and_o grow_v when_o god_n mean_v to_o give_v his_o child_n victory_n he_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v foil_v first_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n sometime_o go_v backward_o that_o it_o may_v go_v forward_o as_o the_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_o in_o the_o field_n it_o rot_v in_o the_o ground_n before_o it_o spring_v and_o grow_v sometime_o you_o must_v know_v that_o god_n will_v strengthen_v we_o by_o our_o very_a slipping_n he_o will_v have_v we_o learn_v to_o stand_v by_o our_o very_a fall_n and_o bruise_n he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v strengthen_v by_o our_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v deep-rooted_n by_o our_o shake_n our_o infirmity_n be_v the_o keeper_n of_o our_o grace_n it_o make_v we_o look_v more_o careful_o to_o our_o own_o stand_n it_o be_v good_a therefore_o to_o observe_v the_o method_n and_o manner_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o our_o soul_n and_o to_o learn_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n be_v act_v of_o faith_n in_o the_o business_n of_o our_o infirmity_n for_o as_o i_o have_v often_o tell_v you_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o faith_n so_o much_o as_o we_o use_v faith_n so_o much_o we_o live_v by_o it_o it_o be_v good_a for_o a_o man_n to_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o point_n of_o his_o infirmity_n and_o to_o say_v when_o i_o be_o foil_v i_o shall_v have_v victory_n when_o i_o fall_v i_o shall_v arise_v when_o i_o be_o weak_a i_o be_o strong_a as_o the_o church_n say_v micah_n 7.8_o rejoice_v not_o against_o i_o o_o my_o enemy_n when_o i_o fall_v i_o shall_v arise_v when_o i_o sit_v in_o darkness_n the_o lord_n shall_v be_v a_o light_n unto_o i_o thus_o you_o have_v the_o explication_n of_o the_o point_n what_o a_o infirmity_n be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v the_o sign_n and_o symptom_n of_o it_o for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o point_n 1._o for_o consolation_n 2._o for_o caution_n 3._o for_o exhortation_n first_o for_o consolation_n because_o that_o be_v the_o principal_a use_n of_o the_o text_n and_o o_o that_o i_o can_v speak_v not_o only_o to_o the_o ear_n but_o to_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o poor_a doubt_n droop_a deject_a soul_n o_o that_o this_o doctrine_n may_v be_v as_o a_o box_n of_o ointment_n to_o comfort_v such_o a_o one_o to_o refresh_v he_o o_o that_o i_o eould_v but_o drop_v in_o some_o consolation_n into_o any_o poor_a bruise_a soul_n that_o hear_v i_o this_o day_n that_o such_o a_o one_o may_v lift_v up_o those_o hand_n that_o hang_v down_o and_o feeble_a knee_n that_o tremble_v isa_n 35.3_o and_o this_o be_v the_o comfort_n i_o have_v to_o tender_v to_o thou_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o reject_v thou_o for_o a_o infirmity_n he_o carry_v his_o lamb_n in_o his_o arm_n and_o gather_v they_o in_o his_o bosom_n poor_a weak_a one_o he_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o bosom_n when_o it_o may_v be_v the_o leg_n be_v break_v and_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o go_v he_o gentle_o lead_v those_o with_o young_a in_o all_o their_o fear_n doubt_n and_o disquietment_n about_o their_o condition_n he_o have_v a_o tender_a care_n of_o his_o lamb_n of_o his_o weak_a one_o if_o thou_o be_v but_o one_o of_o christ_n lamb_n know_v thus_o much_o for_o thy_o comfort_n that_o he_o have_v a_o care_n of_o the_o poor_a lamb_n that_o be_v in_o his_o flock_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o plant_n in_o his_o vineyard_n know_v that_o he_o have_v a_o care_n of_o the_o tender_a plant_n never_o be_v it_o know_v that_o a_o merciful_a and_o compassionate_a father_n cast_v off_o a_o child_n because_o of_o his_o weakness_n many_o time_n it_o may_v be_v when_o the_o child_n be_v so_o sick_a and_o weak_a that_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o speak_v but_o only_o to_o say_v father_n it_o may_v be_v it_o can_v speak_v out_o then_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o father_n yearn_v towards_o he_o the_o more_o the_o weak_a the_o child_n be_v and_o unable_a to_o speak_v the_o more_o his_o compassion_n be_v roll_a towards_o he_o o_o let_v not_o our_o unbelief_n make_v jesus_n christ_n unnatural_a do_v we_o think_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v less_o compassion_n towards_o his_o lamb_n than_o jacob_n have_v jacob_n be_v such_o a_o shepherd_n that_o he_o have_v such_o a_o tender_a care_n of_o his_o lamb_n that_o say_v he_o if_o you_o over-drive_a the_o flock_n the_o lamb_n will_v die_v and_o do_v you_o think_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v less_o solicitous_a for_o the_o good_a of_o he_o but_o alas_o say_v the_o poor_a soul_n my_o infirmity_n discourage_v i_o they_o weaken_v my_o assurance_n and_o rob_v i_o of_o my_o peace_n and_o comfort_n i_o answer_v true_a it_o be_v infirmity_n do_v so_o but_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v so_o and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o do_v so_o take_v these_o three_o or_o four_o consideration_n first_o consider_v in_o every_o infirmity_n as_o there_o be_v something_o against_o god_n so_o there_o be_v something_o also_o from_o god_n there_o be_v something_o against_o god_n that_o be_v true_a because_o our_o infirmity_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o holiness_n and_o strictness_n of_o his_o law_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v strive_v against_o they_o with_o prayer_n and_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n but_o as_o there_o be_v something_o against_o god_n so_o there_o be_v something_o also_o from_o god_n it_o may_v be_v he_o let_v we_o loose_v those_o infirmity_n upon_o thou_o even_o like_o a_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v thou_o to_o humble_v
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