comfort_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o our_o salvation_n depend_v not_o upon_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o the_o weak_a faith_n if_o it_o be_v true_a be_v effectual_a to_o salvation_n as_o well_o as_o the_o strong_a also_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o faith_n be_v a_o grace_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o sure_a rock_n even_o upon_o christ_n jesus_n against_o who_o no_o create_v power_n can_v prevail_v and_o that_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o faith_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o our_o hold_n upon_o christ_n for_o then_o every_o temptation_n or_o gust_n of_o affliction_n will_v make_v we_o let_v go_v our_o hold_n and_o so_o lose_v it_o but_o it_o consist_v in_o that_o firm_a and_o strong_a hold_n that_o christ_n have_v of_o we_o who_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o to_o pluck_v we_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n according_a to_o this_o of_o the_o psalmist_n â—â—â—_o psalmist_n â—â—_o 23_o 23._o â—â—â—_o i_o be_o continual_o with_o thou_o thou_o have_v hâ—lden_v i_o by_o my_o right_a hand_n thou_o shall_v guide_v i_o with_o thy_o counsel_n and_o afterward_o receive_v i_o to_o glory_n wherefore_o though_o we_o be_v bring_v to_o so_o low_a a_o â—bb_n that_o we_o have_v lose_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o faith_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a evidence_n that_o once_o we_o do_v enjoy_v it_o and_o that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o spiritual_a life_n in_o we_o which_o can_v be_v but_o by_o â—aith_n and_o this_o spiritual_a life_n be_v not_o quite_o extinct_a in_o we_o because_o we_o have_v still_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n though_o it_o be_v of_o loss_n the_o sense_n of_o a_o temporal_a loss_n be_v a_o manifest_a sign_n of_o a_o temporal_a life_n for_o a_o dead_a man_n have_v no_o sense_n either_o of_o loss_n or_o of_o gain_n so_o likewise_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o spiritual_a loss_n of_o that_o which_o former_o we_o do_v true_o enjoy_v be_v as_o well_o a_o evident_a sign_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n as_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o spiritual_a gain_n from_o hence_o a_o poor_a languish_a soul_n may_v draw_v much_o comfort_n if_o he_o do_v fear_v a_o spiritual_a desertion_n because_o he_o have_v no_o comfortable_a sense_n of_o his_o faith_n for_o his_o faith_n be_v but_o cloud_v the_o habit_n of_o it_o still_o remain_v though_o he_o can_v discern_v it_o as_o the_o herb_n in_o winter_n be_v hide_v under_o ground_n for_o a_o time_n because_o they_o be_v nip_v in_o with_o the_o cold_a frost_n and_o the_o warmth_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v go_v from_o they_o but_o the_o sun_n will_v return_v again_o in_o his_o strength_n and_o will_v disperse_v the_o cold_a and_o bring_v they_o again_o out_o of_o the_o earth_n by_o the_o virtue_n and_o strength_n of_o his_o comfortable_a beam_n to_o make_v they_o flourish_v and_o to_o be_v as_o fruitful_a as_o before_o so_o it_o be_v with_o faith_n it_o may_v be_v keep_v out_o of_o sight_n for_o a_o time_n if_o it_o be_v nip_v with_o the_o cold_a frost_n of_o affliction_n or_o if_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n have_v withdraw_v his_o comfortable_a beam_n from_o it_o but_o here_o be_v our_o hope_n and_o comfort_n 2._o comfort_n mal_fw-fr 4._o 2._o that_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n will_v return_v again_o with_o heal_v in_o his_o wing_n to_o dispel_v all_o affliction_n and_o sorrow_n to_o heal_v all_o our_o spiritual_a wound_n and_o baksliding_n from_o god_n and_o to_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o stability_n of_o true_a faith_n we_o be_v come_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n through_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n good_a spirit_n to_o the_o stability_n of_o faith_n which_o will_v satisfy_v and_o comfort_v every_o distress_a soul_n that_o be_v doubtful_a of_o his_o salvation_n weak_a in_o faith_n and_o afraid_a of_o death_n and_o of_o the_o last_o judgement_n through_o the_o wicked_a suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o by_o the_o aggravation_n of_o their_o sin_n though_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n anger_n will_v cloud_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o faith_n though_o affliction_n will_v sift_v it_o and_o winnow_v it_o as_o wheat_n though_o sin_n will_v wound_v it_o and_o the_o devil_n sometime_o foil_v it_o yet_o nothing_o can_v kill_v it_o and_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o overthrow_v it_o not_o the_o least_o grain_n of_o god_n corn_n shall_v fall_v upon_o the_o earth_n the_o habit_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v lose_v though_o we_o may_v loose_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o for_o a_o time_n for_o god_n have_v give_v the_o gift_n of_o perseverance_n to_o this_o faith_n and_o to_o no_o other_o so_o long_o as_o we_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n we_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o temptation_n and_o backslide_n from_o god_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o fall_v into_o many_o gross_a and_o dangerous_a sin_n which_o will_v bereave_v we_o of_o all_o spiritual_a comfort_n for_o the_o time_n yet_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n will_v appear_v again_o and_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n will_v shine_v upon_o we_o for_o christ_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o total_o and_o final_o to_o fall_v away_o from_o he_o for_o our_o faith_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o sure_a foundation_n against_o which_o no_o violence_n of_o temptation_n and_o no_o storm_n of_o persecution_n can_v prevail_v 48._o prevail_v lu._n 6._o 48._o christ_n do_v compare_v a_o righteous_a man_n to_o he_o that_o build_v a_o house_n and_o dig_v deep_a and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n on_o a_o rock_n and_o when_o the_o flood_n arise_v the_o stream_n beat_v vehement_o upon_o that_o house_n and_o can_v not_o shake_v it_o for_o it_o be_v found_v on_o a_o rock_n christ_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n he_o be_v the_o rock_n of_o our_o salvation_n 30_o salvation_n pro._n 10._o 30_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v we_o shall_v never_o be_v remove_v thus_o david_n show_v the_o stability_n of_o the_o faithful_a 22_o faithful_a psal_n 34._o 22_o the_o lord_n redeem_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o none_o of_o they_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o shall_v be_v desolate_a also_o thus_o say_v the_o psalmist_n 1_o psalmist_n psa_fw-la 125._o 1_o they_o that_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v as_o mount_n zion_n which_o can_v be_v remove_v but_o abide_v for_o ever_o and_o to_o make_v this_o truth_n undeniable_a thus_o say_v christ_n himself_o 16_o himself_o john_n 3._o 16_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n why_o then_o shall_v we_o faint_v under_o any_o temptation_n why_o shall_v we_o let_v go_v the_o anchor_n of_o our_o hope_n if_o we_o hold_v fast_o to_o our_o faith_n it_o will_v not_o deceive_v we_o christ_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o depart_v from_o he_o for_o ever_o if_o we_o sin_v god_n will_v chastise_v we_o and_o he_o will_v hide_v his_o face_n from_o we_o but_o if_o we_o repent_v amend_v and_o turn_v unto_o he_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o we_o he_o will_v pity_v we_o he_o will_v heal_v the_o bone_n which_o he_o have_v break_v and_o will_v restore_v we_o again_o to_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o salvation_n there_o be_v divers_a sound_a reason_n to_o prove_v the_o stability_n of_o faith_n in_o those_o that_o belong_v unto_o christ_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o total_o and_o final_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n but_o they_o shall_v be_v raise_v up_o again_o by_o repentance_n though_o they_o do_v sometime_o fall_v into_o fearful_a and_o dangerous_a sin_n the_o first_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o god_n free_a election_n which_o ever_o remain_v sure_a and_o unchangeable_a for_o what_o he_o have_v decree_v in_o his_o secret_a counsel_n must_v stand_v firm_a and_o can_v be_v alter_v thus_o say_v the_o apostle_n 34._o apostle_n rom._n 8._o 29_o 33_o 34._o god_n do_v foreknow_v some_o from_o eternity_n who_o he_o do_v elect_v and_o predestinate_a to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n who_o also_o he_o do_v effectual_o call_v and_o they_o he_o justify_v in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v glorify_v for_o who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_v who_o he_o have_v justify_v who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v see_v christ_n die_v for_o we_o and_o be_v rise_v again_o and_o be_v now_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o therefore_o he_o conclude_v that_o nothing_o can_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n also_o the_o same_o apostle_n say_v in_o another_o place_n 19_o place_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o seal_n
pronounce_v we_o perfect_a and_o just_a against_o all_o the_o accusation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o clamour_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n he_o will_v also_o accept_v of_o our_o person_n not_o for_o any_o grace_n that_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o nor_o for_o the_o merit_n of_o any_o work_n that_o be_v do_v by_o we_o but_o only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n who_o we_o do_v embrace_v by_o faith_n upon_o who_o we_o rest_v and_o depend_v and_o under_o who_o righteousness_n all_o our_o sin_n be_v hide_v and_o cover_v out_o of_o god_n sight_n holy_a david_n say_v 2_o say_v ps_n 23._o 1_o 2_o that_o the_o man_n be_v bless_v who_o wickedness_n be_v forgive_v and_o who_o sin_n be_v cover_v bless_a be_v the_o man_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n impute_v not_o iniquity_n though_o we_o be_v justify_v only_o by_o faith_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o by_o any_o property_n virtue_n or_o power_n that_o faith_n have_v in_o itself_o to_o justify_v but_o as_o it_o have_v relation_n unto_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o sole_a instrument_n to_o unite_v and_o knit_v we_o unto_o he_o with_o a_o unseparable_a union_n to_o be_v make_v one_o with_o he_o and_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o his_o righteousness_n and_o of_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n if_o we_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v crucify_v and_o die_v for_o we_o 7._o we_o rom._n 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o and_o that_o his_o righteousness_n be_v make_v we_o by_o imputation_n we_o have_v then_o right_a and_o interest_n in_o all_o his_o excellency_n and_o in_o all_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o god_n in_o mercy_n will_v accept_v of_o our_o work_n and_o service_n though_o they_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o in_o much_o weakness_n we_o may_v be_v well_o persuade_v of_o our_o justification_n 9_o justification_n phil_n 3._o 9_o because_o god_n have_v give_v we_o a_o lively_a hope_n through_o christ_n that_o distrust_v our_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o work_n we_o may_v cast_v ourselves_o upon_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o god_n through_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o our_o justification_n though_o work_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o to_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o they_o be_v do_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n yet_o they_o conduce_v nothing_o to_o our_o justification_n neither_o can_v they_o merit_v the_o pardon_n of_o the_o least_o sin_n 10_o sin_n lu._n 17._o 10_o for_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v we_o have_v do_v but_o our_o duty_n and_o yet_o not_o so_o much_o as_o god_n require_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v stâ—ll_o unprofitable_a servant_n also_o our_o best_a work_n as_o they_o be_v wrought_v by_o we_o though_o we_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v defile_v and_o imperfect_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n that_o cleave_v to_o they_o notwithstanding_o god_n do_v require_v they_o of_o we_o 10_o we_o eph._n 2._o 10_o for_o we_o be_v create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n we_o can_v express_v no_o action_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n and_o no_o fruit_n of_o our_o sanctification_n and_o regeneration_n in_o christ_n but_o by_o our_o good_a work_n 17_o work_n jam._n 2._o 17_o and_o our_o faith_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a faith_n if_o it_o be_v alone_o without_o work_n what_o life_n be_v in_o our_o faith_n if_o it_o be_v barren_a and_o fruitless_a how_o shall_v we_o manifest_v our_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o all_o his_o benefit_n but_o by_o do_v that_o which_o he_o command_v with_o a_o thankful_a heart_n can_v dead_a work_n glorify_v god_n can_v they_o declare_v our_o regeneration_n in_o christ_n or_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o how_o shall_v we_o strengthen_v our_o hope_n of_o salvation_n if_o we_o be_v not_o fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n hereby_o we_o do_v edify_v the_o brethren_n according_a to_o this_o of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n 16._o christ_n mat._n 5._o 16._o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o mâ—n_z that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorifi_n your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n 10_o heaven_n tit._n 2._o 10_o hereby_o also_o we_o do_v honour_n and_o adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n in_o all_o thing_n so_o likewise_o we_o shall_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o adversary_n 12_o adversary_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 12_o that_o they_o may_v by_o our_o good_a work_n which_o they_o shall_v behold_v glorify_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o visitation_n 5._o visitation_n 2_o cor._n 3._o 5._o but_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v any_o thing_n as_o of_o ourselves_o much_o less_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n for_o as_o paul_n say_v 13_o say_v phil._n 2._o 13_o it_o be_v god_n which_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n wherefore_o we_o can_v ascribe_v nothing_o to_o ourselves_o for_o any_o good_a that_o we_o do_v but_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o praise_n of_o our_o work_n must_v be_v give_v to_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v honour_v and_o magnify_v by_o they_o but_o how_o our_o work_n may_v be_v good_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n now_o let_v we_o study_v and_o meditate_v with_o pure_a affection_n how_o to_o rest_v upon_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n for_o our_o justification_n and_o not_o upon_o our_o work_n for_o if_o we_o trust_v to_o our_o work_n or_o glory_n in_o they_o they_o will_v deceive_v we_o thus_o say_v paul_n 1â—_n paul_n gal._n 2._o 1â—_n by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n can_v no_o flesh_n be_v justify_v also_o if_o we_o make_v our_o work_n copartner_n with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o justification_n than_o christ_n will_v profit_v we_o nothing_o for_o our_o work_n do_v conduce_v much_o to_o our_o sanctification_n but_o they_o have_v no_o place_n in_o our_o justification_n if_o we_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n we_o can_v feel_v no_o comfort_n in_o christ_n no_o assurance_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n &_o no_o steadfast_a hope_n of_o salvation_n if_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o impute_v to_o we_o our_o heart_n can_v be_v season_v with_o grace_n there_o can_v be_v no_o purity_n nor_o holiness_n of_o life_n and_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o that_o will_v please_v god_n so_o likewise_o if_o the_o guilt_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v not_o impute_v unto_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v take_v it_o from_o we_o it_o will_v still_o rest_v upon_o our_o soul_n it_o will_v afflict_v and_o terrify_v our_o conscience_n it_o will_v follow_v we_o unto_o judgement_n and_o at_o last_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o sink_v we_o down_o into_o eternal_a destruction_n but_o here_o be_v singular_a comfort_n for_o a_o poor_a distress_a soul_n that_o be_v under_o the_o buffet_n of_o satan_n against_o all_o his_o fear_n and_o doubt_n that_o if_o he_o have_v interest_n in_o christ_n by_o faith_n he_o may_v say_v with_o paul_n 34._o paul_n rom._n â—_o 33_o 34._o it_o be_v god_n that_o justifi_v who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v it_o be_v christ_n that_o die_v yea_o rather_o that_o be_v rise_v again_o who_o be_v even_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o also_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n thus_o every_o true_a believer_n may_v comfort_v himself_o in_o the_o assurance_n of_o his_o justification_n though_o his_o faith_n be_v strong_o assault_v to_o make_v he_o cast_v off_o all_o hope_n of_o salvation_n for_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v he_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n the_o benefit_n and_o comfort_n of_o true_a faith_n this_o faith_n be_v such_o a_o excellent_a grace_n that_o we_o may_v draw_v from_o it_o many_o singular_a benefit_n and_o comfort_n if_o we_o make_v use_v of_o it_o upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o it_o do_v also_o make_v we_o capable_a by_o christ_n of_o eternal_a life_n hereafter_o for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v the_o sole_a instrument_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v to_o unite_v we_o unto_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v partake_v with_o he_o in_o his_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n and_o in_o all_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a endowment_n of_o grace_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v new_a creature_n in_o christ_n when_o god_n see_v we_o in_o this_o gracious_a condition_n with_o christ_n than_o he_o be_v please_v to_o lay_v no_o guilt_n of_o sin_n to_o our_o charge_n for_o our_o condemnation_n but_o to_o impute_v the_o
the_o lord_n know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o the_o second_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o virtue_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n a_o covenant_n between_o man_n and_o man_n be_v a_o engagement_n of_o great_a force_n and_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n do_v always_o exact_o keep_v it_o how_o strong_a then_o be_v that_o covenant_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v make_v with_o we_o which_o his_o own_o dear_a son_n have_v seal_v with_o his_o blood_n and_o which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o own_o free_a grace_n and_o favour_n to_o we_o poor_a miserable_a sinner_n which_o christ_n have_v procure_v for_o we_o 9_o we_o gâ—â—_n 9_o god_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o noah_n and_o he_o have_v keep_v it_o to_o this_o day_n also_o god_n make_v diverse_a covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o he_o perform_v they_o all_o 21_o all_o gen._n 21_o abraham_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o abimelech_n and_o do_v precise_o keep_v it_o this_o new_a covenant_n be_v for_o ever_o and_o it_o be_v so_o strong_o confirm_v that_o we_o can_v question_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o on_o god_n part_n who_o in_o his_o own_o esence_n be_v immutable_a and_o unchangeable_a and_o though_o we_o can_v perform_v our_o condition_n to_o god_n yet_o christ_n have_v perform_v they_o for_o we_o and_o will_v also_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v never_o depart_v from_o he_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n by_o his_o prophet_n 34._o prophet_n jer._n 33_o 34._o i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n and_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o more_o every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o even_o unto_o the_o great_a of_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n for_o i_o will_v forgive_v their_o iniquity_n and_o will_v remember_v their_o sin_n no_o more_o and_o again_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n 40_o lord_n jer._n 32._o 40_o and_o i_o will_v make_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n with_o they_o that_o i_o will_v not_o turn_v away_o from_o they_o to_o do_v they_o good_a but_o i_o will_v put_v my_o fear_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o i_o wherefore_o see_v we_o have_v this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n from_o god_n and_o thus_o confirm_v with_o the_o seal_n of_o christ_n blood_n we_o may_v rest_v confident_a that_o if_o we_o be_v ingraft_v into_o christ_n by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n we_o be_v then_o invest_v into_o this_o new_a covenant_n and_o every_o condition_n and_o promise_n therein_o contain_v shall_v be_v perform_v to_o the_o uttermost_a which_o do_v give_v we_o a_o holy_a assurance_n that_o we_o shall_v never_o total_o and_o final_o fall_v away_o from_o god_n the_o three_o reason_n for_o the_o stability_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v ground_v upon_o the_o power_n of_o god_n for_o as_o peter_n say_v 5._o say_v 1_o pet._n 1._o 5._o we_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n the_o lord_n jehovah_n be_v our_o keeper_n the_o lord_n be_v our_o defence_n all_o power_n be_v from_o he_o and_o no_o create_a power_n can_v take_v we_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n christ_n be_v also_o our_o good_a shepherd_n and_o we_o be_v his_o sheep_n though_o we_o go_v astray_o and_o wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o this_o world_n yet_o christ_n will_v not_o loose_v we_o but_o will_v seeâ—_n we_o up_o and_o bring_v we_o again_o unto_o his_o fold_n 29._o fold_n john_n 10._o 28_o 29._o christ_n know_v his_o sheep_n and_o will_v give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v neither_o shall_v any_o man_n pluck_v thâ—m_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n my_o father_n say_v he_o which_o give_v they_o i_o be_v great_a than_o all_o and_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o father_n hand_n wherefore_o if_o there_o be_v any_o confidence_n to_o be_v put_v in_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n if_o any_o trust_n in_o the_o care_n of_o christ_n over_o his_o flock_n or_o any_o truth_n in_o his_o promise_n to_o his_o sheep_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_v of_o our_o perseverance_n in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o truth_n we_o need_v not_o fear_v the_o malice_n the_o cunning_a or_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o he_o can_v overthrow_v our_o faith_n or_o destroy_v the_o habit_n of_o it_o that_o be_v plant_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n four_o the_o stability_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v firm_o ground_v upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n according_a to_o this_o of_o paul_n 24._o paul_n 1_o thess_n 5._o 23_o 24._o and_o the_o very_a god_n of_o peace_n sanctify_v you_o whole_o and_o i_o pray_v god_n your_o whole_a spirit_n and_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v preserve_v blameless_a unto_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n faithful_a be_v he_o that_o call_v you_o who_o also_o will_v do_v it_o also_o thus_o he_o say_v 9_o say_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 8_o 9_o god_n shall_v also_o confirm_v you_o unto_o the_o end_n that_o you_o may_v he_o blameless_a in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n god_n be_v faithful_a by_o who_o you_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n thus_o say_v moses_n to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n 9_o israel_n deut_n 7._o 9_o know_v therefore_o that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n he_o be_v god_n the_o faithful_a god_n which_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n with_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n to_o a_o thousand_o generation_n holy_a david_n have_v great_a experience_n of_o god_n faithfulness_n to_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v 5._o say_v psal_n 36_o 5._o that_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n reach_v to_o the_o cloud_n and_o again_o he_o say_v 90._o say_v psal_n 119._o 90._o thy_o faithfulness_n be_v unto_o all_o generation_n thou_o have_v establish_v the_o earth_n and_o it_o abide_v we_o may_v therefore_o rest_v upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o his_o power_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o covenant_n for_o the_o perform_n of_o his_o promise_n for_o his_o aid_n and_o assist_a grace_n in_o all_o our_o temptation_n 13._o temptation_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 13._o for_o god_n be_v faithful_a who_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o that_o we_o be_v able_a but_o will_v with_o the_o temptation_n also_o make_v away_o to_o escape_v that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o also_o in_o all_o our_o affliction_n misery_n and_o calamity_n that_o we_o suffer_v in_o a_o good_a cause_n god_n will_v keep_v and_o preserve_v our_o soul_n from_o hurt_n and_o therefore_o thus_o say_v peter_n 19_o peter_n 1_o pet_n 4._o 19_o let_v thâ—m_n that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n commit_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n as_o unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n unto_o his_o people_n 20._o people_n hos_fw-la 2._o 19_o 20._o i_o will_v betrothe_v thou_o unto_o i_o forever_o yea_o i_o will_v betrothe_v thou_o unto_o i_o in_o righteousness_n and_o in_o judgement_n and_o in_o love_a kindness_n and_o in_o mercy_n i_o will_v even_o betrothe_v thou_o unto_o i_o in_o faithfulness_n and_o thou_o shall_v know_v the_o lord_n if_o we_o be_v thus_o betroth_v unto_o god_n in_o faithfulness_n in_o judgement_n and_o in_o righteousness_n than_o we_o can_v be_v quite_o separate_v from_o he_o and_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o our_o betrthe_v can_v be_v quite_o lose_v the_o five_o reason_n why_o the_o faithful_a can_v final_o fall_v away_o from_o god_n be_v take_v from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n â—_o god_n john_n 13._o â—_o for_o those_o who_o he_o love_v god_n love_v to_o the_o end_n love_n be_v essential_a in_o god_n and_o he_o can_v as_o well_o deny_v his_o own_o be_v as_o deny_v his_o love_n to_o those_o that_o be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o his_o love_n to_o they_o endure_v for_o ever_o 39_o ever_o rom._n 8_o 39_o for_o nothing_o can_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n thus_o say_v john_n the_o belove_a disciple_n of_o christ_n 16._o christ_n 1_o john_n 4._o 10_o 16._o herein_o be_v love_n not_o that_o we_o love_v god_n but_o that_o he_o love_v we_o and_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n again_o he_o say_v thus_o and_o we_o have_v know_v and_o believe_v the_o love_n that_o god_n have_v to_o we_o god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o
the_o comfort_n of_o the_o soul_n lay_v down_o by_o way_n of_o meditation_n upon_o some_o head_n of_o christian_a religion_n very_o profitable_a for_o every_o true_a christian_a compose_v and_o write_v by_o john_n anthony_n of_o london_n doctor_n of_o physic_n psal_n 19_o ver_fw-la 14._o let_v the_o word_n of_o my_o mouth_n and_o the_o meditation_n of_o my_o heart_n be_v always_o acceptable_a in_o thy_o sight_n o_o lord_n my_o strength_n and_o my_o redeemer_n london_n print_v for_o g._n dawson_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o john_n montague_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o white-dragon_n in_o ducklane_n 1654._o i_o have_v peruse_v these_o divine_a meditation_n entitle_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o do_v find_v they_o to_o be_v so_o orthodox_n and_o solid_a pious_a and_o profitable_a that_o i_o do_v approve_v they_o well_o worthy_a to_o be_v print_v and_o publish_v john_n downame_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a dame_n elizabeth_n dygby_n baronesse_n of_o geshal_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o ireland_n grace_n mercy_n and_o peace_n from_o god_n the_o father_n and_o from_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v nothing_o of_o i_o own_o that_o be_v worthy_a your_o acceptance_n to_o express_v my_o cordial_a respect_n and_o thankfulness_n for_o those_o many_o favour_n which_o i_o have_v receive_v from_o you_o i_o have_v take_v some_o spiritual_a receipt_n out_o of_o god_n sacred_a dispensatory_a which_o i_o be_o bold_a to_o present_v or_o dedicate_v to_o your_o honour_n because_o they_o be_v special_a cordial_n for_o the_o spirit_n and_o precious_a antidote_n against_o the_o evil_a of_o sad_a time_n wherein_o also_o you_o will_v find_v some_o balm_n of_o gilead_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o all_o spiritual_a disease_n if_o it_o be_v apply_v close_o to_o the_o part_n that_o be_v ill_o affect_v with_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n if_o these_o thing_n do_v relish_v well_o with_o your_o spiritual_a palate_n than_o i_o be_o confident_a you_o will_v take_v sometime_o to_o ruminate_v hereupon_o for_o i_o know_v it_o have_v be_v your_o constant_a course_n to_o meditate_v something_o daily_o of_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n which_o do_v strong_o induce_v i_o to_o present_v these_o unripe_a fruit_n of_o my_o labour_n to_o you_o which_o i_o gather_v in_o my_o old_a age_n for_o my_o own_o use_n according_a to_o my_o first_o intention_n though_o i_o have_v thus_o labour_v out_o of_o my_o call_v as_o i_o be_o a_o physician_n yet_o i_o be_o not_o out_o of_o my_o profession_n as_o i_o be_o a_o christian_n now_o see_v this_o work_n be_v come_v to_o public_a view_n i_o do_v humble_o desire_v your_o favourable_a construction_n of_o the_o frailty_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o that_o you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o vindicate_v it_o from_o carp_a spirit_n for_o i_o do_v not_o write_v it_o to_o please_v their_o curiosity_n but_o to_o refresh_v and_o comfort_v those_o that_o do_v any_o way_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o spiritual_a consolation_n if_o any_o thing_n herein_o can_v give_v you_o any_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n let_v god_n have_v the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o work_n and_o i_o shall_v great_o rejoice_v therein_o and_o shall_v still_o remain_v your_o much_o oblige_a servant_n john_n anthony_n to_o the_o reader_n courteous_a reader_n if_o thou_o do_v live_v under_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v sensible_a of_o these_o sad_a time_n or_o if_o god_n visitation_n be_v upon_o thou_o which_o make_v thou_o to_o sigh_v and_o groan_v under_o the_o burden_n and_o pressure_n of_o thy_o sorrow_n so_o that_o thy_o soul_n desire_v comfort_n and_o thy_o spirit_n want_v spiritual_a refresh_n and_o heavenly_a consolation_n then_o i_o have_v write_v this_o treatise_n for_o thou_o which_o i_o present_v to_o thy_o view_n wherein_o thou_o shall_v find_v the_o true_a way_n how_o to_o demean_v thyself_o under_o god_n visitation_n how_o to_o bear_v thy_o cross_n with_o a_o content_a patience_n how_o to_o make_v the_o burden_n of_o thy_o sorrow_n more_o easy_a or_o how_o to_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o they_o if_o god_n see_v it_o to_o be_v most_o for_o his_o glory_n and_o best_a for_o thy_o good_a also_o how_o to_o refresh_v thy_o spirit_n and_o comfort_v thy_o soul_n in_o what_o kind_n soever_o it_o be_v afflict_v here_o also_o thou_o shall_v find_v that_o many_o of_o god_n dear_a servant_n have_v suffer_v as_o great_a affliction_n as_o thou_o can_v and_o yet_o god_n do_v send_v they_o comfort_v and_o deliverance_n but_o special_o what_o christ_n thy_o saviour_n have_v suffer_v for_o thou_o and_o what_o benefit_n and_o comfort_n thou_o may_v have_v by_o it_o if_o thou_o can_v draw_v it_o to_o thyself_o and_o make_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o it_o to_o thy_o own_o sorrowful_a condition_n without_o which_o it_o will_v yield_v thou_o but_o small_a consolation_n in_o thy_o misery_n if_o thou_o do_v meet_v with_o any_o thing_n here_o that_o will_v fit_v thy_o present_a condition_n either_o for_o edification_n or_o for_o comfort_n thou_o must_v ruminate_v well_o upon_o it_o to_o suck_v out_o the_o spiritual_a juiâ—e_n to_o imprint_v it_o in_o thy_o mind_n and_o to_o bring_v it_o close_o home_o to_o thy_o heart_n that_o it_o may_v comfort_v thy_o soul_n and_o cure_v thy_o wound_a spirit_n david_n find_v great_a comfort_n when_o he_o do_v meditate_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n my_o soul_n say_v he_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n and_o my_o mouth_n shall_v praise_v thou_o with_o joyful_a 6_o psal_n 63._o 5_o 6_o lip_n 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 and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o for_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v and_o he_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o those_o that_o do_v practice_n it_o to_o pour_v down_o his_o blessing_n upon_o they_o as_o he_o do_v upon_o isaac_n who_o go_v out_o daily_o into_o the_o field_n to_o meditate_v 64._o gen._n 24._o 63_o 64._o upon_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n and_o then_o at_o that_o very_a time_n god_n send_v he_o a_o virtuous_a wife_n if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n go_v along_o with_o thou_o in_o thy_o holy_a meditation_n they_o can_v but_o be_v comfortable_a to_o thy_o soul_n thou_o will_v then_o conceive_v aright_o of_o the_o secret_a and_o hide_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o thou_o will_v see_v the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o creature_n his_o goodness_n and_o bounty_n to_o thou_o in_o they_o and_o a_o glimpse_n of_o the_o majesty_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o great_a creator_n god_n almighty_n his_o holy_a spirit_n will_v also_o open_v thy_o heart_n to_o let_v in_o whatsoever_o spiritual_a good_a thou_o reape_v by_o thy_o pious_a meditation_n for_o if_o thou_o look_v upon_o the_o creature_n and_o do_v not_o meditate_v something_o of_o god_n in_o it_o thou_o do_v look_v upon_o it_o in_o vain_a and_o if_o thou_o read_v or_o hear_v his_o word_n preach_v and_o do_v not_o settle_v it_o upon_o thy_o affection_n by_o ruminate_v upon_o it_o thou_o can_v not_o edify_v thy_o heart_n nor_o comfort_v thy_o soul_n thereby_o so_o likewise_o if_o thou_o do_v read_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o treatise_n that_o be_v comfortable_a to_o poor_a deject_a spirit_n it_o will_v not_o comfort_v thou_o if_o it_o be_v not_o well_o digest_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o apply_v to_o thy_o own_o soul_n if_o thou_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o this_o holy_a duty_n i_o have_v give_v thou_o some_o direction_n how_o to_o perform_v it_o and_o if_o thou_o do_v first_o practice_n it_o upon_o thyself_o to_o meditate_v upon_o thy_o own_o condition_n what_o thou_o be_v by_o nature_n and_o what_o by_o grace_n and_o consider_v serious_o in_o thy_o thought_n what_o way_n thou_o walk_v what_o step_v thou_o tread_v and_o to_o what_o end_n thy_o way_n do_v tend_v thou_o will_v not_o only_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thyself_o but_o thou_o will_v also_o learn_v how_o to_o meditate_v profitable_o and_o comfortable_o upon_o god_n thy_o creator_n upon_o jesus_n christ_n thy_o redeemer_n and_o upon_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thy_o sanctifier_n and_o comforter_n i_o conclude_v with_o this_o say_n of_o a_o ancient_a father_n nothing_o be_v find_v more_o sweet_a in_o this_o life_n nothing_o be_v conceive_v more_o comfortable_a nothing_o do_v so_o separate_v the_o affection_n from_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n nothing_o do_v so_o fortify_v the_o mind_n against_o temptation_n nothing_o do_v so_o stir_v up_o man_n and_o further_o he_o to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o duty_n as_o the_o grace_n and_o benefit_n of_o divine_a meditation_n and_o heavenly_a contemplation_n thou_o in_o the_o lord_n christ_n john_n anthony_n a_o table_n of_o these_o several_a head_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n meditation_n be_v a_o duty_n
adam_n and_o how_o rebellious_o we_o have_v sin_v against_o god_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n if_o this_o be_v our_o condition_n which_o be_v most_o true_a as_o we_o be_v in_o the_o staâ—â—_n of_o nature_n what_o comfort_n can_v we_o then_o take_v in_o all_o worldly_a pomp_n and_o dignity_n what_o contentment_n be_v there_o in_o all_o earthly_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n they_o be_v all_o nothing_o else_o but_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n we_o may_v enjoy_v more_o of_o this_o world_n than_o our_o heart_n can_v desire_v and_o yet_o our_o soul_n may_v starve_v for_o want_v of_o spiritual_a food_n and_o comfort_n 12_o comfort_n gen._n 4._o 12_o cain_n be_v heir_n apparent_a to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v drive_v out_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o become_v a_o vagabond_n upon_o earth_n so_o we_o may_v enjoy_v whatsoever_o the_o world_n can_v afford_v we_o and_o yet_o god_n will_v not_o look_v upon_o we_o with_o a_o gracious_a aspect_n and_o then_o our_o condition_n will_v be_v no_o better_o than_o that_o of_o cain_n we_o may_v enjoy_v health_n wealth_n peace_n liberty_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o prosperity_n and_o yet_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v sick_a they_o may_v languish_v with_o sadness_n of_o heart_n they_o may_v be_v much_o perplex_v and_o shut_v up_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o dungeon_n because_o they_o be_v so_o restrain_v by_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o they_o have_v no_o freedom_n to_o mount_v upward_o towards_o heaven_n it_o be_v nothing_o so_o uncomfortable_a to_o live_v in_o perpetual_a darkness_n and_o never_o to_o see_v the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n as_o it_o be_v to_o have_v our_o understanding_n spiritual_o darken_v and_o to_o live_v without_o the_o light_n of_o the_o 2_o the_o mal._n 4._o 2_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n to_o have_v no_o appearance_n from_o he_o to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o be_v a_o guide_n to_o our_o reason_n to_o season_v our_o heart_n with_o grace_n and_o to_o show_v we_o the_o way_n that_o will_v bring_v we_o to_o heavenly_a happiness_n this_o be_v our_o condition_n by_o nature_n we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n our_o life_n be_v void_a of_o all_o true_a comfort_n and_o consolation_n we_o walk_v in_o darkness_n 6_o darkness_n isa_n 53._o 6_o we_o go_v astray_o like_o silly_a sheep_n and_o follow_v our_o own_o invention_n and_o we_o have_v no_o ability_n in_o ourselves_o to_o return_v again_o into_o the_o right_a way_n wherefore_o let_v our_o heart_n be_v thorough_o affect_v with_o this_o our_o sad_a condition_n let_v our_o meditation_n hereupon_o draw_v we_o to_o a_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o our_o sin_n which_o may_v bring_v we_o to_o true_a repentance_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n let_v this_o be_v our_o chief_a care_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o regain_v the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o let_v our_o soul_n bewail_v our_o sin_n with_o hearty_a contrition_n and_o true_a compunction_n let_v our_o tear_n manifest_v the_o grief_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o repentance_n for_o our_o transgression_n and_o let_v we_o cast_v ourselves_o down_o at_o god_n footstool_n and_o humble_o acknowledge_v our_o offence_n to_o he_o sue_v earnest_o to_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o the_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o they_o through_o faith_n in_o christ_n also_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v humble_a petitioner_n to_o god_n for_o a_o supply_n of_o such_o grace_n as_o we_o want_v to_o strengthen_v â—s_n against_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o against_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n this_o shall_v be_v our_o constant_a practice_n every_o night_n before_o we_o sleep_v to_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o day_n past_a wherein_o we_o have_v fail_v of_o our_o duty_n and_o wherein_o we_o have_v dishonour_v god_n that_o our_o soul_n may_v rest_v in_o peace_n as_o well_o as_o our_o body_n do_v rest_n in_o quiet_a so_o likewise_o every_o morning_n we_o shall_v acknowledge_v our_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o night_n past_a and_o to_o crave_v his_o blessing_n upon_o our_o labour_n the_o day_n follow_v if_o we_o continual_o practice_v this_o duty_n it_o will_v keep_v we_o from_o gross_a sin_n and_o great_a offence_n and_o it_o will_v make_v we_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o renew_v our_o repentance_n with_o god_n for_o our_o sin_n every_o fit_a of_o pain_n or_o of_o sickness_n that_o we_o feel_v and_o every_o cross_n or_o affliction_n that_o we_o suffer_v call_v loud_o for_o repentance_n because_o it_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o our_o sin_n also_o every_o blessing_n and_o every_o good_a thing_n that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o bestow_v upon_o we_o cry_v loud_o for_o our_o thankfulness_n because_o it_o be_v bestow_v of_o his_o own_o free_a bounty_n and_o goodness_n and_o not_o for_o any_o merit_n or_o desert_n of_o we_o though_o we_o be_v miserable_a vile_a and_o wretched_a in_o ourselves_o yet_o god_n be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a and_o do_v daily_o give_v we_o occasion_n to_o glorify_v he_o and_o he_o do_v use_v all_o mean_n to_o bring_v we_o home_o again_o unto_o himself_o for_o he_o do_v not_o delight_n in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v repent_v and_o turn_v unto_o he_o neither_o do_v he_o deal_v with_o we_o according_a to_o our_o sin_n nor_o reward_v we_o according_a to_o our_o deserve_n but_o have_v pay_v a_o great_a prize_n for_o our_o redemption_n out_o of_o this_o miserable_a condition_n concern_v the_o redemption_n of_o man._n when_o god_n see_v man_n in_o this_o sad_a condition_n a_o lamentable_a spectacle_n of_o woeful_a misery_n then_o he_o take_v pity_n upon_o he_o 8_o he_o ezek._n 16._o 8_o and_o this_o time_n of_o his_o wretched_a estate_n be_v the_o time_n of_o god_n love_n to_o he_o for_o soon_o after_o his_o fall_n god_n make_v a_o gracious_a promise_n of_o redemption_n to_o he_o 15_o he_o gen._n 3._o 15_o that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n this_o promise_n god_n do_v afterward_o renew_v to_o the_o patriarch_n which_o be_v concern_v christ_n the_o lord_n that_o shall_v come_v in_o his_o appoint_a time_n who_o god_n do_v plain_o reveal_v to_o some_o of_o the_o prophet_n 5_o prophet_n gal._n 4_o 4_o 5_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o time_n be_v come_v god_n send_v forth_o his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n make_v under_o the_o law_n to_o redeem_v they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v the_o adoption_n of_o son_n 10_o son_n 1_o john_n 4_o 9_o 10_o in_o this_o be_v manifest_v the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o because_o that_o god_n send_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o herein_o be_v love_n not_o that_o we_o love_v god_n but_o that_o he_o love_v we_o and_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n 18_o sin_n john_n â—_o 18_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o assume_v our_o nature_n and_o take_v upon_o himself_o the_o guilt_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o redeem_v we_o from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n from_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o death_n 23_o death_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 23_o christ_n have_v also_o pay_v a_o infinite_a price_n for_o our_o redemption_n even_o his_o own_o most_o precious_a blood_n and_o the_o full_a vial_n of_o god_n wrath_n be_v pour_v out_o upon_o he_o because_o he_o do_v undertake_v to_o satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o our_o sin_n for_o thus_o say_v the_o prophet_n 6._o prophet_n isa_n 53._o 6._o the_o lord_n have_v lay_v on_o he_o the_o iniquity_n of_o we_o all_o 8_o all_o act_n 12._o 7_o 8_o now_o let_v we_o gird_v up_o our_o loin_n with_o peter_n and_o bind_v on_o our_o sandal_n 15_o sandal_n eph._n 6._o 15_o and_o let_v our_o foot_n be_v shod_a with_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n to_o be_v fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o our_o deliverance_n out_o of_o prison_n for_o the_o chain_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v take_v off_o and_o the_o prison_n door_n be_v open_v to_o set_v we_o at_o liberty_n and_o to_o redeem_v our_o soul_n from_o destruction_n this_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v so_o great_a a_o mystery_n that_o the_o bless_a angel_n do_v adore_v it_o with_o much_o admiration_n but_o they_o can_v comprehend_v it_o it_o be_v decree_v in_o heaven_n before_o the_o world_n be_v and_o all_o the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o holy_a trinity_n have_v their_o several_a operation_n
shall_v see_v 9_o see_v gen._n 47_o 9_o that_o our_o day_n be_v few_o and_o evil_a as_o jacob_n say_v unto_o pharaoh_n and_o holy_a david_n will_v tell_v we_o 4._o we_o psa_fw-la 144._o 4._o that_o man_n be_v like_a to_o vanity_n his_o day_n be_v as_o a_o shadow_n that_o pass_v away_o also_o 5._o also_o psal_n 39_o 5._o that_o our_o day_n be_v as_o a_o hand-breadth_n and_o our_o age_n be_v as_o nothing_o before_o god_n and_o in_o another_o psalm_n he_o say_v thus_o 16._o thus_o psal_n 103._o 15_o 16._o as_o for_o man_n his_o day_n be_v as_o grass_n as_o a_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n so_o he_o flowrish_v for_o the_o wind_n pass_v over_o it_o and_o it_o be_v go_v and_o the_o place_n thereof_o shall_v know_v it_o no_o more_o thus_o say_v holy_a job_n 7_o job_n job_n 7._o 6._o 7_o my_o day_n be_v swift_a than_o a_o weaver_n shuttle_n and_o be_v spend_v without_o hope_n o_o remember_v that_o my_o life_n be_v wind_n if_o our_o life_n be_v wind_n how_o soon_o then_o be_v it_o go_v how_o little_a then_o be_v the_o time_n of_o grace_n and_o yet_o upon_o this_o little_a moment_n depend_v our_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o when_o this_o life_n be_v end_v there_o be_v no_o more_o time_n for_o grace_n or_o to_o seek_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n wherefore_o it_o be_v extreme_a folly_n to_o lose_v any_o part_n of_o this_o precious_a time_n without_o some_o gain_n of_o grace_n or_o to_o spend_v it_o to_o any_o other_o end_n than_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n then_o much_o more_o to_o waste_v it_o in_o sinful_a pleasure_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o his_o name_n and_o to_o the_o destruction_n and_o loss_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n though_o we_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n yet_o through_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o unregenerate_a part_n we_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o slip_n and_o fail_n and_o sometime_o we_o do_v so_o dangerous_o fall_v that_o god_n will_v hide_v his_o face_n from_o we_o and_o eclipse_v the_o bright_a beam_n of_o his_o gracious_a countenance_n for_o a_o time_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o sense_n nor_o apprehension_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n to_o we_o and_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o spirit_n will_v seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v wither_v and_o dry_v up_o but_o god_n have_v his_o special_a time_n of_o grace_n when_o he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o we_o and_o when_o he_o will_v gracious_o accept_v we_o and_o will_v manifest_v again_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o his_o sanctify_a grace_n shall_v again_o shine_v forth_o in_o we_o when_o god_n have_v wrought_v his_o own_o work_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o have_v humble_v we_o for_o our_o sin_n with_o his_o rod_n he_o will_v then_o call_v to_o we_o say_v 8._o say_v psal_n 27._o 8._o seek_v you_o my_o face_n and_o our_o heart_n must_v present_o answer_v with_o david_n thy_o face_n lord_n will_v we_o seek_v for_o to_o answer_v present_o to_o god_n call_v be_v the_o time_n of_o gracious_a acceptation_n thus_o say_v david_n i_o acknowledge_v my_o sin_n unto_o thou_o and_o my_o iniquity_n have_v i_o not_o hide_v i_o say_v 6._o k_o ps_n 32._o 5_o 6._o i_o will_v confess_v my_o transgression_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o thou_o forgave_v the_o iniquity_n of_o my_o sin_n for_o this_o shall_v every_o one_o that_o be_v godly_a prey_n unto_o thou_o in_o a_o time_n when_o thou_o may_v be_v find_v also_o when_o we_o seek_v with_o all_o faithful_a diligence_n unto_o the_o lord_n in_o our_o tribulation_n and_o sue_v unto_o he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n we_o shall_v find_v he_o gracious_a and_o propitious_a to_o we_o as_o the_o lord_n himself_o say_v by_o his_o prophet_n 14._o prophet_n jer._n 29._o 12_o 13_o 14._o then_o shall_v you_o call_v upon_o i_o and_o you_o shall_v go_v and_o pray_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o will_v hearken_v unto_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v seek_v i_o and_o find_v i_o when_o you_o shall_v search_v for_o i_o with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o i_o will_v be_v find_v of_o you_o say_v the_o lord_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n set_v down_o a_o more_o particular_a time_n of_o grace_n 13._o grace_n heb._n 3._o 7_o 13._o to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o â—our_n heart_n and_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n lest_o any_o of_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n for_o god_n do_v call_v to_o we_o every_o day_n by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o to_o seek_v his_o face_n and_o his_o favour_n wherefore_o we_o must_v not_o put_v off_o the_o time_n of_o grace_n until_o the_o morrow_n for_o as_o james_n say_v 14_o say_v jam._n 4._o 14_o wâ—_n know_v not_o what_o shall_v be_v on_o thâ—_n morrow_n for_o what_o be_v our_o life_n it_o be_v even_o a_o vapour_n that_o appear_v for_o a_o little_a time_n and_o then_o vanish_v away_o it_o be_v now_o plain_a and_o evident_a that_o the_o principal_a time_n of_o grace_n be_v when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o offer_v it_o and_o when_o he_o do_v give_v we_o the_o mean_n to_o attain_v unto_o it_o for_o god_n keep_v the_o gift_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o own_o power_n to_o give_v it_o to_o who_o and_o when_o he_o please_v and_o except_o god_n do_v offer_v it_o we_o can_v receive_v it_o the_o very_a first_o desire_n of_o seek_v grace_n be_v god_n free_a offer_n of_o it_o to_o we_o for_o he_o do_v incline_v the_o will_n and_o work_v those_o holy_a desire_n in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n sometime_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v work_v they_o in_o we_o upon_o the_o true_a sight_n and_o sense_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o thereby_o move_v we_o to_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n by_o true_a repentance_n according_a to_o this_o of_o the_o prophet_n 7_o prophet_n isa_n 55._o 6_o 7_o seek_v you_o the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v call_v you_o upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o let_v he_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o and_o to_o our_o god_n for_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v also_o work_v thus_o in_o our_o heart_n upon_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o want_n and_o necessity_n and_o upon_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o affliction_n and_o tribulation_n to_o humble_v our_o soul_n before_o god_n that_o our_o heart_n may_v be_v prepare_v to_o seek_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n by_o fervent_a prayer_n thus_o say_v the_o prophet_n 16._o prophet_n isa_n 26._o 16._o lord_n in_o trouble_n have_v they_o visit_v thou_o they_o pour_v out_o a_o prayer_n when_o thy_o chasten_n be_v upon_o they_o if_o we_o do_v due_o consider_v these_o thiog_n and_o ponder_v well_o upon_o they_o in_o our_o heart_n it_o will_v teach_v we_o high_o to_o prize_v that_o time_n which_o god_n do_v lend_v we_o here_o in_o this_o life_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o grace_n that_o hereafter_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n also_o not_o to_o refuse_v any_o offer_n of_o grace_n that_o god_n shall_v make_v unto_o we_o first_o because_o oâ—r_v time_n be_v short_a and_o momentany_a and_o we_o know_v not_o how_o long_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v it_o second_o because_o our_o little_a time_n be_v transitory_a and_o pass_v swift_o away_o and_o we_o can_v recall_v one_o moment_n that_o be_v go_v three_o because_o it_o be_v the_o time_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o grace_n and_o the_o time_n of_o his_o gracious_a acceptation_n four_o because_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n both_o of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n depend_v upon_o this_o short_a time_n of_o our_o life_n last_o if_o we_o lose_v any_o opportunity_n of_o grace_n that_o god_n do_v give_v we_o we_o show_v great_a unthankfulness_n to_o god_n and_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o he_o will_v give_v we_o another_o opportunity_n for_o it_o wherefore_o we_o shall_v not_o spend_v our_o time_n idle_o or_o unprofitable_o but_o we_o must_v with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n improve_v it_o to_o those_o end_n for_o which_o god_n have_v give_v it_o to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a by_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n who_o we_o have_v offend_v and_o to_o regain_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n when_o we_o have_v lose_v the_o apprehension_n of_o it_o by_o our_o sin_n many_o heavenly_a comfort_n we_o shall_v find_v if_o we_o listen_v to_o god_n call_v and_o receive_v grace_n when_o he_o do_v offer_v it_o first_o god_n will_v be_v find_v of_o we_o if_o we_o seek_v he_o with_o pure_a affection_n and_o in_o the_o uprightness_n of_o our_o heart_n second_o he_o
also_o defend_v we_o from_o all_o the_o delusion_n of_o worldly_a vanity_n and_o of_o our_o own_o sinful_a lust_n howsoever_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n or_o the_o devil_n shall_v tempt_v we_o for_o it_o will_v preserve_v and_o keep_v we_o from_o the_o evil_n of_o their_o temptation_n consider_v now_o that_o god_n who_o can_v bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o can_v make_v all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o servant_n make_v peter_n fall_n to_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o exceed_v great_a good_a unto_o he_o for_o thereby_o he_o do_v see_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o faith_n to_o keep_v he_o from_o presumption_n also_o unsuspected_a danger_n to_o keep_v he_o from_o security_n he_o do_v see_v the_o malice_n and_o subtlety_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o make_v he_o more_o careful_a and_o watchful_a over_o himself_o and_o he_o be_v the_o better_a able_a by_o his_o own_o experience_n to_o comfort_n and_o strengthen_v his_o brethren_n in_o their_o slip_n and_o fall_v but_o above_o all_o it_o make_v he_o love_n christ_n his_o dear_a lord_n with_o more_o intâ—re_a affection_n and_o to_o stick_v close_o unto_o he_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o to_o be_v more_o courageous_a in_o his_o cause_n thus_o god_n turn_v the_o evil_n which_o the_o devil_n intend_v for_o peter_n hurt_n and_o make_v it_o conduce_v to_o hâ—s_n great_a good_a and_o thus_o also_o will_v he_o turn_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o our_o sin_n and_o of_o our_o temptation_n and_o the_o evil_a of_o our_o sorrow_n and_o suffering_n and_o will_v make_v they_o advance_v his_o own_o glory_n and_o to_o be_v profitable_a to_o we_o if_o we_o can_v bathe_v our_o sin_n in_o our_o penitential_a tear_n as_o peter_n do_v now_o we_o come_v to_o consider_v more_o full_o how_o the_o devil_n go_v to_o work_v to_o make_v peter_n fall_v so_o fearful_o sure_o the_o instrument_n which_o he_o use_v be_v but_o the_o high_a priest_n servant_n the_o word_n which_o they_o speak_v to_o peter_n be_v of_o no_o great_a consequence_n they_o be_v neither_o threaten_n nor_o terrify_v which_o in_o themselves_o can_v not_o so_o much_o affright_v he_o neither_o be_v it_o only_o the_o sudden_a fear_n of_o danger_n or_o those_o wicked_a suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n though_o they_o do_v work_n much_o upon_o he_o to_o make_v he_o doubt_v of_o the_o deity_n of_o christ_n now_o he_o see_v he_o so_o contemptible_o use_v of_o the_o priest_n and_o elder_n that_o make_v peter_n fall_v so_o dangerous_o for_o he_o be_v in_o more_o danger_n of_o his_o life_n but_o a_o little_a before_o and_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o daunt_v but_o the_o devil_n know_v that_o peter_n be_v of_o a_o hot_a fiery_a spirit_n and_o violent_a in_o his_o passion_n which_o will_v easy_o make_v he_o say_v he_o know_v not_o what_o and_o therefore_o he_o do_v chief_o work_v upon_o they_o which_o will_v transport_v he_o beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o also_o beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o grace_n and_o godliness_n all_o that_o go_v before_o be_v but_o as_o engine_n of_o war_n which_o he_o fit_v and_o prepated_a for_o this_o great_a battery_n by_o his_o suggestion_n he_o do_v undermine_v peter_n faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o christ_n to_o make_v way_n that_o fear_n may_v take_v the_o great_a hold_n upon_o he_o that_o so_o he_o may_v by_o degree_n bring_v he_o to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o passion_n as_o shall_v overpower_v his_o reason_n understanding_n faith_n and_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n that_o be_v in_o he_o and_o thus_o he_o bring_v he_o to_o deny_v to_o forswear_v and_o to_o abjure_v his_o dear_a saviour_n even_o with_o execration_n who_o he_o know_v to_o be_v now_o about_o the_o great_a work_n of_o man_n salvation_n when_o jesus_n be_v transfigure_v upon_o mount_n tabor_n 6._o tabor_n mar._n 9_o 6._o peter_n speak_v he_o wist_v not_o what_o for_o sudden_a fear_n carry_v he_o beside_o himself_o also_o when_o jesus_n show_v his_o disciple_n what_o he_o shall_v suffer_v at_o jerusalem_n 23._o jerusalem_n mat._n 16._o 21_o 22_o 23._o peter_n begin_v to_o rebuke_v he_o for_o it_o for_o he_o be_v carry_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o modesty_n and_o sobriety_n with_o a_o preposterous_a zeal_n and_o a_o secret_a pride_n which_o the_o devil_n do_v stir_v up_o in_o he_o thus_o be_v the_o violence_n of_o peter_n passion_n the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o his_o downfall_n because_o they_o do_v exceed_v moderation_n and_o be_v not_o regulate_v according_o the_o holy_a will_n of_o god_n thus_o also_o do_v the_o devil_n go_v to_o work_v with_o we_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o perditiou_n first_o he_o will_v set_v upon_o we_o with_o his_o subtle_a wile_n and_o delusion_n then_o he_o will_v labour_v to_o undermine_v our_o faith_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n by_o his_o evil_a suggestion_n and_o wicked_a stratagem_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o wait_v upon_o god_n for_o his_o help_n and_o succour_v in_o our_o distress_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o depend_v upon_o his_o providence_n for_o relief_n and_o comfort_n in_o our_o want_n and_o necessity_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o rest_v upon_o he_o and_o upon_o his_o mercy_n in_o christ_n for_o our_o salvation_n if_o all_o this_o will_v not_o serve_v his_o turn_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o confusion_n than_o he_o will_v assault_v we_o with_o fear_n and_o doubt_n to_o disquiet_v the_o peace_n of_o our_o conscience_n he_o will_v frighten_v we_o with_o trouble_n and_o danger_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n he_o will_v make_v we_o doubt_v of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o all_o our_o affair_n that_o we_o may_v trust_v to_o our_o own_o wisdom_n with_o our_o god_n he_o will_v make_v we_o doubt_v of_o his_o power_n to_o deliver_v we_o when_o we_o be_v in_o any_o strait_n as_o he_o do_v peter_n to_o make_v we_o trust_v to_o secondary_a mean_n without_o god_n or_o else_o to_o use_v unlawful_a mean_n for_o our_o safety_n and_o he_o will_v make_v we_o doubt_v of_o the_o mercy_n and_o love_n of_o god_n when_o we_o feel_v the_o smart_n of_o his_o rod_n or_o the_o anguish_n of_o our_o spirit_n for_o our_o sin_n to_o make_v we_o think_v that_o god_n have_v forsake_v we_o that_o he_o have_v cast_v we_o out_o of_o his_o favour_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o comfort_n for_o we_o that_o so_o he_o may_v bring_v we_o into_o despair_n how_o be_v holy_a job_n terrify_v with_o these_o doubt_n and_o fear_n in_o his_o affliction_n 25._o job_n 7._o 13_o 25._o when_o his_o bed_n do_v not_o comfort_v he_o his_o couch_n do_v not_o ease_v his_o complaint_n and_o when_o his_o soul_n choose_v strangle_v and_o death_n rather_o than_o his_o life_n thus_o it_o be_v also_o 77._o also_o psal_n 77._o with_o asaph_n and_o other_o if_o all_o other_o mean_v fail_v than_o the_o devil_n will_v work_v upon_o our_o passion_n and_o personal_a infirmity_n and_o he_o will_v kindle_v such_o a_o fire_n there_o as_o will_v devour_v our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n as_o will_v mislead_v our_o zeal_n and_o the_o affection_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o will_v carry_v we_o beside_o ourselves_o and_o beyond_o the_o limit_n of_o piety_n and_o goodness_n if_o he_o meet_v with_o such_o man_n as_o will_v give_v way_n to_o their_o passion_n he_o will_v easy_o inflame_v they_o with_o fury_n and_o rage_n beyond_o all_o moderation_n or_o else_o heâ—_n will_v drive_v they_o down_o into_o discontent_n and_o despair_n which_o be_v very_o hardly_o recover_v but_o by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v discover_v and_o escape_v his_o wile_n and_o delusion_n by_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n we_o shall_v withstand_v his_o wicked_a suggestion_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n we_o shall_v stand_v upright_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o trouble_n and_o danger_n 20._o danger_n rom._n 1._o 1._o 20._o and_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n will_v carry_v we_o on_o cheerful_o through_o all_o affliction_n cross_n and_o sorrow_n and_o it_o will_v confirm_v our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o of_o david_n to_o be_v true_a 5._o true_a psal_n 22._o 4_o 5._o they_o that_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v deliver_v out_o of_o all_o their_o trouble_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v confound_v 5._o confound_v 2_o kin._n 1â—_n 5._o hezekiah_n be_v deliver_v from_o senacherib_n great_a army_n because_o he_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n if_o peter_n have_v trust_v in_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n jesus_n who_o he_o know_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o have_v never_o fall_v so_o dangerous_o as_o he_o do_v faith_n will_v also_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n which_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o overpower_v and_o