suit_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n there_o be_v many_o bring_v into_o the_o visible_a covenant_n that_o some_o may_v be_v save_v of_o these_o many_o god_n have_v rather_o a_o thousand_o shall_v have_v the_o gospel_n unprofitable_o than_o one_o choose_v vessel_n want_v it_o but_o god_n do_v it_o also_o that_o such_o as_o neglect_v the_o improve_n of_o it_o unto_o salvation_n may_v perish_v with_o the_o great_a condemnation_n and_o more_o triumphant_a exaltation_n of_o revenge_a justice_n hence_o not_o only_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n too_o will_v have_v to_o lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o all_o such_o as_o for_o abuse_v of_o it_o joh._n 3_o 19_o 3._o what_o it_o be_v to_o keep_v covenant_n ans_fw-fr keep_v of_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v or_o understand_v according_a to_o the_o relation_n and_o station_n of_o the_o party_n under_o consideration_n respect_n be_v also_o to_o be_v have_v to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o covenant_n now_o in_o a_o covenant_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o imparity_n in_o the_o party_n 360._o party_n party_n party_n poederis_n dei_fw-la cum_fw-la homine_fw-la ratio_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la inter_fw-la eos_fw-la qui_fw-la paris_n sunt_fw-la juris_fw-la sed_fw-la inter_fw-la dominum_fw-la &_o servum_fw-la alsted_n theol._n p._n 360._o and_o such_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o useful_a to_o be_v observe_v that_o on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o inferior_a there_o be_v something_o to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v expect_v as_o a_o duty_n from_o he_o unto_o which_o he_o stand_v oblige_v whither_o there_o be_v any_o condition_n propound_v or_o no_o and_o that_o either_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o command_n give_v which_o be_v a_o prerogative_n of_o his_o superior_a over_o he_o if_o he_o have_v such_o a_o absolute_a power_n or_o by_o voluntary_a and_o illimited_a promise_n make_v thus_o to_o do_v or_o both_o whereas_o the_o superior_a stand_v equal_o poize_v in_o the_o covenant_n as_o one_o that_o have_v no_o other_o tie_n or_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o he_o but_o what_o be_v conditional_a hence_o follow_v this_o difference_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o keep_v covenant_n viz._n the_o superior_a may_v keep_v his_o covenant_n either_o way_n namely_o either_o by_o fulfil_v the_o covenant-promise_a or_o by_o execute_v the_o covenant_n threaten_v always_o provide_v that_o it_o true_o correspond_v or_o bear_v a_o due_a respect_n to_o to_o the_o deportment_n or_o behaviour_n of_o the_o inferior_a in_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o thus_o stand_v relate_v to_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o god_n keep_v his_o covenan_n as_o well_o by_o inflict_a punishment_n upon_o the_o disobedient_a as_o by_o perform_v mercy_n for_o the_o obedient_a although_o the_o scripture_n usual_o refer_v to_o that_o letter_n but_o now_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o inferior_a for_o obedience_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v expect_v from_o he_o and_o therefore_o be_v engage_v by_o a_o promise_v annex_v to_o it_o but_o disobedience_n be_v a_o wrong_n do_v to_o his_o superior_a and_o be_v therefore_o hedge_v with_o a_o severe_a threaten_n and_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o bring_v damage_n upon_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o by_o obedience_n he_o be_v repute_v to_o keep_v covenant_n because_o then_o only_o do_v he_o perform_v his_o covenant-duty_n disobedience_n be_v a_o breach_n of_o covenant_n because_o he_o violate_v by_o it_o the_o covenant-duty_n now_o our_o present_a discourse_n relate_v to_o the_o inferior_a or_o his_o keep_a covenant_n of_o which_o take_v this_o description_n it_o be_v his_o performance_n of_o the_o covenant-condition_n of_o obedience_n where_o by_o the_o word_n obedience_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v a_o member_n of_o religion_n contradistinct_a from_o faith_n or_o or_o as_o the_o word_n be_v often_o use_v to_o express_v the_o second_o part_n of_o divinity_n but_o only_o a_o correspondent_a or_o suitable_a demeanour_n to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o come_v from_o the_o superior_a under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o law_n or_o command_n or_o something_o that_o be_v require_v and_o expect_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o covenant_n which_o what_o it_o be_v be_v yet_o under_o enquiry_n and_o we_o be_v now_o to_o discuss_v viz._n quest_n what_o be_v the_o condition_n require_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n consider_v as_o hold_v forth_o in_o the_o visible_a and_o external_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o when_o this_o be_v well_o understand_v we_o may_v easy_o conclude_v what_o it_o be_v to_o keep_v covenant_n ans_fw-fr but_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o question_n be_v not_o without_o its_o difficulty_n partly_o because_o the_o way_n lie_v very_o narrow_a between_o antinomian_n and_o arminian_n error_n and_o therefore_o there_o need_v the_o great_a exactness_n in_o cut_v the_o thread_n true_a partly_o because_o i_o find_v judicious_a and_o orthodox_n divine_v to_o vary_v in_o their_o expression_n of_o it_o but_o i_o suppose_v if_o we_o more_o narrow_o observe_v they_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o these_o difference_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v rather_o in_o word_n and_o term_n then_o in_o substance_n for_o our_o better_a reconcile_n of_o these_o let_v we_o take_v notice_n 1._o that_o faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v the_o part_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v give_v to_o fall_v man_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o life_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o orthodox_n and_o maintain_v as_o a_o grand_a pillar_n against_o antinomianisme_n who_o misuse_v the_o phrase_n only_o believe_v will_v exterminate_v new-obedience_n from_o this_o rule_n whereas_o many_o place_n in_o the_o new-testament_n do_v clear_o stand_v for_o its_o confirmation_n among_o many_o see_v 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o where_o love_n intend_v and_o be_v but_o another_o expression_n of_o obedience_n tit._n 3._o 8._o good_a work_n be_v work_n conform_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o obedience_n when_o god_n bid_v man_n to_o believe_v he_o do_v not_o forbid_v they_o to_o obey_v nor_o discharge_v they_o from_o obedience_n but_o do_v together_o enjoin_v they_o to_o it_o 2._o that_o both_o of_o these_o bear_v a_o relation_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n or_o be_v in_o the_o gospell-covenant_n as_o it_o be_v exhibit_v to_o man_n in_o the_o outward_a dispensation_n of_o it_o be_v also_o a_o truth_n not_o doubt_v of_o by_o those_o that_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a because_o as_o we_o before_o hear_v god_n still_o transact_v with_o man_n in_o way_n of_o a_o covenant_n as_o also_o because_o there_o be_v evangelicall_n promise_v make_v to_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o and_o threaten_n denounce_v against_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o which_o thing_n declare_v that_o obedience_n also_o have_v its_o relation_n to_o that_o covenant_n 3._o that_o faith_n be_v a_o new_a covenant_n condition_n be_v not_o a_o matter_n that_o needs_o dispute_v always_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o meritorious_a condition_n or_o any_o way_n to_o infringe_v the_o freeness_n of_o grace_n but_o rather_o to_o enhance_v it_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o full_a for_o it_o and_o so_o clear_a in_o set_v it_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n i._n e._n the_o condition_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n and_o give_v it_o the_o same_o place_n in_o the_o new_a covenant_n viz._n of_o a_o condition_n the_o promise_v also_o which_o be_v conditional_o annex_v unto_o it_o and_o that_o inseparable_o make_v it_o beyond_o ground_n of_o question_n see_v mark_v 16._o 16._o joh._n 3._o 16._o 36._o joh._n 5._o 12._o 4._o hence_o the_o only_a enquiry_n here_o to_o be_v make_v be_v in_o what_o quality_n or_o consideration_n gospel-obedience_n stand_v relate_v to_o the_o gospel-covenant_n there_o be_v some_o yea_o many_a that_o determine_v that_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a gospel-condition_n and_o obedience_n be_v a_o gospel-command_a and_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o conclusion_n seem_v to_o be_v partly_o because_o by_o believe_v we_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n &_o assure_v of_o salvation_n and_o obedience_n follow_v afterward_o partly_o because_o if_o obedience_n be_v admit_v as_o a_o new-covenant-condition_n we_o shall_v necessary_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n other_o there_o be_v that_o look_n upon_o obedience_n to_o be_v not_o only_o a_o part_n of_o but_o a_o condition_n in_o the_o new-covenant_n and_o that_o unto_o which_o the_o conditional_a promise_n stand_v relate_v as_o well_o as_o unto_o faith_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n by_o so_o say_v and_o believe_v of_o return_v to_o the_o old_a and_o antiquate_a covenant_n of_o work_n i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o there_o be_v here_o no_o real_a difference_n or_o contrary_a mind_n in_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v believe_v but_o that_o one_o thing_n be_v
real_o intend_v which_o may_v be_v reconcile_v in_o these_o proposition_n 1._o we_o be_v here_o to_o carry_v in_o mind_n the_o forementioned_a distinction_n viz._n that_o the_o condition_n propound_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o antecedent_n and_o meritorious_a or_o so_o propound_v as_o to_o be_v the_o procure_a cause_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n or_o of_o the_o reward_n propound_v in_o the_o covenant_n such_o as_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o these_o propound_v to_o christ_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n for_o whatsoever_o respect_v to_o price_n and_o purchase_v we_o must_v refer_v it_o to_o christ_n alone_o but_o they_o be_v connex_v and_o consequent_a only_o point_v out_o unto_o we_o the_o way_n in_o which_o the_o free_a blessing_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v by_o mankind_n hence_o we_o be_v utter_o to_o disclaim_v and_o oppugn_v all_o such_o popish_a doctrine_n as_o any_o way_n tend_v to_o render_v good_a work_n to_o be_v meritorious_a of_o the_o promise_v good_a this_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o different_a way_n of_o proponnd_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v great_o alter_v the_o quality_n and_o consideration_n of_o it_o if_o salvation_n shall_v be_v of_o work_n as_o the_o cause_n it_o will_v shut_v out_o grace_n but_o that_o good_a work_n may_v be_v of_o the_o thing_n that_o accompany_v salvation_n and_o that_o necessary_o as_o concomitant_n be_v very_o well_o consistent_a with_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o our_o salvation_n 2._o that_o which_o make_v a_o command_n in_o a_o covenant_n become_v a_o condition_n be_v when_o it_o be_v tie_v especial_o when_o it_o be_v both_o negative_o and_o affirmative_o tie_v to_o a_o conditional_a promise_n it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o command_n positive_o give_v in_o way_n of_o mere_a sovereignty_n be_v no_o condition_n but_o when_o there_o be_v a_o command_n give_v and_o he_o that_o give_v it_o so_o oblige_v himself_o with_o it_o to_o he_o to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v as_o to_o engage_v that_o if_o he_o true_o and_o faithful_o perform_v it_o he_o shall_v be_v thus_o and_o so_o benefit_v by_o it_o and_o also_o to_o threaten_v that_o if_o he_o fall_v short_a he_o shall_v thus_o suffer_v the_o command_n be_v now_o so_o qualify_v as_o proper_o to_o bear_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o condition_n because_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_a be_v positive_o relate_v to_o it_o and_o must_v according_o take_v place_n 3._o god_n have_v please_v to_o deal_v with_o man_n in_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o way_n of_o grace_n hence_o though_o he_o do_v command_v he_o as_o a_o sovereign_n yet_o he_o mix_v grace_n in_o all_o his_o command_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o command_n which_o be_v enjoin_v we_o in_o the_o gospel_n which_o bring_v not_o its_o benefit_n along_o with_o it_o or_o there_o be_v no_o command_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o come_v to_o we_o under_o the_o title_n of_o mere_a sovereignty_n but_o also_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o sweetness_n of_o a_o promise_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rigour_n of_o a_o threaten_a we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o condition_n be_v not_o only_o put_v upon_o faith_n as_o mark_z 16._o 16._o but_o upon_o obedience_n too_o heb._n 12._o 24._o rom._n 8._o 13._o that_o command_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o if_o a_o man_n do_v perform_v he_o have_v assurance_n of_o life_n in_o his_o performance_n but_o if_o he_o do_v not_o perform_v he_o be_v certify_v of_o death_n and_o damnation_n by_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o and_o all_o this_o according_a to_o the_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospell-covenant_n that_o must_v carry_v the_o respect_n of_o a_o condition_n but_o such_o be_v gospel-obedience_n as_o the_o scripture_n forecited_a and_o many_o more_o do_v evidence_n or_o we_o may_v take_v it_o thus_o all_o that_o which_o god_n propound_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o needful_a to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o yea_o so_o needful_a as_o eternal_a life_n and_o death_n be_v infallible_o consequent_a thereupon_o yea_o and_o be_v referrible_a thereto_o be_v of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n and_o that_o be_v faith_n and_o obedience_n separate_a obedience_n and_o you_o have_v a_o faith_n which_o be_v vain_a jam._n 2._o 14._o and_o which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o devil_n vers_fw-la 19_o 4._o whereas_o faith_n be_v sometime_o assert_v to_o be_v the_o only_a condition_n require_v of_o we_o in_o the_o new-covenant_n it_o be_v thus_o to_o be_v understand_v viz._n either_o 1._o that_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a condition_n of_o our_o justification_n but_o not_o so_o of_o our_o salvation_n it_o be_v a_o condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n too_o but_o not_o only_o the_o right_a and_o title_n to_o salvation_n be_v confer_v in_o believe_v but_o there_o be_v obedience_n also_o requisite_a in_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n tit._n 3._o 8._o 2._o that_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a condition_n by_o which_o we_o come_v to_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n suretyship_n but_o not_o of_o what_o be_v in_o this_o suretyship_n engage_v by_o christ_n for_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v do_v by_o believe_v in_o he_o christ_n come_v to_o be_v our_o acknowledge_a and_o actual_a surety_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n who_o be_v our_o design_a and_o indent_a surety_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n but_o still_o there_o be_v something_o he_o stand_v surety_n for_o we_o in_o which_o be_v formal_o to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o though_o virtual_o by_o the_o influence_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o grace_n god_n expect_v and_o christ_n promise_v that_o we_o shall_v fear_v he_o and_o obey_v he_o and_o for_o this_o he_o stand_v bind_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o every_o believer_n yet_o the_o visible_a covenant_n be_v propose_v to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o to_o he_o hence_o we_o also_o stand_v oblige_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o god_n in_o it_o tell_v we_o what_o it_o be_v that_o he_o expect_v of_o we_o if_o we_o hope_v to_o enjoy_v he_o which_o though_o it_o must_v be_v wrought_v efficient_o by_o his_o spirit_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v formal_o perform_v by_o we_o tit._n 2._o 11_o 12._o 3._o faith_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o only_a condition_n as_o it_o be_v a_o comprehensive_a grace_n both_o 1_o as_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o we_o lie_v hold_v upon_o christ_n and_o close_o with_o the_o promise_n in_o he_o and_o so_o come_v to_o be_v actual_o subject_n of_o it_o according_a to_o rhe_n tenor_n of_o it_o in_o the_o covenant_n 2._o as_o it_o be_v the_o spring_n and_o life_n of_o new-obedience_n i._n e._n such_o a_o faith_n who_o nature_n be_v to_o work_v by_o love_n and_o hence_o we_o find_v that_o the_o whole_a spiritual_a life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v call_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n heb._n 10._o 38._o gal._n 2._o 20._o it_o be_v not_o a_o idle_a or_o dead_a but_o a_o lively_a and_o work_a faith_n for_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o mix_v with_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_n that_o only_o put_v a_o worth_n upon_o it_o in_o god_n account_n the_o want_n of_o which_o ingredient_n render_v the_o most_o specious_a duty_n of_o man_n of_o no_o value_n heb._n 11._o 6._o quest_n but_o it_o may_v then_o be_v inquire_v whither_o obedience_n be_v not_o rather_o a_o promise_v make_v to_o faith_n than_o a_o condition_n require_v of_o we_o in_o the_o new-covenant_n since_o christ_n have_v promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o if_o so_o then_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n he_o that_o promise_v the_o end_n promise_v also_o the_o mean_n i._n e._n all_o that_o which_o be_v requisite_a to_o bring_v we_o to_o salvation_n and_o there_o obedience_n may_v proper_o take_v its_o place_n ans_fw-fr in_o satisfaction_n to_o this_o inquiry_n these_o thing_n be_v well_o to_o be_v weigh_v 1._o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o a_o promise_v make_v by_o god_n as_o one_o party_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o one_o make_v by_o christ_n stand_v in_o the_o place_n of_o a_o mediator_n interpose_v between_o both_o party_n to_o jesus_n christ_n manuscript_n mr._n stone_n be_v catechis_n manuscript_n stand_v as_o a_o mediate_a surety_n on_o both_o side_n he_o make_v promise_n to_o his_o father_n that_o all_o that_o he_o require_v of_o we_o shall_v be_v do_v and_o he_o make_v promise_n likewise_o unto_o we_o that_o all_o our_o work_n shall_v be_v wrought_v in_o we_o and_o for_o we_o he_o be_v a_o surety_n for_o both_o condition_n and_o consequent_n of_o the_o covenant_n now_o the_o surety_n represent_v the_o person_n for_o who_o he_o be_v such_o and_o therefore_o the_o person_n be_v in_o he_o engage_v for_o in_o that_o respect_n he_o stand_v on_o that_o party_n there_o be_v but_o two_o in_o a_o covenant_n if_o then_o
neither_o be_v preven_v nor_o oblige_v by_o any_o thing_n in_o or_o for_o we_o be_v a_o pillar-truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n rom._n 9_o 16._o it_o be_v not_o of_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o of_o he_o that_o run_v etc._n etc._n so_o far_o as_o we_o detract_v from_o god_n sovereignty_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o convert_v and_o save_v grace_n we_o so_o far_o make_v god_n a_o debtor_n to_o the_o creature_n before_o he_o make_v himself_o so_o by_o a_o free_a promise_n 2._o that_o all_o which_o parent_n can_v do_v for_o their_o child_n in_o attendance_n to_o the_o precept_n viz._n in_o bring_v they_o up_o for_o god_n instruct_v they_o in_o his_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n exercise_v their_o authority_n in_o keep_v they_o in_o from_o lewd_a course_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o visible_a attendance_n on_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o their_o duty_n and_o be_v in_o no_o way_n to_o be_v count_v meritorious_a luk._n 17._o 10._o hence_o for_o their_o own_o soul_n safety_n they_o must_v do_v it_o except_o they_o will_v hazard_v the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o it_o outdo_v the_o power_n of_o moral-mean_n and_o endeavour_n though_o never_o so_o sincere_o use_v to_o plant_v or_o infuse_v grace_n into_o any_o soul_n the_o work_n of_o conversion_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n only_o joh._n 1._o 13._o if_o good_a man_n can_v will_n can_v pray_v can_v labour_v faith_n into_o any_o according_a to_o their_o desire_n their_o will_v none_o of_o their_o child_n none_o of_o their_o servant_n none_o of_o their_o neighbour_n none_o in_o the_o world_n perish_v 4._o that_o divine_a faith_n be_v not_o only_o a_o confidence_n but_o a_o ground_a confidence_n the_o rule_n do_v not_o only_o command_v and_o bind_v we_o to_o believe_v but_o it_o also_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o hold_v of_o faith_n be_v the_o promise_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o any_o thing_n no_o further_o than_o that_o go_v faith_n must_v have_v a_o clear_a word_n for_o its_o trust_n else_o it_o be_v but_o vain_a all_o our_o plea_n be_v in_o the_o covenant-promise_a and_o if_o we_o can_v find_v that_o we_o look_v for_o there_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o build_v upon_o but_o be_v at_o uncertainty_n 5._o that_o believer_n have_v no_o absolute_a and_o illimited_a promise_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o all_o their_o child_n or_o this_o or_o that_o child_n shall_v be_v save_v no_o nor_o limit_v neither_o to_o their_o care_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o if_o they_o do_v their_o best_a he_o will_v infallible_o add_v save_v grace_n this_o will_v appear_v by_o two_o argument_n 1._o because_o god_n be_v faithful_a to_o every_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v he_o be_v a_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v or_o repent_v i_o know_v godly_a parent_n may_v be_v remiss_a but_o they_o be_v not_o always_o so_o and_o yet_o have_v have_v their_o child_n who_o god_n have_v reject_v abraham_n his_o ishmael_n isaac_n his_o esau_n david_n his_o ahsolom_n and_o adonijah_n eli_n his_o hophni_n and_o phinehas_n now_o of_o abraham_n we_o read_v that_o he_o be_v trusty_a and_o faithful_a in_o teach_v his_o child_n gen._n 18._o 19_o and_o therefore_o he_o instruct_v and_o discipline_v ishmael_n he_o circumcise_v he_o and_o pray_v earnest_o for_o he_o 2._o because_o the_o faithful_a people_n of_o god_n have_v themselves_o thus_o interpret_v the_o promise_n they_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v upon_o supposition_n &_o to_o carry_v a_o condition_n in_o it_o eminent_a for_o this_o be_v the_o forementioned_a instance_n of_o david_n that_o he_o thus_o understand_v it_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o by_o that_o forecited_a warning_n which_o he_o give_v to_o solomon_n 1_o chron._n 28._o 9_o but_o also_o by_o that_o knowledgment_n which_o he_o make_v of_o it_o to_o god_n himself_o psal_n 132._o 11_o 12._o object_n but_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o god_n make_v a_o absolute_a promise_n to_o david_n that_o he_o will_v establish_v his_o covenant_n with_o his_o seed_n and_o not_o violate_v it_o psal_n 89._o 28_o 29._o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o in_o that_o place_n david_n represent_v or_o typifyes_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o his_o child_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v only_o those_o that_o be_v give_v to_o christ_n of_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n concern_v who_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o shall_v obtain_v salvation_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v his._n but_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o subject_n of_o the_o visible_a covenant_n who_o have_v no_o right_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n que._n but_o you_o will_v say_v then_o what_o encouragement_n be_v there_o for_o parent_n to_o pray_v for_o to_o instruct_v and_o take_v pain_n with_o their_o child_n and_o give_v they_o up_o to_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n if_o they_o can_v do_v all_o this_o in_o faith_n what_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v of_o sin_n ans_fw-fr there_o be_v other_o way_n for_o faith_n to_o act_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n beside_o this_o particular_a confident_a persuasion_n of_o this_o fruit_n and_o effect_n consider_v then_o 1._o that_o faith_n be_v to_o eye_n the_o precept_n as_o well_o as_o the_o promise_n faith_n be_v to_o influence_n our_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o our_o assurance_n faith_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v this_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o perform_v because_o god_n command_v it_o and_o be_v hereby_o animate_v to_o our_o duty_n this_o be_v obedience_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o sow_v our_o seed_n in_o the_o morning_n etc._n etc._n although_o we_o know_v not_o which_o shall_v prosper_v this_o or_o that_o because_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n 2._o that_o a_o believer_n be_v to_o be_v engage_v to_o his_o duty_n not_o only_o by_o a_o promise_n but_o also_o by_o the_o precept_n it_o be_v true_a the_o promise_n be_v our_o encouragement_n but_o the_o precept_n be_v our_o rule_n in_o submission_n to_o the_o command_n therefore_o he_o be_v to_o go_v about_o his_o work_n and_o to_o leave_v the_o success_n of_o it_o to_o divine_a dispose_n and_o so_o do_v he_o perform_v his_o duty_n in_o faith_n and_o he_o that_o be_v not_o act_v by_o this_o principle_n but_o do_v all_o mere_o as_o he_o think_v it_o may_v succeed_v be_v true_o mercenary_a 3._o there_o be_v other_o promise_n which_o may_v encourage_v a_o believer_n in_o this_o duty_n viz._n that_o if_o he_o do_v it_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n it_o shall_v be_v accept_v and_o reward_v by_o god_n god_n will_v some_o way_n or_o other_o make_v he_o to_o find_v that_o his_o labour_n have_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a the_o husbandman_n be_v in_o duty_n to_o sow_v his_o seed_n in_o faith_n but_o he_o be_v not_o sure_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o good_a crop_n the_o figtree_n may_v not_o blossom_n though_o he_o manure_n it_o with_o care_n but_o this_o be_v his_o encouragement_n that_o in_o a_o way_n of_o do_v duty_n god_n have_v say_v that_o he_o will_v bless_v he_o 4._o i'faith_o also_o teach_v we_o that_o attend_v the_o mean_n be_v near_o to_o the_o particular_a blessing_n than_o not_o attend_v but_o neglect_v they_o god_n often_o meet_v his_o people_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o ordinary_a then_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a providence_n nor_o do_v god_n always_o though_o he_o may_v sometime_o in_o sovereignty_n deny_v the_o desire_a blessing_n to_o his_o people_n yea_o and_o although_o he_o may_v sometime_o work_v there_o where_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o shameful_a neglect_n as_o in_o convert_v josiah_n the_o son_n of_o a_o wicked_a amon_n yet_o our_o neglect_n be_v inexcusable_a because_o we_o have_v despise_v the_o command_n such_o a_o parent_n as_o have_v faithful_o do_v his_o duty_n may_v die_v in_o hope_n that_o although_o he_o see_v not_o the_o desire_a fruit_n of_o his_o pain_n and_o prayer_n yet_o they_o may_v appear_v when_o his_o head_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o dust_n to_o be_v sure_o he_o may_v with_o this_o comfort_n leave_v the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o his_o place_n 3._o the_o provocation_n of_o covenant-children_n be_v most_o heinous_a and_o consequent_o most_o provoke_v to_o god_n the_o sin_n of_o none_o be_v so_o offensive_a in_o his_o sight_n as_o they_o you_o shall_v find_v therefore_o that_o the_o scripture_n set_v a_o note_n observable_a upon_o this_o consideration_n amos._n 3._o 2._o so_o deut._n 32._o 19_o the_o provoking_n of_o son_n and_o daughter_n be_v bitter_a jer._n 5._o 7._o thy_o child_n have_v
love_v he_o we_o can_v but_o be_v in_o love_n with_o they_o they_o be_v the_o product_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n suit_v proper_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o most_o desirable_a they_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n and_o hence_o deserve_v great_a esteem_n every_o rule_n of_o duty_n be_v a_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v as_o dear_a un-unto_a we_o as_o our_o own_o life_n it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v question_v but_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a neglect_n of_o duty_n among_o professor_n and_o their_o remisseness_n in_o do_v what_o the_o covenant_n require_v and_o the_o hard_a come_n off_o of_o many_o duty_n which_o cross_a flesh_n and_o blood_n arise_v from_o the_o want_n of_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o love_n as_o aught_o to_o be_v 4._o careful_o avoid_v the_o throw_n of_o yourselves_o upon_o unnecessary_a temptation_n to_o break_v covenant_n with_o god_n there_o be_v enough_o will_v come_v unsent_a for_o and_o ever_o when_o the_o people_n of_o god_n do_v go_v about_o to_o set_v themselves_o in_o a_o most_o solemn_a manner_n to_o engage_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n satan_n be_v then_o watch_v for_o a_o opportunity_n to_o give_v they_o a_o furious_a assault_n god_n no_o soon_o give_v adam_n the_o covenant_n but_o the_o serpent_n forthwith_o assault_v he_o we_o have_v need_v to_o keep_v as_o much_o as_o possible_o we_o can_v out_o of_o the_o way_n unnecessary_a compliance_n with_o wicked_a man_n carry_v great_a temptation_n in_o it_o can_v one_o touch_v pitch_n and_o not_o he_o defile_v solomon_n be_v draw_v away_o by_o his_o strange_a wife_n his_o wisdom_n though_o uncomparable_a be_v befool_v and_o the_o great_a familiarity_n which_o god_n hold_v with_o he_o who_o have_v appear_v twice_o to_o he_o be_v forget_v jehoshaphat_n lay_v a_o snare_n for_o himself_o and_o for_o his_o kingdom_n by_o make_v affinity_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o league_n offensive_a and_o defensive_a with_o the_o house_n of_o ahab_n and_o it_o prove_v pernicious_a in_o the_o event_n if_o man_n will_v stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n it_o may_v be_v in_o a_o little_a while_o we_o shall_v find_v they_o sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a the_o people_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v acquaint_v with_o their_o own_o infectious_a heart_n and_o know_v how_o apt_a and_o ready_a they_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v down_o by_o the_o body_n of_o death_n itself_o much_o more_o when_o weight_n of_o temptation_n be_v hang_v upon_o it_o else_o they_o be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v true_a to_o god_n or_o faithful_a in_o his_o covenant_n they_o that_o unnecessary_o frequent_v public_a house_n will_v in_o time_n learn_v to_o to_o be_v drunkard_n they_o that_o make_v a_o trade_n of_o keep_v vain_a company_n will_v grow_v themselves_o vain_a person_n they_o that_o frequent_o converse_v with_o heretic_n and_o like_o society_n with_o they_o will_v at_o least_o become_v favourer_n of_o their_o heresy_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v very_o seasonable_a and_o needful_a for_o a_o people_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o follow_v if_o ever_o they_o intend_v to_o be_v true_a to_o it_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 14._o etc._n etc._n be_v not_o unequal_o yoke_v together_o with_o unbeliever_n etc._n etc._n nor_o let_v we_o promise_v ourselves_o that_o god_n will_v keep_v we_o if_o we_o watch_v not_o over_o ourselves_o he_o that_o walk_v circumspect_o only_o walk_v safe_o man_n may_v think_v their_o heart_n temptation-proof_n but_o if_o they_o will_v run_v the_o hazard_n in_o this_o confidence_n they_o be_v like_a to_o come_v off_o as_o peter_n do_v in_o the_o high-priest_n hall_n as_o than_o you_o will_v have_v god_n hear_v when_o you_o pray_v lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n do_v not_o throw_v yourselves_o into_o it_o 5._o maintain_v and_o daily_o keep_v in_o exercise_n the_o work_n of_o repentance_n though_o i_o know_v it_o be_v dangerous_a and_o presumptuous_a for_o man_n to_o adventure_v to_o sin_n upon_o hope_n to_o make_v all_o good_a again_o by_o repentance_n as_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v bold_o and_o frequent_o take_v poison_n because_o he_o have_v a_o precious_a antidote_n by_o he_o and_o indeed_o such_o a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n can_v reign_v and_o rule_v in_o a_o believer_n to_o who_o sin_n itself_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n abominable_a yet_o such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o fall_a man_n though_o convert_v that_o except_o they_o keep_v the_o grace_n of_o repentance_n in_o continual_a exercise_n they_o can_v keep_v covenant_n with_o god_n there_o be_v no_o live_v a_o life_n of_o gospel_n obedience_n without_o it_o the_o state_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o life_n be_v a_o very_a imperfect_a state_n in_o regard_n of_o sanctification_n it_o be_v but_o in_o part_n or_o degree_n not_o perfect_a there_o be_v in_o a_o child_n of_o god_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o foolishness_n by_o reason_n of_o which_o he_o often_o miss_v his_o way_n and_o wander_v from_o the_o precept_n much_o weakness_n which_o make_v he_o to_o fall_v seven_o time_n he_o stumble_v at_o a_o small_a thing_n that_o lie_v in_o his_o way_n every_o difficulty_n be_v ready_a to_o be_v a_o obstacle_n unto_o he_o much_o also_o of_o rebellion_n be_v in_o his_o heart_n by_o reason_n of_o that_o law_n which_o be_v in_o his_o member_n which_o frequent_o lead_v he_o captive_n hence_o the_o wise_a man_n make_v that_o peremptory_a demand_n who_o can_v say_v i_o have_v make_v my_o heart_n clean_o pro._n 20._o 9_o his_o error_n and_o wander_n be_v so_o many_o that_o alas_o he_o can_v know_v they_o psal_n 19_o 12._o hence_o have_v god_n in_o much_o mercy_n accommodate_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o this_o imperfect_a state_n of_o his_o own_o people_n so_o that_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o keep_a covenant_n with_o god_n lie_v in_o our_o uphold_v of_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o true_a repentance_n and_o god_n in_o his_o gracious_a condescendency_n be_v please_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o penitent_a though_o imperfect_a believer_n to_o be_v a_o covenant_n keeper_n and_o though_o we_o ought_v not_o thereupon_o to_o be_v bold_a to_o sin_n yet_o if_o at_o any_o time_n through_o our_o own_o frailty_n and_o the_o subtlety_n of_o our_o own_o deceitful_a heart_n we_o be_v overtake_v he_o have_v provide_v christ_n to_o be_v a_o advocate_n for_o we_o 1_o joh._n 2._o 1._o hence_o we_o find_v the_o gospel-precept_n be_v summary_o comprehend_v in_o those_o two_o word_n repent_v and_o believe_v mark_v 1._o 15._o and_o god_n have_v abundant_o promise_v in_o his_o word_n that_o if_o his_o people_n do_v at_o any_o time_n repent_v of_o and_o hearty_o acknowledge_v and_o turn_v from_o their_o sinful_a fault_n he_o will_v hear_v in_o heaven_n and_o pardon_v and_o their_o sin_n shall_v be_v in_o his_o account_n as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v commit_v now_o to_o the_o end_n that_o you_o may_v order_v your_o repentance_n aright_o take_v these_o few_o rule_n 1._o labour_v to_o uphold_v and_o strengthen_v in_o your_o heart_n a_o true_a and_o genuine_a hatred_n of_o all_o sin_n this_o be_v the_o great_a principle_n on_o which_o true_a repentance_n act_n our_o commission_n of_o sin_n arise_v from_o our_o love_n and_o like_n of_o it_o on_o our_o corrupt_a part_n now_o repentance_n act_n in_o a_o direct_a contrariety_n unto_o this_o and_o hence_o it_o proceed_v from_o hatred_n of_o sin_n repentance_n be_v proper_o a_o change_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n all_o self-justification_n arise_v from_o the_o complacency_n which_o man_n have_v in_o their_o sinful_a way_n hence_o arise_v excuse_n and_o diminutive_a extenuation_n and_o we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o afraid_a of_o sin_n as_o of_o the_o wrath_n and_o punishment_n which_o attend_v it_o whereas_o if_o sin_n be_v in_o itself_o hateful_a to_o we_o we_o shall_v both_o avoid_v it_o with_o all_o care_n as_o a_o man_n will_v the_o bite_n of_o a_o serpent_n and_o also_o when_o at_o any_o time_n we_o be_v overtake_v we_o will_v loathe_v ourselves_o for_o it_o let_v sin_n then_o be_v exceed_v sinful_a in_o your_o esteem_n grow_v more_o and_o more_o out_o of_o love_n with_o get_v therefore_o more_o acquaint_v with_o the_o odious_a nature_n of_o it_o see_v how_o contrary_a to_o god_n holiness_n it_o be_v how_o impure_a and_o what_o defilement_n it_o pollute_v the_o soul_n withal_o 2._o dwell_v much_o and_o frequent_o upon_o the_o work_n of_o self-examination_n we_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o be_v curious_a critic_n upon_o other_o man_n action_n but_o very_o superficial_a in_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o through_o accowt_n hence_o so_o little_a practical_a repentance_n because_o we_o know_v so_o little_a that_o we_o have_v to_o repent_v of_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o we_o be_v such_o stranger_n at_o home_n
tempt_v they_o to_o come_v into_o a_o land_n which_o be_v not_o sow_o leave_v the_o pleasant_a enjoyment_n of_o a_o good_a land_n and_o of_o which_o many_o of_o they_o have_v a_o good_a share_n run_v through_o so_o many_o hazard_n wrestle_v with_o so_o many_o hardship_n not_o expect_v and_o it_o will_v have_v seem_v vain_a and_o presumptuous_a to_o have_v expect_v any_o worldly_a advantage_n or_o likelihood_n of_o any_o other_o compensation_n for_o such_o expense_n as_o they_o be_v at_o and_o difficultye_n they_o break_v through_o but_o only_o this_o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o portion_n they_o think_v worth_a so_o much_o that_o they_o may_v have_v it_o to_o leave_v they_o it_o concern_v you_o to_o mind_n and_o regard_v it_o it_o be_v their_o love_n to_o your_o soul_n that_o embark_v they_o in_o this_o design_n and_o it_o will_v be_v horrible_a ingratitude_n in_o you_o to_o slight_v it_o you_o can_v neglect_v god_n covenant_n but_o you_o do_v withal_o cast_v reflection_n upon_o and_o great_o undervalue_v yea_o and_o despise_v that_o work_n which_o will_v be_v new-england_n glory_n and_o be_v so_o signal_o own_v and_o abet_v by_o god_n providence_n in_o the_o day_n of_o it_o and_o will_v be_v unworthy_a heir_n of_o your_o father_n estate_n if_o you_o do_v not_o prosecute_v their_o begin_a design_n 2._o what_o have_v god_n be_v do_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o covenant_n in_o this_o land_n israel_n in_o psal_n 78._o begin_v be_v oblige_v to_o tell_v their_o child_n god_n act_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v not_o to_o disobey_v and_o we_o have_v abundance_n to_o say_v of_o god_n do_n to_o this_o people_n both_o of_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n while_o these_o church_n serve_v god_n in_o uprightness_n he_o make_v all_o their_o way_n to_o prosper_v and_o their_o very_a enemy_n to_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o they_o how_o do_v he_o plant_v and_o water_n and_o increase_v those_o mean_a beginning_n which_o at_o first_o be_v till_o we_o begin_v to_o grow_v considerable_a thus_o god_n mind_v his_o covenant_n and_o what_o have_v be_v the_o language_n of_o all_o the_o adverse_a and_o humble_v providence_n that_o have_v since_o befall_v the_o land_n but_o to_o give_v a_o testimony_n of_o god_n covenant-controversie_n which_o he_o have_v with_o we_o the_o doctrine_n which_o these_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o we_o teach_v be_v thus_o much_o that_o our_o only_a way_n to_o prosperity_n be_v to_o be_v true_a to_o god_n and_o his_o covenant_n but_o that_o if_o we_o will_v deal_v false_o with_o god_n he_o will_v take_v vengeance_n on_o our_o invention_n it_o speak_v this_o to_o the_o next_o generation_n and_o bid_v they_o be_v sure_o take_v heed_n to_o themselves_o that_o they_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o covenant_n of_o their_o god_n 3._o the_o eye_n of_o all_o that_o true_o fear_v god_n and_o take_v care_n for_o the_o perpetuate_n of_o his_o glory_n be_v upon_o you_o you_o be_v the_o subject_n both_o of_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o a_o great_a many_o they_o that_o be_v now_o under_o god_n the_o prop_n and_o supporter_n of_o religion_n that_o hold_v up_o its_o foundation_n know_v that_o they_o must_v ere_o long_o give_v place_n and_o go_v the_o way_n of_o all_o flesh_n they_o can_v long_o be_v in_o the_o work_n themselves_o but_o their_o shoulder_n must_v be_v pluck_v from_o it_o and_o their_o great_a care_n be_v that_o religion_n may_v not_o die_v with_o they_o they_o will_v fain_o that_o god_n covenant_n may_v be_v perpetuate_v though_o they_o must_v be_v remove_v and_o that_o christ_n when_o he_o come_v to_o judgement_n may_v here_o find_v a_o church_n or_o church_n that_o true_o serve_v he_o the_o security_n of_o the_o ark_n lie_v near_o their_o heart_n than_o any_o other_o interest_n and_o upon_o who_o can_v their_o eye_n be_v but_o you_o for_o who_o everlasting_a good_a be_v their_o great_a care_n they_o know_v that_o except_o you_o be_v true_a and_o zealous_a for_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n god_n will_v rather_o reject_v then_o own_o you_o but_o if_o you_o be_v indeed_o set_v for_o he_o they_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a and_o that_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o you_o if_o they_o can_v see_v the_o covenant_n more_o your_o care_n it_o will_v increase_v their_o joy_n their_o great_a fear_n be_v lest_o they_o shall_v transmit_v their_o dear-bought_a libertye_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o careless_a posterity_n that_o will_v throw_v they_o away_o for_o worldly_a interest_n and_o carnal_a compliance_n blame_v they_o not_o if_o they_o count_v that_o precious_a which_o cost_v so_o much_o and_o be_v therefore_o much_o concern_v lest_o you_o by_o despise_v they_o shall_v cast_v yourselves_o out_o from_o they_o 4._o you_o be_v child_n of_o many_o prayer_n there_o have_v be_v and_o be_v much_o wrestle_n with_o god_n on_o your_o behalf_n do_v not_o you_o despise_v this_o these_o prayer_n be_v set_v to_o your_o account_n remember_v there_o have_v be_v solemn_a day_n set_v apart_o on_o purpose_n to_o seek_v god_n on_o your_o behalf_n beside_o the_o constant_a prayer_n and_o tear_n of_o your_o parent_n of_o your_o friend_n of_o all_o those_o that_o fear_n god_n and_o how_o glad_a will_v they_o be_v to_o see_v these_o their_o prayer_n answer_v in_o your_o conversion_n and_o spiritual_a edification_n i_o be_o persuade_v it_o will_v be_v the_o joyful_a day_n of_o thanksgiving_n that_o ever_o they_o keep_v see_v pro._n 23._o 15._o 2_o epist_n joh._n vers_fw-la 4._o oh_o do_v not_o let_v so_o many_o prayer_n be_v lose_v so_o many_o tear_n be_v spill_v and_o in_o vain_a god_n have_v register_v they_o they_o be_v in_o his_o book_n and_o in_o his_o bottle_n and_o he_o will_v bring_v they_o forth_o as_o heavy_a and_o sad_a witness_n against_o you_o if_o you_o have_v be_v find_v guilty_a of_o despise_v they_o 5._o if_o by_o forget_v to_o keep_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n you_o provoke_v he_o to_o withdraw_v his_o mercy_n from_o you_o and_o profane_v his_o holy_a covenant_n it_o will_v remain_v a_o blot_n and_o brand_n of_o ignominy_n upon_o you_o to_o all_o generation_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v of_o you_o that_o you_o be_v the_o betrayer_n of_o these_o liberty_n you_o thrust_v and_o put_v away_o from_o you_o god_n and_o christ_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v of_o this_o and_o that_o generation_n that_o they_o be_v zealous_a for_o god_n studious_a of_o his_o interest_n do_v and_o suffer_v a_o great_a deal_n for_o he_o yea_o count_v nothing_o too_o dear_a for_o the_o gospel_n than_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v of_o you_o behold_v the_o degenerate_a child_n of_o godly_a parent_n that_o will_v none_o of_o he_o and_o when_o man_n shall_v ask_v why_o do_v god_n so_o sore_o punish_v those_o child_n that_o answer_n shall_v be_v give_v deut._n 29._o 24_o 25._o because_o they_o have_v forsake_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n etc._n etc._n and_o for_o direction_n here_o in_o a_o few_o word_n 1._o look_v upon_o yourselves_o as_o those_o that_o be_v engage_v unto_o god_n by_o covenant_n this_o be_v a_o strong_a thy_fw-mi lie_v upon_o the_o child_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o serve_v and_o fear_v he_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o it_o by_o covenant-engagement_n evermore_o remember_v that_o you_o be_v bear_v for_o god_n and_o his_o service_n and_o be_v sanctify_v and_o set_v apart_o to_o he_o from_o the_o womb_n by_o the_o bond_n and_o â—y_a of_o the_o visible_a covenant_n you_o be_v seal_v to_o this_o work_n in_o your_o baptism_n and_o if_o you_o depart_v from_o god_n break_v his_o command_n keep_v not_o his_o covenant_n this_o will_v be_v a_o witness_n against_o you_o you_o shall_v use_v this_o as_o a_o shield_n against_o all_o temptation_n which_o do_v assault_v you_o to_o repel_v the_o force_n and_o fury_n of_o they_o withal_o you_o be_v devote_v to_o god_n by_o a_o oath_n and_o can_v hearken_v to_o or_o entertain_v those_o motion_n but_o you_o shall_v bring_v upon_o yourselves_o the_o dreadful_a guilt_n of_o covenant-breaking_a you_o be_v bind_v to_o god_n and_o his_o work_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v for_o sin_n and_o satan_n the_o thought_n of_o the_o covenant_n shall_v be_v a_o daily_a monitour_n to_o quicken_v and_o excite_v you_o to_o your_o duty_n do_v not_o esteem_v the_o covenant_n a_o snare_n to_o you_o as_o some_o do_v all_o the_o hope_v you_o have_v of_o salvation_n be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o it_o be_v god_n goodness_n to_o you_o that_o he_o have_v please_v to_o take_v you_o so_o near_o he_o only_o let_v it_o be_v your_o care_n to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o this_o vocation_n 2._o beware_v of_o misapply_v your_o covenant-interest_n to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o your_o carnal_a security_n it_o be_v not_o the_o
ready_a for_o the_o use_v it_o be_v to_o be_v employ_v about_o so_o it_o be_v translate_v psal_n 37._o 23._o the_o step_n of_o a_o good_a man_n be_v order_v or_o prepare_v by_o the_o lord_n it_o also_o signify_v to_o be_v stable_n firm_a and_o constant_a so_o it_o use_v 1_o sam._n 7._o 16._o thy_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v establish_v a_o heart_n then_o that_o be_v right_a with_o god_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o these_o covenant-transaction_n be_v i._o a_o heart_n that_o be_v make_v fit_a to_o deal_v with_o god_n in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o that_o be_v in_o brief_a a_o heart_n that_o be_v inward_o principled_a with_o save_v grace_n a_o heart_n that_o have_v true_o make_v choice_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o object_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o love_n a_o heart_n which_o as_o the_o needle_n in_o the_o compass_n which_o be_v true_o touch_v whatever_o shakeing_n it_o may_v have_v yet_o never_o rest_v till_o it_o come_v to_o point_v direct_o to_o its_o polestar_n though_o by_o the_o force_n of_o many_o temptation_n he_o may_v turn_v aside_o from_o god_n yet_o have_v a_o true_a inclination_n of_o soul_n towards_o he_o though_o often_o hurry_v by_o satan_n and_o his_o own_o corruption_n yet_o have_v the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o he_o such_o a_o heart_n have_v david_n though_o sometime_o overtake_v and_o bear_v down_o with_o great_a sin_n and_o this_o god_n have_v respect_n to_o when_o he_o be_v under_o great_a provocation_n 2._o a_o heart_n that_o be_v due_o prepare_v to_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n as_o there_o need_v a_o suitable_a principle_n so_o there_o be_v requisite_a a_o fit_a preparation_n to_o so_o solemn_a a_o transaction_n the_o want_n of_o this_o be_v render_v as_o a_o reason_n of_o rehoboam_n apostasy_n 2_o chron._n 12._o 14._o he_o do_v evil_a because_o he_o prepare_v not_o his_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n the_o contrary_a to_o which_o be_v jehoshaphat_n commendation_n chap._n 19_o 3._o have_v prepare_v thy_o heart_n to_o seek_v thy_o god_n but_o he_o can_v not_o go_v through_o with_o reformation_n for_o want_n of_o this_o in_o the_o people_n chap_n 20._o 33._o man_n may_v make_v much_o ado_n about_o outward_a preparation_n but_o without_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n all_o will_v end_v in_o mere_a formality_n now_o to_o the_o due_a preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v requisite_a 1._o that_o they_o do_v solemn_o consider_v and_o well_o weigh_v what_o they_o do_v hasty_a and_o precipitate_a action_n be_v heartless_a action_n thing_n do_v rash_o without_o due_a deliberation_n be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v permanent_a christ_n therefore_o will_v have_v man_n in_o great_a matter_n to_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v luk._n 14._o 28_o etc._n etc._n 2._o that_o they_o be_v inward_o and_o thorough_o persuade_v of_o the_o necessity_n and_o excellency_n of_o what_o they_o be_v about_o to_o do_v necessity_n i_o say_v and_o that_o not_o mere_o a_o compulsive_a necessity_n such_o as_o man_n be_v drive_v to_o by_o external_a motive_n as_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o necessary_a dependence_n of_o their_o spiritual_a good_a &_o hope_v in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o hence_o i_o add_v the_o excellency_n man_n must_v see_v a_o beauty_n in_o the_o covenant_n that_o it_o be_v a_o glorious_a thing_n to_o have_v god_n engage_v to_o we_o and_o our_o heart_n engage_v to_o he_o david_n therefore_o account_v the_o covenant_n all_o his_o salvation_n 2_o sam._n 23._o 5._o 3._o that_o they_o be_v strengthen_v with_o holy_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n to_o do_v as_o they_o shall_v promise_n and_o engage_v god_n regard_v not_o bare_a empty_a promise_n but_o he_o look_v for_o performance_n and_o man_n must_v purpose_v if_o ever_o they_o intend_v to_o do_v every_o holy_a action_n have_v its_o rise_n in_o the_o heart_n devote_v itself_o to_o god_n and_o resolve_v to_o serve_v he_o to_o promise_v and_o never_o intend_v to_o perform_v be_v mere_a mockery_n it_o be_v not_o what_o we_o pretend_v but_o what_o we_o intend_v that_o god_n regard_v they_o in_o jer._n 44._o begin_v promise_v the_o prophet_n fair_a they_o speak_v like_o honest_a and_o wel-meaning_n man_n let_v god_n but_o direct_a and_o they_o will_v do_v but_o this_o be_v the_o further_a thing_n from_o their_o thought_n they_o be_v preoccupy_v and_o forestall_v with_o resolution_n of_o their_o own_o and_o if_o these_o shall_v be_v cross_v they_o be_v resolve_v and_o they_o show_v it_o vers_n 16._o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o speak_v to_o their_o mind_n if_o he_o have_v what_o obedient_a man_n have_v they_o be_v iii_o a_o heart_n that_o be_v stable_a and_o firm_a to_o its_o purpose_n and_o promise_n man_n many_o time_n think_v to_o do_v something_o for_o god_n but_o a_o deceitful_a heart_n delude_v they_o jehu_n think_v to_o have_v make_v a_o great_a reformation_n and_o begin_v with_o a_o notable_a zeal_n but_o it_o tire_v before_o it_o have_v go_v through_o all_o its_o stage_n and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n but_o because_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o firm_a it_o be_v a_o good_a frame_n david_n be_v in_o when_o he_o say_v my_o heart_n be_v fix_v psal_n 57_o 7._o a_o irresolute_a inconstant_a heart_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o have_v to_o do_v with_o a_o unchangeable_a god_n it_o be_v god_n complaint_n against_o they_o hos_n 6._o 4._o your_o goodness_n be_v as_o the_o morning_n cloud_n and_o as_o the_o early_a dew_n it_o go_v away_o and_o it_o be_v often_o speak_v to_o israel_n disgrace_n that_o they_o soon_o forget_v three_o for_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o doctrine_n or_o why_o such_o care_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o this_o matter_n of_o covenant_v they_o be_v take_v i._o from_o god_n with_o who_o we_o be_v to_o transact_v in_o the_o covenant_n in_o two_o or_o three_o respect_n 1._o god_n require_v our_o heart_n in_o all_o that_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o he_o in_o the_o heart_n be_v a_o main_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n that_o be_v to_o be_v offer_v up_o under_o the_o law_n to_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o no_o service_n of_o we_o be_v acceptable_a but_o such_o as_o be_v hearty_a hence_o that_o upbraid_a reproof_n hos_fw-la 7._o 11._o ephraim_n be_v a_o silly_a dove_n without_o a_o heart_n god_n call_v for_o every_o one_o heart_n to_o be_v devote_v to_o he_o pro._n 23._o 26._o my_o son_n give_v i_o thy_o heart_n that_o be_v the_o emphasis_n of_o many_o precept_n seek_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n deut._n 4._o 29_o 6_o 5._o etc._n etc._n the_o most_o specious_a and_o most_o exact_o attend_v service_n without_o this_o be_v despise_v by_o he_o hence_o that_o complaint_n ezek._n 33._o 31._o 2._o god_n search_v and_o tri_v and_o thorough_o know_v all_o heart_n and_o there_o be_v no_o put_v he_o off_o with_o outside_n service_n and_o varnish_v hypocritical_a pretence_n man_n may_v be_v deceive_v but_o god_n can_v and_o all_o these_o who_o think_v to_o impose_v upon_o he_o do_v but_o cheat_v their_o own_o soul_n gal._n 6_o 7._o be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v god_n know_v all_o the_o secret_a thought_n and_o purpose_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o they_o can_v hide_v their_o counsel_n from_o he_o though_o they_o mint_n they_o in_o the_o dark_a corner_n of_o their_o soul_n psal_n 139._o 12._o heb._n 4._o 12._o and_o more_o especial_o do_v he_o look_v with_o a_o curious_a and_o critical_a eye_n upon_o those_o that_o transact_v with_o he_o in_o the_o covenant_n for_o he_o expect_v to_o be_v glorify_v by_o all_o such_o as_o draw_v so_o near_o unto_o he_o 3._o god_n will_v not_o accept_v of_o but_o severe_o punish_v all_o heartless_a and_o hypocritical_a covenanter_n with_o he_o it_o must_v needs_o add_v to_o sin_n and_o not_o mitigate_v it_o to_o think_v to_o cover_v it_o over_o with_o a_o falsify_v covenant_n god_n may_v to_o make_v know_v his_o patience_n and_o compassion_n bear_v with_o such_o long_a and_o often_o thus_o he_o do_v with_o these_o as_o the_o context_n show_n but_o yet_o he_o do_v remember_v and_o will_v recompense_v all_o the_o deceitful_a and_o false_a deal_n of_o a_o covenant-people_n man_n may_v say_v and_o promise_n and_o vow_v as_o fair_o as_o they_o will_v but_o if_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a god_n will_v not_o hear_v they_o but_o fall_v upon_o they_o in_o his_o wrath_n see_v isa_n 58._o begin_v ezek._n 14._o begin_v 2._o from_o ourselves_o covenant_v with_o god_n for_o 1._o our_o heart_n be_v natural_o hypocritical_a and_o dangerous_o deceitful_a and_o hence_o if_o they_o be_v not_o cautelous_o look_v after_o will_v lead_v we_o into_o cheat_n and_o self_n delusion_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o subtle_a sly_a slippery_a than_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a for_o we_o to_o know_v when_o