on_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n for_o as_o faith_n be_v true_o the_o life_n and_o guide_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o the_o word_n be_v the_o ground_n life_n and_o guide_n of_o our_o faith_n now_o the_o argument_n that_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o be_v brief_o three_o first_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v that_o life_n which_o above_o all_o other_o god_n will_v have_v believer_n to_o live_v and_o this_o appear_v by_o the_o distance_n that_o god_n have_v put_v between_o his_o promise_n and_o his_o performance_n make_v their_o whole_a life_n to_o be_v rather_o a_o life_n of_o hope_n then_o of_o enjoyment_n and_o the_o good_a thing_n that_o he_o give_v to_o relate_v more_o to_o the_o future_a then_o to_o the_o present_a time_n god_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o open_v a_o door_n of_o hope_n to_o fall_v man_n in_o that_o first_o gospel-promise_n which_o he_o himself_o proclaim_v 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 but_o 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the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o every_o mercy_n which_o he_o have_v undertake_v for_o in_o his_o promise_n and_o indeed_o this_o glory_n which_o believer_n give_v to_o god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o faith_n upon_o his_o word_n be_v far_o great_a and_o more_o noble_a than_o all_o that_o glory_n which_o the_o whole_a universe_n of_o creature_n do_v yield_v unto_o he_o they_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o goodness_n in_o their_o be_v and_o in_o the_o comfort_n of_o it_o derive_v unto_o they_o by_o he_o but_o who_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n in_o his_o promise_n but_o a_o believer_n who_o be_v it_o that_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n rom._n 5._o 2._o but_o a_o believer_n who_o glory_v in_o tribulation_n but_o a_o believer_n who_o be_v it_o that_o let_v not_o his_o confidence_n die_v when_o his_o life_n expire_v but_o a_o believer_n my_o flesh_n and_o my_o heart_n fail_v say_v david_n but_o god_n be_v 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psal_n 63._o 3._o it_o have_v christ_n himself_o for_o nutriment_n who_o flesh_n be_v meat_n indeed_o who_o blood_n be_v drink_v indeed_o john_n 6._o 55._o all_o which_o be_v food_n the_o world_n know_v not_o of_o it_o never_o understand_v their_o preciousness_n or_o taste_v their_o sweetness_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o repast_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o refreshment_n of_o the_o world_n than_o there_o be_v between_o the_o physic_n of_o the_o galenist_n &_o paracelsian_n the_o one_o give_v it_o in_o the_o drug_n and_o the_o other_o as_o they_o boast_v in_o the_o quintessence_n and_o spirit_n extract_v from_o that_o phlegm_n and_o earthymatter_v that_o dead_v &_o allay_v their_o efficacy_n all_o the_o comfort_n of_o faith_n have_v in_o they_o a_o native_a purity_n and_o spiritualnesse_n and_o need_v not_o the_o help_n of_o artist_n to_o refine_v they_o such_o they_o be_v as_o that_o angel_n themselves_o have_v neither_o better_o nor_o high_o to_o live_v upon_o how_o injurious_a then_o be_v believer_n to_o their_o own_o happiness_n while_o they_o neglect_v the_o live_n by_o faith_n and_o gaze_v rather_o upon_o these_o dainty_n with_o their_o eye_n then_o feed_v upon_o they_o with_o their_o mouth_n how_o great_o do_v they_o live_v below_o themselves_o while_o they_o take_v up_o with_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o put_v not_o forth_o this_o divine_a grace_n of_o faith_n which_o can_v fetch_v every_o good_a thing_n out_o of_o heaven_n what_o dishonour_n do_v they_o cast_v on_o the_o precious_a promise_n while_o like_o the_o lustful_a israelite_n they_o slight_a this_o manna_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o dry_a food_n o_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o excellency_n in_o the_o promise_n be_v persuade_v you_o that_o be_v the_o belove_a one_o of_o god_n to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o exercise_v it_o in_o a_o improvement_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o use_n of_o which_o make_v you_o more_o rich_a and_o bless_a then_o the_o have_v of_o they_o three_o to_o move_v believer_n to_o act_v faith_n upon_o the_o promise_n i_o shall_v add_v this_o argument_n that_o their_o labour_n and_o expectation_n will_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a faith_n in_o the_o promise_n be_v like_o the_o bow_n of_o jonathan_n and_o the_o sword_n of_o saul_n which_o never_o return_v empty_a 2_o sam._n 1._o 22._o it_o always_o find_v what_o it_o seek_v and_o enjoy_v what_o it_o desire_v he_o that_o believe_v shall_v never_o be_v confound_v 1_o pet._n 2._o 6._o that_o be_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v disappoint_v or_o break_v in_o his_o purpose_n or_o hope_n if_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o good_a security_n to_o rest_n and_o build_v upon_o what_o be_v what_o bond_n can_v be_v so_o firm_a as_o his_o word_n who_o can_v lie_v tit._n 1._o 9_o what_o pledge_n can_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o the_o inheritance_n of_o believer_n be_v seal_v unto_o they_o ephes_n 1._o 14._o if_o these_o foundation_n fail_v than_o we_o may_v well_o say_v with_o the_o prophet_n what_o can_v the_o righteous_a do_v but_o soon_o shall_v the_o rock_n be_v break_v into_o bit_n and_o throw_v as_o pebble_n and_o cockleshell_n upon_o the_o shore_n by_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o wave_n soon_o shall_v the_o mountain_n that_o god_n have_v set_v fast_o by_o his_o strength_n psal_n 65._o 6._o be_v over-turned_n by_o the_o breath_n of_o tempestuous_a wind_n than_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o immutable_a power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o never-failing_a goodness_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o least_o iota_fw-la make_v void_a
not_o prescribe_v and_o limit_v any_o in_o their_o choice_n but_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o free_a use_n of_o such_o scripture_n and_o promise_n as_o themselves_o by_o experience_n have_v find_v to_o be_v full_a of_o life_n and_o sweetness_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o recommend_v the_o use_n of_o some_o few_o eminent_a promise_n of_o divers_a kind_n out_o of_o the_o full_a store-house_n of_o the_o word_n which_o may_v serve_v as_o so_o many_o meet_a cordial_n to_o revive_v the_o spirit_n of_o droop_a christian_n amid_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o necessity_n that_o may_v afflict_v they_o be_v any_o burden_a with_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n so_o as_o that_o their_o soul_n draw_v nigh_o unto_o the_o pit_n of_o despair_n what_o more_o joyful_a tiding_n can_v ever_o their_o ear_n hear_v than_o a_o proclamation_n of_o free_a mercy_n make_v by_o the_o lord_n himself_o unto_o believe_v and_o repent_v sinner_n what_o more_o glorious_a and_o bless_a sight_n can_v their_o eye_n 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transgression_n and_o sin_n not_o penny_n but_o talent_n be_v forgive_v by_o he_o not_o sin_n of_o the_o least_o size_n be_v only_o pardon_v but_o sin_n of_o the_o great_a dimension_n and_o as_o this_o promise_n in_o which_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v so_o rich_o describe_v do_v full_o answer_v the_o hesitancy_n doubt_n and_o perplexity_n of_o such_o who_o fear_v their_o iniquity_n for_o number_n to_o be_v so_o many_o for_o aggravation_n to_o be_v so_o great_a as_o that_o sometime_o they_o question_v can_v god_n pardon_v sometime_o will_v he_o ever_o show_v mercy_n to_o such_o a_o wretched_a prodigal_n so_o likewise_o may_v that_o bless_a promise_n make_v unto_o believer_n hos_fw-la 14._o 5_o 6_o 7._o exceed_o support_v such_o who_o mourn_v under_o their_o want_n of_o holiness_n and_o complain_v of_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o grace_n fear_v that_o the_o little_a which_o they_o have_v attain_v unto_o go_v rather_o backward_o then_o forward_o god_n himself_o have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v be_v as_o a_o dew_n unto_o they_o which_o shall_v make_v they_o to_o put_v forth_o in_o all_o kind_n of_o growth_n they_o shall_v grow_v as_o the_o lily_n and_o cast_v forth_o their_o root_n as_o lebanon_n their_o branch_n shall_v spread_v and_o their_o beauty_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o olive-tree_n they_o shall_v revive_v as_o the_o corn_n and_o grow_v as_o the_o vine_n what_o more_o comprehensive_a summary_n can_v there_o be_v either_o of_o god_n goodness_n or_o of_o a_o believer_n desire_n than_o there_o be_v in_o this_o one_o promise_n wherein_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o make_v they_o grow_v in_o beauty_n like_o the_o lily_n in_o stability_n like_o the_o cedar_n in_o usefulness_n like_o the_o olive_n who_o fruit_n serve_v both_o for_o light_n and_o nourishment_n in_o spread_v like_o the_o vine_n and_o in_o their_o increase_n like_o the_o corn_n god_n himself_o be_v both_o the_o plant_a and_o waterer_n of_o all_o their_o grace_n to_o they_o who_o be_v full_a of_o fear_n through_o the_o approach_n of_o danger_n which_o they_o have_v no_o hope_n to_o avoid_v or_o power_n to_o overcome_v how_o full_a of_o encouragement_n and_o comfort_n be_v that_o promise_n of_o protection_n and_o safety_n when_o thou_o pass_v through_o the_o water_n i_o will_v be_v with_o thou_o and_o through_o the_o river_n they_o shall_v not_o overflow_v thou_o when_o thou_o walk_v through_o the_o fire_n thou_o shall_v not_o be_v burn_v neither_o shall_v the_o flame_n kindle_v upon_o thou_o isa_n 43._o 2._o water_n and_o fire_n be_v two_o evil_n in_o which_o none_o can_v be_v with_o their_o near_a friend_n without_o perish_v with_o they_o who_o can_v save_v a_o jonah_n when_o cast_v into_o a_o boisterous_a sea_n but_o god_n and_o who_o can_v walk_v in_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n with_o the_o three_o child_n and_o not_o be_v consume_v but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o prison_n one_o friend_n may_v be_v with_o another_o in_o banishment_n he_o may_v accompany_v he_o in_o the_o battle_n he_o may_v stand_v by_o he_o and_o assist_v he_o but_o in_o the_o swell_a water_n and_o in_o the_o devour_a flame_n none_o can_v be_v a_o relief_n to_o any_o but_o god_n and_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o believer_n to_o be_v with_o they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o both_o these_o that_o so_o in_o the_o great_a extremity_n which_o can_v befall_v they_o they_o may_v full_o rest_v assure_v that_o nothing_o can_v separate_v god_n from_o they_o but_o that_o he_o will_v either_o give_v they_o deliverance_n from_o trouble_n or_o support_v they_o under_o trouble_n martyr_n non_fw-la â—ripuit_fw-la sed_fw-la nunquid_fw-la descruit_v say_v austin_n he_o do_v not_o take_v the_o martyr_n out_o of_o the_o flame_n but_o do_v he_o forsake_v they_o in_o the_o flame_n last_o to_o they_o the_o meanness_n of_o who_o condition_n may_v seem_v to_o expose_v they_o above_o other_o to_o hunger_n cold_a nakedness_n evil_n that_o make_v life_n itself_o far_o more_o bitter_a than_o death_n how_o full_a of_o divine_a sweetness_n be_v that_o bless_a promise_n of_o provision_n the_o young_a lion_n do_v lack_v and_o suffer_v hunger_n but_o they_o that_o seek_v the_o lord_n shall_v not_o lack_v any_o good_a thing_n psal_n 34._o 10._o the_o septuagint_n render_v it_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o great_a wealthy_a man_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o like_a beast_n of_o prey_n live_v upon_o spoil_n and_o rapine_n who_o think_v that_o in_o the_o hard_a time_n that_o can_v come_v they_o shall_v be_v eat_v up_o last_o they_o shall_v be_v bite_v with_o hunger_n and_o perish_v by_o famine_n when_o they_o who_o fear_v the_o lord_n shall_v be_v in_o want_n of_o nothing_o the_o widow_n little_a barrel_n of_o meal_n in_o the_o famine_n yield_v a_o better_a supply_n than_o ahab_n his_o storehouse_n and_o granary_n her_o cruse_n have_v oil_n in_o it_o when_o his_o olive-yard_n have_v none_o oh_o how_o secure_o and_o content_o then_o may_v a_o believer_n who_o act_v his_o faith_n in_o such_o promise_n lay_v himself_o down_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o almighty_a in_o the_o worst_a of_o all_o his_o extremity_n not_o much_o unlike_o the_o infant_n that_o sleep_v in_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o tender_a mother_n with_o the_o breast_n in_o his_o mouth_n from_o which_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o it_o wake_v it_o draw_v a_o fresh_a supply_n that_o satisfy_v its_o hunger_n and_o prevent_v its_o unquietness_n sect_n 3._o rule_n 8._o consider_v of_o the_o example_n to_o who_o promise_n have_v be_v fulfil_v the_o eight_o direction_n be_v in_o the_o make_n use_n of_o any_o promise_n to_o parallel_v our_o condition_n with_o such_o example_n which_o may_v be_v unto_o we_o as_o so_o many_o clear_a instance_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o give_v unto_o other_o the_o same_o or_o
believer_n that_o look_v unto_o it_o and_o seek_v a_o establishment_n of_o their_o way_n from_o it_o the_o promise_n be_v write_v in_o fair_a and_o capital_a letter_n which_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o low_a rank_n in_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n may_v easy_o read_v and_o discern_v it_o make_v wise_a the_o simple_a and_o be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n psal_n 19_o 7_o 8._o but_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v write_v in_o dark_a and_o unlegible_a character_n which_o though_o they_o may_v soon_o be_v discern_v to_o be_v his_o hand_n yet_o to_o decipher_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o be_v a_o task_n that_o oft_o time_n exceed_v the_o line_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n they_o be_v like_o the_o hand-writing_n upon_o the_o wall_n dan._n 5._o 5._o where_o part_n of_o the_o hand_n that_o write_v it_o belshazzar_n see_v but_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o neither_o he_o nor_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o his_o chaldaean_n can_v find_v out_o to_o interpret_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n require_v the_o skill_n and_o wisdom_n of_o a_o daniel_n who_o be_v fill_v with_o a_o excellent_a spirit_n of_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n but_o to_o know_v his_o will_n in_o his_o promise_n it_o be_v enough_o if_o a_o man_n be_v a_o nathanael_n a_o israelite_n in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o guile_n the_o path_n of_o they_o be_v plain_a and_o wayfaring_a man_n though_o fool_n shall_v not_o err_v therein_o isa_n 35._o 8._o providence_n god_n use_v as_o his_o cipher_n many_o time_n to_o hide_v his_o secret_a and_o his_o counsel_n from_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n but_o the_o promise_n be_v always_o as_o his_o letter_n of_o love_n in_o which_o he_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o believer_n and_o acquaint_v they_o both_o of_o his_o peculiar_a love_n and_o care_n to_o they_o and_o of_o their_o duty_n and_o obligation_n unto_o himself_o second_o the_o promise_n do_v exceed_v in_o certainty_n the_o most_o constant_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n the_o tenure_n by_o which_o any_o blessing_n be_v give_v and_o to_o which_o we_o be_v entitle_v only_o by_o providence_n be_v not_o so_o firm_a and_o sure_a as_o that_o which_o be_v derive_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o promise_n by_o the_o one_o we_o be_v make_v no_o better_a than_o tenant_n at_o will_n and_o at_o the_o discretion_n of_o their_o lord_n who_o though_o he_o let_v they_o enjoy_v rich_a possession_n and_o revenue_n may_v yet_o at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n resume_v they_o and_o take_v all_o into_o his_o own_o hand_n by_o the_o other_o we_o be_v make_v heir_n of_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o and_o so_o may_v plead_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n as_o our_o right_n they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o portion_n which_o he_o as_o a_o father_n be_v please_v to_o bestow_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o more_o comfortable_a subsisstance_n in_o our_o present_a pilgrimage_n oh_o how_o slippery_a then_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o those_o man_n comfort_n which_o be_v only_o build_v upon_o the_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o stability_n of_o the_o promise_n how_o unsound_a be_v their_o evidence_n which_o altogether_o stand_v in_o the_o success_n of_o their_o achievement_n &_o in_o the_o prosperity_n that_o have_v follow_v they_o in_o all_o their_o path_n which_o may_v in_o one_o moment_n be_v turn_v into_o a_o sad_a change_n have_v the_o same_o hand_n of_o providence_n which_o be_v wide_o open_v in_o its_o bounty_n to_o they_o lift_v up_o in_o its_o displeasure_n against_o they_o 3_o the_o promise_n exceed_v providence_n in_o the_o purity_n and_o sweetness_n that_o it_o derive_v and_o convey_v to_o every_o external_a mercy_n which_o without_o it_o be_v not_o free_v from_o that_o vexation_n and_o vanity_n which_o sin_n have_v subject_v every_o creature_n unto_o providence_n dispense_v blessing_n but_o the_o promise_n only_o sanctify_v they_o the_o one_o give_v the_o possession_n of_o they_o &_o the_o other_o the_o true_a fruition_n of_o they_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o the_o temporal_a mercy_n which_o believer_n enjoy_v and_o those_o which_o wicked_a man_n do_v ofttimes_o partake_v of_o in_o great_a abundance_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n a_o little_a that_o a_o righteous_a man_n have_v be_v better_a than_o the_o riches_n of_o many_o wicked_a psal_n 37._o 16._o his_o dry_a morsel_n be_v sweet_a than_o their_o dainty_n his_o small_a pittance_n be_v more_o satisfactory_a than_o their_o plenty_n for_o the_o wicked_a have_v all_o these_o outward_a and_o inferior_a thing_n only_a ex_fw-la largitate_fw-la donantis_fw-la from_o the_o mere_a general_a bounty_n of_o god_n which_o do_v not_o remove_v the_o encumbrance_n the_o vacuity_n and_o vexation_n that_o be_v entail_v upon_o they_o by_o sin_n but_o the_o righteous_a have_v the_o same_o thing_n give_v unto_o he_o virtute_fw-la promise_n by_o the_o right_n of_o a_o promise_n which_o sanctifi_v the_o gift_n of_o common_a providence_n and_o take_v away_o from_o the_o creature_n that_o curse_n wherein_o it_o be_v wrap_v through_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n while_o therefore_o man_n please_v themselves_o in_o the_o single_a interest_n and_o right_n of_o providence_n to_o their_o earthly_a comfort_n &_o look_v not_o unto_o the_o conveyance_n of_o they_o by_o the_o promise_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o become_v snare_n toil_n and_o thorn_n unto_o they_o and_o that_o they_o complain_v that_o the_o stream_n of_o their_o abundance_n be_v like_o the_o water_n of_o marah_n exod._n 15._o 23._o so_o bitter_a as_o that_o they_o can_v drink_v of_o they_o see_v that_o they_o want_v christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a tree_n of_o life_n for_o to_o heal_v they_o and_o to_o change_v their_o unpleasing_a bitterness_n into_o a_o delicious_a sweetness_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o word_n second_o believer_n be_v to_o be_v cautious_a that_o they_o weaken_v not_o the_o expectation_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o good_a which_o the_o promise_n do_v hold_v forth_o unto_o they_o by_o make_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n that_o seem_v to_o cross_v the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o to_o be_v move_a argument_n to_o incline_v they_o to_o doubt_v or_o diffidence_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o when_o jacob_n understand_v that_o his_o brother_n esau_n be_v come_v against_o he_o with_o four_o hundred_o man_n gen._n 32_o 6._o he_o do_v not_o distrust_v the_o promise_n that_o god_n have_v make_v unto_o he_o gen._n 28._o 15._o but_o he_o strong_o plead_v it_o as_o a_o ground_n for_o his_o deliverance_n thou_o say_v i_o will_n sure_o do_v thou_o good_a and_o make_v thy_o seed_n as_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n which_o can_v be_v number_v for_o multitude_n gen._n 32._o 12._o when_o god_n by_o a_o dream_n that_o be_v double_v on_o purpose_n to_o confirm_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n have_v reveal_v unto_o joseph_n the_o future_a honour_n and_o greatness_n which_o he_o will_v exalt_v he_o unto_o above_o his_o brethren_n cause_v their_o sheaf_n to_o bow_v to_o his_o sheaf_n and_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o the_o eleven_o star_n to_o make_v obeisance_n unto_o he_o gen._n 37._o 7_o 9_o the_o mean_n that_o god_n use_v for_o the_o effect_n and_o bring_v to_o pass_v his_o decree_n not_o the_o concurrence_n of_o successful_a and_o smile_a providence_n but_o of_o such_o only_a which_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n seem_v rather_o to_o destroy_v the_o promise_n then_o to_o accomplish_v it_o who_o can_v ever_o have_v conceive_v that_o the_o cast_n of_o he_o into_o a_o dry_a pit_n the_o sell_v of_o he_o to_o the_o ishmaelite_n merchant_n the_o put_n of_o he_o into_o prison_n and_o fetter_n by_o potiphar_n as_o a_o shameful_a offendor_n shall_v lead_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o joseph_n &_o not_o to_o his_o ruin_n can_v light_a spring_n out_o of_o darkness_n glory_n out_o of_o ignomy_n liberty_n out_o of_o thraldom_n and_o yet_o by_o such_o stop_v as_o these_o do_v god_n raise_v up_o joseph_n into_o the_o throne_n of_o honour_n until_o the_o time_n that_o his_o word_n come_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n try_v he_o say_v david_n psal_n 105._o 19_o that_o be_v until_o the_o very_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n he_o be_v try_v in_o the_o expectation_n of_o it_o by_o many_o and_o sore_a affliction_n in_o all_o which_o he_o exercise_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n as_o not_o to_o murmur_v or_o repine_v at_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o or_o faint_v in_o his_o wait_a quiet_o for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v unto_o he_o the_o archer_n sore_o grieve_v he_o and_o shoot_v at_o he_o and_o hate_v he_o but_o his_o bow_n abode_n in_o strength_n and_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o hand_n be_v
earth_n of_o which_o it_o make_v a_o concoction_n and_o then_o send_v forth_o a_o digest_v nourishment_n unto_o the_o several_a branch_n and_o fruit_n that_o hang_v upon_o the_o tree_n so_o do_v the_o radical_a grace_n of_o faith_n distribute_v to_o other_o grace_n that_o strength_n and_o life_n which_o it_o be_v partaker_n of_o from_o christ_n and_o his_o promise_n and_o as_o the_o concoction_n that_o faith_n make_v be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a so_o be_v the_o operation_n of_o every_o grace_n the_o more_o or_o less_o vigorous_a faith_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o mediator_n between_o christ_n and_o all_o our_o grace_n as_o christ_n be_v between_o we_o and_o god_n as_o we_o have_v nothing_o from_o god_n but_o we_o receive_v by_o and_o through_o christ_n so_o no_o grace_n be_v partaker_n of_o any_o virtue_n and_o influence_n from_o christ_n but_o by_o the_o mediation_n and_o intervention_n of_o faith_n sect_n 3._o the_o thing_n promise_v precious_a three_o the_o promise_n be_v exceed_o great_a and_o precious_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o remarkable_a worth_n and_o value_n of_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o they_o interest_n believer_n and_o give_v they_o a_o right_n unto_o by_o a_o unquestionable_a claim_n and_o title_n it_o be_v a_o full_a and_o weighty_a observation_n of_o which_o grotius_n have_v afford_v two_o part_n that_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n which_o do_v clear_o demonstrate_v and_o high_o also_o commend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n above_o any_o other_o religion_n whatever_o the_o certainty_n of_o principle_n of_o trust_n the_o sanctity_n of_o precept_n and_o the_o transcendency_n of_o reward_n what_o religion_n be_v there_o among_o that_o multiplicity_n which_o have_v find_v entertainment_n in_o the_o world_n wherein_o god_n be_v represent_v to_o the_o soul_n so_o meet_v and_o fit_a a_o object_n of_o trust_n as_o in_o the_o gospel_n majesty_n be_v there_o make_v accessible_a by_o the_o condescension_n of_o goodness_n and_o god_n and_o man_n who_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n so_o near_o unite_v together_o in_o one_o as_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v determine_v whether_o be_v the_o great_a wonder_n the_o mystery_n or_o the_o mercy_n where_o be_v there_o in_o any_o religion_n such_o exact_a precept_n of_o holiness_n enjoin_v as_o in_o the_o gospel_n which_o lie_v a_o law_n upon_o every_o motion_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o become_v either_o a_o rule_n to_o guide_v it_o or_o a_o judge_n to_o censure_v it_o or_o where_o by_o search_n do_v we_o find_v such_o ample_a and_o full_a reward_n as_o may_v match_v and_o parallel_v the_o reward_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o believer_n there_o we_o read_v of_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n for_o food_n of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n for_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n for_o honour_n of_o a_o inheritance_n in_o life_n for_o riches_n of_o a_o weight_n of_o glory_n for_o clothing_n and_o beauty_n all_o which_o be_v not_o mention_v in_o the_o word_n as_o in_o a_o bare_a and_o naked_a declaratory_a which_o convey_v nothing_o of_o title_n or_o interest_n and_o speak_v rather_o the_o perfection_n of_o heaven_n than_o the_o happiness_n of_o believer_n but_o be_v set_v down_o and_o specify_v in_o the_o promise_n which_o as_o they_o declare_v a_o goodness_n and_o excellency_n in_o thing_n do_v also_o give_v a_o right_n and_o propriety_n unto_o person_n in_o they_o they_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n as_o deed_n and_o evidence_n be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o man_n which_o when_o they_o be_v sign_v seal_v witness_v and_o deliver_v do_v invest_v man_n in_o a_o just_a and_o legal_a right_n of_o whatever_o be_v mention_v and_o contain_v in_o they_o all_o that_o a_o believer_n have_v to_o plead_v or_o to_o show_v for_o that_o estate_n of_o glory_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o heir_n be_v the_o promise_n eternal_a life_n be_v by_o promise_n 1_o john_n 2._o 25._o this_o be_v the_o promise_n that_o he_o have_v promise_v we_o even_o eternal_a life_n the_o crown_n be_v by_o promise_n jam._n 1._o 12._o he_o shall_v receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o the_o kingdom_n where_o for_o love_v all_o shall_v be_v son_n for_o birthright_n heir_n for_o dignity_n king_n be_v only_o by_o promise_n jam._n 2._o 5._o god_n have_v choose_v the_o poor_a of_o this_o world_n rich_a in_o faith_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o the_o bounty_n lay_v up_o and_o the_o bounty_n lay_v out_o the_o good_a that_o a_o believer_n expect_v and_o the_o good_a that_o he_o enjoy_v both_o flow_n from_o the_o promise_n without_o which_o no_o present_a thing_n can_v be_v sweet_a nor_o no_o future_a thing_n will_v be_v certain_a which_o by_o the_o stability_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v now_o make_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gift_n without_o repentance_n rom._n 11._o 29._o or_o as_o austin_n expound_v it_o dona_fw-la sine_fw-la mutatione_n stabiliter_fw-la fixa_fw-la gift_n firm_o fix_v without_o change_n every_o promise_n be_v ratify_v by_o god_n oath_n than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o immutable_a seal_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o precious_a testify_v by_o the_o spirit_n than_o who_o nothing_o be_v more_o true_a deliver_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o mercy_n than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o free_a and_o receive_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o sure_a chap._n iu._n in_o which_o be_v discover_v the_o noble_a effect_n of_o the_o promise_n fourthly_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v exceed_o great_a and_o precious_a in_o regard_n of_o that_o high_a and_o noble_a effect_n which_o they_o work_v in_o believer_n who_o by_o the_o energy_n and_o powerful_a operation_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v raise_v to_o the_o utmost_a pitch_n both_o of_o perfection_n and_o blessedness_n in_o their_o be_v and_o estate_n be_v by_o they_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o not_o by_o have_v a_o share_n and_o partnership_n in_o the_o substance_n and_o essence_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o to_o become_v drop_n beam_n particle_n of_o the_o deity_n as_o some_o have_v most_o fond_o dream_v but_o by_o a_o participation_n of_o divine_a quality_n and_o excellency_n whereby_o believer_n be_v make_v conformable_a unto_o god_n have_v those_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n to_o be_v formal_o or_o secundùm_fw-la modum_fw-la creaturae_fw-la imprint_v and_o stamp_v on_o their_o soul_n so_o far_o as_o the_o image_n of_o his_o infinite_a holiness_n be_v expressible_a in_o a_o limit_a and_o restrain_v be_v as_o the_o wax_n when_o it_o do_v receive_v a_o impression_n from_o the_o seal_n do_v not_o participate_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o seal_n but_o only_o receive_v a_o signature_n and_o stamp_n make_v upon_o it_o so_o when_o god_n leave_v a_o character_n and_o print_n of_o his_o holiness_n or_o other_o excellency_n upon_o the_o soul_n he_o do_v not_o communicate_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o substance_n or_o essence_n but_o effect_v only_o a_o resemblance_n in_o the_o creature_n of_o those_o perfection_n that_o be_v true_o in_o himself_o which_o be_v original_o and_o total_o derive_v from_o he_o may_v in_o some_o sort_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o divine_a nature_n in_o the_o painter_n table_n that_o be_v call_v a_o face_n or_o hand_n which_o be_v only_o the_o lively_a image_n or_o representation_n of_o such_o thing_n to_o the_o eye_n and_o so_o those_o divine_a lineament_n of_o beauty_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v draw_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n may_v be_v call_v the_o divine_a nature_n as_o they_o be_v shadowy_a representation_n of_o his_o own_o glorious_a be_v but_o not_o as_o they_o be_v any_o particle_n or_o traduction_n of_o it_o the_o high_a honour_n that_o any_o creature_n can_v attain_v unto_o be_v to_o be_v a_o live_a picture_n of_o god_n to_o show_v forth_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o pet._n 2._o 9_o the_o virtue_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o he_o that_o raise_v it_o any_o high_a must_v have_v swell_v and_o lofty_a thought_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o low_a and_o dishonourable_a thought_n of_o god_n now_o this_o likeness_n to_o god_n or_o this_o deiformitas_fw-la christiformitas_fw-la as_o the_o pious_a ancient_n be_v wont_a to_o style_v it_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o promise_n sect_n 1._o the_o promise_v the_o word_n of_o life_n first_o as_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o spirit_n and_o life_n john_n 6._o 63._o as_o they_o be_v the_o immortal_a seed_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 23._o whereby_o a_o man_n be_v beget_v again_o and_o make_v partaker_n of_o a_o second_o birth_n in_o
part_n of_o man_n and_o by_o its_o creation_n fit_v for_o communion_n with_o a_o infinite_a good_a when_o say_v plutarch_n do_v epicurus_n cry_v out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v feed_v with_o so_o much_o joy_n and_o delight_n as_o archimedes_n in_o his_o mathematical_a contemplation_n do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v find_v and_o when_o do_v both_o they_o or_o the_o whole_a sect_n of_o epicure_n and_o philosopher_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o their_o sensual_a and_o intellectual_a pleasure_n cry_v out_o with_o such_o strong_a ravishment_n of_o soul_n they_o have_v either_o feed_v or_o find_v as_o a_o believer_n do_v when_o he_o have_v taste_v and_o find_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o one_o promise_n listen_v but_o a_o little_a and_o you_o shall_v hear_v in_o how_o loud_a and_o pathetical_a a_o tone_n david_n express_v himself_o when_o he_o have_v but_o taste_v these_o divine_a consolation_n who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o and_o there_o be_v none_o upon_o earth_n that_o i_o desire_v beside_o thou_o my_o flesh_n and_o my_o heart_n fail_v but_o god_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o my_o portion_n for_o ever_o psal_n 73._o 25_o 26._o and_o bellarmine_n tell_v of_o a_o pious_a old_a man_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o rise_v from_o prayer_n with_o these_o word_n always_o in_o his_o mouth_n claudimini_fw-la oculi_fw-la mei_fw-la claudimini_fw-la nihil_fw-la enim_fw-la pulchrius_fw-la jam_fw-la videbitis_fw-la be_v shut_v be_v shut_v o_o my_o eye_n for_o now_o you_o shall_v never_o see_v any_o thing_n more_o desirable_a 3._o sure_a three_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v abide_v and_o sure_a mercy_n act._n 13._o 34._o such_o which_o be_v the_o crystal_n stream_n of_o a_o live_a fountain_n and_o not_o the_o impure_a overflowing_n of_o a_o unruly_a torrent_n which_o sometime_o with_o its_o swell_n put_v the_o traveller_n in_o fear_n of_o his_o life_n and_o at_o other_o time_n shame_v his_o expectation_n of_o be_v refresh_v by_o it_o job_n 6._o 15._o geographer_n in_o their_o description_n of_o america_n report_n that_o in_o peru_n there_o be_v a_o river_n call_v the_o diurnal_a or_o day-river_n because_o it_o run_v with_o a_o great_a current_n in_o the_o day_n but_o be_v whole_o dry_a at_o night_n which_o be_v occasion_v as_o they_o say_v by_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n that_o in_o the_o daytime_n melt_v the_o snow_n that_o lie_v on_o the_o mountain_n thereabouts_o but_o when_o the_o sun_n go_v down_o and_o the_o cold_a night_n approach_v the_o snow_n congeal_v which_o only_o feed_v it_o and_o the_o channel_n be_v quite_o dry_v up_o not_o much_o unlike_o this_o river_n be_v all_o worldly_a contentment_n which_o be_v only_a day-comfort_n but_o not_o night-comfort_n in_o the_o sunshine_n of_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n they_o flow_v with_o some_o please_a stream_n but_o in_o the_o night_n season_n of_o affliction_n they_o vanish_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o then_o the_o rich_a man_n as_o cyprian_n say_v vigilat_fw-la in_o plumâ_fw-la suspirat_fw-la licèt_fw-la bibat_fw-la gemmas_fw-la lie_v restless_a upon_o a_o bed_n of_o down_o and_o fetch_v deep_a groan_n though_o he_o drink_v pearl_n and_o saphire_n but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o the_o promise_n who_o stream_n of_o comfort_n in_o the_o time_n of_o trouble_n do_v usual_o run_v most_o plentiful_o and_o refresh_v most_o powerful_o the_o weary_a and_o afflict_a soul_n so_o as_o to_o preserve_v it_o from_o die_v and_o faint_v away_o under_o the_o pressure_n of_o any_o evil_n this_o be_v it_o which_o make_v hezekiah_n under_o a_o sentence_n of_o death_n to_o revive_v and_o to_o cry_v out_o o_o lord_n by_o these_o thing_n man_n live_v and_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o life_n of_o my_o spirit_n isa_n 38._o 16._o but_o if_o at_o any_o time_n these_o divine_a consolation_n do_v run_v in_o a_o more_o shallow_a and_o spare_a channel_n and_o vary_v from_o their_o wont_a fullness_n yet_o do_v they_o never_o prove_v like_o water_n that_o fail_v or_o stream_n that_o be_v quite_o dry_v up_o a_o believer_n may_v at_o sometime_o be_v draw_v low_a but_o he_o can_v never_o be_v draw_v dry_a while_o christ_n be_v a_o full_a fountain_n faith_n will_v never_o be_v a_o empty_a conduit-pipe_n his_o comfort_n may_v be_v like_o the_o widow_n oil_n in_o the_o cruse_a where_o only_o a_o little_a remain_v 1_o king_n 17._o 12._o but_o never_a like_o the_o water_n in_o hagars_n bottle_n that_o be_v quite_o spend_v gen._n 21._o 15._o the_o widow_n think_v her_o store_n of_o meal_n and_o oil_n to_o be_v bring_v to_o so_o low_a a_o ebb_n as_o that_o it_o will_v serve_v but_o for_o one_o cake_n which_o two_o stick_n will_v be_v fuel_n enough_o to_o bake_v and_o then_o both_o she_o and_o her_o son_n must_v expect_v to_o die_v but_o then_o the_o lord_n do_v put_v forth_o his_o power_n though_o not_o in_o make_v the_o oil_n and_o meal_n to_o overflow_v to_o the_o feed_n of_o other_o therewith_o but_o in_o keep_v it_o from_o waste_v so_o as_o to_o be_v a_o constant_a supply_n unto_o she_o and_o the_o prophet_n necessity_n in_o the_o extremity_n of_o the_o famine_n the_o like_a apprehension_n have_v the_o dear_a and_o belove_a one_o of_o god_n frequent_o in_o their_o affliction_n and_o temptation_n which_o befall_v they_o they_o think_v they_o have_v scarce_o faith_n enough_o to_o last_v one_o day_n more_o scarce_a strength_n enough_o for_o one_o prayer_n more_o scarce_a courage_n enough_o for_o one_o conflict_n more_o and_o then_o they_o and_o their_o hope_n must_v die_v and_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n for_o ever_o but_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o these_o fear_n and_o misgiving_n which_o arise_v from_o their_o heart_n there_o issue_v out_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o comfort_n from_o the_o promise_n which_o if_o it_o give_v not_o deliverance_n from_o their_o temptation_n do_v effect_v their_o preservation_n in_o they_o if_o it_o overflow_v not_o to_o make_v they_o glad_a it_o fail_v not_o to_o make_v they_o patient_a and_o to_o wait_v till_o god_n send_v forth_o judgement_n unto_o victory_n mat._n 12._o 20._o 4._o universal_a four_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v universal_a such_o as_o agree_v with_o every_o estate_n and_o suit_n every_o malady_n they_o be_v the_o strong_a man_n meat_n and_o the_o sick_a man_n cordial_a the_o condemn_a sinner_n pardon_v and_o the_o justify_v person_n evidence_n but_o the_o best_a of_o the_o world_n comfort_n be_v only_o applicable_a to_o some_o particular_a condition_n and_o serve_v as_o salve_n for_o some_o few_o sore_n riches_n be_v a_o remedy_n against_o the_o press_a evil_n of_o want_n and_o poverty_n but_o they_o can_v purchase_v ease_n to_o the_o pain_a armour_n of_o proof_n be_v a_o defence_n against_o the_o sword_n and_o bullet_n but_o can_v no_o way_n serve_v to_o keep_v off_o the_o sting_n of_o pierce_a care_n oil_n and_o balsam_n be_v useful_a for_o bruise_n and_o break_a bone_n but_o they_o be_v needless_a to_o a_o hungry_a man_n that_o seek_v not_o after_o medicine_n but_o food_n as_o the_o hurt_a power_n in_o creature_n be_v stint_v and_o bound_v fire_n can_v burn_v but_o not_o drown_v water_n can_v drown_v but_o not_o wound_v serpent_n and_o viper_n can_v put_v forth_o a_o poisonful_a sting_n but_o can_v like_v beast_n of_o prey_n tear_n and_o rend_v in_o piece_n so_o the_o faculty_n of_o do_v good_a which_o be_v in_o any_o creature_n be_v confine_v to_o a_o narrow_a scantling_n and_o reach_v no_o further_a than_o the_o supply_n of_o some_o particular_a defect_n but_o the_o comfort_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v in_o their_o operation_n and_o efficacy_n of_o a_o unlimited_a extent_n they_o flow_v immediate_o from_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o god_n of_o all_o comfort_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 3._o and_o be_v therefore_o meet_a to_o revive_v and_o establish_v how_o disconsolate_a in_o any_o kind_n whatsoever_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o believer_n be_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o my_o thought_n within_o i_o thy_o comfort_n delight_v my_o soul_n say_v holy_a david_n psal_n 94._o 19_o when_o disquiet_v thought_n do_v swarm_v within_o his_o breast_n as_o thick_a as_o mote_n in_o the_o sunbeam_n and_o do_v continual_o ascend_v like_o spark_n from_o a_o flame_a furnace_n which_o the_o crown_n upon_o his_o head_n can_v not_o charm_v which_o the_o sceptre_n in_o his_o hand_n can_v not_o allay_v which_o the_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n of_o his_o court_n can_v not_o sweeten_v then_o do_v the_o comfort_n of_o god_n in_o his_o promise_n as_o so_o many_o fresh_a spring_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o his_o estuation_n both_o glad_a and_o calm_a his_o unquiet_a and_o perplex_a spirit_n one_o sun_n when_o overcast_v with_o thick_a cloud_n which_o threaten_v to_o blot_v it_o out_o of_o
to_o peep_v and_o with_o difficulty_n to_o put_v forth_o a_o feeble_a and_o disappear_a light_n by_z and_o by_o he_o look_v up_o again_o and_o then_o both_o their_o number_n and_o lustre_n be_v increase_v a_o while_n after_o he_o view_v the_o heaven_n again_o and_o then_o the_o whole_a firmament_n from_o every_o quarter_n with_o a_o numberless_a multitude_n of_o star_n be_v rich_o enamel_v as_o with_o so_o many_o golden_a stud_n so_o when_o a_o christian_n first_o turn_v his_o thought_n towards_o the_o promise_n the_o appearance_n of_o light_n and_o comfort_n which_o shine_n from_o they_o do_v ofttimes_o seem_v to_o be_v as_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a ray_n which_o neither_o scatter_v fear_n nor_o darkness_n when_o again_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o ripen_v and_o improve_v his_o thought_n upon_o they_o than_o the_o evidence_n and_o comfort_n which_o they_o yield_v to_o the_o soul_n be_v both_o more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a but_o when_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n be_v full_o fix_v in_o the_o meditation_n of_o a_o promise_n oh_o what_o a_o bright_a mirror_n be_v the_o promise_n then_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n what_o legion_n of_o beauty_n do_v then_o appear_v from_o every_o part_n of_o it_o which_o both_o ravish_v and_o fill_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o believer_n with_o delight_n how_o do_v he_o sometime_o admire_v free_a grace_n whereby_o god_n become_v a_o debtor_n not_o by_o take_v any_o thing_n from_o we_o but_o by_o promise_v great_a thing_n unto_o we_o how_o do_v he_o triumph_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o mercy_n which_o overflow_v in_o it_o as_o be_v enough_o to_o fill_v the_o wide_a capacity_n and_o to_o supply_v the_o great_a necessity_n how_o do_v he_o stay_v himself_o upon_o the_o stability_n of_o the_o promise_n it_o be_v found_v upon_o strength_n itself_o the_o strength_n of_o israel_n who_o can_v lie_v one_o promise_n thorough_o ruminate_v and_o meditate_a upon_o be_v like_a to_o a_o morsel_n of_o meat_n well_o chew_v and_o digest_v which_o distribute_v more_o nourishment_n and_o strength_n to_o the_o body_n then_o great_a quantity_n take_v down_o whole_a samson_n when_o he_o have_v make_v a_o great_a slaughter_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o lay_v they_o heap_n upon_o heap_n yet_o he_o complain_v that_o though_o god_n have_v give_v he_o so_o mighty_a a_o deliverance_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v for_o thirst_n judge_n 15._o 18._o so_o many_o christian_n who_o make_v it_o their_o work_n to_o heap_v promise_n upon_o promise_n may_v yet_o be_v sore_o distress_v for_o want_n of_o comfort_n if_o by_o meditation_n they_o do_v not_o dive_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o water_n wherewith_o samson_n be_v refresh_v come_v forth_o out_o of_o a_o hollow_a place_n which_o the_o lord_n cleave_v in_o the_o jaw_n and_o the_o spring_n of_o comfort_n which_o believer_n drink_v of_o come_v out_o of_o the_o cliff_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o faith_n and_o meditation_n make_v in_o it_o let_v i_o therefore_o persuade_v such_o as_o be_v desirous_a and_o willing_a to_o make_v the_o utmost_a of_o every_o promise_n to_o put_v in_o practice_n this_o much_o neglect_a duty_n without_o which_o every_o ordinance_n be_v of_o little_a fruit_n the_o word_n as_o it_o must_v have_v preparation_n before_o it_o which_o like_o the_o plough_n fit_v the_o ground_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o seed_n so_o must_v it_o have_v meditation_n to_o follow_v after_o which_o be_v as_o the_o harrow_n to_o cover_v and_o hide_v the_o new-sown_a seed_n or_o else_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n will_v pick_v it_o up_o the_o sacrament_n as_o it_o be_v food_n to_o be_v receive_v with_o a_o appetite_n so_o be_v it_o to_o be_v digest_v with_o meditation_n else_o the_o nourishment_n will_v be_v little_a the_o promise_n as_o they_o must_v be_v read_v in_o the_o scripture_n with_o diligence_n so_o must_v they_o be_v call_v to_o remembrance_n by_o many_o serious_a muse_n and_o act_n of_o our_o thought_n upon_o they_o else_o they_o will_v never_o prove_v strengthen_v and_o revive_v cordial_n rose_n be_v sweet_a in_o the_o still_o then_o on_o the_o stalk_n and_o promise_n be_v more_o fragrant_a in_o the_o heart_n then_o in_o the_o book_n the_o grape_n hang_v on_o the_o vine_n do_v not_o make_v the_o wine_n that_o cheer_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o the_o grape_n that_o be_v squeise_v and_o tread_v in_o the_o winepress_a no_o more_o do_v the_o promise_n as_o they_o stand_v in_o the_o bible_n work_v joy_n and_o gladness_n but_o as_o they_o be_v ponder_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o like_v press_v grape_n have_v their_o juice_n and_o virtue_n draw_v from_o they_o which_o by_o a_o percolation_n in_o the_o thought_n turn_v into_o a_o most_o sovereign_a and_o precious_a liquor_n sect_n 4._o rule_n 5._o be_v much_o in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o five_o direction_n be_v to_o be_v much_o in_o the_o use_n and_o application_n of_o promise_n though_o we_o do_v not_o find_v such_o visible_a effect_n either_o of_o grace_n or_o comfort_n issue_v from_o they_o as_o we_o expect_v or_o desire_v elijah_n when_o he_o go_v up_o to_o the_o top_n of_o mount_n carmel_n and_o fall_v upon_o his_o face_n before_o the_o lord_n to_o pray_v for_o rain_n he_o send_v his_o servant_n seven_o time_n to_o look_v towards_o the_o sea_n before_o he_o see_v so_o much_o as_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o cloud_n of_o a_o hand-breadth_n yet_o be_v he_o not_o discourage_v 1._o king_n 18._o 43._o so_o believer_n though_o they_o have_v be_v much_o in_o muse_v upon_o the_o promise_n in_o their_o thought_n frequent_a in_o plead_v and_o spread_v they_o before_o the_o lord_n in_o prayer_n and_o after_o all_o their_o looking_n towards_o heaven_n say_v as_o the_o servant_n of_o elijah_n when_o he_o look_v towards_o the_o sea_n non_fw-la est_fw-la quicquam_fw-la there_o be_v nothing_o yet_o must_v they_o not_o cast_v away_o their_o confidence_n in_o they_o or_o neglect_v the_o daily_a use_n of_o they_o because_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o word_n that_o go_v forth_o out_o of_o god_n mouth_n shall_v not_o return_v unto_o he_o void_a but_o shall_v accomplish_v that_o which_o he_o please_v and_o it_o shall_v prosper_v in_o the_o thing_n whereunto_o he_o send_v it_o isa_n 55._o 11._o the_o manner_n of_o the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o may_v be_v various_a but_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a the_o blessing_n of_o the_o promise_n descend_v sometime_o like_o rain_n in_o visible_a shower_n produce_v the_o sensible_a effect_n of_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o soul_n sometime_o it_o fall_v like_o dew_n in_o a_o silent_a and_o imperceptible_a way_n without_o make_v any_o discernible_a alteration_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o believer_n the_o virtue_n which_o it_o put_v forth_o be_v real_a but_o yet_o withal_o hide_v and_o secret_a as_o gold_n put_v and_o boil_a in_o broth_n help_v to_o make_v it_o strengthen_v and_o cordial_a which_o if_o weigh_v afterward_o in_o the_o scale_n be_v find_v to_o lose_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o its_o former_a weight_n or_o to_o suffer_v any_o dimiunition_n of_o its_o substance_n so_o the_o promise_n when_o much_o meditate_a on_o when_o frequent_o apply_v by_o a_o believer_n to_o his_o present_a strait_n yield_v a_o secret_a influence_n and_o support_n though_o to_o his_o apprehension_n no_o virtue_n or_o quicken_n do_v appear_v to_o have_v issue_v from_o it_o then_o it_o be_v as_o the_o cork_n to_o the_o net_n to_o keep_v it_o float_v in_o a_o sea_n of_o difficulty_n when_o every_o moment_n we_o look_v for_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o dismal_a and_o irrecoverable_a perish_v amid_o those_o many_o roll_a wave_n and_o billow_n that_o pass_v over_o we_o this_o direction_n i_o propound_v the_o rather_o because_o that_o christian_n lie_v under_o fear_n darkness_n and_o temptation_n be_v not_o seldom_o like_o hasty_a patient_n under_o disease_n and_o infirmity_n who_o if_o they_o find_v not_o a_o present_a benefit_n in_o the_o use_n of_o physic_n either_o in_o the_o removal_n or_o in_o the_o abatement_n of_o their_o distemper_n do_v straightway_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v better_o for_o they_o to_o bear_v the_o pain_n of_o the_o disease_n then_o to_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o the_o daily_a application_n of_o fruitless_a remedy_n &_o prescript_n not_o consider_v that_o physic_n may_v be_v useful_a to_o prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o the_o disease_n when_o it_o do_v not_o work_v the_o cure_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o grow_v worse_o though_o it_o do_v not_o make_v they_o better_o so_o believer_n when_o by_o the_o use_n of_o promise_n and_o other_o ordinance_n they_o find_v no_o sensible_a alteration_n for_o the_o better_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o present_a condition_n be_v apt_a to_o throw_v off_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n as_o thing_n that_o stand_v they_o in_o little_a
it_o be_v their_o usual_a food_n in_o the_o wilderness_n or_o quail_n the_o more_o because_o they_o be_v a_o new_a kind_n of_o meat_n the_o one_o indeed_o please_v their_o appetite_n and_o palate_n more_o but_o the_o other_o supply_v their_o necessity_n as_o well_o and_o so_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v most_o obvious_a and_o common_a in_o their_o use_n do_v yield_v to_o christian_n as_o much_o real_a and_o solid_a comfort_n when_o right_o apply_v though_o other_o which_o they_o conceive_v to_o have_v be_v less_o observe_v or_o by_o themselves_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o may_v more_o affect_v and_o please_v the_o curiosity_n of_o a_o lustful_a fancy_n sect_n 3._o cau._n 5._o take_v heed_n of_o carnal_a reason_n the_o five_o cautionary_a direction_n be_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o carnal_a reason_n which_o be_v restless_a in_o their_o enmity_n to_o all_o matter_n that_o appertain_v to_o faith_n or_o at_o the_o best_a full_a of_o impotency_n and_o unable_a to_o yield_v any_o assistance_n to_o believer_n in_o they_o first_o carnal_a reason_n be_v unwearied_a in_o its_o oppose_a and_o contradict_v of_o faith_n which_o of_o all_o grace_n have_v the_o most_o immediate_a relation_n unto_o the_o promise_n and_o be_v of_o great_a use_n in_o the_o application_n of_o they_o it_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o first_o implantation_n of_o it_o and_o hinder_v man_n from_o submit_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n by_o possess_v their_o mind_n with_o unjust_a prejudices_fw-la and_o cavil_n against_o his_o word_n god_n say_v that_o his_o word_n do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o walk_v upright_o mich._n 2._o 7._o but_o the_o language_n of_o carnal_a man_n be_v it_o be_v vain_a to_o serve_v god_n and_o what_o profit_n be_v it_o that_o we_o have_v keep_v his_o ordinance_n mal._n 3._o 14._o christ_n say_v that_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n mat._n 11._o 30._o but_o his_o carnal_a disciple_n cry_v out_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n and_o who_o can_v hear_v it_o joh._n 6._o 60._o god_n say_v his_o wave_n be_v just_a and_o equal_a but_o the_o carnal_a israelite_n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o censure_v his_o as_o crooked_a and_o their_o own_o as_o straight_o ezek_n 33._o 17._o and_o as_o by_o the_o disguise_n and_o artifices_fw-la of_o carnal_a reason_n man_n be_v keep_v from_o a_o happy_a change_n of_o their_o natural_a estate_n by_o believe_v so_o when_o faith_n be_v wrought_v they_o be_v by_o the_o enmity_n of_o the_o same_o principle_n continual_o disquiet_v and_o interrupt_v in_o the_o comfortable_a enjoyment_n of_o those_o many_o bless_a privilege_n which_o they_o be_v interest_v in_o by_o faith_n sometime_o it_o call_v into_o question_n their_o title_n to_o what_o they_o possess_v and_o suggest_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o be_v rather_o presumptuous_a intruder_n then_o just_a proprietary_n that_o the_o evidence_n upon_o which_o they_o build_v their_o hope_n be_v the_o delusion_n and_o self-flattery_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o not_o the_o unerring_a testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n sometime_o it_o raise_v jealousy_n concern_v the_o promise_n themselves_o that_o they_o be_v thing_n as_o easy_o revoke_v as_o they_o be_v make_v which_o though_o they_o yield_v present_a comfort_n yet_o do_v not_o ascertain_v any_o future_a security_n that_o though_o god_n turn_v not_o away_o from_o they_o nor_o repent_v he_o of_o his_o love_n yet_o they_o may_v turn_v from_o he_o and_o so_o nullify_v the_o promise_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o his_o mercy_n unto_o themselves_o it_o be_v therefore_o of_o great_a concernment_n unto_o believer_n in_o the_o make_n use_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o be_v cautious_a in_o admit_v the_o plea_n and_o argument_n of_o carnal_a reason_n which_o be_v never_o so_o often_o answer_v will_v never_o be_v silent_a but_o peremptory_o to_o resolve_v to_o believe_v notwithstanding_o all_o that_o sense_n and_o reason_n can_v suggest_v to_o the_o contrary_n to_o wink_v and_o believe_v to_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o all_o difficulty_n and_o when_o they_o be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o pose_v their_o reason_n not_o to_o let_v they_o to_o pose_v their_o faith_n excellent_a be_v that_o say_n of_o luther_n aperuit_fw-la nobis_fw-la in_o paradiso_n oculos_fw-la satan_n nunc_fw-la omnis_fw-la labour_n in_fw-la eo_fw-la nobis_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la eos_fw-la iterum_fw-la claudamus_fw-la &_o obturemus_fw-la in_o paradise_n satan_n first_o open_v our_o eye_n and_o now_o it_o be_v our_o chief_a labour_n to_o shut_v and_o fast_o close_v they_o again_o that_o so_o we_o may_v no_o more_o be_v betray_v by_o they_o sense_n and_o reason_n be_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o faith_n noxiabestia_fw-la a_o harmful_a beast_n as_o he_o call_v it_o to_o overturn_v and_o destroy_v whatever_o faith_n use_v as_o a_o prop_n to_o rest_v itself_o upon_o second_o as_o carnal_a reason_n be_v a_o enemy_n unto_o faith_n so_o at_o the_o best_a it_o be_v full_a of_o impotency_n and_o unable_a to_o give_v the_o least_o assistance_n to_o believer_n in_o their_o make_n use_v of_o the_o promise_n or_o dijudication_n of_o spiritual_a object_n as_o may_v appear_v in_o three_o particular_n first_o it_o be_v dim-sighted_n and_o want_v a_o perceptive_a faculty_n busy_n and_o curious_a it_o be_v in_o pry_v &_o look_v into_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n but_o altogether_o weak_a and_o unskilful_a in_o make_v any_o true_a judgement_n concern_v they_o reason_n be_v like_o the_o crocodile_n which_o be_v report_v to_o be_v of_o quick-sight_n on_o the_o land_n but_o of_o dull_a sight_n on_o the_o water_n it_o be_v sagacious_a in_o earthly_a thing_n but_o have_v no_o insight_n in_o spiritual_a object_n asaph_z attempt_v by_o the_o discussion_n of_o reason_n to_o have_v find_v out_o the_o ground_n of_o god_n differ_v administration_n towards_o his_o people_n and_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n who_o belly_n be_v fill_v which_o hide_a treasure_n but_o he_o be_v by_o his_o own_o confession_n soon_o at_o a_o loss_n when_o i_o think_v to_o know_v this_o it_o be_v too_o painful_a for_o i_o ps_n 73._o 16._o and_o when_o he_o do_v go_v that_o way_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o how_o opposite_a be_v the_o inference_n and_o conclusion_n to_o that_o which_o he_o make_v upon_o a_o second_o view_n and_o look_n upon_o the_o same_o thing_n by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lamp_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n when_o he_o behold_v god_n dispensation_n with_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o reason_n only_o what_o a_o wild_a and_o erroneous_a conclusion_n do_v he_o take_v up_o very_o i_o have_v cleanse_v my_o heart_n in_o vain_a and_o wash_v my_o hand_n ininnocency_n ver_fw-la 13._o but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o read_v they_o over_o again_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n than_o he_o draw_v a_o right_a inference_n from_o the_o premise_n it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n verse_n 28._o and_o as_o reason_n be_v blind_a in_o discern_v spiritual_a object_n so_o be_v it_o also_o unskilful_a in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n by_o which_o faith_n be_v enable_v to_o make_v a_o full_a &_o perfect_a discovery_n of_o they_o reason_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o man_n that_o take_v the_o wrong_a end_n of_o the_o perspective_n glass_n to_o see_v with_o which_o lessen_v the_o magnitude_n of_o the_o object_n and_o increase_v the_o distance_n it_o look_v upon_o the_o promise_n by_o unapt_a medium_n which_o do_v not_o make_v a_o just_a representation_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o discern_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o their_o reality_n and_o existence_n but_o faith_n that_o look_v at_o the_o right_a end_n of_o the_o glass_n which_o be_v more_o full_a of_o light_n do_v multiply_v the_o species_n and_o thereby_o take_v away_o the_o remoteness_n of_o the_o object_n and_o present_v they_o as_o close_v unto_o the_o eye_n thus_o abraham_n see_v christ_n day_n and_o rejoice_v to_o see_v it_o joh._n 8._o 56._o great_a be_v the_o space_n of_o time_n between_o the_o make_n of_o that_o promise_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o unto_o abraham_n that_o in_o he_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v gen._n 12._o 3._o but_o yet_o his_o faith_n eye_v the_o power_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o make_v it_o look_n upon_o the_o long_a interval_n of_o many_o age_n that_o be_v between_o he_o and_o his_o promise_a seed_n as_o upon_o a_o very_a small_a and_o inconsiderable_a distance_n thus_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n do_v not_o only_o see_v the_o promise_n afar_o off_o but_o they_o also_o salute_v and_o embrace_v they_o as_o near_o they_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o their_o own_o existence_n afar_o off_o but_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o be_v hard_o at_o hand_n heb._n 11._o 13._o 2_o carnal_a reason_n as_o it_o be_v blind_a so_o be_v it_o also_o full_a of_o impatience_n and_o therefore_o unmeet_a to_o be_v a_o assistance_n unto_o
the_o vision_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o rapture_n of_o the_o spirit_n how_o often_o do_v satan_n by_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n endeavour_v the_o seducement_n and_o ruin_n of_o many_o christian_n against_o who_o as_o a_o angel_n of_o darkness_n he_o can_v not_o prevail_v be_v in_o every_o thing_n god_n ape_n to_o imitate_v those_o extraordinary_a way_n by_o which_o god_n have_v sometime_o make_v know_v himself_o unto_o his_o people_n gerson_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr probatione_fw-la spirituum_fw-la of_o the_o trial_n of_o spirit_n tell_v a_o remarkable_a story_n of_o satan_n appear_v to_o a_o holy_a man_n in_o a_o most_o glorious_a and_o beautiful_a manner_n profess_v himself_o to_o be_v christ_n and_o because_o he_o for_o his_o exemplary_a holiness_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v honour_v above_o other_o therefore_o he_o appear_v unto_o he_o but_o the_o old_a man_n ready_o answer_v he_o that_o he_o desire_v not_o to_o see_v his_o saviour_n in_o this_o wilderness_n it_o shall_v suffice_v he_o to_o see_v he_o hereafter_o in_o heaven_n and_o with_o all_o add_v this_o pithy_a prayer_n sit_v in_o alio_fw-la seculo_fw-la non_fw-la in_o hoc_fw-la visio_fw-la tua_fw-la merces_fw-la mea_fw-la o_o let_v thy_o sight_n be_v my_o reward_n lord_n in_o another_o life_n and_o not_o in_o this_o life_n this_o direction_n therefore_o be_v of_o no_o little_a importance_n unto_o believer_n that_o will_v not_o loose_v and_o wild_a themselves_o in_o uncertainty_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o duty_n and_o comfort_n to_o take_v heed_n how_o they_o leave_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o word_n and_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o revelation_n for_o rhe_n guidance_n of_o their_o way_n or_o how_o they_o neglect_v the_o application_n of_o the_o promise_n by_o faith_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o their_o heart_n in_o the_o peace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o expect_v their_o assurance_n to_o flow_v from_o a_o immediate_a voice_n or_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n as_o if_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n have_v no_o activity_n and_o light_n in_o they_o to_o evidence_n and_o declare_v the_o certainty_n and_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n unto_o their_o soul_n such_o way_n though_o the_o novelty_n of_o they_o may_v render_v they_o please_v to_o many_o yet_o it_o can_v as_o we_o see_v make_v they_o safe_a to_o any_o that_o tread_v or_o walk_v in_o they_o and_o therefore_o let_v that_o of_o austin_n be_v every_o christian_n practice_n and_o prayer_n sint_fw-la sacrae_fw-la scripturae_fw-la tuâ—_n deliciae_fw-la meae_fw-la in_fw-la quibus_fw-la nec_fw-la possim_fw-la fallere_fw-la nec_fw-la falli_fw-la lord_n let_v thy_o holy_a scripture_n be_v my_o pure_a delight_n in_o which_o i_o can_v neither_o deceive_v or_o ever_o be_v deceive_v sect_n 2._o cau._n 7._o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n out_o on_o earthly_a object_n the_o seven_o and_o last_o cautionary_a direction_n be_v to_o take_v beed_o of_o have_v the_o heart_n let_v out_o to_o earthly_a object_n either_o in_o earnest_a desire_n after_o they_o or_o in_o long_a and_o frequent_a muse_n of_o the_o mind_n upon_o they_o the_o application_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v then_o most_o powerful_a and_o operative_a when_o they_o lie_v near_o and_o close_a unto_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o comfort_n that_o distil_v from_o they_o be_v then_o most_o sweet_a when_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o most_o inward_a part_n of_o the_o hide_a man_n the_o soft_a garment_n man_n usual_o wear_v next_o their_o skin_n and_o the_o best_a jewel_n they_o lie_v up_o in_o the_o most_o inward_a cell_n of_o their_o cabinet_n and_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n be_v the_o promise_n and_o invitation_n of_o mercy_n in_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v thing_n of_o the_o great_a delicacy_n and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v apply_v next_o unto_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v of_o all_o part_n the_o most_o tender_a they_o be_v of_o the_o high_a worth_n and_o value_n and_o therefore_o shall_v high_o be_v lodge_v in_o the_o most_o retire_a and_o inward_a receptacle_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o their_o most_o due_a and_o proper_a seat_n all_o interposition_n of_o earthly_a thing_n do_v not_o only_o hinder_v the_o conveyance_n both_o of_o grace_n and_o comfort_n from_o the_o promise_n but_o do_v also_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n &_o predominancy_n of_o it_o make_v the_o heart_n as_o a_o unmeet_a vessel_n to_o receive_v such_o heavenly_a treasure_n in_o diverse_a respect_n first_o earthly_a thing_n do_v fill_v the_o heart_n &_o thereby_o put_v it_o into_o a_o incapacity_n of_o receive_v either_o divine_a counsel_n or_o comfort_n from_o the_o word_n or_o promise_n they_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o crowd_n of_o business_n so_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o word_n find_v no_o more_o place_n in_o it_o than_o he_o and_o his_o mother_n do_v room_n in_o the_o inn_n where_o the_o manger_n be_v fain_o to_o be_v his_o cradle_n luk._n 2._o 7._o they_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o diversity_n of_o care_n and_o solicitude_n so_o that_o it_o can_v have_v any_o freedom_n to_o attend_v heavenly_a duty_n martha_n who_o be_v trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n do_v not_o with_o mary_n her_o sister_n sit_v at_o christ_n foot_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n she_o cumber_v about_o much_o serve_v make_v she_o to_o neglect_v the_o one_o thing_n that_o be_v needful_a luke_n 10._o 41._o they_o many_o time_n fill_v the_o heart_n with_o pride_n and_o scorn_n so_o as_o that_o the_o choice_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o better_a than_o foolishness_n the_o pharisee_n hear_v christ_n preach_v against_o earthly_a affection_n but_o they_o deride_v he_o luke_n 16._o 14._o the_o full_a soul_n loathe_v the_o honeycomb_n pro._n 27._o 7._o and_o so_o do_v a_o earthly_a mind_n reject_v the_o word_n which_o be_v more_o sweet_a than_o the_o drop_a honey_n second_o earthly_a thing_n defile_v the_o heart_n with_o many_o vile_a and_o corrupt_a affection_n which_o do_v unqualifie_v it_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o holy_a and_o precious_a promise_n they_o stain_v the_o heart_n with_o a_o adulterous_a and_o impure_a love_n which_o be_v enmity_n unto_o god_n james_n 4._o 4._o and_o make_v it_o apt_a to_o prefer_v carnal_a satisfaction_n before_o communion_n with_o christ_n they_o defile_v the_o heart_n with_o a_o false_a and_o unsound_a confidence_n turn_v it_o from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o trust_n unto_o the_o mutable_a and_o unstable_a creature_n and_o therefore_o paul_n enjoin_v timothy_n to_o charge_v they_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o trust_v not_o in_o uncertain_a riches_n but_o in_o the_o live_a god_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 17._o they_o pollute_v the_o heart_n with_o sensual_a joy_n with_o unhallowed_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n so_o that_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o corn_n wine_n and_o oil_n increase_v do_v extinguish_v that_o complacency_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n that_o flow_v from_o the_o presence_n and_o fruition_n of_o spiritual_a object_n as_o in_o luxurious_a person_n strange_a love_n do_v eat_v out_o and_o obliterate_v that_o which_o be_v conjugal_a how_o then_o can_v any_o man_n expect_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n shall_v be_v both_o a_o counsellor_n and_o comforter_n unto_o such_o a_o one_o who_o love_n confidence_n joy_n be_v adulterate_a and_o sinful_a sure_o he_o who_o have_v the_o purity_n of_o a_o dove_n will_v never_o take_v up_o the_o lodging_n of_o a_o crow_n he_o who_o dwell_v in_o the_o soul_n when_o it_o be_v a_o temple_n of_o holiness_n will_v never_o afford_v his_o presence_n when_o it_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o cage_n of_o unclean_a bird_n three_o earthly_a object_n divide_v the_o heart_n hosea_n 2._o 10._o and_o make_v it_o uncertain_a in_o its_o motion_n towards_o god_n as_o the_o balance_n have_v no_o steadfastness_n in_o itself_o but_o do_v by_o every_o breath_n and_o touch_n fluctuate_v sometime_o to_o the_o one_o hand_n sometime_o to_o the_o other_o so_o the_o earthly_a mind_n be_v various_a and_o inconstant_a in_o its_o desire_n to_o heavenly_a thing_n sometime_o for_o a_o short_a and_o sudden_a fit_n it_o seem_v to_o affect_v they_o and_o by_o and_o by_o grow_v cold_a and_o heartless_a again_o like_a to_o the_o grasshopper_n which_o as_o gregory_n observe_v give_v a_o flirt_n up_o and_o make_v a_o faint_a essay_n of_o fly_v towards_o heaven_n and_o then_o present_o fall_v on_o the_o earth_n again_o thus_o the_o young_a man_n mark_v 10._o 17._o come_v run_v to_o christ_n to_o show_v his_o fervour_n and_o zeal_n kneel_v to_o he_o to_o testify_v his_o observance_n pray_v to_o he_o to_o direct_v he_o in_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n to_o evidence_n his_o care_n and_o solicitude_n about_o it_o but_o when_o christ_n bid_v he_o to_o sell_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a that_o so_o he_o may_v have_v treasure_n in_o heaven_n how_o soon_o do_v he_o who_o
salvation_n and_o resolve_n neither_o to_o seek_v it_o nor_o expect_v it_o any_o other_o way_n thus_o the_o prodigal_n luke_n 15._o 18._o do_v cast_v himself_o upon_o his_o father_n when_o he_o can_v not_o tell_v whether_o he_o will_v own_v he_o as_o his_o son_n or_o make_v he_o so_o much_o as_o a_o hire_a servant_n but_o second_o it_o may_v be_v object_v if_o faith_n be_v not_o assurance_n wherein_o do_v lie_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o double_a certainty_n the_o one_o be_v a_o certainty_n of_o sense_n such_o as_o thomas_n have_v who_o see_v believe_v joh._n 20._o 29._o and_o such_o a_o certainty_n assurance_n have_v which_o be_v rather_o a_o kind_n of_o sense_n then_o faith_n the_o other_o be_v a_o certainty_n of_o event_n and_o this_o faith_n have_v though_o it_o want_v the_o former_a he_o that_o believe_v shall_v as_o certain_o not_o perish_v as_o he_o who_o be_v assure_v though_o he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o after_o that_o manner_n as_o the_o other_o do_v christ_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o who_o come_v to_o he_o he_o will_v in_o nowise_o cast_v out_o john_n 6._o 37._o the_o word_n include_v more_o than_o they_o express_v he_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o cast_v out_o any_o that_o come_v to_o he_o as_o that_o he_o will_v embrace_v they_o in_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o dear_a love_n and_o manifest_v the_o most_o tender_a compassion_n of_o his_o heart_n towards_o they_o but_o the_o end_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o querie_n be_v not_o that_o any_o shall_v rest_v in_o their_o have_v of_o faith_n without_o assurance_n or_o lessen_v their_o give_v of_o all_o diligence_n to_o make_v their_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a though_o a_o malefactor_n may_v be_v pardon_v and_o he_o not_o know_v of_o it_o yet_o he_o can_v be_v so_o comfortable_a as_o he_o that_o carry_v his_o pardon_n seal_v in_o his_o bosom_n he_o who_o god_n love_v though_o he_o know_v it_o not_o be_v happy_a but_o he_o that_o know_v it_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v happy_a and_o therefore_o believer_n though_o they_o be_v not_o to_o faint_v under_o the_o want_n of_o assurance_n or_o to_o conclude_v against_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n because_o they_o have_v no_o assurance_n yet_o they_o ought_v in_o prayer_n and_o all_o other_o ordinance_n to_o seek_v not_o only_o the_o have_v of_o eternal_a life_n but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o have_v it_o in_o christ_n chap._n xiii_o in_o which_o the_o second_o query_n be_v resolve_v the_o second_o query_n be_v what_o use_v a_o believer_n may_v make_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n after_o relapse_n and_o fall_v into_o gross_a sin_n which_o waste_v the_o conscience_n and_o whether_o he_o may_v lay_v a_o immediate_a claim_n unto_o his_o right_a and_o interest_n in_o they_o without_o his_o be_v first_o humble_v and_o afflict_v for_o his_o sin_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o it_o be_v not_o with_o a_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o nazarite_n under_o the_o law_n who_o if_o he_o be_v defile_v in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o consecration_n lose_v all_o the_o former_a day_n of_o his_o separation_n and_o be_v to_o begin_v it_o whole_o anew_o numb_a 6._o 12._o though_o he_o do_v not_o by_o his_o present_a defilement_n lose_v the_o virtue_n of_o his_o former_a cleanse_n and_o purify_n of_o himself_o so_o as_o to_o extinguish_v his_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n yet_o his_o right_n may_v just_o be_v suspend_v so_o as_o that_o he_o can_v actual_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n of_o they_o until_o he_o first_o humble_v himself_o and_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o greatness_n of_o his_o defection_n and_o apostasy_n from_o god_n but_o that_o i_o may_v give_v more_o distinct_a and_o clear_a satisfaction_n to_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v speak_v to_o these_o two_o head_n first_o i_o shall_v show_v how_o far_o a_o believer_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o charge_v the_o guilt_n of_o atrocious_a sin_n that_o he_o fall_v into_o upon_o himself_o second_o i_o shall_v show_v how_o far_o he_o may_v not_o go_v or_o conclude_v any_o sentence_n against_o himself_o there_o be_v error_n oftentimes_o commit_v in_o the_o excess_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o defect_n sect_n 1._o how_o far_o a_o believer_n ought_v to_o censure_v himself_o after_o atrocious_a sin_n first_o how_o far_o a_o believer_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o judge_v and_o sentence_n himself_o for_o sin_n that_o be_v not_o quotidianae_fw-la incursionis_fw-la of_o daily_a incursion_n and_o incident_a to_o humane_a frailty_n but_o be_v devoratâ—ria_fw-la salutis_fw-la sin_n that_o more_o immediate_o hazard_v and_o endanger_v salvation_n itself_o as_o spring_v from_o more_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o a_o more_o full_a consent_n of_o will_n and_o take_v it_o in_o these_o particular_n first_o a_o believer_n ought_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o such_o sin_n which_o have_v in_o they_o notâ—rietatem_fw-la facti_fw-la a_o notoriety_n of_o fact_n do_v deserve_v notorietatem_fw-la poenae_fw-la a_o notoriety_n and_o exemplarinesse_n in_o their_o punishment_n and_o he_o be_v to_o be_v affect_v as_o one_o who_o have_v just_o merit_v death_n though_o it_o be_v not_o inflict_v because_o the_o desert_n of_o sin_n be_v still_o the_o same_o though_o the_o sentence_n be_v revoke_v by_o a_o pardon_n the_o mercy_n of_o a_o prince_n be_v rich_o manifest_v in_o give_v unto_o a_o traitor_n his_o life_n but_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o disoblige_v he_o to_o confess_v that_o his_o offence_n deserve_v death_n but_o lay_v rather_o a_o great_a tie_n upon_o he_o to_o do_v it_o that_o so_o he_o may_v magnify_v the_o clemency_n of_o his_o sovereign_n so_o though_o god_n do_v keep_v a_o believer_n from_o come_v into_o the_o condemnation_n of_o sinner_n by_o give_v unto_o he_o a_o royal_a and_o full_a pardon_n for_o whatever_o he_o have_v do_v against_o he_o yet_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o withhold_v he_o to_o acknowledge_v what_o the_o just_a wage_n of_o his_o rebellion_n be_v as_o that_o it_o ought_v the_o more_o to_o provoke_v he_o thereunto_o that_o so_o he_o may_v give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o free_a pardon_v grace_n thus_o peter_n bewail_v the_o foulness_n of_o his_o sin_n in_o deny_v his_o lord_n and_o master_n mark_v 14._o 72._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o translate_v it_o he_o think_v thereon_o and_o weep_v but_o teophilact_v and_o other_o with_o he_o interpret_v it_o obvelavit_fw-la se_fw-la he_o cover_v his_o head_n and_o weep_v allude_v to_o the_o general_a custom_n in_o the_o eastern_a country_n where_o the_o condemn_a malefactor_n have_v their_o face_n cover_v and_o by_o this_o ceremony_n peter_n judge_v his_o sin_n to_o have_v deserve_v no_o less_o than_o death_n and_o as_o a_o son_n of_o death_n he_o wail_v himself_o he_o weep_v bitter_o luk._n 22._o 62._o second_o a_o believer_n may_v so_o far_o charge_v the_o guilt_n of_o gross_a sin_n and_o defection_n upon_o himself_o as_o to_o acknowledge_v his_o utter_a unworthiness_n to_o stand_v in_o any_o relation_n of_o love_n unto_o god_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v so_o far_o from_o own_v he_o as_o a_o son_n as_o that_o he_o may_v deny_v to_o look_v upon_o he_o in_o the_o number_n of_o his_o servant_n thus_o the_o prodigal_n who_o divine_v not_o improbable_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o emblem_n of_o a_o regenerate_a man_n fall_v into_o scandalous_a sin_n in_o his_o return_n to_o his_o father_n luke_n 15._o 19_o acknowledge_v himself_o to_o be_v unworthy_a to_o be_v call_v his_o son_n though_o he_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o relation_n of_o a_o son_n yet_o he_o judge_v himself_o most_o unworthy_a of_o the_o title_n of_o a_o son_n and_o think_v it_o a_o happiness_n if_o he_o may_v but_o be_v in_o his_o house_n as_o a_o hireling_n and_o sure_o every_o child_n of_o god_n who_o have_v through_o loose_a and_o riotous_a live_n waste_v both_o his_o grace_n and_o his_o comfort_n and_o bring_v sad_a extremity_n upon_o himself_o by_o stray_v from_o his_o father_n house_n aught_o in_o those_o resolution_n and_o purpose_n of_o heart_n which_o he_o have_v of_o return_v unto_o god_n again_o to_o be_v deep_o apprehensive_a how_o unworthy_a he_o be_v of_o any_o favourable_a reception_n from_o he_o how_o undeserving_a he_o be_v to_o lodge_v in_o his_o house_n as_o a_o servant_n much_o more_o to_o lie_v in_o his_o bosom_n as_o a_o son_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v the_o better_a prize_n the_o mercy_n of_o restore_a love_n and_o for_o the_o future_a may_v the_o more_o dread_a the_o sad_a effect_n of_o a_o voluntary_a departure_n from_o god_n and_o be_v more_o watchful_a in_o preserve_v his_o communion_n with_o he_o three_o a_o believer_n fall_v into_o
prophet_n their_o line_n be_v fall_v unto_o they_o in_o pleasant_a place_n yea_o they_o have_v a_o goodly_a heritage_n psal_n 16._o 6._o sect_n 3._o five_o assertion_n direct_v to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o temporal_a promise_n the_o three_o particular_a be_v the_o give_v of_o rule_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o temporal_a promise_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o due_a apply_v they_o unto_o ourselves_o which_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o in_o these_o five_o subsequent_a assertion_n first_o that_o god_n declaration_n in_o his_o promise_n of_o give_v temporal_a blessing_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o tacit_n condition_n and_o limitation_n of_o expediency_n the_o great_a and_o utmost_a end_n of_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o man_n the_o fruition_n of_o god_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o in_o everlasting_a blessedness_n now_o the_o mean_n that_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o this_o end_n be_v either_o such_o as_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o do_v immediate_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v the_o soul_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o or_o else_o such_o as_o be_v less_o requisite_a and_o have_v only_o a_o remote_a and_o consequential_a tendency_n thereunto_o and_o that_o not_o of_o themselves_o but_o as_o they_o be_v overrule_v by_o god_n who_o make_v omnia_fw-la cooperari_fw-la in_o bonum_fw-la all_o thing_n to_o work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v all_o temporal_a blessing_n prosperity_n riches_n health_n freedom_n and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o do_v as_o i_o conceive_v come_v no_o further_a under_o the_o verge_n of_o a_o promise_n then_o as_o they_o conduce_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o life_n this_o life_n be_v only_o a_o way_n and_o passage_n unto_o it_o as_o the_o wilderness_n be_v to_o israel_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o canaan_n because_o therefore_o none_o can_v know_v what_o be_v that_o measure_n of_o these_o outward_a comfort_n which_o most_o tend_v to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o in_o and_o above_o all_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v eye_v by_o they_o it_o be_v haply_o more_o for_o their_o spiritual_a good_a to_o have_v many_o advantage_n of_o this_o life_n in_o a_o less_o degree_n rather_o than_o in_o a_o great_a to_o want_v they_o rather_o than_o to_o enjoy_v they_o they_o can_v then_o in_o their_o supplication_n to_o god_n seek_v the_o absolute_a performance_n of_o his_o promise_n in_o temporal_a blessing_n but_o must_v refer_v themselves_o to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n so_o to_o order_n and_o measure_v out_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n unto_o they_o as_o may_v best_o stand_v with_o the_o welfare_n of_o their_o everlasting_a condition_n without_o which_o all_o earthly_a happiness_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o splendid_a misery_n but_o it_o be_v much_o otherwise_o in_o the_o blessing_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v thing_n so_o essential_a to_o a_o believer_n fruition_n of_o god_n as_o that_o without_o faith_n he_o can_v please_v god_n heb._n 11._o 6._o without_o holiness_n he_o can_v see_v god_n heb._n 12._o 14._o without_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n joh._n 3._o 3_o and_o be_v therefore_o so_o intrinsical_o good_a in_o themselves_o so_o absolute_o also_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n they_o be_v in_o prayer_n to_o be_v most_o absolute_o seek_v as_o consider_v in_o their_o essence_n but_o their_o degree_n be_v arbitrary_a god_n give_v to_o some_o a_o less_o to_o other_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n according_a to_o his_o pleasure_n the_o second_o assertion_n be_v that_o the_o fulfil_n of_o temporal_a promise_n be_v disjunctive_a god_n either_o give_v the_o blessing_n itself_o or_o that_o which_o be_v equivalent_a unto_o it_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v all_o make_v in_o christ_n and_o derive_v their_o certainty_n and_o stability_n from_o he_o in_o who_o they_o be_v make_v not_o from_o we_o to_o who_o they_o be_v make_v they_o be_v all_o ratify_v with_o the_o same_o oath_n and_o purchase_v by_o the_o same_o blood_n and_o though_o they_o be_v not_o equal_o precious_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o thing_n promise_v yet_o they_o be_v equal_o true_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o performance_n only_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o fulfil_n be_v different_a in_o the_o spiritual_a promise_n god_n give_v the_o thing_n in_o kind_n for_o how_o can_v they_o be_v otherwise_o make_v good_a what_o be_v answerable_a in_o worth_n or_o excellency_n to_o grace_n the_o least_o drop_n of_o which_o be_v of_o more_o value_n than_o the_o whole_a creation_n in_o temporal_n god_n give_v the_o thing_n themselves_o or_o make_v a_o compensation_n some_o other_o way_n if_o riches_n be_v ask_v of_o he_o in_o prayer_n and_o yet_o deny_v he_o make_v it_o up_o in_o contentation_n which_o bring_v that_o satisfaction_n with_o it_o that_o riches_n can_v yield_v if_o health_n be_v pray_v for_o and_o not_o grant_v he_o give_v strength_n to_o bear_v the_o cross_n by_o put_v under_o his_o everlasting_a arm_n if_o deliverance_n in_o trouble_n be_v desire_v and_o not_o obtain_v he_o give_v the_o divine_a consolation_n of_o martyr_n which_o that_o noble_a landgrave_n of_o hessia_n say_v he_o find_v in_o his_o long_a and_o tedious_a imprisonment_n and_o in_o thus_o do_v god_n do_v not_o break_v his_o promise_n but_o change_v it_o to_o the_o better_a it_o be_v say_v of_o our_o saviour_n heb._n 5._o 7._o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n he_o offer_v up_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o strong_a cry_v and_o tear_n unto_o he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o save_v he_o from_o death_n and_o be_v hear_v in_o that_o he_o fear_v that_o which_o christ_n pray_v for_o be_v deliverance_n o'father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o mat._n 26._o 39_o be_v there_o then_o any_o defect_n in_o christ_n faith_n in_o that_o he_o do_v not_o obtain_v the_o thing_n pray_v sore_o or_o how_o be_v his_o prayer_n hear_v do_v he_o not_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v he_o not_o bury_v in_o the_o grave_n yes_o but_o yet_o he_o have_v from_o god_n a_o answer_n of_o supportation_n though_o not_o of_o deliverance_n he_o be_v strengthen_v in_o his_o agony_n by_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o angel_n luke_n 22._o 43._o he_o be_v assure_v by_o god_n promise_n of_o victory_n over_o death_n though_o not_o of_o freedom_n from_o it_o he_o undergo_v the_o darkness_n of_o the_o grave_n but_o not_o the_o corruption_n of_o it_o psal_n 16._o 10._o the_o three_o assertion_n be_v that_o temporal_a promise_n be_v to_o be_v expound_v with_o the_o reservation_n and_o exception_n of_o the_o cross_n god_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o adequate_a measure_n of_o his_o obligation_n to_o believer_n have_v keep_v to_o himself_o this_o prerogative_n of_o chasten_v the_o delinquency_n of_o his_o child_n with_o rod_n psal_n 89._o 33._o of_o withdraw_a his_o favour_n from_o they_o when_o they_o withhold_v their_o obedience_n to_o he_o of_o exercise_v the_o severity_n of_o a_o father_n as_o well_o as_o the_o indulgency_n of_o a_o mother_n and_o therefore_o believer_n when_o they_o want_v the_o staff_n of_o many_o outward_a comfort_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o feel_v the_o smart_n of_o the_o rod_n of_o affliction_n upon_o their_o back_n they_o be_v not_o to_o suspect_v god_n fidelity_n in_o his_o promise_n but_o to_o reflect_v upon_o themselves_o and_o by_o a_o serious_a disquisition_n to_o consider_v from_o whence_o the_o suspension_n of_o any_o good_a thing_n that_o he_o have_v promise_v do_v arise_v and_o if_o christian_n under_o god_n reâ—ukes_n do_v make_v this_o their_o chief_a task_n they_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o charge_v he_o with_o unfaithfulnesse_n as_o that_o they_o will_v more_o wonder_v that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o vouchsafe_v they_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v prodigal_n that_o just_o deserve_v nothing_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o deep_a trial_n they_o will_v say_v as_o the_o church_n do_v in_o her_o extremity_n it_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n mercy_n that_o we_o be_v not_o consume_v great_a be_v thy_o faithfulness_n o_o lord_n lam._n 3._o 22_o 23._o the_o four_o assertion_n be_v that_o temporal_a mercy_n in_o the_o promise_n be_v only_o to_o be_v obtain_v by_o a_o well_o regulate_v prayer_n in_o which_o god_n be_v seek_v after_o a_o right_a manner_n and_o the_o mercy_n beg_v for_o a_o right_a end_n first_o the_o manner_n of_o seek_v god_n must_v be_v in_o faith_n james_n 1._o 6._o let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n nothing_o waver_v but_o the_o faith_n here_o require_v be_v not_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o
particular_a persuasion_n that_o god_n will_v give_v the_o very_a thing_n itself_o that_o we_o beg_v of_o he_o but_o the_o faith_n of_o submission_n by_o which_o we_o resolve_v our_o prayer_n into_o his_o will_n and_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v do_v whatever_o be_v best_a for_o our_o good_a and_o his_o glory_n we_o then_o distrust_n god_n when_o either_o we_o be_v jealous_a of_o his_o willingness_n to_o perform_v his_o word_n or_o of_o his_o power_n to_o accomplish_v his_o word_n but_o when_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o alsufficiency_n of_o his_o power_n and_o resign_v our_o desire_n to_o his_o will_n we_o do_v then_o pray_v in_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o our_o lord_n christ_n do_v put_v forth_o in_o his_o prayer_n when_o he_o say_v not_o my_o will_n but_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v luk._n 22._o 42._o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o god_n may_v sometime_o assure_v and_o incline_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o child_n that_o be_v importunate_a wrestler_n in_o prayer_n to_o be_v confident_a of_o grant_v the_o temporal_a blessing_n that_o they_o seek_v but_o this_o be_v a_o confidence_n that_o be_v rather_o beget_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o height_n and_o vigour_n of_o prayer_n then_o bring_v with_o we_o unto_o the_o duty_n sometime_o i_o say_v such_o a_o confidence_n may_v be_v but_o it_o be_v neither_o ordinary_a nor_o usual_a second_o temporal_a mercy_n must_v be_v ask_v for_o a_o right_a end_n james_z 4._o 3._o you_o ask_v and_o receive_v not_o because_o you_o ask_v amiss_o that_o you_o may_v consume_v it_o upon_o your_o lust_n carnal_a lust_n may_v make_v man_n eager_a in_o prayer_n but_o not_o successful_a usual_o wrong_a end_n in_o prayer_n be_v accompany_v with_o disappointment_n sinister_a aim_n turn_v duty_n of_o worship_n into_o act_n of_o self-seeking_a they_o change_v the_o voice_n of_o prayer_n into_o a_o brutish_a howl_n hos_fw-la 7._o 14._o the_o execution_n of_o justice_n itself_o into_o murder_n hos_fw-la 1._o 4._o finis_fw-la in_o moralibus_fw-la idem_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la forma_fw-la in_o naturalibus_fw-la the_o end_n in_o moral_a thing_n be_v the_o same_o that_o the_o form_n be_v in_o natural_a thing_n the_o quality_n and_o goodness_n of_o they_o be_v not_o discern_v but_o by_o the_o end_n it_o concern_v therefore_o believer_n that_o will_v in_o prayer_n obtain_v any_o outward_a blessing_n to_o look_v unto_o their_o end_n in_o ask_v of_o it_o though_o the_o mercy_n be_v earthly_a yet_o their_o end_n in_o ask_v of_o it_o must_v be_v heavenly_a god_n glory_n must_v be_v in_o the_o end_n of_o all_o prayer_n as_o his_o name_n must_v be_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o else_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v own_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n by_o he_o the_o five_o assertion_n be_v that_o the_o blessing_n of_o temporal_a promise_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v secondary_o and_o not_o primary_o mat._n 6._o 33._o they_o be_v neither_o to_o be_v the_o chief_a care_n of_o our_o life_n or_o desire_n of_o our_o prayer_n because_o the_o soul_n may_v do_v well_o without_o the_o body_n but_o the_o body_n can_v do_v well_o without_o the_o soul_n and_o yet_o of_o this_o disorder_n the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n may_v be_v find_v guilty_a their_o estate_n they_o careful_o put_v into_o their_o deed_n and_o evidence_n and_o their_o soul_n they_o only_o put_v into_o their_o will_n the_o last_o of_o instrument_n that_o be_v usual_o either_o make_v or_o seal_v for_o the_o one_o they_o think_v it_o enough_o if_o with_o a_o few_o gild_a expression_n of_o piety_n it_o be_v give_v and_o bequeath_v as_o a_o legacy_n unto_o god_n but_o for_o the_o other_o they_o conceive_v no_o pain_n or_o toil_n too_o great_a to_o increase_v it_o or_o cost_v too_o much_o for_o to_o secure_v it_o the_o one_o they_o make_v the_o task_n of_o the_o morning_n and_o day_n of_o their_o life_n the_o other_o the_o by-work_n of_o the_o evening_n and_o the_o approach_a night_n of_o death_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o in_o these_o preposterous_a and_o irregular_a act_n of_o man_n they_o do_v not_o find_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n promise_n upon_o their_o labour_n that_o they_o toil_v as_o in_o the_o fire_n and_o weary_a themselves_o for_o very_a vanity_n hab._n 2._o 13._o that_o they_o sow_v much_o and_o bring_v in_o little_a hag._n 1._o 6._o for_o what_o benefit_n can_v they_o just_o expect_v to_o reap_v from_o the_o promise_n who_o neglect_v to_o walk_v by_o the_o guidance_n of_o that_o rule_n to_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v chap._n xvii_o it_o be_v a_o horrible_a sin_n to_o neglect_v or_o abuse_v the_o promise_n aggravate_v in_o five_o particular_n have_v speak_v enough_o if_o not_o too_o much_o to_o each_o of_o those_o four_o head_n that_o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v propound_v and_o lay_v as_o so_o many_o corner-stone_n for_o this_o small_a structure_n to_o stand_v upon_o the_o last_o head_n which_o now_o remain_v to_o be_v insist_v on_o be_v the_o handle_n of_o such_o useful_a application_n and_o inference_n as_o do_v natural_o flow_v and_o arise_v from_o this_o doctrinal_a truth_n of_o the_o transcendent_a worth_n and_o preciousness_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o first_o application_n which_o i_o shall_v make_v be_v a_o sad_a and_o just_a complaint_n which_o sigh_n and_o tear_n may_v better_o express_v then_o word_n of_o the_o great_a injury_n and_o contempt_n that_o be_v do_v unto_o the_o bless_a promise_n both_o by_o man_n careless_a and_o overly_o seek_v after_o they_o as_o thing_n of_o no_o great_a worth_n and_o by_o their_o sinful_a pervert_n of_o they_o unto_o wrong_a end_n and_o purpose_n while_o they_o turn_v grace_n into_o wantonness_n and_o sin_v the_o more_o free_o because_o of_o the_o redundancy_n of_o divine_a mercy_n which_o be_v manifest_v in_o they_o god_n lay_v it_o as_o a_o heavy_a charge_n against_o israel_n that_o he_o have_v write_v unto_o they_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o his_o law_n but_o they_o be_v count_v as_o a_o strange_a thing_n hos_fw-la 8._o 12._o how_o much_o more_o be_v they_o blame-worthy_a who_o be_v guilty_a of_o despise_v the_o magnalia_fw-la evangelii_n and_o of_o set_v light_n by_o the_o most_o choice_a and_o excellent_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o if_o they_o be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o importance_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n this_o complaint_n if_o it_o have_v no_o circumstance_n to_o aggravate_v it_o but_o be_v only_o lay_v in_o the_o general_a against_o man_n that_o they_o have_v forsake_v the_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n and_o hew_v they_o out_o cistern_n break_a cistern_n that_o can_v hold_v no_o water_n jer._n 2._o 13._o it_o will_v quick_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o black_a a_o indictment_n as_o can_v neither_o admit_v of_o a_o excuse_n to_o lessen_v the_o sin_n nor_o yet_o of_o pity_n to_o mitigate_v the_o punishment_n that_o deserve_v to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o such_o offender_n but_o if_o we_o shall_v consider_v it_o in_o the_o several_a aggravation_n which_o heighten_v it_o we_o may_v then_o at_o this_o sin_n just_o cry_v out_o be_v astonish_v o_o you_o heaven_n at_o this_o and_o be_v horrible_o afraid_a be_v you_o very_o desolate_a there_o be_v five_o particular_n that_o make_v the_o complaint_n more_o sad_a and_o the_o injury_n which_o be_v do_v unto_o the_o promise_v the_o more_o exceed_o sinful_a sect_n 1._o the_o first_o aggravation_n be_v take_v from_o the_o universality_n of_o this_o sin_n they_o who_o be_v transgressor_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v not_o a_o few_o parisiensis_fw-la speak_v of_o david_n psalm_n cry_v out_o eheu_fw-la quot_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d habet_fw-la sanctus_fw-la david_n vel_fw-la potiùs_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sanctus_fw-la ad_fw-la svam_fw-la cytharam_fw-la oh_o how_o many_o dullard_n have_v holy_a david_n or_o rather_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o his_o harp_n who_o be_v little_o affect_v with_o the_o heavenly_a melody_n that_o it_o make_v and_o may_v it_o not_o be_v as_o true_o say_v concern_v the_o precious_a promise_n of_o christ_n oh_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o taste_n little_a or_o nothing_o of_o their_o sweetness_n what_o vast_a number_n of_o man_n be_v there_o who_o see_v no_o more_o worth_a and_o beauty_n in_o they_o then_o blind_a person_n do_v in_o the_o sun_n how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o spend_v and_o blaze_v away_o the_o lamp_n of_o their_o time_n in_o frothy_a study_n and_o curious_a speculation_n but_o seldom_o or_o never_o look_v into_o the_o bible_n to_o read_v and_o understand_v what_o their_o interest_n or_o right_n be_v to_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n by_o the_o promise_n how_o ambitious_a be_v other_o to_o be_v think_v to_o know_v much_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n concern_v his_o decree_n which_o
he_o he_o deny_v the_o receive_v any_o and_o be_v thereupon_o cite_v before_o the_o judge_n for_o want_v of_o other_o proof_n it_o be_v resolve_v that_o the_o matter_n shall_v be_v determine_v by_o a_o solemn_a oath_n a_o day_n for_o which_o be_v appoint_v cydias_n feign_v illnesse_n provide_v he_o a_o hallow_v staff_n into_o which_o he_o put_v the_o gold_n and_o while_o he_o go_v to_o the_o altar_n to_o swear_v he_o give_v his_o staff_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o archetimus_n to_o hold_v and_o then_o swear_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v money_n of_o he_o but_o he_o have_v return_v they_o again_o archetimus_n be_v much_o incense_v both_o by_o his_o impudence_n and_o his_o own_o loss_n fling_v down_o the_o staff_n with_o such_o violence_n upon_o the_o ground_n that_o it_o break_v into_o piece_n and_o the_o money_n in_o it_o scatter_v abroad_o whereby_o cydias_n his_o fraud_n be_v full_o detect_v and_o this_o the_o historian_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o lie_n make_v up_o of_o art_n and_o subtlety_n such_o be_v all_o satan_n promise_n they_o be_v nothing_o but_o well_o temper_v and_o fine_a spin_a lie_n gild_a imposture_n cheat_v frame_v on_o purpose_n to_o deceive_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v false_a as_o well_o as_o the_o end_n of_o they_o be_v deceitful_a a_o three_o difference_n be_v in_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o promise_n god_n promise_n do_v arise_v from_o his_o love_n and_o good_a will_n to_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v make_v and_o be_v the_o powerful_a motive_n by_o which_o he_o win_v and_o draw_v man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o himself_o but_o satan_n promise_n do_v flow_v from_o his_o irreconcilable_a hatred_n of_o god_n and_o his_o envy_v of_o man_n happiness_n which_o god_n by_o christ_n have_v free_o estate_v upon_o he_o he_o can_v bear_v that_o god_n shall_v have_v any_o to_o worship_v he_o or_o to_o love_v he_o and_o therefore_o he_o use_v all_o way_n that_o malice_n and_o envy_n can_v prompt_v unto_o he_o to_o draw_v and_o entice_v man_n from_o he_o as_o god_n use_v his_o promise_n to_o oblige_v and_o tie_v man_n to_o himself_o as_o by_o so_o many_o strong_a cord_n and_o band_n of_o love_n so_o satan_n on_o the_o contrary_n make_v use_v of_o his_o promise_n to_o alienate_v man_n heart_n and_o affection_n from_o god_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o bondage_n to_o himself_o his_o great_a end_n by_o all_o these_o specious_a artifices_fw-la of_o promise_a honour_n riches_n pleasure_n or_o whatsoever_o may_v be_v a_o bait_n to_o carnal_a heart_n be_v at_o once_o to_o deprive_v god_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o man_n of_o his_o happiness_n his_o promise_n be_v as_o the_o meat_n which_o fowler_n set_v before_o bird_n which_o be_v not_o to_o feed_v they_o but_o to_o take_v they_o a_o four_o difference_n be_v in_o the_o accomplishment_n god_n promise_n be_v always_o like_a unto_o a_o rich_a and_o seasonable_a harvest_n which_o full_o answer_v the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o husbandman_n they_o who_o wait_v upon_o he_o have_v never_o their_o face_n cover_v with_o shame_n nor_o their_o heart_n deject_v with_o disappointment_n he_o be_v as_o bernard_n express_v it_o verax_n in_o promissione_n potens_fw-la in_o exhibitione_n faithful_a in_o promise_v powerful_a in_o perform_v god_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v tit._n 1._o 2._o but_o as_o god_n be_v always_o righteous_a in_o keep_v his_o word_n so_o satan_n be_v always_o false_a in_o break_v his_o word_n if_o he_o promise_v bread_n he_o give_v a_o stone_n if_o fish_n a_o serpent_n if_o riches_n poverty_n remigius_n who_o be_v a_o judge_n in_o florence_n and_o have_v many_o witch_n under_o his_o examination_n report_v that_o divers_a of_o they_o have_v confess_v that_o the_o seem_a gold_n and_o money_n which_o they_o receive_v of_o he_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v use_v prove_v either_o leaf_n or_o sand_n not_o above_o the_o value_n of_o three_o stiver_n be_v ever_o find_v to_o be_v currant_n money_n and_o indeed_o how_o can_v it_o otherwise_o be_v expect_v when_o such_o be_v his_o hatred_n unto_o all_o man_n kind_n as_o that_o he_o continual_o seek_v their_o ruin_n and_o not_o their_o welfare_n can_v any_o man_n rational_o conceive_v that_o he_o shall_v deal_v better_o with_o he_o then_o with_o our_o first_o parent_n in_o propound_v the_o temptation_n he_o make_v a_o show_n of_o friendship_n but_o in_o the_o close_a he_o prove_v a_o bloody_a liar_n what_o other_o thing_n do_v they_o behold_v by_o his_o open_n of_o their_o eye_n but_o their_o own_o shame_n and_o folly_n in_o harken_v unto_o his_o deceitful_a word_n what_o other_o knowledge_n do_v they_o gain_v but_o only_o the_o sad_a experience_n of_o the_o transitorinesse_n of_o sinful_a pleasure_n which_o vanish_v as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v taste_v and_o prove_v to_o be_v not_o food_n but_o poison_n see_v then_o that_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n there_o be_v so_o wide_a a_o difference_n between_o god_n promise_n and_o the_o devil_n oh_o then_o how_o 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well_o be_v to_o act_v like_o a_o angel_n it_o be_v not_o a_o believer_n work_v only_o to_o speak_v well_o of_o the_o promise_n but_o to_o act_v faith_n in_o they_o and_o when_o through_o diffidence_n he_o step_v aside_o into_o any_o unwarrantable_a path_n he_o than_o give_v occasion_n unto_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a man_n to_o think_v and_o speak_v as_o slight_o of_o god_n promise_n as_o he_o at_o other_o time_n have_v speak_v unto_o the_o world_n of_o the_o deceitfulness_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o satan_n chap._n xix_o the_o worst_a estate_n of_o a_o believer_n be_v better_a than_o the_o best_a estate_n of_o unbeliever_n a_o three_o application_n may_v be_v this_o if_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v by_o christ_n be_v so_o exceed_o great_a and_o precious_a then_o the_o low_a estate_n that_o can_v be_v fall_v a_o believer_n who_o have_v a_o interest_n and_o right_n unto_o they_o be_v far_o better_a than_o the_o high_a and_o most_o glorious_a condition_n of_o any_o person_n that_o can_v lay_v no_o claim_n or_o title_n to_o they_o so_o that_o luther_n may_v well_o say_v he_o have_v rather_o be_v christianus_n rusticus_fw-la quà m_fw-la alexander_n ethnicus_fw-la a_o poor_a rustic_a and_o a_o christian_a then_o to_o be_v great_a alexander_n and_o a_o heathen_a this_o corollary_n though_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o all_o contradiction_n can_v no_o more_o shake_v than_o the_o violence_n of_o tempestuous_a wave_n can_v stir_v the_o rock_n against_o which_o they_o dash_v and_o break_v yet_o it_o have_v so_o much_o of_o a_o paradox_n in_o it_o that_o from_o the_o most_o part_n of_o man_n it_o may_v find_v no_o better_a entertainment_n than_o paul_n doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n do_v at_o athens_n where_o he_o have_v no_o better_a title_n give_v
that_o be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o lip_n of_o talker_n and_o be_v the_o infamy_n of_o the_o people_n ezek._n 36._o 3._o when_o other_o be_v in_o their_o name_n as_o beautiful_a as_o absalon_n who_o from_o the_o sole_a of_o his_o foot_n to_o the_o crown_n of_o his_o head_n have_v no_o blemish_n in_o he_o he_o be_v as_o job_n on_o the_o dunghill_n overspread_v with_o defamation_n that_o be_v as_o so_o many_o putrid_a ulcer_n when_o other_o be_v cry_v up_o as_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o time_n he_o be_v decry_v as_o the_o filth_n and_o offscouring_a of_o the_o world_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 13._o when_o the_o action_n of_o other_o be_v blazon_v as_o their_o virtue_n his_o that_o be_v in_o themselves_o commendable_a be_v censure_v as_o full_a of_o pride_n hypocrisy_n affectation_n and_o singularity_n where_o be_v then_o the_o blessedness_n of_o his_o condition_n that_o you_o speak_v of_o how_o can_v his_o estate_n that_o be_v overcast_v with_o a_o more_o pitchy_a darkness_n then_o that_o of_o the_o night_n be_v better_o than_o the_o best_a of_o they_o that_o have_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o any_o such_o evil_n stretch_v out_o itself_o upon_o it_o true_a it_o be_v that_o none_o be_v more_o evil_a speak_v of_o and_o blast_v in_o their_o name_n then_o believer_n but_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o spring_v not_o from_o their_o just_a deserve_n but_o from_o the_o world_n malice_n and_o enmity_n to_o god_n which_o be_v derive_v to_o they_o for_o his_o sake_n let_v nehemiah_n and_o the_o jew_n set_v upon_o the_o rebuild_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o waste_n place_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o sanbullat_n upbraid_v they_o with_o intention_n of_o rebellion_n neh._n 6._o 6._o let_v paul_n make_v know_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o jew_n that_o believe_v not_o cry_v out_o that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o they_o that_o turn_v the_o world_n upside-down_a act._n 17._o 6._o let_v the_o primitive_a christian_n that_o can_v safe_o meet_v in_o the_o day_n take_v the_o opportunity_n of_o the_o night_n to_o worship_n god_n and_o the_o heathen_n asperse_v their_o assembly_n to_o be_v full_a of_o uncleanness_n and_o cruelty_n and_o that_o they_o have_v supper_n not_o much_o unlike_a that_o of_o thyestes_n as_o tertullian_n show_v in_o his_o apology_n now_o in_o these_o suffering_n for_o god_n there_o be_v such_o promise_n from_o god_n make_v and_o fulfil_v to_o they_o as_o that_o there_o be_v more_o sweetness_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o reproach_n that_o they_o undergo_v for_o he_o from_o the_o world_n than_o there_o can_v be_v contentment_n in_o its_o smile_n or_o favour_n and_o therefore_o moses_n choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v reproach_n with_o israel_n then_o to_o enjoy_v treasure_n in_o egypt_n heb._n 11._o 26._o the_o contumely_n &_o slander_n which_o they_o undergo_v on_o christ_n behalf_n serve_v both_o to_o make_v the_o present_a comfort_n more_o sweet_a and_o their_o reward_n hereafter_o more_o glorious_a bless_a be_v you_o say_v our_o saviour_n when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o and_o shall_v speak_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n against_o you_o false_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n mat._n 10._o 11._o and_o now_o speak_v o_o you_o worldling_n that_o judge_n happiness_n by_o as_o false_a a_o rule_n as_o they_o do_v that_o measure_v their_o height_n by_o their_o shadow_n who_o be_v in_o a_o true_a estimate_n the_o better_a man_n elijah_n that_o run_v before_o the_o chariot_n or_o ahab_n that_o sit_v in_o it_o john_n the_o baptist_n that_o be_v clothe_v with_o camel_n hair_n or_o herod_n &_o his_o courtier_n that_o be_v array_v with_o robe_n and_o costly_a garment_n the_o poor_a who_o god_n have_v choose_v to_o be_v rich_a in_o faith_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n james_n 2._o 5._o or_o the_o man_n that_o have_v the_o gold_n ring_n and_o have_v the_o chief_a place_n in_o assembly_n give_v unto_o he_o which_o condition_n be_v now_o more_o desirable_a to_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n freeman_n or_o to_o be_v a_o alien_n to_o god_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n and_o to_o be_v a_o denizon_n only_o of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v rich_a to_o god_n and_o poor_a to_o man_n or_o to_o be_v rich_a to_o man_n and_o poor_a to_o god_n to_o be_v the_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o be_v contemn_v on_o earth_n or_o to_o be_v the_o darling_n of_o earth_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o heaven_n o_o therefore_o learn_v to_o judge_v of_o happiness_n not_o by_o the_o light_n of_o sense_n but_o by_o the_o lamp_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o in_o time_n bethink_v yourselves_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o foundation_n of_o happiness_n unto_o you_o that_o have_v not_o its_o stability_n from_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n chap._n xx._n ground_n of_o thankfulness_n for_o precious_a promise_n a_o four_o application_n be_v to_o exhort_v believer_n that_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o such_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n to_o abound_v in_o all_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o sole_a fountain_n from_o whence_o these_o stream_n of_o live_a water_n do_v flow_v when_o old_a isaac_n have_v eat_v of_o his_o son_n venison_n he_o bless_v he_o that_o have_v prepare_v it_o for_o he_o how_o much_o more_o shall_v they_o that_o have_v taste_v how_o good_a god_n be_v have_v their_o mouth_n fill_v with_o the_o blessing_n and_o praise_v of_o his_o name_n that_o have_v pour_v forth_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n in_o such_o rich_a promise_n as_o be_v to_o the_o soul_n more_o sweet_a than_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n to_o this_o duty_n holy_a david_n do_v quicken_v and_o stir_v up_o himself_o psal_n 103._o when_o he_o summon_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o praise_v the_o lord_n let_v all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o bless_v his_o holy_a name_n verse_n 1._o and_o that_o he_o may_v make_v the_o deep_a impression_n of_o god_n goodness_n upon_o his_o own_o heart_n he_o frame_v a_o short_a but_o yet_o a_o pithy_a compendium_n of_o his_o love_n towards_o he_o in_o his_o pardon_v and_o heal_a grace_n verse_n 3._o he_o forgive_v all_o thy_o iniquity_n and_o heal_v all_o thy_o disease_n in_o his_o redeem_n and_o save_v grace_n verse_n 4._o he_o redeem_v thy_o life_n from_o destruction_n and_o crow_v thou_o with_o love_a kindness_n and_o tender_a mercy_n in_o his_o support_v and_o renew_v mercy_n verse_n 5._o he_o satisfi_v thy_o mouth_n with_o good_a thing_n thy_o youth_n be_v renew_a as_o the_o eagle_n and_o of_o all_o these_o blessing_n be_v believer_n make_v partaker_n in_o the_o promise_n it_o therefore_o become_v they_o to_o pay_v unto_o god_n a_o tribute_n of_o thankfulness_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o ground_n first_o the_o end_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o his_o creature_n be_v his_o glory_n and_o that_o which_o he_o chief_o delight_v in_o trumpeter_n love_v to_o sound_v where_o there_o be_v a_o echo_n and_o god_n love_v to_o bestow_v his_o mercy_n where_o he_o may_v hear_v of_o they_o again_o for_o man_n to_o make_v the_o end_n of_o his_o action_n in_o any_o kind_n to_o be_v his_o own_o praise_n do_v not_o only_o taint_v and_o flieblow_n his_o service_n with_o hypocrisy_n and_o pride_n so_o as_o to_o mar_v the_o beauty_n of_o they_o but_o also_o transform_v they_o into_o vice_n that_o be_v hateful_a unto_o god_n and_o man_n for_o it_o be_v not_o meet_v that_o he_o who_o derive_v his_o be_v from_o another_o shall_v have_v his_o action_n to_o terminate_v in_o himself_o he_o that_o give_v the_o be_v gives_z also_o the_o rule_n and_o end_n of_o its_o work_n by_o both_o which_o the_o goodness_n of_o its_o action_n be_v denominate_v the_o rule_n of_o its_o work_n be_v the_o law_n and_o will_n of_o he_o who_o give_v it_o a_o be_v and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o its_o action_n be_v his_o glory_n but_o god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o his_o own_o be_v can_v have_v in_o all_o his_o work_n no_o other_o end_n then_o his_o own_o praise_n and_o glory_n this_o be_v his_o end_n in_o all_o his_o work_n of_o creation_n prov._n 16._o 4._o the_o lord_n make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o his_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n ephes_n 1._o 6._o that_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n all_o the_o eternal_a purpose_n of_o god_n concern_v man_n salvation_n from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o last_o do_v ultimate_o resolve_v themselves_o into_o his_o glory_n second_o to_o give_v unto_o god_n praise_n and_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n for_o his_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n be_v all_o the_o return_n that_o
and_o of_o no_o effect_n for_o beside_o the_o infallibility_n of_o god_n word_n which_o may_v abundant_o confirm_v unto_o believer_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o goodness_n also_o and_o mercy_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o another_o sacred_a anchor_n for_o their_o faith_n and_o confidence_n to_o rest_v upon_o if_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o promise_n it_o be_v serious_o think_v on_o in_o two_o particular_n first_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o real_a purchase_n of_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n and_o must_v therefore_o be_v certain_o make_v good_a or_o else_o he_o must_v be_v a_o loser_n in_o all_o his_o suffering_n if_o he_o like_v jonathan_n 1_o sam._n 18._o 4._o shall_v strip_v himself_o not_o only_o of_o his_o robe_n but_o of_o his_o life_n that_o he_o may_v express_v his_o love_n to_o distress_a and_o undo_v person_n with_o who_o god_n be_v angry_a and_o displease_v and_o yet_o they_o receive_v no_o advantage_n or_o fruit_n by_o it_o will_v not_o all_o these_o condescension_n of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n be_v in_o vain_a if_o he_o shall_v drink_v of_o that_o brook_n and_o torrent_n of_o curse_n that_o be_v in_o the_o way_n between_o salvation_n and_o sinner_n and_o yet_o the_o passage_n to_o the_o heavenly_a canaan_n be_v no_o more_o open_a than_o it_o be_v before_o shall_v not_o christ_n be_v a_o great_a loser_n than_o sinner_n themselves_o they_o it_o be_v true_a lose_v their_o soul_n each_o of_o which_o be_v of_o more_o value_n than_o so_o many_o world_n but_o christ_n must_v lose_v the_o revenue_n of_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v far_o more_o precious_a than_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n how_o will_v sin_n exult_v and_o triumph_v if_o it_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o say_v there_o be_v a_o pardon_n covenant_v for_o to_o be_v give_v such_o a_o person_n but_o i_o have_v hinder_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o how_o will_v satan_n reproach_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o can_v be_v able_a to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v destroy_v one_o soul_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v yea_o how_o shall_v paul_n or_o any_o other_o believer_n be_v able_a to_o throw_v forth_o their_o gauntlet_n and_o to_o challenge_v all_o the_o enemy_n of_o salvation_n to_o do_v their_o worst_a rom._n 8._o 31._o if_o any_o of_o they_o can_v make_v a_o separation_n between_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o how_o quick_o will_v tribulation_n persecution_n famine_n nakedness_n say_v we_o will_v make_v you_o miserable_a how_o soon_o will_v peril_n and_o the_o sword_n reply_n we_o will_v conquer_v you_o how_o confident_o woo_a principality_n and_o power_n say_v we_o will_v pluck_v you_o out_o of_o christ_n hand_n but_o for_o ever_o bless_v be_v his_o name_n there_o be_v none_o among_o the_o whole_a host_n of_o enemy_n that_o dare_v revile_v the_o confidence_n of_o a_o believer_n or_o say_v as_o that_o uncircumcised_a philistine_n to_o david_n 1_o sam._n 17._o 44._o i_o will_v give_v thy_o flesh_n to_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n or_o to_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n there_o be_v none_o that_o dare_v presume_v to_o say_v that_o they_o can_v make_v void_a the_o least_o mercy_n which_o the_o promise_n do_v hold_v forth_o to_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o christ_n love_n and_o the_o purchase_n of_o his_o blood_n let_v therefore_o believer_n lift_v up_o the_o hand_n which_o hang_v down_o and_o put_v forth_o the_o strength_n of_o faith_n in_o renew_a act_n of_o confidence_n upon_o the_o promise_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o themselves_o of_o this_o truth_n that_o they_o can_v no_o more_o be_v disappoint_v of_o their_o hope_n than_o christ_n can_v be_v disappoint_v of_o his_o purchase_n second_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o most_o prevail_a intercession_n of_o christ_n who_o now_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n in_o glory_n when_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n he_o purchase_v by_o the_o price_n of_o his_o blood_n all_o that_o mass_n of_o treasure_n and_o riches_n both_o 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