we_o from_o so_o great_a a_o death_n and_o do_v deliver_v in_o who_o we_o trust_v that_o he_o will_v yet_o deliver_v we_o the_o apostle_n have_v former_o discover_v his_o humane_a fear_n and_o diffidence_n under_o that_o great_a trouble_n which_o come_v upon_o he_o in_o asia_n do_v now_o recollect_v himself_o and_o revive_v out_o of_o his_o swound_n the_o sun_n that_o be_v in_o a_o eclipse_n do_v now_o begin_v to_o shine_v forth_o in_o glorious_a lustre_n he_o have_v inform_v we_o that_o the_o end_n of_o that_o heavy_a tribulattion_n be_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o trust_v in_o himself_o but_o in_o god_n and_o now_o in_o this_o verse_n we_o see_v this_o bless_a effect_n take_v place_n in_o he_o for_o by_o the_o experience_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o he_o at_o this_o time_n he_o be_v encourage_v to_o trust_v in_o god_n for_o the_o future_a he_o have_v do_v and_o will_v deliver_v one_o favour_n from_o god_n be_v a_o pledge_n of_o more_o to_o come_v in_o this_o verse_n than_o we_o see_v paul_n get_v above_o and_o conquer_a that_o weakness_n and_o imbecility_n which_o he_o find_v in_o himself_o and_o acknowledge_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o power_n to_o he_o paul_n find_v god_n able_a to_o raise_v the_o dead_a by_o what_o he_o have_v do_v to_o he_o in_o his_o particular_a in_o the_o text_n than_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o 1._o paul_n solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n to_o he_o in_o deliver_v of_o he_o and_o 2._o his_o encouragement_n from_o thence_o to_o trust_v in_o god_n for_o the_o future_a in_o the_o former_a part_n we_o have_v his_o celebration_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o he_o and_o this_o he_o aggravate_v from_o the_o hopelesnesse_n and_o desperateness_n of_o his_o estate_n which_o he_o call_v a_o death_n not_o a_o sickness_n but_o a_o death_n yea_o chrysostome_n observe_v that_o he_o do_v not_o say_v who_o have_v deliver_v we_o from_o such_o danger_n but_o such_o death_n to_o show_v the_o extremity_n chrysostome_n read_v it_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d death_n but_o the_o general_a copy_n be_v otherwise_o now_o paul_n do_v not_o only_o call_v it_o death_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d such_o death_n the_o word_n be_v use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n about_o three_o time_n beside_o in_o this_o place_n and_o it_o be_v always_o apply_v to_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o a_o thing_n so_o as_o we_o be_v to_o admire_v it_o as_o if_o the_o like_a have_v never_o be_v hear_v of_o thus_o revel_v 16._o 18._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v such_o a_o earthquake_n as_o never_o have_v be_v before_o james_n chap._n 3._o 4._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v ship_n very_o great_a and_o hebr._n 2._o 3._o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o great_a salvation_n then_o which_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a the_o apostle_n therefore_o in_o use_v this_o word_n do_v intend_v to_o aggravate_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o to_o leave_v out_o no_o circumstance_n that_o may_v not_o heighten_v the_o mercy_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o with_o he_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o mercy_n but_o the_o aggravation_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o this_o make_v his_o heart_n seven_o time_n hot_a as_o it_o be_v in_o praise_v of_o god_n than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v from_o whence_o observe_v that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o acknowledge_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o they_o likewise_o but_o they_o also_o consider_v of_o every_o circumstance_n that_o may_v make_v the_o mercy_n appear_v great_a they_o will_v take_v up_o every_o crumb_n and_o the_o fragment_n as_o it_o be_v that_o god_n miraculous_a power_n may_v be_v more_o demonstrate_v they_o do_v not_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o behold_n of_o the_o mercy_n in_o the_o bulk_n but_o they_o weigh_v every_o particular_a ingredient_n and_o so_o of_o one_o mercy_n make_v many_o mercy_n that_o as_o the_o godly_a in_o their_o humiliation_n for_o sin_n think_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o humble_v themselves_o in_o the_o general_n but_o they_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v to_o mind_v every_o circumstance_n that_o may_v aggravate_v it_o and_o so_o make_v themselves_o more_o abominable_a and_o loathsome_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n thus_o they_o do_v also_o in_o matter_n of_o thanksgiving_n they_o do_v not_o take_v the_o mercy_n in_o the_o gross_a but_o they_o look_v through_o it_o and_o about_o it_o to_o espy_v out_o every_o particular_a that_o may_v be_v like_o a_o coal_n of_o fire_n in_o their_o bosom_n thus_o we_o have_v the_o thankful_a psalmist_n psal_n 136._o sever_a every_o particular_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o israel_n by_o itself_o and_o then_o add_v for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o sihon_n king_n of_o the_o amorites_n for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o og_n king_n of_o basan_n for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o he_o reckon_v they_o up_o one_o and_o by_o one_o though_o he_o may_v have_v satisfy_v himself_o with_o that_o expression_n vers_fw-la 24._o who_o have_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o our_o enemy_n but_o a_o gracious_a heart_n dare_v not_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o any_o one_o benefit_n that_o he_o have_v from_o he_o for_o if_o he_o must_v say_v with_o jacob_n he_o be_v less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o his_o mercy_n it_o be_v not_o for_o he_o to_o pass_v it_o by_o for_o every_o little_a mercy_n be_v far_o above_o his_o desert_n to_o he_o belong_v all_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n whatsoever_o be_v not_o hell_n and_o damnation_n come_v from_o the_o mere_a bounty_n of_o god_n but_o let_v we_o illustrate_v this_o truth_n in_o the_o particular_n show_v wherein_o the_o people_n of_o god_n use_v to_o make_v their_o aggravation_n and_o first_o the_o child_n of_o god_n use_v to_o enlarge_v their_o thought_n in_o praise_n of_o god_n condition_n from_o the_o low_a weak_a and_o impotent_a condition_n they_o of_o themselves_o be_v in_o now_o the_o more_o the_o disease_n be_v find_v out_o to_o be_v desperate_a and_o incurable_a the_o great_a be_v the_o art_n and_o skill_n of_o the_o physician_n thus_o psal_n 136._o 23._o who_o remember_v we_o in_o our_o low_a estate_n the_o black_a eclipse_n make_v the_o sun_n light_n when_o recover_v more_o glorious_a the_o low_a and_o weak_a in_o thyself_o the_o more_o be_v god_n thereby_o acknowledge_v so_o psal_n 34._o 6._o this_o poor_a man_n cry_v and_o the_o lord_n hear_v he_o this_o aggravate_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n that_o though_o a_o very_a lazar_n yet_o god_n will_v not_o despise_v he_o so_o psal_n 142._o 3._o when_o my_o spirit_n be_v overwhelm_v within_o i_o than_o thou_o know_v my_o path_n nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a than_o such_o passage_n in_o the_o psalm_n to_o aggravate_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o godly_a from_o the_o lowness_n and_o the_o impotency_n they_o be_v in_o oh_o if_o god_n have_v not_o come_v in_o at_o that_o time_n i_o have_v utter_o perish_v how_o many_o low_a condition_n have_v many_o of_o god_n people_n be_v in_o sometime_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o outward_a sometime_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o inward_a yet_o god_n have_v deliver_v they_o from_o those_o whale_n belly_n your_o affection_n to_o praise_n god_n will_v be_v very_o cold_a and_o dull_a till_o you_o possess_v your_o soul_n with_o this_o thought_n oh_o how_o low_o be_v it_o with_o i_o little_o do_v other_o know_v how_o it_o fare_v with_o i_o one_o step_z further_a will_v have_v cast_v i_o into_o utter_a horror_n and_o then_o when_o i_o can_v bear_v no_o long_o god_n support_v i_o many_o psalm_n may_v the_o chilren_n of_o god_n make_v as_o it_o be_v i_o be_v in_o such_o a_o sad_a temptation_n but_o god_n rescue_v i_o for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o i_o be_v in_o such_o a_o outward_a straight_a and_o the_o lord_n make_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o thus_o the_o thought_n of_o thy_o low_a condition_n will_v great_o advance_v the_o help_n of_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o thou_o second_o the_o people_n of_o god_n do_v aggravate_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n not_o only_o sinfulness_n from_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o danger_n they_o be_v in_o but_o also_o their_o sinfulness_n their_o unworthiness_n that_o ever_o god_n shall_v cast_v a_o eye_n of_o pity_n on_o they_o and_o this_o they_o do_v whether_o in_o temporal_a or_o spiritual_a mercy_n and_o true_o this_o be_v a_o excellent_a way_n to_o enlarge_v the_o heart_n in_o blessing_n of_o god_n when_o we_o shall_v consider_v how_o unworthy_a we_o be_v we_o that_o deserve_v curse_v to_o meet_v with_o blessing_n see_v this_o humble_a frame_n in_o david_n 1_o chron._n 17._o 16._o when_o
though_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o humble_v thyself_o for_o sin_n to_o confess_v and_o bewail_v thy_o iniquity_n yet_o it_o be_v also_o a_o duty_n to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n always_o and_o till_o the_o heart_n be_v fit_v by_o this_o joy_n thou_o can_v nor_o bless_v god_n with_o that_o hearty_a affection_n as_o thou_o ought_v to_o do_v psal_n 103._o david_n say_v bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o all_o within_o thou_o praise_v his_o holy_a name_n all_o within_o thou_o you_o see_v to_o praise_n god_n be_v heart-work_n as_o well_o as_o lip-work_n all_o within_o we_o must_v move_v and_o be_v affect_v thy_o heart_n can_v boil_v over_o as_o the_o psalmist_n sometime_o express_v it_o unless_o this_o fire_n of_o joy_n do_v inflame_v it_o oh_o then_o know_v that_o a_o grieve_v disquiet_v soul_n can_v bless_v god_n it_o hinder_v you_o from_o that_o duty_n which_o the_o apostle_n press_v col._n 3._o 16._o admonish_v one_o another_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n sing_v with_o grace_n in_o your_o heart_n what_o a_o heaven_n be_v such_o a_o heart_n where_o there_o be_v these_o spiritual_a hymn_n and_o psalm_n but_o alas_o how_o often_o be_v thy_o heart_n like_o a_o howl_a wilderness_n where_o the_o cry_n and_o doleful_a sound_n of_o unbelieving_a and_o distrustful_a fear_n do_v torment_v thou_o six_o to_o bless_v god_n there_o be_v require_v faith_n and_o a_o rest_v of_o the_o soul_n upon_o god_n as_o a_o reconcile_a father_n alas_o can_v the_o damn_a in_o hell_n bless_v god_n can_v cain_n or_o judas_n bless_v god_n by_o no_o mean_n because_o there_o be_v no_o faith_n there_o be_v no_o rest_v upon_o god_n as_o a_o father_n hence_o you_o see_v the_o apostle_n add_v the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o father_n of_o all_o mercy_n to_o curse_a and_o condemn_v sinner_n god_n be_v not_o a_o father_n of_o mercy_n but_o of_o vengeance_n and_o fury_n a_o god_n of_o dreadful_a judgement_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v angry_a with_o the_o wicked_a all_o the_o day_n long_o hence_o david_n do_v so_o often_o in_o the_o psalm_n exercise_v those_o appropriate_a and_o apply_v act_n of_o faith_n my_o god_n and_o my_o tower_n my_o strong_a help_n and_o defence_n it_o be_v his_o faith_n that_o make_v he_o so_o thankful_a for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o hear_v of_o christ_n and_o all_o spiritual_a mercy_n by_o he_o if_o faith_n do_v not_o apply_v they_o and_o make_v they_o my_o own_o and_o then_o we_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o give_v god_n thanks_o for_o they_o insomuch_o that_o faith_n have_v the_o great_a influence_n into_o our_o thankfulness_n seven_o faith_n of_o adherence_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v the_o heart_n so_o thorough_o and_o affectionate_o thankful_a as_o it_o shall_v be_v unless_o also_o there_o be_v as_o some_o call_v it_o faith_n of_o evidence_n or_o a_o good_a and_o true_a persuasion_n that_o god_n be_v our_o god_n it_o be_v the_o reflect_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o it_o know_v and_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n have_v pardon_v my_o sin_n and_o have_v forgive_v my_o iniquity_n that_o be_v like_o oil_n to_o the_o lamp_n of_o this_o duty_n david_n in_o some_o psalm_n depend_v upon_o god_n and_o so_o many_o time_n the_o choice_a of_o god_n servant_n they_o be_v support_v to_o rest_n on_o he_o to_o build_v their_o hope_n on_o christ_n but_o then_o want_v this_o assurance_n not_o feel_v this_o love_n of_o god_n shed_v abroad_o in_o their_o soul_n hence_o they_o be_v not_o fervent_a and_o zealous_a in_o these_o duty_n of_o blessing_n and_o thanksgiving_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v you_o not_o see_v many_o of_o god_n people_n more_o forward_o to_o duty_n of_o humiliation_n and_o mourning_n more_o attend_v to_o self-debasement_n and_o self-abhorrency_a than_o they_o be_v to_o faith_n joy_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n the_o one_o they_o be_v constant_o in_o the_o other_o unless_o provoke_v and_o force_v as_o it_o be_v they_o seldom_o accomplish_v now_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o we_o be_v to_o rejoice_v as_o well_o as_o tremble_v we_o be_v to_o put_v both_o together_o we_o be_v to_o bless_v god_n for_o pardon_n of_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o confess_v sin_n we_o be_v to_o rejoice_v in_o give_v of_o thanks_o as_o well_o as_o to_o humble_v our_o soul_n in_o acknowledge_v of_o our_o sinfulness_n thou_o often_o say_v lord_n pity_v i_o lord_n show_v mercy_n to_o i_o but_o how_o seldom_o do_v thou_o say_v o_o lord_n i_o bless_v thou_o for_o thy_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o my_o heart_n have_v be_v full_a of_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n and_o now_o it_o be_v full_a of_o joy_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o it_o i_o have_v pray_v that_o my_o corruption_n may_v be_v subdue_v and_o i_o bless_v god_n that_o prayer_n be_v gracious_o answer_v if_o you_o win_v a_o mercy_n by_o prayer_n and_o do_v not_o wear_v it_o by_o praise_n you_o great_o offend_v god_n serm._n xxx_o of_o praise_v god_n and_o that_o for_o all_o but_o especial_o for_o spiritual_a mercy_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 3_o bless_a be_v god_n even_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n from_o the_o method_n that_o paul_n use_v here_o and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o most_o of_o his_o other_o epistle_n we_o have_v observe_v the_o duty_n that_o lie_v upon_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o be_v careful_a and_o conscientious_a in_o this_o duty_n of_o blessing_n and_o praise_v of_o god_n which_o be_v as_o the_o legal_a ointment_n for_o the_o highpriest_n compound_v of_o choice_n and_o sweet_a ingredient_n it_o be_v a_o angelical_a work_n to_o bless_v god_n there_o remain_v further_a particular_n that_o be_v constituent_a of_o this_o comfortable_a and_o profitable_a duty_n as_o first_o the_o heart_n that_o be_v due_o fit_v to_o praise_n god_n though_o it_o be_v thankful_a for_o every_o mercy_n even_o the_o least_o mercy_n yet_o it_o keep_v a_o order_n in_o its_o thanksgiving_n according_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o its_o object_n so_o that_o it_o praise_v god_n chief_o and_o principal_o for_o spiritual_a mercy_n and_o then_o secondary_o for_o temporal_a mercy_n and_o this_o argue_v the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o that_o also_o only_a the_o regenerate_a and_o spiritual_a man_n can_v in_o a_o scripture-way_n bless_v god_n for_o he_o only_o do_v prefer_v heavenly_a thing_n above_o earthly_a when_o the_o psalmist_n have_v speak_v of_o outward_a mercy_n to_o a_o people_n psal_n 144._o 12_o 13_o 15._o great_a mercy_n in_o son_n and_o daughter_n rich_a abundance_n and_o plenty_n he_o correct_v all_o at_o last_o happy_a be_v that_o people_n that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n yea_o happy_a be_v that_o people_n who_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n so_o that_o you_o see_v all_o the_o outward_a desirable_a mercy_n that_o be_v be_v but_o in_o a_o subordination_n to_o god_n favour_n when_o thou_o be_v break_v forth_o after_o this_o manner_n i_o bless_v god_n for_o my_o child_n for_o my_o health_n for_o my_o outward_a content_n oh_o but_o above_o all_o lord_n that_o i_o have_v any_o spiritual_a mercy_n that_o thou_o have_v love_v my_o soul_n convert_v i_o to_o thyself_o save_v i_o from_o the_o evil_a way_n of_o the_o world_n in_o this_o my_o soul_n be_v overwhelm_v so_o then_o as_o we_o see_v it_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o petition_n seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n thus_o it_o be_v also_o in_o thanksgiving_n whatsoever_o heavenly_a mercy_n god_n have_v bestow_v on_o thou_o bless_v god_n for_o that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n thus_o the_o apostle_n do_v praise_n god_n in_o a_o most_o divine_a manner_n eph._n 1._o 3._o bless_a be_v god_n who_o have_v bless_v we_o with_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o christ_n insomuch_o that_o this_o may_v be_v a_o good_a touchstone_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n in_o thou_o whether_o thy_o soul_n be_v most_o affect_v and_o enlarge_v towards_o god_n for_o soul-mercy_n that_o thou_o can_v true_o say_v o_o lord_n in_o that_o thou_o have_v make_v i_o in_o a_o save_a manner_n to_o know_v thou_o in_o that_o thou_o have_v reveal_v thy_o son_n to_o i_o i_o do_v more_o rejoice_v in_o this_o and_o bless_v thou_o for_o it_o then_o if_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n do_v thou_o see_v a_o natural_a worldly_a man_n boast_v in_o his_o riches_n in_o his_o birth_n in_o his_o greatness_n above_o other_o and_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o god_n favour_n and_o spiritual_a mercy_n to_o his_o soul_n this_o be_v like_o a_o beast_n that_o be_v crown_v with_o garland_n but_o yet_o prepare_v for_o the_o slaughter_n can_v thou_o say_v o_o lord_n i_o judge_v all_o the_o outward_a mercy_n i_o have_v to_o be_v but_o husk_n and_o empty_a
be_v imply_v the_o real_a and_o lively_a work_n of_o it_o the_o father_n though_o he_o pity_v his_o child_n yet_o can_v give_v he_o the_o mercy_n of_o health_n much_o less_o the_o mercy_n of_o grace_n minister_n though_o they_o be_v spiritual_a father_n they_o can_v only_o pray_v for_o mercy_n preach_v of_o mercy_n but_o to_o give_v you_o pardon_v of_o sin_n to_o give_v you_o comfort_n of_o conscience_n and_o assurance_n that_o they_o can_v do_v but_o god_n be_v the_o father_n of_o these_o mercy_n he_o can_v give_v joy_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o neither_o devil_n or_o sin_n can_v discomfort_v as_o the_o whole_a creation_n come_v out_o of_o the_o womb_n of_o nothing_o at_o first_o when_o god_n say_v let_v there_o be_v light_n immediate_o there_o be_v light_a and_o as_o god_n be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o rain_n job_n 38._o 28._o because_o he_o can_v open_v the_o bottle_n of_o heaven_n and_o refresh_v the_o parch_a earth_n when_o he_o please_v so_o also_o he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n because_o he_o can_v turn_v thy_o darkness_n into_o light_n thy_o hell_n into_o heaven_n yea_o he_o do_v it_o that_o so_o what_o many_o sermon_n many_o ordinance_n can_v not_o do_v that_o god_n sudden_o and_o insuperable_o do_v he_o comfort_v irresistible_o as_o well_o as_o convert_v irresistible_o but_o of_o this_o more_o in_o the_o next_o property_n viz._n a_o god_n of_o all_o consolation_n five_o in_o that_o he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n there_o be_v imply_v that_o it_o be_v only_o from_o himself_o that_o he_o pity_v we_o that_o he_o have_v something_o within_o he_o to_o provoke_v to_o compassion_n when_o we_o have_v enough_o to_o provoke_v he_o and_o this_o be_v represent_v in_o that_o precious_a parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n return_v to_o his_o father_n though_o there_o be_v cause_n enough_o from_o the_o son_n to_o alienate_v the_o father_n to_o upbraid_v he_o with_o his_o prodigality_n and_o rebellion_n say_v whence_o come_v you_o where_o be_v all_o the_o good_n i_o give_v you_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o the_o father_n run_v to_o meet_v he_o kiss_v and_o embrace_v he_o who_o may_v have_v chastise_v he_o receive_v he_o with_o as_o much_o readiness_n as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o be_v such_o a_o prodigal_a son_n but_o what_o move_v he_o all_o this_o while_n the_o affection_n of_o a_o father_n it_o be_v not_o then_o for_o the_o godly_a soul_n to_o be_v pore_v and_o puzzle_v itself_o always_o what_o be_v there_o in_o i_o that_o may_v make_v god_n show_v mercy_n to_o i_o what_o have_v i_o what_o find_v i_o in_o i_o that_o may_v prevail_v with_o god_n oh_o foolish_a and_o unwise_a christian_a think_v rather_o what_o be_v in_o god_n to_o love_v thou_o to_o pity_v thou_o i_o will_v go_v to_o my_o father_n say_v the_o prodigal_n though_o i_o have_v lose_v the_o obedience_n of_o a_o son_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o the_o bowel_n of_o a_o father_n the_o bowel_n of_o a_o father_n be_v ready_a to_o beget_v he_o again_o think_v what_o a_o fountain_n his_o goodness_n be_v to_o issue_v forth_o river_n of_o mercy_n so_o that_o it_o be_v with_o thou_o as_o some_o parch_a dry_a wilderness_n it_o have_v no_o spring_n no_o stream_n to_o refresh_v itself_o with_o till_o cloud_n from_o above_o fall_n upon_o it_o thus_o thy_o heart_n be_v scorch_v and_o even_o burn_v like_o hell_n till_o god_n give_v thou_o not_o a_o drop_n of_o water_n but_o christ_n blood_n to_o cool_v thy_o afflict_a soul_n thus_o you_o see_v what_o be_v in_o this_o a_o father_n of_o mercy_n a_o father_n in_o the_o second_o place_n what_o brief_o be_v in_o the_o object_n a_o father_n of_o mercy_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n and_o that_o imply_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o mercy_n but_o it_o come_v from_o god_n every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o he_o jam._n 1._o for_o if_o so_o be_v any_o creature_n be_v the_o original_n of_o mercy_n though_o it_o be_v but_o the_o least_o as_o to_o that_o particular_a it_o will_v be_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n if_o the_o sun_n of_o itself_o be_v the_o high_a cause_n of_o give_v light_n to_o thou_o if_o it_o be_v not_o god_n that_o do_v cause_v this_o sun_n to_o shine_v on_o thou_o that_o sun_n will_v be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o light_n although_o therefore_o god_n have_v appoint_v natural_a cause_n moral_a cause_n yea_o and_o supernatural_a mean_n of_o mercy_n and_o comfort_n to_o thou_o yet_o take_v heed_n of_o call_v these_o father_n thy_o food_n will_v not_o be_v a_o mercy_n to_o thou_o thy_o house_n a_o mercy_n no_o thy_o sense_n thy_o understanding_n will_v not_o be_v a_o mercy_n to_o thou_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o father_n of_o mercy_n so_o that_o wheresoever_o and_o whensoever_o thou_o meet_v with_o any_o mercy_n look_v high_o than_o the_o creature_n see_v a_o hand_n from_o heaven_n give_v it_o thou_o as_o gerson_n a_o devout_a papist_n speak_v of_o his_o parent_n how_o that_o they_o to_o teach_v he_o while_o a_o child_n that_o every_o mercy_n be_v from_o god_n have_v a_o devise_n that_o from_o the_o roof_n of_o the_o chamber_n shall_v be_v convey_v to_o he_o every_o apple_n or_o nut_n or_o such_o childish_a refreshment_n he_o desire_v but_o christ_n himself_o matth._n 5._o when_o he_o press_v against_o careful_a distrustful_a thought_n he_o say_v your_o heavenly_a father_n know_v what_o you_o want_v so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o thy_o own_o natural_a father_n that_o be_v a_o mercy_n to_o thou_o but_o thy_o father_n in_o heaven_n as_o that_o good_a man_n in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n when_o they_o bring_v he_o news_n his_o father_n be_v dead_a define_v blasphemias_fw-la loqui_fw-la pater_fw-la eminens_fw-la immortalis_fw-la est_fw-la thus_o be_v we_o to_o call_v nothing_o a_o father_n of_o mercy_n to_o we_o but_o god_n himself_o so_o that_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v mat._n 23._o 9_o call_v no_o man_n father_n on_o earth_n in_o respect_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n neither_o be_v we_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o mercy_n oh_o but_o how_o difficult_a be_v it_o not_o to_o have_v other_o father_n of_o mercy_n beside_o he_o serm._n xxxiii_o of_o the_o multitude_n variety_n property_n and_o object_n of_o god_n mercy_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 3_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n we_o be_v further_a to_o explicate_v what_o be_v comprehend_v in_o this_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a attribute_n the_o father_n of_o mercy_n we_o have_v already_o declare_v what_o be_v in_o the_o word_n father_n and_o give_v one_o instance_n what_o be_v in_o the_o word_n mercy_n the_o second_o thing_n comprise_v in_o it_o be_v the_o multitude_n of_o they_o he_o do_v not_o say_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n but_o of_o mercy_n it_o be_v not_o one_o or_o two_o but_o mercy_n many_o mercy_n mercy_n innumerable_a mercy_n that_o he_o be_v father_n of_o even_o as_o david_n do_v sometime_o call_v god_n the_o god_n of_o his_o salvation_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n because_o of_o the_o frequent_a and_o many_o deliverance_n god_n vouchsafe_v to_o he_o the_o lord_n therefore_o be_v not_o straighten_a in_o mercy_n no_o more_o than_o in_o power_n but_o as_o nothing_o be_v impossible_a to_o he_o so_o every_o kind_n of_o mercy_n be_v easy_o producible_a by_o he_o the_o multitude_n of_o god_n mercy_n be_v that_o which_o david_n do_v often_o mention_n psal_n 106._o 7_o 45._o psal_n 51._o 1._o and_o indeed_o be_v not_o these_o mercy_n many_o our_o sin_n will_v be_v more_o than_o they_o and_o exceed_v they_o in_o number_n david_n complain_v that_o his_o iniquity_n be_v more_o than_o the_o hair_n of_o his_o head_n and_o yet_o at_o another_o time_n acknowledge_v that_o such_o be_v the_o benefit_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o that_o he_o be_v never_o able_a to_o reckon_v they_o up_o we_o can_v then_o come_v and_o say_v to_o god_n about_o mercy_n as_o esau_n do_v to_o his_o father_n about_o blessing_n have_v thou_o but_o one_o blessing_n o_o my_o father_n have_v thou_o but_o one_o mercy_n woe_n will_v be_v to_o we_o if_o god_n have_v not_o multitude_n of_o mercy_n for_o we_o have_v multitude_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n oh_o then_o let_v the_o break_a humble_a heart_n who_o groan_v under_o this_o that_o he_o have_v many_o sin_n they_o be_v not_o one_o or_o two_o but_o many_o yea_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o be_v like_o so_o many_o locust_n and_o caterpillar_n in_o egypt_n he_o can_v look_v this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n but_o sin_n do_v compass_v he_o about_o let_v such_o remember_v that_o there_o be_v more_o mercy_n for_o they_o than_o sin_n against_o they_o if_o thou_o have_v multitude_n of_o sin_n god_n have_v multitude_n of_o mercy_n to_o cover_v they_o so_o as_o thou_o do_v not_o cover_v they_o but_o confess_v and_o bewail_v
than_o the_o earth_n so_o be_v his_o way_n viz._n of_o mercy_n to_o our_o way_n as_o then_o the_o earth_n be_v but_o like_o a_o pin_n head_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o vast_a dimension_n of_o the_o heaven_n so_o be_v all_o our_o sin_n comparative_o to_o god_n mercy_n if_o then_o thou_o have_v great_a thought_n about_o thy_o sin_n say_v they_o be_v great_a than_o thou_o can_v bear_v yet_o have_v as_o great_a thought_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o know_v they_o be_v not_o great_a than_o mercy_n can_v take_v away_o 2._o as_o it_o be_v infinite_a mercy_n so_o they_o be_v tender_a mercy_n bowel_n of_o mercy_n psal_n 40._o 11._o david_n pray_v god_n will_v not_o take_v away_o his_o tender_a mercy_n from_o he_o hence_o he_o be_v compare_v both_o to_o a_o father_n and_o a_o mother_n oh_o take_v heed_n then_o of_o dishonour_v god_n by_o hard_a distrustful_a and_o unbelieving_a thought_n about_o he_o think_v not_o of_o he_o as_o a_o austee_a judge_n who_o reap_v where_o he_o do_v not_o sow_v the_o devil_n and_o our_o guilty_a conscience_n be_v apt_a to_o represent_v god_n otherwise_o than_o he_o be_v indeed_o while_o thou_o be_v secure_a and_o stupid_a in_o thy_o sin_n thou_o think_v of_o god_n as_o a_o idol-god_n have_v no_o eye_n to_o see_v or_o thou_o present_v he_o only_o a_o merciful_a god_n to_o thyself_o as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o also_o holy_a and_o just_a but_o when_o once_o sin_n burn_v in_o thy_o heart_n like_o fire_n when_o god_n make_v thou_o a_o terror_n to_o thyself_o because_o of_o thy_o wickedness_n than_o all_o be_v turn_v thou_o think_v of_o the_o justice_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n only_o as_o if_o he_o have_v no_o mercy_n but_o when_o thy_o sin_n be_v a_o burden_n to_o thou_o and_o thou_o do_v in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o thy_o heart_n forsake_v they_o then_o think_v of_o god_n only_o as_o the_o scripture_n represent_v he_o then_o harken_v what_o mercy_n comfort_n and_o peace_n he_o speak_v to_o such_o a_o contrite_a soul_n as_o thou_o be_v 3._o they_o be_v sure_a mercy_n to_o all_o the_o godly_a isa_n 55._o 3._o they_o be_v call_v the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n for_o all_o necessary_a mercy_n either_o for_o soul_n or_o body_n they_o be_v bind_v up_o in_o god_n promise_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v well_o be_v call_v sure_a mercy_n even_o those_o thou_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v as_o sure_a mercy_n as_o if_o thou_o be_v already_o possess_v of_o they_o glorification_n and_o salvation_n be_v the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o thou_o though_o for_o the_o present_a thou_o be_v in_o a_o valley_n of_o tear_n sigh_v under_o thy_o misery_n 4._o they_o be_v free_a mercy_n such_o as_o god_n do_v only_o for_o his_o name_n sake_n when_o we_o have_v nothing_o but_o sin_n in_o we_o that_o may_v just_o provoke_v god_n to_o turn_v his_o mercy_n into_o judgement_n yet_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n he_o will_v be_v merciful_a though_o we_o have_v lose_v our_o grace_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o that_o attribute_n of_o mercy_n thus_o psal_n 6._o 4._o psal_n 31._o 16._o david_n still_o pray_v save_v i_o for_o thy_o mercy_n sake_n so_o that_o this_o may_v great_o encourage_v thou_o when_o thou_o think_v oh_o what_o a_o barren_a and_o dry_a wilderness_n be_o i_o oh_o what_o matter_n do_v i_o find_v in_o i_o to_o displease_v god_n for_o ever_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o thought_n remember_v god_n mercy_n be_v free_a they_o have_v no_o other_o original_n or_o rise_v but_o from_o himself_o think_v though_o i_o have_v degenerate_v from_o my_o holiness_n yet_o god_n can_v never_o lay_v aside_o his_o mercy_n but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v this_o truth_n to_o be_v indifferent_o publish_v to_o all_o may_v we_o tell_v every_o one_o that_o god_n be_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n to_o he_o will_v not_o this_o be_v to_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o wicked_a glad_a who_o yet_o god_n will_v have_v make_v sad_a to_o answer_v it_o therefore_o first_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o god_n be_v very_o merciful_a even_o to_o wicked_a man_n and_o that_o while_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o obstinacy_n do_v not_o experience_n confirm_v this_o and_o this_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o see_v in_o temporal_a thing_n he_o give_v they_o health_n life_n and_o wealth_n so_o that_o they_o can_v never_o plead_v against_o god_n but_o also_o he_o be_v merciful_a to_o many_o ungodly_a wretch_n and_o that_o in_o spiritual_a mercy_n he_o give_v they_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n he_o give_v they_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o allow_v they_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n whenas_o they_o may_v have_v be_v always_o keep_v up_o in_o darkness_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v so_o often_o complain_v of_o the_o unprofitableness_n of_o the_o unthankfulness_n and_o forgetfulness_n towards_o he_o even_o worse_o than_o of_o the_o bruit_n creature_n but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n there_o be_v the_o most_o special_a mercy_n of_o his_o complacency_n and_o delight_n and_o these_o be_v vouchsafe_v only_o to_o true_a believer_n so_o that_o we_o can_v proper_o say_v god_n be_v a_o father_n of_o mercy_n to_o any_o but_o to_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n for_o though_o wicked_a man_n do_v taste_v of_o many_o mercy_n from_o god_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o a_o reconcile_a father_n to_o they_o they_o come_v not_o from_o he_o as_o a_o father_n in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o though_o in_o themselves_o they_o may_v be_v call_v mercy_n yet_o if_o you_o consider_v the_o event_n of_o they_o how_o the_o wicked_a abuse_n all_o mercy_n and_o increase_v their_o sin_n by_o they_o it_o will_v be_v at_o last_o confess_v they_o be_v not_o mercy_n but_o judgement_n to_o they_o the_o mercy_n then_o which_o arise_v from_o god_n favour_n none_o have_v but_o those_o that_o be_v godly_a and_o we_o may_v in_o brief_a take_v these_o character_n of_o such_o who_o be_v object_n of_o his_o mercy_n first_o such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o break_a contrite_a heart_n for_o sin_n such_o who_o forsake_v and_o cast_v mercy_n it_o away_o in_o their_o life_n to_o these_o only_a god_n be_v a_o father_n of_o mercy_n for_o as_o for_o the_o wicked_a it_o be_v say_v god_n be_v angry_a with_o the_o wicked_a every_o day_n to_o who_o do_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n belong_v but_o to_o those_o that_o be_v thus_o guilty_a of_o sin_n the_o doubt_n than_o be_v not_o whether_o god_n be_v merciful_a but_o whether_o thou_o be_v the_o fit_a subject_n of_o mercy_n whether_o thou_o be_v the_o man_n god_n will_v honour_v second_o such_o only_o be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o mercy_n that_o have_v faith_n in_o he_o that_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n hence_o david_n do_v so_o often_o profess_v his_o trust_n in_o god_n mercy_n for_o there_o be_v either_o a_o pharisaical_a self-righteousness_n in_o we_o whereby_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o trust_v in_o our_o righteousness_n and_o in_o the_o work_v we_o do_v we_o see_v by_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a and_o most_o christian_n at_o this_o day_n that_o they_o be_v so_o full_a of_o themselves_o that_o they_o never_o trust_v alone_o in_o god_n mercy_n or_o else_o if_o sin_n be_v set_v home_o upon_o the_o conscience_n than_o many_o prove_v cain_n and_o judasses_n they_o fly_v from_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o damn_v themselves_o for_o fear_n of_o damnation_n so_o that_o presumption_n make_v most_o and_o despair_v some_o few_o the_o unfit_a object_n of_o god_n mercy_n misery_n alone_o do_v not_o prepare_v thou_o for_o mercy_n the_o devil_n and_o damn_a in_o hell_n be_v miserable_a enough_o yet_o can_v obtain_v one_o drop_n of_o mercy_n but_o there_o must_v be_v a_o debase_v of_o thyself_o because_o of_o sin_n and_o then_o raise_v up_o of_o thyself_o to_o catch_v hold_n on_o mercy_n serm._n xxxiv_o how_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o comfort_n yea_o of_o all_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v he_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 3_o and_o the_o god_n of_o all_o comfort_n the_o next_o ground_n why_o god_n be_v to_o be_v bless_v be_v because_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o all_o comfort_n now_o although_o this_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o former_a when_o he_o be_v style_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n yet_o we_o may_v make_v that_o distinction_n which_o aquinas_n upon_o the_o place_n give_v viz._n that_o he_o be_v a_o father_n of_o mercy_n because_o he_o do_v either_o prevent_v or_o remove_v those_o misery_n that_o our_o sin_n do_v deserve_v but_o he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o conselation_n in_o that_o though_o our_o affliction_n and_o tribulation_n be_v not_o take_v away_o yet_o while_o we_o be_v in_o they_o he_o do_v give_v many_o consolation_n and_o
to_o hell_n from_o these_o jollity_n all_o true_a comfort_n be_v from_o god_n 2._o there_o be_v imply_v that_o god_n have_v a_o store-house_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o comfort_n whatsoever_o thy_o necessity_n and_o want_n be_v he_o can_v comfort_v thou_o it_o be_v not_o every_o comfort_n that_o will_v heal_v every_o wound_n but_o god_n have_v a_o treasury_n of_o all_o if_o thy_o soul_n need_v comfort_n he_o can_v comfort_v that_o if_o thy_o body_n need_v comfort_n he_o can_v do_v that_o oh_o then_o let_v not_o these_o consolation_n of_o god_n seem_v a_o small_a thing_n to_o you_o job_n 15._o 11._o serm._n xxxv_o some_o proposition_n clear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n mercy_n from_o both_o doctrinal_a and_o practical_a objection_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 3_o the_o god_n of_o all_o comfort_n we_o shall_v now_o put_v both_o these_o description_n of_o god_n joint_o together_o have_v already_o consider_v they_o several_o for_o see_v in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v all_o our_o hope_n christ_n have_v this_o rainbow_n about_o his_o throne_n and_o although_o it_o may_v affect_v we_o to_o hear_v that_o god_n be_v wise_a omnipotent_a of_o glorious_a majesty_n yet_o nothing_o be_v so_o suitable_a and_o proper_a for_o poor_a sinner_n as_o to_o hear_v of_o god_n mercy_n therefore_o i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n enlarge_v further_o about_o it_o and_o so_o conclude_v and_o that_o which_o i_o shall_v deliver_v shall_v be_v lay_v down_o in_o so_o many_o proposition_n which_o will_v be_v to_o obviate_v either_o practical_a or_o doctrinal_a objection_n and_o first_o the_o mercy_n and_o comfort_n of_o god_n this_o glorious_a nature_n of_o he_o whereby_o god_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o pity_v those_o that_o be_v miserable_a be_v so_o to_o be_v manage_v in_o the_o public_a preach_v thereof_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sovereign_a antidote_n against_o all_o despair_n and_o yet_o a_o curb_n against_o all_o presumption_n for_o so_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o we_o can_v hardly_o open_a the_o treasure_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o discover_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o goodness_n to_o the_o humble_a sinner_n but_o present_o the_o carnal_a profane_a heart_n be_v ready_a to_o encourage_v himself_o thereby_o it_o be_v therefore_o the_o part_n of_o a_o wise_a dispenser_n of_o this_o glad_a tiding_n to_o consider_v the_o subject_n with_o who_o he_o have_v to_o do_v and_o according_o to_o publish_v terror_n to_o who_o terror_n be_v due_a wrath_n to_o who_o wrath_n be_v due_a and_o then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n peace_n to_o who_o peace_n belong_v mercy_n to_o who_o mercy_n belong_v though_o therefore_o god_n style_v himself_o the_o god_n of_o the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n that_o he_o be_v pitiful_a to_o such_o as_o be_v miserable_a though_o very_o wicked_a it_o may_v be_v and_o profane_a yet_o this_o be_v with_o a_o general_a mercy_n only_o his_o peculiar_a and_o special_a mercy_n be_v only_o to_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o if_o then_o a_o man_n go_v on_o wilful_o in_o his_o ungodly_a way_n if_o he_o will_v still_o retain_v his_o transgression_n he_o must_v not_o think_v to_o find_v god_n merciful_a to_o he_o he_o will_v find_v david_n prayer_n fulfil_v psal_n 59_o 5._o be_v not_o merciful_a to_o any_o wicked_a transgressor_n this_o bread_n be_v for_o child_n not_o for_o dog_n yet_o how_o difficult_o can_v we_o keep_v such_o off_o from_o apply_v this_o mercy_n to_o themselves_o those_o be_v common_o most_o confident_a of_o it_o to_o who_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v therefore_o beastly_a man_n be_v bar_v off_o from_o come_v near_o this_o mount_n this_o pearl_n be_v keep_v from_o swine_n when_o we_o meet_v with_o break_a contrite_a heart_n here_o we_o display_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n with_o all_o our_o might_n to_o such_o we_o say_v god_n mercy_n be_v infinite_o more_o than_o their_o sin_n that_o although_o they_o have_v the_o sin_n of_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o they_o be_v but_o as_o a_o drop_n to_o the_o sunbeam_n of_o his_o mercy_n which_o will_v quick_o dry_v they_o up_o to_o such_o we_o say_v god_n do_v as_o easy_o pardon_v great_a sin_n as_o little_a as_o the_o sun_n do_v enlighten_v one_o place_n with_o as_o much_o ease_n as_o another_o to_o such_o we_o say_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o hope_v in_o god_n mercy_n that_o they_o can_v dishonour_v god_n more_o than_o by_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o one_o who_o be_v hardly_o bring_v to_o remit_v offence_n that_o it_o be_v god_n will_v we_o shall_v come_v to_o this_o fountain_n and_o drink_v abundant_o of_o it_o we_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o can_v think_v so_o much_o of_o sin_n to_o condemn_v they_o as_o they_o may_v of_o the_o multitude_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o save_v they_o to_o such_o we_o say_v that_o when_o they_o have_v think_v all_o they_o can_v yet_o there_o be_v more_o in_o god_n mercy_n than_o they_o can_v go_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o forget_v sin_n but_o he_o can_v forget_v his_o property_n of_o mercy_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o mercy_n be_v so_o to_o be_v hold_v out_o as_o the_o cloud_n be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n it_o be_v light_a to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o guide_v they_o but_o darkness_n to_o the_o egyptian_a the_o doctrine_n of_o mercy_n be_v indeed_o matter_n of_o terror_n to_o every_o presumptuous_a sinner_n for_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o but_o it_o be_v full_a of_o beauty_n and_o revive_n to_o the_o wound_a heart_n hence_o the_o whole_a drift_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o represent_v this_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o a_o humble_a sinner_n this_o be_v the_o main_a scope_n of_o it_o for_o who_o can_v or_o dare_v think_v of_o god_n any_o otherwise_o but_o a_o consume_a fire_n till_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v he_o otherwise_o and_o indeed_o the_o parable_n of_o a_o shepherd_n fetch_v home_o his_o lose_a sheep_n be_v comfortable_a yet_o christ_n exceed_v that_o shepherd_n for_o he_o seek_v for_o his_o sheep_n as_o good_n that_o he_o need_v that_o he_o want_v but_o christ_n do_v for_o we_o who_o he_o do_v not_o want_v he_o be_v well_o enough_o without_o we_o again_o that_o also_o be_v a_o refresh_a parable_n of_o the_o father_n entertain_v so_o merciful_o his_o prodigal_a son_n but_o yet_o christ_n exceed_v that_o father_n also_o for_o there_o the_o son_n come_v first_o and_o humble_v himself_o and_o entreat_v for_o favour_n but_o god_n he_o do_v first_o seek_v we_o out_o by_o his_o mercy_n we_o do_v not_o choose_v he_o but_o he_o choose_v we_o though_o vorstius_n do_v distinguish_v of_o special_a grace_n to_o believer_n call_v one_o ordinary_a which_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o those_o who_o seek_v he_o in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o another_o extraordinary_a which_o god_n he_o say_v sometime_o but_o rare_o vouchsafe_v and_o that_o be_v while_o man_n never_o think_v of_o god_n yea_o in_o way_n of_o opposition_n to_o god_n as_o the_o gentile_n and_o paul_n yet_o indeed_o we_o may_v say_v of_o all_o that_o be_v convert_v that_o god_n think_v of_o they_o before_o they_o think_v of_o god_n it_o be_v he_o that_o prevent_v they_o his_o grace_n find_v they_o out_o and_o prepare_v they_o for_o mercy_n again_o christ_n compare_v himself_o to_o the_o physician_n but_o what_o physician_n heal_v as_o he_o do_v other_o physician_n they_o make_v their_o patient_n sick_a and_o bleed_v to_o help_v they_o to_o health_n but_o christ_n he_o himself_o be_v wound_v and_o his_o blood_n be_v shed_v for_o to_o save_v we_o all_o this_o be_v to_o show_v that_o we_o can_v embolden_v and_o encourage_v the_o sincere_a convert_n enough_o but_o the_o more_o hopeful_a and_o confident_a thought_n he_o have_v of_o god_n mercy_n the_o more_o please_a it_o be_v to_o god_n second_o we_o must_v not_o judge_v of_o god_n mercy_n without_o scripture-light_n and_o guidance_n for_o if_o we_o do_v we_o sholl_a thereby_o encourage_v ourselves_o in_o wicked_a way_n and_o yet_o say_v god_n be_v merciful_a and_o true_o this_o be_v the_o poison_n that_o many_o suck_v down_o they_o judge_v of_o god_n mercy_n according_a to_o their_o own_o humane_a pity_n and_o compassion_n and_o thereupon_o never_o consider_v his_o justice_n his_o wisdom_n his_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o mercy_n so_o that_o this_o be_v diligent_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o we_o must_v not_o apprehend_v of_o god_n as_o full_a of_o mercy_n and_o comfort_v any_o otherways_o than_o the_o scripture_n do_v manifest_v he_o and_o that_o will_v be_v salt_n to_o season_v you_o against_o the_o abuse_n of_o god_n mercy_n so_o as_o to_o turn_v his_o grace_n into_o wantonness_n how_o many_o be_v there_o undo_v themselves_o for_o want_n of_o a_o scripture_n consideration_n of_o god_n mercy_n both_o doctrinal_o and_o
christ_n though_o i_o have_v no_o comfort_n at_o all_o it_o be_v not_o my_o ease_n so_o much_o as_o thy_o glory_n i_o look_v at_o this_o will_v great_o endear_v thou_o to_o god_n five_o god_n may_v deny_v thou_o comfort_n to_o inform_v thou_o how_o much_o thou_o be_v behold_v christ_n to_o christ_n he_o suffer_v for_o thou_o and_o that_o without_o comfort_n he_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o that_o so_o he_o may_v accomplish_v thy_o redemption_n now_o as_o christ_n will_v be_v tempt_v like_o we_o so_o god_n will_v have_v we_o tempt_v like_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o thankful_a to_o he_o certain_o all_o the_o pain_n on_o his_o body_n all_o the_o disgrace_n and_o reproach_n he_o go_v under_o be_v not_o equal_a to_o his_o be_v without_o comfort_n yet_o this_o he_o endure_v for_o thou_o last_o conclude_v on_o this_o that_o if_o comfort_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o thou_o it_o at_o this_o time_n thou_o shall_v have_v it_o rom._n 8._o how_o can_v he_o not_o but_o give_v we_o all_o other_o thing_n who_o have_v give_v we_o christ_n be_v comfort_n equal_a to_o christ_n serm._n l._n the_o saint_n suffering_n be_v for_o the_o church_n good_a 2_o cor._n 1._o 6._o and_o whether_o we_o be_v afflict_v it_o be_v for_o your_o consolation_n and_o salvation_n which_o be_v effectual_a in_o the_o endure_a the_o same_o suffering_n which_o we_o also_o suffer_v or_o whether_o we_o be_v comfort_v it_o be_v for_o your_o consolation_n and_o salvation_n this_o verse_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o many_o learned_a expositor_n to_o be_v very_o difficult_a not_o so_o much_o from_o the_o matter_n for_o that_o be_v easy_a as_o from_o the_o grammatical_a disposition_n of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v several_a conjecture_n and_o divers_a adventure_n about_o the_o transpose_n of_o they_o in_o most_o of_o the_o latin_a copy_n there_o be_v three_o member_n in_o the_o disjunction_n whereas_o the_o greek_a have_v but_o two_o after_o this_o manner_n whether_o we_o be_v afflict_v whether_o we_o be_v comfort_v and_o whether_o we_o exhort_v but_o according_a to_o the_o greek_a word_n which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o will_v make_v a_o tautology_n therefore_o no_o doubt_n this_o be_v insert_v in_o the_o latin_a copy_n by_o some_o not_o diligent_o attend_v to_o what_o they_o do_v then_o as_o for_o the_o greek_a chrysostome_n do_v transpose_v the_o word_n otherwise_o then_o we_o do_v put_v off_o the_o second_o member_n of_o the_o disjunction_n viz._n whether_o we_o be_v comfort_v etc._n etc._n to_o the_o next_o verse_n know_v that_o as_o you_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o suffering_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o reduce_v all_o the_o rest_n to_o the_o former_a part_n some_o also_o blame_v erasmus_n for_o add_v in_o the_o original_a it_o be_v whether_o we_o be_v afflict_v it_o be_v for_o your_o consolation_n which_o way_n our_o translator_n also_o render_v and_o indeed_o the_o sense_n will_v run_v well_o enough_o without_o it_o relate_v to_o those_o word_n our_o hope_n of_o you_o be_v steadfast_a but_o this_o be_v not_o material_a for_o the_o sense_n be_v still_o the_o same_o not_o therefore_o to_o trouble_v you_o with_o these_o grammatical_a difficulty_n see_v the_o scope_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v evident_a which_o be_v that_o whatsoever_o do_v befall_v he_o in_o his_o ministerial_a office_n it_o be_v for_o their_o good_a and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v discourage_v at_o his_o suffering_n or_o to_o despise_v he_o for_o they_o as_o the_o false_a apostle_n labour_v to_o make_v they_o do_v that_o they_o ought_v rather_o to_o honour_v he_o and_o they_o themselves_o to_o be_v more_o animate_v in_o their_o suffering_n for_o christ_n and_o in_o this_o the_o apostle_n do_v so_o overflow_v with_o word_n that_o erasmus_n absurd_o give_v this_o profane_a censure_n intempestivae_fw-la copiae_fw-la affectatio_fw-la as_o if_o he_o can_v teach_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n how_o to_o speak_v but_o no_o wonder_n at_o this_o presumption_n of_o he_o see_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o barbirius_n purge_v himself_o from_o be_v a_o lutheran_n much_o more_o from_o hold_v every_o thing_n that_o luther_n write_v he_o add_v he_o will_v not_o be_v so_o addict_v to_o austin_n or_o hierome_n vix_fw-la etiam_fw-la ipsi_fw-la paulo_n scarce_o even_o to_o paul_n himself_o whether_o this_o vix_fw-la will_v preserve_v he_o from_o blasphemy_n let_v other_o judge_n but_o come_v we_o to_o the_o first_o member_n in_o this_o distribution_n wherein_o we_o have_v the_o condition_n suppose_v the_o consequent_a and_o effect_n of_o it_o with_o the_o amplification_n thereof_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o condition_n suppose_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whether_o we_o be_v afflict_v squeeze_a or_o press_v for_o the_o word_n signify_v such_o affliction_n as_o be_v like_o the_o â—â—ail_n to_o the_o corn_n that_o do_v bruise_v it_o the_o end_n of_o this_o in_o the_o general_n be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n more_o particular_o for_o their_o consolation_n and_o salvation_n from_o whence_o observe_v that_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n we_o endure_v for_o christ_n do_v not_o only_o turn_v to_o our_o good_a own_o good_a but_o to_o the_o good_a of_o god_n church_n that_o they_o be_v for_o our_o own_o good_a have_v be_v partly_o speak_v to_o yea_o every_o dispensation_n of_o god_n to_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o be_v a_o benefit_n and_o a_o advantage_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o mercy_n it_o be_v bonum_fw-la dei_fw-la consolantis_fw-la if_o a_o affliction_n it_o be_v bonum_fw-la dei_fw-la admonentis_fw-la as_o austin_n but_o i_o be_o now_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o diffusive_a good_a by_o affliction_n in_o respect_n of_o other_o that_o suffering_n for_o christ_n be_v of_o public_a edification_n to_o the_o church_n appear_v by_o two_o or_o three_o notable_a text_n concern_v what_o paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o phil._n 1._o 12._o i_o will_v you_o shall_v understand_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o happen_v to_o i_o have_v fall_v out_o rather_o to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o will_v you_o shall_v understand_v it_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o believer_n shall_v possess_v themselves_o with_o for_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o riddle_n that_o out_o of_o this_o strong_a one_o shall_v come_v honey_n that_o out_o of_o darkness_n shall_v arise_v light_a from_o death_n come_v life_n the_o not_o understand_v of_o this_o have_v make_v so_o many_o apostate_n think_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n will_v never_o hold_v because_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n conspire_v to_o oppress_v it_o but_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v they_o know_v that_o persecution_n do_v not_o hinder_v but_o further_o the_o gospel_n the_o tread_v and_o trample_v on_o this_o camomile_n make_v it_o thrive_v the_o better_a another_o remarkable_a text_n be_v 2_o tim._n 2._o 10._o where_o the_o apostle_n have_v show_v that_o though_o they_o do_v cast_v he_o into_o bond_n yet_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v not_o be_v bind_v no_o more_o than_o a_o man_n as_o chrysostome_n observe_v that_o cut_v off_o a_o branch_n from_o the_o tree_n can_v cut_v off_o the_o sunbeam_n also_o from_o the_o sun_n that_o may_v shine_v upon_o that_o branch_n he_o add_v that_o he_o do_v endure_v all_o thing_n for_o the_o elect_v sake_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v salvation_n oh_o wonderful_a expression_n you_o may_v think_v paul_n go_v too_o high_a these_o word_n become_v christ_n rather_o who_o can_v say_v this_o but_o christ_n he_o suffer_v for_o the_o elect_v sake_n that_o they_o may_v have_v salvation_n but_o paul_n speak_v this_o only_a as_o a_o minister_n not_o a_o mediator_n as_o be_v more_o particular_o to_o be_v urge_v his_o scope_n be_v to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o any_o sin_n of_o his_o own_o any_o wickedness_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v but_o it_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n that_o he_o thus_o suffer_v so_o that_o paul_n do_v not_o only_o propagate_v the_o gospel_n by_o preach_v but_o by_o suffer_v when_o he_o can_v preach_v he_o do_v most_o preach_v when_o his_o person_n be_v bind_v in_o chain_n than_o the_o gospel_n be_v more_o enlarge_v as_o herod_n by_o cut_v off_o john_n baptist_n head_n do_v in_o effect_n make_v john_n tongue_n more_o speak_v and_o witness_v against_o he_o the_o last_o instance_n be_v col._n 1._o 24._o which_o place_n be_v the_o more_o famous_a because_o abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n to_o uphold_v a_o treasure_n or_o overplus_n in_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o they_o suffer_v more_o than_o they_o deserve_v and_o therefore_o the_o overplus_n be_v to_o be_v dispense_v by_o papal_a authority_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o such_o who_o want_v merit_n and_o here_o come_v in_o their_o doctrine_n
relation_n we_o be_v in_o that_o do_v support_v we_o but_o god_n only_o again_o the_o difficulty_n be_v see_v in_o trust_v of_o god_n because_o god_n promise_n and_o his_o providence_n seem_v to_o go_v contrary_a to_o one_o another_o the_o godly_a have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n health_n wealth_n peace_n be_v promise_v to_o they_o and_o yet_o how_o often_o exercise_v with_o the_o contrary_a and_o this_o make_v trust_v in_o god_n the_o more_o difficult_a so_o that_o what_o inevidence_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o faith_n assent_v the_o same_o arduity_n and_o improbability_n yea_o appear_a impossibility_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o faith_n trust_v in_o all_o believe_a there_o be_v a_o inevidence_n not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o testimony_n as_o the_o papist_n dream_n and_o therefore_o will_v have_v faith_n define_v by_o ignorance_n rather_o than_o by_o knowledge_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o we_o do_v not_o apprehend_v the_o thing_n of_o faith_n by_o reason_n as_o we_o do_v natural_a truth_n and_o this_o make_v faith_n as_o it_o be_v assent_v to_o be_v so_o difficult_a and_o no_o less_o be_v it_o in_o faith_n as_o trust_v for_o the_o difficulty_n and_o improbability_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o thing_n hope_v for_o so_o much_o be_v contrary_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o we_o deny_v sense_n and_o reason_n many_o time_n when_o we_o put_v forth_o faith_n 5._o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o grace_n be_v see_v in_o that_o god_n do_v on_o purpose_n in_o much_o mercy_n afflict_v we_o keep_v we_o low_o remove_v all_o our_o prop_n from_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v grace_n learn_v to_o depend_v on_o he_o for_o this_o end_n we_o be_v afflict_v for_o this_o end_n god_n make_v widow_n and_o fatherless_a and_o bring_v we_o into_o a_o wilderness_n that_o we_o may_v live_v on_o he_o only_o 6._o this_o excellency_n of_o it_o be_v manifest_v only_o in_o that_o it_o give_v all_o glory_n to_o god_n debaâ—eth_v man_n make_v all_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v no_o more_o god_n than_o a_o reed_n or_o a_o feather_n and_o no_o wonder_n then_o if_o god_n so_o much_o encourage_v this_o grace_n of_o trust_v in_o he_o for_o we_o can_v glorify_v god_n more_o and_o debase_v ourselves_o therefore_o he_o will_v have_v we_o justify_v by_o trust_v in_o he_o therefore_o he_o will_v have_v we_o in_o all_o temporal_n look_v up_o to_o he_o only_o because_o than_o god_n be_v always_o in_o our_o thought_n we_o look_v above_o man_n as_o jacob_n above_o the_o round_n of_o the_o ladder_n to_o the_o upper_a end_n where_o god_n be_v 7._o this_o be_v excellent_a because_o of_o the_o bless_a effect_n it_o have_v cause_v all_o tranquillity_n and_o quietness_n of_o spirit_n where_o this_o grace_n be_v vigorous_o put_v forth_o spirit_n there_o be_v no_o sad_a complaint_n no_o unruly_a passion_n and_o discontent_n but_o like_o the_o strong_a man_n it_o keep_v the_o house_n quiet_a and_o at_o peace_n for_o this_o excellent_a effect_n thereof_o it_o be_v that_o the_o devil_n do_v so_o much_o oppose_v it_o raise_v seem_a objection_n against_o it_o because_o he_o will_v bring_v the_o people_n of_o god_n into_o a_o hell_n here_o see_v he_o can_v do_v it_o hereafter_o serm._n lxxiii_o of_o the_o expression_n god_n who_o raise_v the_o dead_a how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o what_o it_o imply_v 2_o cor._n 1._o 9_o which_o raise_v the_o dead_a this_o last_o clause_n be_v add_v as_o a_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v not_o to_o trust_v in_o ourselves_o but_o in_o god_n he_o can_v do_v that_o which_o no_o king_n no_o emperor_n no_o sovereign_a power_n in_o the_o world_n can_v do_v he_o can_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o this_o instance_n the_o apostle_n discover_v god_n omnipotency_n for_o none_o but_o a_o infinite_a power_n can_v do_v this_o even_o as_o a_o infinite_a power_n be_v require_v to_o create_v to_o make_v something_o out_o of_o nothing_o therefore_o the_o philosopher_n speak_v according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o nature_n say_v ex_fw-la nihilo_fw-la nihil_fw-la fit_n thus_o it_o be_v also_o in_o regard_n of_o raise_v the_o dead_a nothing_o but_o a_o infinite_a power_n can_v do_v this_o because_o there_o be_v another_o rule_n in_o philosophy_n a_o privatione_fw-la ad_fw-la habitum_fw-la non_fw-la datur_fw-la regressus_fw-la we_o read_v indeed_o of_o elishah_n raise_v the_o dead_a child_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n be_v enable_v to_o work_v this_o miracle_n but_o they_o do_v these_o thing_n not_o authoritatiuè_a but_o adprecatiuè_fw-la not_o by_o way_n of_o authority_n but_o prayer_n christ_n wrought_v these_o miracle_n at_o their_o prayer_n to_o he_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v say_v to_o do_v these_o thing_n in_o his_o name_n he_o only_o then_o who_o have_v a_o infinite_a power_n can_v raise_v the_o dead_a neither_o do_v the_o apostle_n say_v who_o can_v but_o who_o do_v raise_v signyfy_v not_o only_a god_n power_n but_o his_o will_n and_o readiness_n and_o then_o in_o the_o present_a tense_n denote_v god_n do_v this_o daily_a and_o continual_o to_o his_o people_n now_o when_o the_o apostle_n describe_v god_n thus_o as_o raise_v the_o dead_a you_o must_v understand_v it_o of_o the_o dead_a literal_o those_o that_o be_v actual_o dead_a or_o as_o good_a as_o dead_a as_o to_o any_o humane_a power_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o paul_n and_o also_o dead_a metaphorical_o viz._n such_o who_o be_v in_o those_o outward_a calamity_n and_o straits_n that_o they_o have_v no_o visible_a way_n to_o escape_v out_o of_o they_o in_o this_o extent_n you_o must_v understand_v the_o expression_n and_o from_o thence_o observe_v that_o god_n be_v both_o able_a and_o willing_a to_o help_v and_o deliver_v his_o people_n in_o hopeless_a extremitic_n and_o helpless_a trouble_n for_o by_o this_o expession_n paul_n do_v denote_v the_o utmost_a extremity_n if_o god_n can_v and_o will_v do_v the_o great_a how_o much_o more_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o he_o to_o do_v the_o less_o though_o nothing_o be_v hard_a to_o god_n for_o he_o do_v great_a thing_n as_o easy_o as_o less_o thing_n so_o that_o this_o be_v bring_v in_o as_o unspeakable_a comfort_n to_o the_o godly_a who_o be_v apt_a to_o say_v this_o trouble_n be_v so_o great_a this_o straight_o be_v so_o heavy_a that_o i_o have_v no_o hope_n my_o soul_n do_v sink_v under_o it_o oh_o remember_v it_o can_v be_v more_o desperate_a than_o to_o be_v a_o dead_a man_n and_o yet_o god_n do_v recover_v out_o of_o that_o condition_n he_o do_v not_o say_v god_n that_o heal_v the_o sick_a god_n that_o comfort_v those_o which_o be_v in_o darkness_n god_n who_o raise_v up_o those_o that_o be_v cast_v down_o though_o in_o other_o place_n these_o thing_n be_v attribute_v to_o god_n but_o god_n who_o raise_v the_o dead_a which_o be_v far_o more_o than_o the_o former_a to_o prosecute_v this_o let_v we_o consider_v wherein_o this_o doctrine_n be_v true_a both_o literal_o and_o metaphorical_o and_o then_o how_o much_o be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o expression_n for_o the_o 1._o this_o be_v true_a in_o the_o natural_a dead_a that_o god_n can_v and_o do_v raise_v up_o such_o to_o life_n again_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o read_v of_o several_a person_n raise_v by_o dead_a christ_n to_o life_n again_o such_o a_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n that_o unless_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o like_a be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n before_o for_o they_o be_v but_o fable_n what_o some_o heathen_n may_v record_v to_o be_v do_v among_o they_o in_o this_o matter_n yea_o at_o christ_n resurrection_n it_o be_v say_v that_o many_o do_v rise_v again_o and_o go_v into_o the_o holy_a city_n which_o make_v the_o apostle_n heb._n 11._o 35._o instance_n in_o this_o as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a wonder_n wrought_v for_o the_o saint_n that_o woman_n receive_v their_o dead_a raise_v to_o life_n again_o and_o true_o this_o consideration_n of_o god_n power_n shall_v wonderful_o support_v we_o in_o all_o trouble_n in_o all_o exigence_n god_n can_v create_v where_o there_o be_v nothing_o pre-existent_a i_o create_v peace_n and_o he_o can_v also_o restore_v and_o give_v a_o resurrection_n to_o those_o that_o be_v dead_a let_v we_o not_o then_o have_v low_a thought_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v limit_v in_o his_o work_n as_o man_n be_v but_o the_o demonstration_n of_o god_n power_n will_v be_v evident_o and_o palpable_o manifest_v in_o that_o great_a and_o universal_a resurrection_n of_o all_o that_o be_v dead_a at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n this_o work_n of_o god_n do_v transcend_v all_o humane_a reason_n and_o power_n therefore_o when_o paul_n preach_v this_o they_o account_v he_o nothing_o but_o a_o babbler_n it_o be_v dispute_v whether_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o
his_o dear_a son_n you_o see_v what_o the_o condition_n of_o every_o man_n be_v till_o convert_v it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n how_o unspeakable_a be_v the_o misery_n of_o all_o unregenerate_a man_n who_o be_v thus_o the_o devil_n prisoner_n bind_v hand_n and_o foot_n that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o shake_v off_o any_o one_o sin_n they_o be_v accustom_v unto_o neither_o be_v they_o willing_a to_o be_v deliver_v they_o do_v not_o mourn_v and_o groan_n after_o a_o redeemer_n how_o enlarge_v therefore_o shall_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n be_v when_o he_o shall_v see_v himself_o thus_o deliver_v the_o time_n be_v i_o can_v not_o give_v over_o my_o loose_a and_o wanton_a way_n i_o can_v not_o part_v from_o my_o profane_a and_o wicked_a companion_n the_o time_n be_v i_o hate_v such_o as_o fear_v god_n i_o can_v not_o endure_v any_o holy_a strictness_n any_o family-duty_n the_o time_n be_v when_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n do_v lord_n it_o over_o i_o so_o that_o neither_o pray_v or_o hear_v or_o any_o holy_a ordinance_n have_v any_o influence_n upon_o i_o be_v so_o great_o enslave_v to_o those_o earthly_a thing_n but_o now_o bless_v be_v god_n the_o snare_n be_v break_v and_o my_o soul_n like_o a_o bird_n be_v escape_v i_o can_v now_o run_v with_o delight_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n oh_o how_o bless_v a_o deliverance_n be_v this_o to_o be_v save_v from_o thy_o former_a impiety_n to_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o thy_o old_a blindness_n and_o wickedness_n see_v thou_o not_o in_o what_o miserable_a bondage_n many_o person_n be_v entangle_v in_o by_o their_o lust_n they_o have_v some_o conviction_n some_o terror_n upon_o their_o conscience_n they_o cry_v out_o oh_o that_o they_o can_v never_o fall_v into_o such_o sin_n again_o and_o yet_o upon_o every_o temptation_n hideous_o relapse_n again_o augustine_n before_o his_o full_a conversion_n to_o god_n complain_v of_o this_o captivity_n exceed_o if_o therefore_o god_n have_v deliver_v thou_o from_o thy_o former_a unregenerate_a estate_n if_o he_o have_v make_v thou_o a_o new_a creature_n then_o know_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o thou_o be_v more_o than_o ever_o can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o thou_o it_o can_v enter_v into_o thy_o heart_n to_o conceive_v of_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o but_o because_o this_o deliverance_n be_v not_o complete_a and_o perfect_a in_o this_o life_n as_o appear_v rom._n 7._o where_o paul_n complain_v of_o a_o captivity_n still_o he_o be_v plunge_v into_o he_o break_v out_o at_o last_o into_o that_o affectionate_a expression_n who_o will_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n oh_o how_o bless_a and_o happy_a will_v that_o day_n be_v when_o thou_o shall_v have_v no_o more_o thorn_n in_o thy_o side_n or_o rather_o in_o thy_o heart_n no_o more_o jebusite_n to_o disquiet_v thou_o but_o all_o sin_n with_o the_o effect_n thereof_o shall_v be_v whole_o dry_v up_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a deliverance_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o continual_a temptation_n apostasy_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o world_n to_o draw_v we_o to_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v we_o turn_v the_o back_n upon_o god_n that_o we_o may_v always_o have_v god_n protection_n herein_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o pray_v even_o as_o often_o as_o for_o our_o daily_a bread_n that_o he_o will_v deliver_v we_o from_o evi'l_v luke_n 11._o 4._o and_o herein_o the_o lord_n do_v vouchsafe_v more_o daily_a deliverance_n to_o we_o than_o we_o can_v possible_o apprehend_v every_o condition_n every_o mercy_n every_o affliction_n will_v be_v a_o temptation_n to_o we_o to_o allure_v we_o to_o sin_n do_v not_o the_o lord_n daily_o deliver_v what_o be_v it_o that_o keep_v thou_o from_o the_o apostasy_n of_o other_o and_o so_o from_o the_o wound_n and_o gash_n of_o conscience_n which_o usual_o fall_v thereupon_o but_o the_o mere_a deliver_v mercy_n of_o god_n thus_o you_o see_v in_o how_o many_o particular_n god_n do_v deliver_v his_o people_n but_o as_o the_o doctrine_n be_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o god_n to_o deliver_v once_o unless_o he_o do_v it_o daily_o continual_o never_o withdraw_v his_o arm_n from_o under_o we_o and_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o continue_a mercy_n be_v these_o ourselves_o 1._o because_o of_o our_o utter_a inability_n and_o impotency_n to_o continue_v the_o same_o to_o ourselves_o if_o the_o lord_n do_v bestow_v such_o and_o such_o deliverance_n on_o we_o leave_v we_o afterward_o to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o by_o our_o own_o wisdom_n and_o power_n shall_v preserve_v ourselves_o alas_o this_o will_v immediate_o prove_v a_o ruin_n to_o we_o for_o we_o can_v no_o more_o continue_v the_o deliverance_n than_o we_o can_v procure_v it_o at_o first_o he_o that_o have_v deliver_v must_v be_v the_o same_o that_o do_v deliver_v it_o be_v not_o god_n that_o have_v deliver_v and_o then_o we_o who_o do_v deliver_v humble_a thyself_o therefore_o thankful_o under_o all_o god_n merciful_a dispensation_n towards_o thou_o say_v o_o lord_n i_o depend_v on_o thou_o for_o daily_a bread_n for_o daily_a grace_n for_o daily_a pardon_n for_o daily_a preservation_n the_o same_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n be_v require_v to_o uphold_v thy_o mercy_n as_o be_v at_o first_o to_o bring_v it_o to_o thou_o 2._o this_o continuance_n of_o mercy_n be_v requisite_a not_o only_o from_o our_o natural_a imbecility_n unworthiness_n but_o also_o our_o moral_a unworthiness_n so_o that_o though_o the_o lord_n have_v deliver_v once_o and_o twice_o yet_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v so_o unthankful_a and_o forgetful_a that_o the_o lord_n may_v deliver_v no_o more_o oh_o how_o often_o do_v we_o forfeit_v the_o good_a mercy_n that_o god_n vouchsafe_v we_o how_o often_o have_v we_o provoke_v he_o to_o take_v away_o his_o good_a gift_n from_o we_o but_o it_o be_v his_o mercy_n it_o be_v his_o goodness_n to_o continue_v they_o unto_o we_o every_o day_n thou_o do_v enough_o to_o make_v god_n take_v away_o all_o he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o thou_o even_o as_o when_o he_o have_v make_v man_n who_o revolt_v from_o he_o and_o be_v plunge_v into_o obstinate_a wickedness_n it_o be_v say_v gen._n 6._o it_o repent_v he_o that_o he_o make_v man_n and_o it_o grieve_v he_o at_o the_o heart_n a_o expression_n to_o humane_a capacity_n to_o show_v how_o unworthy_a a_o subject_a man_n be_v now_o become_v of_o all_o that_o love_n god_n have_v show_v to_o he_o and_o may_v thou_o not_o fear_v when_o thou_o look_v upon_o thy_o own_o barrenness_n and_o unworthy_a deal_n with_o god_n that_o god_n do_v repent_v that_o ever_o he_o thus_o honour_v thou_o that_o ever_o he_o thus_o bless_v thou_o that_o ever_o he_o vouchsafe_v such_o grace_n to_o thou_o and_o so_o take_v all_o from_o thou_o take_v saul_n for_o a_o instance_n how_o many_o personal_a favour_n do_v the_o lord_n bestow_v on_o he_o but_o at_o last_o god_n quite_o forsake_v he_o because_o of_o his_o hypocrisy_n one_fw-mi rebellion_n if_o therefore_o we_o consider_v how_o forgetful_o and_o wretched_o we_o walk_v under_o god_n mercy_n we_o may_v evident_o see_v that_o if_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n do_v not_o continue_v they_o as_o well_o as_o at_o first_o bestow_v they_o we_o shall_v quick_o be_v strip_v of_o all_o how_o many_o not_o person_n only_o but_o church_n for_o want_v of_o the_o continuance_n of_o god_n mercy_n be_v of_o garden_n become_v a_o very_a wilderness_n be_v god_n to_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n as_o he_o be_v once_o so_o that_o the_o demerit_n which_o be_v upon_o we_o after_o mercy_n receive_v our_o not_o improve_n of_o they_o for_o god_n may_v provoke_v god_n after_o the_o good_a he_o have_v do_v for_o we_o to_o bring_v all_o evil_a upon_o we_o 3._o it_o be_v necessary_a the_o lord_n shall_v continue_v mercy_n and_o deliverance_n as_o continue_v well_o as_o at_o first_o vouchsafe_v they_o to_o we_o because_o our_o danger_n our_o temptation_n continue_v they_o that_o renew_v their_o disease_n daily_o must_v also_o renew_v their_o physic_n they_o that_o fall_v daily_a need_v to_o be_v raise_v daily_o iterate_a trouble_n need_v iterate_v deliverance_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o mercy_n that_o can_v be_v iterate_v any_o more_o the_o benefit_n of_o they_o may_v but_o not_o the_o mercy_n themselves_o thus_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v at_o first_o and_o it_o will_v be_v absurd_a to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v create_v it_o so_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v once_o do_v that_o it_o can_v be_v do_v any_o more_o god_n predestination_n likewise_o of_o his_o people_n be_v from_o all_o eternity_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v iterate_v but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o mercy_n which_o be_v due_o to_o be_v
experience_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o power_n to_o his_o people_n former_o may_v future_a encourage_v they_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o for_o the_o future_a paul_n be_v deliver_v by_o god_n and_o therefore_o he_o trust_v he_o will_v deliver_v he_o thus_o david_n also_o argue_v 1_o sam._n 17._o 37._o god_n have_v deliver_v from_o the_o lion_n and_o the_o bear_n therefore_o also_o he_o trust_v he_o will_v from_o that_o uncircumcised_a philistian_a hence_o at_o another_o time_n david_n profess_v he_o will_v remember_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v of_o old_a for_o these_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o keep_v the_o heart_n fix_v for_o the_o future_a we_o have_v the_o apostle_n express_v his_o confidence_n even_o concern_v other_o and_o that_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n from_o the_o foundation_n god_n have_v already_o lay_v that_o spiritual_a building_n phil._n 1._o 6._o be_v confident_a of_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o he_o which_o have_v begin_v a_o good_a work_n in_o you_o will_v perform_v it_o till_o the_o day_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o this_o hope_n in_o paul_n conclude_v from_o one_o deliverance_n to_o another_o be_v fix_v upon_o may_v see_v also_o at_o another_o time_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 18._o where_o have_v acknowledge_v god_n mighty_a prefervation_n to_o he_o in_o that_o he_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lion_n he_o add_v and_o the_o lord_n shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o every_o evil_a work_n how_o great_o then_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o be_v reprove_v for_o their_o diffidence_n and_o distrust_n who_o though_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o work_n of_o god_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n upon_o which_o to_o quiet_v their_o soul_n concern_v all_o event_n to_o come_v yet_o upon_o every_o new_a trouble_n be_v as_o much_o torment_v and_o perplex_v as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o hear_v or_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n to_o amplyfie_v this_o consider_v 1._o that_o although_o we_o have_v in_o many_o particular_n find_v the_o goodness_n and_o we_o power_n of_o god_n to_o we_o yet_o every_o new_a trouble_n every_o new_a danger_n be_v ready_a to_o startle_v we_o and_o to_o overwhelm_v we_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o any_o new_a exercise_n be_v many_o time_n as_o much_o to_o seek_v as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v deliver_v by_o he_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o fear_v that_o now_o they_o shall_v sink_v though_o hitherto_o preserve_v even_o as_o david_n when_o his_o trust_n in_o god_n be_v weaken_v than_o he_o cry_v out_o he_o shall_v one_o day_n perish_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n all_o the_o great_a deliverance_n vouchsafe_v to_o he_o do_v not_o settle_v his_o heart_n for_o the_o future_a such_o therefore_o be_v the_o diffidence_n and_o sinful_a fear_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o surprise_v we_o upon_o any_o new_a trial_n that_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v though_o god_n have_v do_v thus_o and_o thus_o for_o we_o yet_o can_v he_o conquer_v this_o temptation_n can_v he_o help_v out_o of_o this_o trouble_n this_o be_v worse_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o can_v he_o deliver_v herein_o even_o as_o we_o read_v of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n who_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o so_o many_o wonderful_a preservation_n and_o miraculous_a mercy_n bestow_v on_o they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n psalm_n 78._o 19_o yet_o question_v whether_o he_o can_v furnish_v a_o table_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o verse_n 20._o behold_v he_o smite_v the_o rock_n and_o water_n gush_v out_o can_v he_o give_v bread_n also_o see_v here_o how_o they_o limit_a god_n to_o one_o mercy_n and_o to_o one_o deliverance_n now_o this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o sin_n that_o the_o psalmist_n call_v it_o a_o speak_n against_o god_n it_o be_v blasphemy_n and_o he_o add_v a_o aggravate_v particular_a yea_o they_o speak_v against_o god_n as_o if_o this_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n than_o all_o their_o former_a rebellion_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v verse_n 21_o 22._o the_o lord_n hear_v this_o and_o be_v wroth_a his_o fire_n be_v kindle_v against_o jacob_n because_o they_o trust_v not_o in_o his_o salvation_n oh_o let_v this_o be_v a_o dreadful_a instance_n never_o to_o be_v forget_v by_o thou_o how_o often_o do_v thy_o heart_n say_v such_o thing_n god_n have_v hitherto_o maintain_v hitherto_o deliver_v hitherto_o provide_v for_o i_o and_o i_o but_o can_v he_o furnish_v a_o table_n in_o this_o wilderness_n can_v he_o succour_v i_o in_o this_o exigency_n that_o i_o be_o now_o plunge_v in_o oh_o take_v heed_n of_o such_o distrust_v thought_n it_o be_v speak_v against_o god_n it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o blasphemy_n 2._o although_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v ground_n sure_a enough_o for_o we_o to_o trust_v in_o faith_n yet_o such_o be_v our_o weakness_n and_o infimity_n that_o experience_n and_o sensible_a prop_n do_v wonderful_o promote_v our_o faith_n can_v we_o act_v pure_o and_o perfect_o from_o divine_a motive_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n will_v be_v as_o good_a to_o we_o as_o all_o the_o experience_n in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o he_o that_o can_v iye_v and_o therefore_o nothing_o of_o sense_n or_o reason_n be_v so_o sure_a as_o that_o of_o faith_n but_o because_o we_o consist_v of_o a_o body_n as_o well_o as_o a_o soul_n therefore_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n god_n do_v condescend_v to_o our_o weakness_n so_o here_o also_o the_o sacrament_n and_o miracle_n be_v vouchsafe_v by_o god_n to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n not_o that_o they_o add_v any_o certainty_n to_o the_o promise_n or_o can_v bring_v more_o authority_n to_o it_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o imbecility_n so_o they_o become_v help_n to_o our_o faith_n thus_o also_o when_o we_o have_v great_a and_o glorious_a promise_n which_o may_v abundant_o satisfy_v we_o so_o as_o to_o conquer_v all_o distrustful_a and_o perplex_v thought_n yet_o experience_n join_v with_o these_o and_o when_o we_o see_v he_o fulfil_n with_o his_o hand_n what_o he_o have_v speak_v with_o his_o mouth_n this_o do_v great_o add_v to_o our_o confidence_n it_o be_v true_a our_o saviour_n say_v john_n 20._o 29._o to_o thomas_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v unless_o his_o sense_n do_v confirm_v he_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v because_o such_o do_v give_v more_o glory_n and_o honour_n to_o god_n as_o abraham_n do_v who_o regard_v the_o power_n of_o god_n rest_v on_o that_o and_o consider_v not_o sarahs_n dead_a womb_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o whole_o cast_v off_o by_o god_n who_o do_v believe_v and_o see_v also_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o we_o be_v to_o trust_v in_o god_n before_o we_o can_v have_v experience_n of_o god_n dispensation_n such_o be_v the_o time_n of_o conversion_n then_o the_o soul_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o deep_n of_o the_o lord_n than_o it_o be_v in_o divers_a and_o sad_a agony_n the_o heart_n be_v more_o difficult_o bring_v to_o trust_v in_o god_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v then_o new_a the_o soul_n never_o feel_v such_o temptation_n before_o it_o be_v never_o in_o such_o fear_v before_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o cry_v out_o never_o any_o be_v in_o the_o like_a case_n with_o i_o what_o will_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o those_o wonderful_a thing_n in_o his_o soul_n he_o know_v not_o all_o this_o diffidence_n be_v because_o at_o that_o time_n the_o believer_n have_v no_o experience_n of_o god_n deal_n be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o deep_a mystery_n of_o god_n in_o bring_v we_o to_o salvation_n our_o with_o the_o depth_n of_o satan_n who_o endeavour_v our_o destruction_n but_o when_o once_o the_o soul_n come_v to_o have_v more_o experience_n of_o god_n work_n upon_o itself_o and_o be_v more_o acquaint_v with_o the_o way_n of_o god_n than_o he_o come_v to_o hope_v whereas_o before_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o cast_v off_o all_o in_o despair_n if_o then_o god_n have_v from_o year_n to_o year_n train_v thou_o up_o in_o many_o experimental_a discovery_n of_o soul-mercy_n and_o body-mercis_a how_o inexcusable_a will_v thou_o be_v if_o thou_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v shake_v and_o to_o loose_v thy_o hold_n upon_o every_o new_a trouble_n god_n promise_n shall_v be_v enough_o to_o thou_o thou_o need_v no_o more_o if_o a_o man_n that_o be_v faithful_a and_o able_a shall_v assure_v thou_o so_o much_o thou_o will_v rest_v content_v how_o unworthy_o then_o do_v thou_o deal_v with_o god_n when_o his_o word_n and_o his_o work_n put_v together_o yet_o do_v not_o compose_v thy_o heart_n oh_o remember_v be_v not_o he_o the_o god_n that_o create_v light_n out_o of_o such_o darkness_n as_o do_v once_o cover_v thy_o soul_n be_v noâ—_n he_o the_o god_n that_o help_v in_o
apply_v to_o they_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o promise_n in_o the_o sense_n the_o apostle_n intend_v as_o isaac_n be_v that_o be_v so_o as_o to_o have_v the_o true_a and_o real_a benefit_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n we_o say_v no_o ungodly_a man_n have_v any_o promise_n of_o any_o privilege_n make_v to_o he_o abide_v in_o that_o condition_n no_o promise_n of_o pardon_n no_o promise_n of_o god_n favour_n no_o promise_n of_o any_o earthly_a comfort_n not_o a_o morsel_n of_o bread_n or_o drop_n of_o drink_n he_o can_v plead_v any_o promise_n in_o his_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o may_v enjoy_v many_o outward_a mercy_n these_o come_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o promise_n to_o he_o but_o only_o through_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n god_n out_o of_o a_o general_a love_n do_v bestow_v such_o comfort_n upon_o he_o it_o be_v not_o from_o any_o promise_n make_v to_o he_o and_o indeed_o see_v the_o text_n say_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v confirm_v in_o christ_n unless_o a_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o promise_n can_v be_v effectual_a to_o he_o oh_o the_o sad_a condition_n of_o all_o ungodly_a man_n for_o if_o thou_o have_v no_o promise_n what_o hope_n can_v thou_o have_v be_v not_o the_o devil_n therefore_o eternal_o wretched_a because_o they_o have_v no_o promise_n hope_v in_o this_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o anchor_n heb._n 6._o 19_o now_o what_o shipwreck_n must_v that_o ship_n need_v endure_v which_o under_o wave_n and_o tempest_n have_v no_o anchor_n for_o a_o defence_n four_o god_n promise_n for_o the_o accomplish_n of_o it_o do_v suppose_v faith_n on_o we_o our_o part_n for_o the_o promise_n on_o god_n part_n and_o faith_n on_o our_o part_n be_v correlate_n we_o can_v put_v forth_o faith_n for_o any_o mercy_n where_o we_o have_v not_o god_n promise_n neither_o be_v god_n promise_n accomplish_v to_o any_o but_o the_o believer_n thus_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 4._o 16._o say_v the_o promise_n be_v of_o faith_n that_o it_o may_v be_v not_o only_o by_o grace_n but_o also_o make_v sure_a to_o such_o who_o do_v believe_v so_o that_o it_o be_v with_o a_o godly_a man_n according_a to_o his_o faith_n christ_n say_v to_o thou_o be_v thou_o justify_v according_a to_o thy_o faith_n receive_v pardon_n and_o comfort_n according_a to_o thy_o faith_n if_o thou_o complain_v god_n have_v make_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n but_o i_o can_v taste_v of_o this_o honey_n i_o perish_v notwithstanding_o this_o fullness_n then_o remember_v it_o be_v not_o because_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o in_o the_o promise_n but_o thy_o faith_n be_v weak_a thy_o vessel_n be_v narrow_a to_o receive_v as_o if_o the_o woman_n shall_v have_v refuse_v to_o borrow_v vessel_n when_o the_o prophet_n multiply_v her_o oil_n for_o the_o oil_n do_v not_o cease_v till_o her_o vessel_n cease_v so_o neither_o will_n god_n promise_n cease_v work_v till_o thy_o faith_n cease_v to_o operate_v indeed_o in_o god_n commination_n and_o threaten_n they_o be_v fulfil_v whether_o man_n will_v or_o no_o let_v he_o believe_v or_o not_o believe_v god_n will_v throw_v the_o ungodly_a into_o hell_n but_o in_o the_o promise_v it_o be_v otherwise_o then_o they_o do_v good_a to_o we_o when_o by_o faith_n we_o embrace_v they_o so_o that_o by_o this_o we_o see_v how_o dangerous_a and_o noxious_a it_o be_v not_o to_o put_v forth_o faith_n it_o both_o dishonour_v god_n and_o deprive_v we_o of_o all_o good_a it_o dishonour_v god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o true_a as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o lie_v as_o if_o he_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o man_n therefore_o abraham_n be_v say_v to_o give_v glory_n unto_o god_n by_o believe_v rom._n 4._o 20._o because_o he_o do_v not_o regard_v the_o dead_a womb_n or_o the_o improbability_n in_o second_o cause_n but_o rest_v upon_o the_o promise_n alone_o if_o it_o be_v so_o heinous_a a_o matter_n to_o accuse_v man_n of_o a_o lie_n who_o yet_o be_v by_o nature_n a_o liar_n as_o the_o scripture_n pronounce_v of_o he_o how_o unsufferable_a be_v it_o to_o attribute_v it_o unto_o god_n and_o then_o it_o be_v a_o very_a destructive_a sin_n for_o it_o evacuate_v all_o promise_n as_o to_o we_o it_o make_v thy_o condition_n as_o hopeless_a as_o if_o never_o any_o promise_n have_v be_v make_v this_o be_v to_o cut_v the_o conduit-pipe_n of_o all_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n this_o be_v with_o the_o philistines_n as_o it_o be_v to_o throw_v earth_n into_o all_o the_o well_n of_o water_n therefore_o above_o all_o thing_n look_v to_o thy_o faith_n for_o it_o make_v god_n no_o god_n christ_n no_o christ_n promise_v no_o promise_n as_o to_o thou_o five_o that_o our_o faith_n may_v be_v the_o more_o confirm_v he_o be_v not_o only_o please_v we_o to_o make_v promise_n to_o his_o people_n but_o also_o to_o give_v sign_n for_o the_o confirmation_n thereof_o therefore_o sacrament_n be_v confirm_v sign_n of_o god_n promise_n they_o be_v visible_a promise_n so_o that_o our_o unbelief_n will_v still_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n if_o neither_o the_o promise_n nor_o the_o seal_n visible_o annex_v thereunto_o shall_v not_o establish_v we_o against_o all_o doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n it_o be_v true_a the_o sacrament_n can_v make_v god_n word_n sure_a in_o itself_o but_o they_o do_v in_o respect_n of_o we_o god_n gracious_o condescend_v to_o our_o humane_a weakness_n by_o which_o merciful_a provision_n of_o god_n that_o his_o people_n may_v live_v a_o life_n of_o faith_n in_o his_o promise_n '_o we_o may_v gather_v as_o the_o necessity_n of_o faith_n so_o also_o the_o great_a proneness_n that_o be_v in_o we_o to_o unbelief_n that_o we_o rather_o live_v by_o sense_n than_o by_o say_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o when_o we_o have_v outward_a support_n and_o comfort_n our_o heart_n be_v keep_v up_o but_o when_o all_o these_o leave_v we_o be_v take_v away_o then_o like_o peter_n upon_o the_o water_n we_o be_v afraid_a and_o shall_v even_o sink_v do_v not_o the_o lord_n support_v we_o six_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o very_a great_a skill_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o promise_n god_n by_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o gospel-wisdome_n a_o mystery_n it_o be_v that_o even_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o long_a while_n ere_o they_o can_v learn_v it_o for_o though_o god_n do_v promise_n to_o do_v such_o and_o such_o wonderful_a thing_n yet_o he_o suffer_v so_o many_o cross_a providence_n to_o fall_v out_o that_o we_o will_v think_v god_n have_v whole_o forget_v his_o promise_n hence_o the_o church_n complain_v do_v his_o promise_n fail_v for_o ever_o yea_o the_o apostle_n peter_n do_v speak_v of_o some_o profane_a scoffer_n that_o ask_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 4._o because_o they_o see_v all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o do_v therefore_o they_o think_v god_n promise_n be_v in_o vain_a it_o behove_v the_o people_n of_o god_n therefore_o to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o god_n riddle_n to_o plough_v with_o the_o scripture_n heifer_n for_o their_o unskilfullnesse_n herein_o be_v that_o which_o make_v they_o so_o full_a of_o dejection_n which_o do_v so_o often_o perplex_v they_o not_o know_v what_o to_o think_v or_o say_v yea_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o question_v the_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n but_o take_v heed_n of_o this_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n when_o god_n give_v thou_o a_o sufficient_a testimony_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n to_o thou_o by_o his_o promise_n and_o seal_v thereof_o still_o to_o question_n and_o doubt_n whether_o god_n will_v do_v it_o or_o no._n this_o be_v grievous_o to_o tempt_v god_n as_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n do_v exod._n 17._o 7._o who_o though_o they_o have_v so_o many_o miraculous_a discovery_n of_o god_n presence_n with_o they_o yet_o still_o they_o ask_v be_v the_o lord_n among_o we_o or_o not_o oh_o take_v heed_n of_o say_v be_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v he_o do_v good_a to_o i_o when_o he_o have_v give_v proof_n enough_o both_o by_o his_o promise_n and_o seal_n of_o his_o favour_n oh_o satisfy_v thy_o soul_n with_o this_o lord_n i_o have_v thy_o promise_n before_o thou_o promise_v thou_o be_v free_a whether_o thou_o will_v do_v it_o or_o no_o but_o since_o thy_o mouth_n have_v promise_v it_o how_o can_v thy_o hand_n but_o fulfil_v it_o let_v thy_o temptation_n thy_o strait_n be_v never_o so_o great_a yet_o know_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n can_v be_v straighten_a though_o thy_o friend_n die_v though_o thy_o good_n be_v lose_v yet_o god_n promise_n can_v die_v neither_o can_v that_o perish_v and_o if_o thou_o say_v oh_o but_o i_o be_o unworthy_a i_o be_o a_o poor_a wretch_n what_o
3._o flesh_n say_v our_o affliction_n will_v never_o end_v 4._o flesh_n will_v put_v we_o upon_o any_o mean_n to_o get_v out_o of_o trouble_n 5._o flesh_n only_o attend_v to_o what_o be_v troublesome_a and_o grievous_a in_o affliction_n why_o a_o man_n shall_v so_o much_o study_v to_o discern_v betwixt_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n within_o he_o 1._o because_o otherwise_o he_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o pass_v a_o false_a sentence_n upon_o himself_o 2._o hereby_o he_o may_v prevent_v the_o devil_n end_v in_o trouble_v we_o it_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a strength_n of_o any_o man_n that_o can_v carry_v he_o through_o all_o affliction_n 1._o no_o man_n can_v bear_v all_o affliction_n aright_o in_o his_o own_o strength_n 2._o all_o opinion_n that_o hold_v the_o contrary_a be_v injurious_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o a_o natural_a and_o spiritual_a bear_n of_o trouble_n 4._o there_o be_v a_o difference_n likewise_o betwixt_o moral_n and_o spiritual_a bear_n of_o affliction_n no_o grace_n remove_v the_o natural_a fear_n of_o death_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o natural_a and_o a_o elicit_a desire_n proposition_n clear_v the_o truth_n 1._o man_n be_v not_o make_v mortal_a 2._o it_o be_v sin_n that_o make_v death_n so_o terrible_a 3._o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o remove_v this_o sting_n of_o death_n sin_n 4._o yet_o howsoever_o nature_n can_v but_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o of_o what_o use_n the_o natural_a fear_n of_o death_n be_v 1._o hence_o man_n do_v more_o patient_o endure_v affliction_n 2._o it_o keep_v man_n out_o of_o many_o sin_n 3._o it_o make_v a_o man_n more_o thankful_a for_o the_o mercy_n of_o life_n 4._o the_o natural_a fear_n of_o death_n be_v very_o hardly_o keep_v from_o be_v sinful_a there_o be_v a_o natural_a fear_n of_o death_n in_o all_o but_o in_o some_o more_o in_o some_o less_o when_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v sinful_a 1_o when_o it_o become_v a_o snare_n 2._o when_o it_o be_v immoderate_a and_o disquiet_v 3._o when_o it_o exclude_v much_o profitable_a and_o seasonable_a fear_n 4._o when_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o sinful_a cause_n as_o from_o 1._o a_o inordinate_a love_n of_o life_n 2._o the_o want_n of_o love_n to_o god_n 3._o a_o sinful_a life_n 4._o want_v of_o faith_n in_o christ_n the_o godly_a be_v sometime_o deceive_v about_o god_n dispensation_n towards_o they_o 1._o a_o godly_a man_n may_v sometime_o be_v deceive_v in_o his_o advice_n to_o other_o which_o he_o may_v think_v be_v of_o god_n when_o it_o be_v not_o 2._o they_o be_v deceive_v when_o they_o thinâ—_n god_n dispensation_n be_v to_o abet_v some_o error_n which_o they_o may_v be_v fall_v into_o 3._o when_o they_o judge_v of_o god_n after_o outward_a appearance_n 4._o when_o they_o give_v too_o much_o credit_n to_o their_o zeal_n and_o affection_n 5._o they_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o the_o frame_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n god_n people_n be_v deceive_v when_o they_o judge_v according_a to_o sense_n not_o say_v reason_n 1._o because_o the_o godly_a be_v too_o hasty_a in_o their_o judge_n 2._o because_o of_o their_o fear_n and_o anger_n wherewith_o they_o be_v too_o passionate_o transport_v 3._o from_o the_o want_n of_o spiritual_a wisdom_n rule_n for_o the_o prevent_n of_o false_a judgement_n concern_v god_n deal_n with_o we_o two_o sort_n of_o trust_n humane_a and_o divine_a selfe-confidence_n a_o great_a sin_n proposition_n clear_v the_o nature_n of_o self-confidence_n 1._o all_o creature_n necessitate_v to_o trust_v in_o something_o 2._o our_o trust_n be_v corrupt_v by_o original_a sin_n 3._o hence_o our_o trust_n be_v place_v upon_o many_o false_a object_n 1._o some_o trust_n in_o their_o wickedness_n 2._o humane_a power_n and_o strength_n 3._o wealth_n what_o be_v those_o inward_a thing_n which_o a_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o trust_v in_o 1._o in_o his_o own_o heart_n 2._o self-righteousnesse_n 3._o church-priviledge_n how_o even_o a_o godly_a man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o self-confidence_n by_o trust_v 1._o in_o his_o spiritual_a gift_n 2._o in_o his_o grace_n whether_o paul_n speak_v these_o word_n in_o his_o own_o person_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o self-confidence_n which_o appear_v 1._o from_o god_n chastise_v his_o child_n so_o much_o to_o prevent_v it_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o secret_a sin_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o sin_n soon_o commit_v 4._o it_o be_v a_o make_n the_o creature_n a_o god_n 5._o it_o be_v a_o foolish_a and_o unprofitable_a sin_n god_n alone_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o trust_n proposition_n concern_v our_o trust_n in_o god_n 1._o it_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2._o none_o but_o the_o regenerate_a can_v act_v this_o grace_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n 4._o it_o be_v not_o god_n as_o absolute_o but_o relative_o consider_v that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o trust_n 1._o as_o he_o be_v a_o infinite_a true_a and_o everlasting_a god_n 2._o as_o immutable_a in_o his_o promise_n 3._o as_o he_o be_v omnipotent_a 2._o the_o matter_n for_o which_o we_o trust_v in_o god_n be_v the_o good_a thing_n we_o want_v either_o spiritual_a or_o temporal_a what_o be_v require_v to_o our_o trust_n in_o the_o lord_n 1._o a_o powerful_a apprehension_n of_o our_o own_o and_o the_o creature_n inability_n to_o help_v we_o 2._o a_o practical_a consideration_n of_o god_n greatness_n and_o goodness_n 3._o a_o particular_a appropriation_n of_o god_n as_o our_o god_n 4._o a_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o god_n promise_n and_o providence_n 5._o a_o use_n of_o mean_n 6._o a_o sound_a judgement_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o grace_n of_o trust_v in_o god_n 1._o it_o be_v many_o time_n put_v for_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o lord_n delight_v to_o put_v we_o upon_o the_o daily_a practice_n of_o it_o 3._o it_o indear_v god_n to_o we_o and_o engage_v he_o for_o we_o 4._o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n 5._o one_o of_o god_n end_n in_o afflict_v we_o be_v to_o work_v this_o grace_n 6._o it_o give_v all_o glory_n to_o god_n 7._o it_o calm_v and_o quiet_v the_o spirit_n god_n both_o can_v and_o will_v help_v his_o people_n in_o their_o extremitic_n 1._o god_n raise_v up_o the_o natural_o dead_a 2._o god_n raise_v the_o metaphorical_o dead_a and_o such_o who_o be_v in_o any_o trouble_n either_o external_a or_o internal_a of_o god_n raise_v from_o internal_a extremity_n what_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o expression_n god_n raise_v from_o the_o dead_a 1._o that_o god_n own_o child_n may_v be_v bring_v into_o helpless_a and_o hopeless_a condition_n 2._o that_o god_n have_v power_n over_o all_o estate_n whatsoever_o 3._o that_o our_o extremity_n be_v god_n opportunity_n the_o child_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o god_n mercy_n but_o their_o aggravation_n likewise_o 1._o from_o their_o own_o low_a condition_n 2._o from_o their_o own_o sinfulness_n 3._o from_o the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o god_n mercy_n 4._o fromothers_n misery_n we_o shall_v account_v of_o privative_a and_o prevent_a mercy_n as_o of_o positive_a 1._o some_o mercy_n suppose_v evil_a inflict_v other_o do_v not_o 2._o two_o sort_n of_o evil_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a which_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n prevent_v 3._o the_o godly_a be_v oâ—â—_n forgetful_a about_o these_o prevent_a mercy_n 4._o it_o be_v therefore_o their_o duty_n to_o go_v further_o in_o praise_n and_o thankfulness_n for_o these_o mercy_n then_o usual_o they_o do_v 1_o whatsoever_o evil_n be_v not_o inflict_v that_o we_o have_v deserve_v be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v a_o prevent_a mercy_n 2._o whatsoever_o evil_o fall_v upon_o other_o and_o not_o upon_o we_o it_o be_v a_o prevent_a mercy_n 3._o whatsoever_o evil_a god_n just_o may_v and_o yet_o do_v not_o inflict_v it_o be_v a_o prevent_a mercy_n 4._o what_o evil_n god_n bring_v upon_o other_o in_o a_o providential_a way_n and_o not_o upon_o thou_o it_o be_v of_o his_o prevent_a mercy_n 5._o whatsoever_o man_v own_o weakness_n will_v cast_v he_o into_o and_o yet_o god_n keep_v it_o off_o be_v a_o prevent_a mercy_n god_n continue_v his_o mercy_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o we_o as_o his_o first_o bestow_v they_o what_o deliverance_n god_n work_v for_o we_o 1._o temporal_a 2._o spiritual_a 1._o from_o wrath_n to_o come_v 2._o from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n 3._o from_o temptation_n to_o sin_n and_o apostasy_n why_o it_o be_v necessary_a god_n shall_v continue_v his_o mercy_n as_o well_o as_o give_v they_o to_o we_o 1._o because_o we_o can_v continue_v they_o ourselves_o 2._o because_o of_o our_o unworthiness_n 3._o because_o our_o danger_n and_o temptation_n continue_v the_o experience_n of_o former_a mercy_n shall_v encourage_v we_o to_o trust_v in_o god_n