the_o instrument_n of_o justification_n as_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o passive_a sense_n &_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o conclusion_n be_v this_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o action_n in_o man_n can_v be_v a_o instrument_n of_o any_o action_n in_o god_n and_o therefore_o that_o phrase_n that_o you_o have_v so_o ordinary_o speak_v of_o that_o faith_n justifi_v it_o be_v thus_o to_o be_v resolve_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n 3._o there_o be_v this_o that_o we_o will_v have_v you_o know_v that_o betwixt_o a_o christian_n closs_v by_o faith_n with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n &_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o natural_a &_o indispensible_a connexion_n between_o these_o two_o but_o only_o there_o be_v a_o connexion_n of_o divine_a appointment_n &_o of_o free_a grace_n though_o we_o once_o conceive_v there_o be_v a_o natural_a aptitude_n in_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n more_o than_o there_o be_v in_o any_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o you_o may_v see_v there_o be_v a_o more_o natural_a aptitude_n and_o fitness_n in_o the_o hand_n to_o receive_v then_o in_o any_o other_o organ_n of_o the_o body_n 4._o there_o be_v this_o also_o that_o we_o will_v have_v you_o know_v that_o a_o christian_a in_o his_o first_o close_v with_o christ_n christ_n consider_v as_o crucify_v be_v the_o immediate_a object_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o not_o christ_n consider_v in_o his_o personal_a excellency_n hence_o it_o be_v often_o in_o scripture_n that_o christ_n as_o crucify_v be_v hold_v forth_o as_o the_o immediate_a object_n of_o justâ—…ying_a faith_n as_o be_v clear_a rom_n 3.5.24_o 25._o and_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o assertion_n be_v this_o because_o that_o it_o be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o justify_v faith_n which_o do_v former_o justify_v the_o sinner_n and_o on_o which_o faith_n do_v immediate_o lie_v hold_v as_o a_o ransom_n to_o satisfy_v justice_n and_o as_o a_o righteousness_n in_o which_o the_o soul_n dare_v venture_v to_o be_v find_v when_o it_o shall_v stand_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o god_n and_o certain_o this_o be_v christ_n as_o obedient_a to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o it_o be_v likewise_o clear_a that_o the_o thing_n which_o do_v engage_v the_o foul_a to_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o because_o he_o be_v good_a in_o himself_o but_o because_o he_o be_v good_a to_o we_o 5._o and_o there_o be_v this_o last_o that_o we_o will_v have_v you_o know_v that_o though_o faith_n do_v alone_o justify_v yet_o faith_n do_v not_o justify_v be_v alone_o hence_o be_v that_o which_o we_o have_v often_o in_o school_n fides_n justificat_fw-la solum_fw-la licet_fw-la non_fw-la solitariè_fw-la that_o faith_n justifi_v alone_o though_o not_o be_v alone_o as_o james_n do_v speak_v faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a and_o be_v of_o no_o effect_n now_o that_o which_o second_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o shall_v be_v this_o to_o point_v out_o to_o you_o some_o difference_n betwixt_o justify_v faith_n which_o be_v in_o a_o real_a believer_n and_o temporary_a faith_n which_o be_v in_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o one_o that_o be_v destitute_a of_o that_o everlasting_a hope_n though_o he_o do_v pretend_v to_o have_v it_o and_o first_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o temporary_a faith_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o luke_n 8.13_o it_o be_v say_v there_o of_o some_o that_o they_o believe_v for_o a_o season_n yea_o in_o act_n 1.13_o it_o be_v say_v of_o simon_n magus_n who_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n he_o believe_v and_o those_o in_o john_n 2.23_o when_o they_o do_v behold_v the_o miracle_n they_o believe_v on_o jesus_n christ_n and_o yet_o we_o conceive_v that_o their_o faith_n be_v not_o sincere_a and_o so_o this_o be_v not_o save_v faith_n and_o indeed_o you_o may_v see_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o these_o two_o in_o the_o very_a name_n temporary_a for_o this_o be_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o do_v not_o continue_v long_o with_o he_o that_o have_v it_o but_o do_v evanish_v and_o pass_v away_o for_o as_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o hypocrite_n will_v not_o always_o call_v upon_o god_n job_n 27.10_o so_o that_o be_v also_o certain_a that_o a_o hypocrite_n will_v not_o always_o believe_v in_o god_n i_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o long_a time_n a_o hypocrite_n do_v keep_v his_o faith_n job_n have_v set_v down_o in_o his_o 18_o chapter_n vers_fw-la 14._o their_o hope_n say_v he_o shall_v bring_v they_o to_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n and_o then_o it_o shall_v be_v root_v out_o of_o they_o and_o their_o tabernacle_n their_o faith_n will_v bring_v they_o no_o further_o than_o the_o gate_n of_o death_n and_o then_o their_o faith_n will_v flee_v away_o as_o a_o dream_n and_o evanish_v as_o a_o vision_n of_o the_o night_n ii_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n likewise_o betwixt_o they_o that_o temporary_a faith_n it_o close_v with_o christ_n as_o a_o saviour_n and_o for_o righteousness_n but_o it_o close_v not_o with_o christ_n as_o a_o prince_n and_o for_o sanctification_n but_o justify_v faith_n take_v christ_n as_o well_o for_o a_o prince_n as_o it_o take_v he_o for_o a_o saviour_n and_o if_o solomon_n do_v discern_v who_o be_v the_o true_a mother_n of_o the_o child_n by_o that_o that_o she_o who_o will_v have_v have_v the_o child_n divide_v be_v not_o the_o mother_n of_o the_o child_n so_o we_o may_v say_v that_o they_o who_o will_v divide_v christ_n in_o his_o office_n it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v not_o among_o those_o who_o be_v actual_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o adoption_n of_o child_n there_o be_v some_o what_o of_o this_o point_a at_o in_o john_n 6.66_o where_o that_o which_o make_v many_o who_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o do_v once_o believe_v desert_n he_o be_v because_o of_o the_o hardness_n of_o his_o command_n this_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n who_o can_v hear_v it_o and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o take_v christ_n as_o a_o prince_n then_o as_o a_o saviour_n for_o by_o that_o he_o must_v make_v a_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o himself_o over_o to_o christ_n never_o to_o be_v reduce_v o_o when_o see_v you_o such_o a_o sight_n of_o christ_n that_o you_o be_v constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o without_o a_o compliment_n to_o he_o true_o i_o be_o thy_o servant_n i_o be_o thy_o servant_n o_o be_v you_o never_o ravish_v with_o one_o of_o his_o eye_n nor_o overtake_v with_o one_o chain_n of_o his_o neck_n believe_v i_o they_o who_o see_v he_o thus_o do_v believe_v that_o his_o command_n be_v grievous_a iii_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n that_o temporary_a faith_n be_v attain_v unto_o without_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o law_n but_o justify_v faith_n be_v not_o attain_v to_o without_o some_o measure_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o law_n this_o be_v clear_a mark_v 4.5_o where_o speak_v of_o these_o temporary_a believer_n it_o be_v say_v of_o they_o that_o the_o fruit_n do_v immediate_o spring_v up_o etc._n etc._n be_v there_o not_o some_o iâ—_n may_v be_v here_o who_o think_v they_o do_v believe_v and_o yet_o be_v never_o in_o any_o measure_n tremble_v under_o the_o discover_n &_o condemn_v power_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o that_o a_o mystery_n that_o one_o shall_v bâ—ing_v forth_o without_o travel_v and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o mystery_n in_o christianity_n that_o one_o shall_v believe_v before_o he_o have_v find_v the_o pang_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n i_o be_o afraid_a of_o this_o that_o many_o of_o we_o have_v take_v up_o our_o religion_n at_o our_o foot_n for_o there_o be_v many_o who_o take_v up_o religion_n before_o religion_n take_v they_o up_o but_o will_v you_o know_v the_o property_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n it_o be_v a_o beget_v faith_n 1_o pet._n 1.2_o and_o not_o a_o faith_n that_o be_v take_v up_o at_o our_o pleasure_n and_o i_o will_v only_o say_v these_o two_o thing_n to_o you_o be_v persuade_v of_o this_o that_o hypocrisy_n may_v be_v soon_o with_o a_o very_a small_a thread_n so_o that_o the_o most_o discern_a christian_a can_v take_v up_o that_o desperate_a enmity_n that_o be_v in_o they_o how_o long_o do_v judas_n lurk_v under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o saint_n even_o with_o those_o that_o be_v most_o discern_v and_o there_o be_v this_o that_o we_o will_v say_v that_o among_o all_o these_o that_o shall_v be_v eternal_o excommunicate_a from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o from_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n hypocrite_n in_o zion_n shall_v have_v the_o bitter_a cup_n of_o divine_a indignation_n present_v unto_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n when_o he_o
a_o kind_n of_o omnipotency_n as_o be_v clear_a that_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o they_o that_o believe_v but_o it_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o omnisciency_n and_o all_o knowledge_n that_o it_o can_v take_v up_o and_o comprehend_v all_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o heaven_n according_a to_o that_o word_n prov._n 28.5_o he_o that_o seek_v the_o lord_n shall_v understand_v all_o thing_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v there_o be_v nothing_o dark_a to_o a_o believe_a christian_a as_o there_o be_v nothing_o impossible_a to_o a_o believe_a christian_a as_o likewise_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n that_o must_v take_v aside_o the_o vail_n that_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o face_n of_o a_o crucify_a christ_n and_o faith_n be_v that_o precious_a spy_n thatgo_v forth_o and_o take_v up_o these_o wonderful_a excellency_n that_o be_v in_o he_o the_o grace_n of_o love_n as_o it_o be_v be_v bear_v blind_a and_o it_o have_v nothing_o wherewith_o to_o solace_v itself_o but_o that_o which_o be_v present_v unto_o it_o by_o this_o noble_a and_o excellent_a grace_n of_o faith_n now_o before_o we_o shall_v speak_v any_o thing_n to_o these_o thing_n that_o we_o do_v propose_v to_o speak_v of_o at_o last_o occasion_n we_o shall_v yet_o speak_v a_o little_a unto_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v for_o the_o distinct_a uptake_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o justify_v faith_n which_o be_v the_o great_a commandment_n of_o this_o everlasting_a gospel_n and_o that_o which_o we_o will_v first_o speak_v to_o shall_v be_v this_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n and_o ground_n that_o the_o gospel_n conveyance_n of_o righteousness_n and_o life_n and_o of_o the_o excellent_a thing_n of_o this_o everlasting_a covenant_n shall_v be_v through_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v not_o say_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o repentance_n justifi_v that_o love_n justifi_v or_o that_o mortification_n justifi_v but_o it_o be_v faith_n only_o that_o justifi_v and_o it_o be_v faith_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a inherit_v the_o promise_n so_o that_o be_v clear_a that_o faith_n be_v that_o conduit-pipe_n through_o which_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o the_o great_a blessing_n of_o this_o everlasting_a covenant_n i._o and_o the_o first_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v this_o it_o be_v through_o faith_n that_o all_o our_o blessing_n may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v by_o love_n and_o by_o free_a and_o unsearchable_a grace_n as_o be_v clear_a rom._n 4.16_o while_o the_o apostle_n be_v give_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o inheritance_n be_v convey_v to_o a_o christian_a through_o faith_n it_o be_v of_o faith_n say_v he_o that_o it_o may_v be_v of_o grace_n for_o if_o the_o inheritance_n be_v convey_v to_o a_o christian_a through_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n then_o these_o spotless_a draught_n of_o infinite_a love_n and_o of_o unsearchable_a grace_n shall_v not_o be_v write_v on_o our_o inheritance_n as_o it_o be_v clear_a rom._n 4.25_o and_o it_o be_v that_o great_a design_n of_o christ_n to_o make_v his_o grace_n conspicious_a in_o convey_v salvation_n to_o we_o through_o faith_n ii_o there_o be_v this_o second_o ground_n likewise_o of_o it_o that_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o blessing_n of_o this_o everlasting_a covenant_n may_v be_v sure_a and_o steadfast_a to_o we_o therefore_o they_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o through_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v clear_a rom_n 4._o â—6_n they_o be_v of_o faith_n say_v he_o that_o they_o may_v be_v sure_a or_o as_o the_o word_n be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v settle_v when_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o of_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o through_o man_n obedience_n be_v they_o not_o than_o most_o uncertain_a and_o unstable_a but_o be_v not_o heaven_n your_o everlasting_a crown_n now_o steadfast_a unto_o you_o see_v you_o have_v that_o golden_a pillar_n of_o christ_n everlasting_a righteousness_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o your_o faith_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o your_o confidence_n in_o the_o day_n of_o need_n iii_o there_o be_v this_o three_o ground_n why_o the_o promise_n &_o excellent_a thing_n of_o this_o gospel_n be_v convey_v to_o a_o christian_a through_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n that_o all_o boast_n and_o gloriation_n may_v be_v exclude_v according_a to_o that_o word_n rom._n 3.27_o by_o what_o law_n be_v boast_v exclude_v not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o work_n but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o certain_o see_v christian_o have_v all_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o heaven_n convey_v to_o they_o through_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n think_v you_o not_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v your_o first_o song_n when_o you_o shall_v be_v within_o the_o gate_n of_o that_o new_a jerusalem_n not_o unto_o we_o not_o unto_o we_o but_o unto_o thou_o do_v belong_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o salvation_n o_o what_o a_o precious_a dignity_n be_v it_o but_o for_o a_o half_a hour_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o hear_v those_o spotless_a song_n that_o be_v sing_v by_o those_o thousand_o time_n ten_o thousand_o &_o thousand_o of_o thousand_o of_o holy_a angel_n that_o be_v round_o about_o this_o throne_n do_v not_o david_n that_o sweet_a singer_n of_o israel_n now_o sing_v more_o sweet_o than_o he_o do_v while_o he_o be_v here_o below_o do_v not_o desert_v haman_n now_o chant_v forth_o the_o praise_n and_o everlasting_a song_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o do_v not_o afflict_v job_n now_o sing_v sweet_o after_o his_o captivity_n be_v reduce_v and_o he_o enter_v within_o that_o land_n where_o the_o voice_n of_o joy_n and_o gladness_n be_v continual_o hear_v will_v you_o have_v a_o description_n of_o heaven_n i_o can_v give_v it_o no_o term_n so_o suitable_a as_o this_o heaven_n be_v a_o rest_n without_o a_o rest_n for_o though_o there_o remain_v a_o rest_n for_o the_o righteous_a yet_o rev._n 4.8_o these_o four_o beast_n that_o stand_v before_o the_o throne_n they_o rest_v not_o night_n nor_o day_n cry_v holy_a holy_a holy_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n almighty_a yet_o there_o be_v much_o divine_a quietness_n in_o that_o holy_a unquietness_n that_o be_v above_o iv_o there_o be_v this_o last_o ground_n why_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o life_n and_o righteousness_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o through_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v to_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v pleasant_a and_o easy_a we_o aâ—e_v certain_o persuade_v that_o the_o way_n of_o win_v to_o heaven_n by_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v much_o more_o unpleasant_a and_o difficult_a but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o easy_a way_n of_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n to_o win_v unto_o it_o through_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o all_o wisdom_n way_n pleasantness_n and_o be_v not_o all_o her_o path_n peace_n be_v not_o that_o just_a self-denial_n in_o one_o that_o say_v he_o will_v not_o take_v up_o a_o crown_n though_o it_o be_v lie_v at_o his_o foot_n but_o oh_o that_o curse_a self-denial_n do_v possess_v the_o breast_n of_o many_o so_o that_o though_o that_o crown_n of_o immortal_a glory_n and_o eternal_a blessedness_n be_v lie_v at_o your_o foot_n yet_o you_o will_v not_o embrace_v it_o nor_o take_v it_o up_o be_v not_o the_o hatred_n of_o many_o to_o christ_n cover_v with_o deceit_n and_o therefore_o your_o iniquity_n shall_v be_v declare_v before_o the_o congregation_n now_o that_o what_o we_o have_v speak_v upon_o this_o may_v be_v more_o clear_a and_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o justify_v faith_n be_v not_o mistake_v we_o will_v have_v you_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o justify_v a_o christian_n as_o it_o be_v a_o work_n or_o because_o of_o any_o inherent_a excellency_n and_o dignity_n that_o be_v in_o this_o grace_n above_o any_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o faith_n do_v alone_o justify_v a_o christian_n instrumental_o and_o objective_o that_o be_v it_o be_v that_o by_o which_o a_o christian_a be_v just_a by_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o precious_a object_n of_o it_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o clear_v this_o we_o will_v only_o have_v you_o know_v this_o that_o say_v do_v justify_v as_o it_o close_v with_o christ_n but_o not_o because_o it_o close_v with_o christ_n which_o some_o vain_o be_v bold_a to_o assert_v because_o there_o be_v not_o any_o dignity_n or_o worth_n in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n enclose_v with_o christ_n that_o can_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o justification_n else_o it_o be_v to_o confound_v that_o precious_a degree_n of_o free_a grace_n 2._o there_o be_v this_o that_o we_o will_v have_v you_o all_o know_v that_o faith_n be_v not_o the_o instrument_n of_o justification_n as_o justification_n be_v take_v in_o a_o active_a sense_n though_o it_o be_v
take_v hold_v not_o only_o on_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n &_o that_o in_o he_o there_o be_v no_o lie_n but_o likewise_o it_o take_v hold_v on_o the_o omnipotency_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v one_o to_o who_o nothing_o be_v too_o hard_a and_o on_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n &_o love_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v one_o who_o do_v delight_n to_o magnify_v this_o attribute_n above_o all_o his_o work_n and_o these_o be_v the_o three_o great_a pillar_n of_o justify_v faith_n from_o the_o first_o it_o answer_v all_o the_o objection_n of_o sense_n which_o do_v ordinary_o cry_v forth_o do_v all_o his_o promise_n fail_v for_o evermore_o and_o that_o with_o his_o one_o word_n if_o he_o have_v once_o purpose_v it_o he_o will_v also_o do_v it_o and_o if_o he_o have_v once_o speak_v it_o he_o will_v also_o make_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v from_o the_o second_o it_o answer_v all_o these_o objection_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o carnal_a reason_n and_o probability_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o weaken_n of_o his_o confidence_n and_o these_o do_v oftentimes_o cry_v out_o how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v but_o faith_n lay_v hold_n upon_o the_o omnipotency_n of_o god_n it_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o it_o be_v the_o noble_a and_o divine_a exercise_n of_o this_o heroic_a grace_n of_o faith_n that_o these_o objection_n of_o reason_n and_o probability_n which_o it_o can_v answer_v it_o will_v lay_v they_o aside_o and_o yet_o close_o with_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o believe_v abraham_n who_o consider_v not_o his_o own_o body_n be_v weak_a nor_o the_o barrenness_n of_o sarahs_n womb_n as_o likewise_o it_o be_v the_o commendable_a practice_n of_o that_o woman_n matth._n 15._o who_o not_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v the_o second_o trial_n of_o her_o faith_n from_o reason_n yet_o notwithstanding_o faith_n make_v she_o cry_v out_o have_v mercy_n on_o i_o o_o son_n of_o david_n and_o from_o the_o last_o a_o christian_n do_v answer_v all_o the_o argument_n of_o misbelief_n which_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o conviction_n of_o our_o unworthiness_n and_o sinfulness_n which_o make_v we_o oftentimes_o embrace_v that_o divinity_n of_o peter_n luke_n 5.8_o depart_v from_o i_o for_o i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man_n but_o faith_n take_v hold_n on_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n it_o answer_v all_o with_o this_o he_o walk_v not_o with_o we_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n of_o merit_n but_o according_a to_o that_o precious_a and_o golden_a rule_n of_o love_n and_o boundless_a compassion_n but_o before_o we_o shall_v speak_v any_o thing_n unto_o you_o of_o these_o thing_n we_o will_v a_o little_a point_n out_o some_o few_o thing_n to_o be_v know_v as_o previous_a to_o these_o we_o shall_v not_o dwell_v long_o in_o point_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o justify_v faith_n it_o be_v that_o grace_n whereby_o a_o christian_a be_v convince_v of_o his_o lose_a estate_n &_o of_o a_o utter_a impossibility_n to_o save_v himself_o he_o do_v flee_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o unto_o he_o who_o be_v that_o precious_a city_n of_o refuge_n and_o there_o do_v abide_v till_o our_o high_a priest_n shall_v die_v which_o shall_v not_o be_v for_o ever_o or_o if_o you_o will_v it_o be_v a_o sweet_a travel_v of_o the_o immortal_a soul_n betwixt_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o infinite_a love_n betwixt_o a_o utter_a impossibility_n to_o save_v ourselves_o and_o a_o complete_a ability_n in_o he_o to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a betwixt_o abound_a sin_n &_o superabounding_a mercy_n hence_o faith_n be_v often_o hold_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n under_o that_o notion_n of_o come_v isai_n 55.1_o ho_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n rev._n 22.17_o whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o heb._n 7.25_o wherefore_o he_o be_v able_a also_o to_o save_v they_o to_o the_o uttermost_a that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o and_o we_o may_v say_v by_o the_o way_n that_o if_o once_o a_o sinner_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o this_o to_o count_v all_o his_o own_o righteousness_n but_o filthy_a rag_n and_o to_o believe_v that_o a_o man_n be_v as_o real_o justify_v before_o god_n by_o impute_a righteousness_n as_o if_o it_o be_v by_o inherent_a holiness_n sure_o such_o a_o one_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n neither_o shall_v we_o stand_v long_o to_o point_v out_o this_o unto_o you_o that_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o believe_v for_o it_o be_v clear_a not_o only_o from_o this_o place_n but_o likewise_o from_o isai_n 45.22_o look_v unto_o i_o and_o be_v you_o save_v all_o you_o end_v of_o the_o earth_n matth._n 11.28_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n john_n 14.1_o you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o isai_n 55.1_o ho_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n and_o he_o that_o have_v no_o money_n come_v buy_v without_o money_n and_o without_o price_n but_o oh_o it_o be_v a_o great_a misery_n of_o many_o and_o that_o which_o may_v be_v a_o subject_n of_o a_o perpetual_a lamentation_n that_o we_o can_v neither_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n as_o command_v to_o obey_v it_o or_o as_o threaten_v to_o believe_v it_o nor_o to_o the_o gospel_n as_o promise_v to_o embrace_v it_o and_o sweet_o to_o receive_v it_o o_o but_o that_o primative_a temptation_n and_o delusion_n whereby_o satan_n do_v deceive_v our_o first_o father_n be_v that_o whereby_o he_o yet_o seek_v to_o catch_v and_o delude_v many_o soul_n viz._n that_o though_o we_o eat_v of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n &_o walk_v in_o the_o vain_a imagination_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n yet_o he_o do_v suggest_v this_o to_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o die_v but_o shall_v once_o be_v as_o god_n this_o be_v satan_n great_a and_o delude_a divinity_n and_o therefore_o to_o enforce_v this_o great_a and_o precious_a command_n a_o little_a further_o we_o shall_v propose_v these_o consideration_n first_o that_o the_o gospel_n have_v lay_v no_o obstruction_n in_o our_o way_n of_o close_v with_o christ_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a show_v that_o the_o great_a impediment_n be_v our_o want_n of_o willingness_n which_o we_o lie_v in_o our_o own_o way_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o john_n 5.40_o you_o will_v not_o come_v to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v get_v life_n as_o likewise_o from_o revel_n 22.27_o where_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v cast_v open_a and_o whosoever_o will_v be_v command_v to_o enter_v in_o so_o that_o although_o you_o may_v father_n your_o misbelief_n upon_o your_o inability_n or_o that_o your_o spot_n be_v not_o the_o spot_n of_o his_o people_n yet_o know_v that_o the_o rise_v and_o original_n of_o it_o be_v want_v of_o willingness_n but_o to_o make_v this_o more_o clear_a we_o will_v have_v you_o know_v this_o that_o all_o the_o qualification_n annex_v to_o this_o commandment_n of_o faith_n as_o that_o iâ—_n math._n 11.28_o speak_v out_o the_o qualification_n rather_o of_o these_o that_o will_v come_v then_o of_o all_o these_o that_o aught_o to_o come_v or_o he_o invit_v these_o that_o through_o the_o spirit_n of_o discouragement_n and_o misbelief_n have_v the_o great_a reluctancy_n to_o come_v and_o may_v not_o that_o cardinal_n and_o soul-refreshing_a promise_n john_n 6.37_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o misbelief_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v have_v nothing_o to_o say_v he_o that_o come_v unto_o i_o i_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o you_o may_v reduce_v your_o misbelief_n rather_o to_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o your_o will_n then_o to_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o your_o walk_n and_o if_o once_o you_o can_v come_v to_o the_o length_n of_o willingness_n to_o embrace_v jesus_n christ_n all_o other_o objection_n and_o knot_n shall_v be_v sweet_o loose_v and_o dissolve_v second_o consider_v that_o though_o we_o shall_v pray_v the_o one_o half_a of_o our_o time_n and_o weep_v the_o other_o yet_o if_o we_o want_v this_o noble_a grace_n of_o faith_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n shall_v abide_v on_o we_o what_o be_v all_o the_o work_n of_o these_o hypocrite_n &_o those_o glister_a act_n of_o law-sanctification_a but_o a_o plunge_a of_o ourselves_o in_o the_o ditch_n until_o our_o own_o clothes_n abhor_v we_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o after_o the_o prophet_n zachary_n have_v make_v mention_n in_o the_o twelve_o chapter_n of_o this_o prophecy_n of_o make_v bitter_a lamentation_n for_o he_o who_o we_o have_v pierce_v as_o for_o a_o only_a son_n yet_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 13._o chapter_n he_o
make_v mention_n of_o a_o fountain_n open_v to_o the_o house_n of_o david_n for_o sin_n and_o for_o uncleanness_n which_o may_v intimate_v unto_o we_o that_o although_o we_o have_v wash_v ourselves_o with_o our_o own_o tear_n yet_o there_o be_v use_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o we_o must_v be_v wash_v in_o that_o fountain_n even_o from_o our_o own_o rightousness_n which_o be_v but_o as_o filthy_a rag_n three_o consider_v that_o great_a and_o monstrous_a sinfulness_n that_o be_v in_o this_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n we_o will_v strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n but_o many_o will_v easy_o swallow_v down_o this_o camel_n we_o will_v tithe_v mint_n and_o annise_v and_o fast_o twice_o in_o the_o week_n but_o neglect_v faith_n and_o love_n and_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o weight_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v these_o thing_n which_o speak_v out_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o unbelief_n 1._o that_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v send_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n john_n 16.9_o he_o pitch_v upon_o this_o sin_n as_o though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o sin_n of_o which_o the_o world_n have_v need_v to_o be_v convince_v he_o will_v convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n because_o they_o believe_v not_o on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n &_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v more_o sinfulness_n in_o that_o sin_n then_o in_o many_o breach_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o matchless_a love_n and_o against_o that_o which_o be_v the_o remedy_n of_o sin_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v call_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n disobedience_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o heb._n 4.11_o lest_o any_o of_o you_o fall_v under_o the_o same_o example_n of_o unbelief_n or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v be_v tender_v lest_o any_o of_o you_o fall_v after_o that_o example_n of_o disobedience_n eph._n 2.2.3_o that_o among_o all_o these_o that_o shall_v be_v eternal_o excommunicate_a from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o from_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n those_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n they_o be_v put_v in_o the_o first_o place_n rev._n 21.1_o and_o 4._o that_o unbelief_n do_v contradict_v &_o deny_v these_o three_o precious_a and_o cardinal_a attribute_n of_o god_n 1._o do_v not_o unbelief_n contradict_v his_o faithfulness_n and_o make_v he_o a_o liar_n 1_o john_n 5.10_o 2._o do_v it_o not_o contradict_v the_o infiniteness_n of_o his_o power_n and_o 3._o the_o infiniteness_n of_o his_o love_n and_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v something_o too_o hard_a for_o he_o which_o his_o power_n can_v reach_v nor_o his_o infinite_a love_n overcome_v we_o may_v reduce_v many_o of_o our_o question_n and_o dispute_n of_o his_o good_a will_n to_o this_o original_n viz._n to_o the_o dispute_v of_o his_o power_n no_o doubt_n if_o we_o belong_v to_o he_o we_o shall_v once_o sing_v that_o note_n of_o lamentation_n over_o our_o unbelief_n this_o be_v our_o infirmity_n for_o change_n be_v from_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o last_o to_o enforce_v this_o precious_a command_n of_o faith_n consider_v that_o it_o be_v his_o command_n which_o speak_v forth_o this_o that_o we_o must_v not_o take_v a_o indulgence_n or_o dispensation_n to_o ourselves_o to_o believe_v or_o not_o to_o believe_v at_o our_o pleasure_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o strange_a thing_n that_o christian_n be_v less_o convince_v of_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o faith_n then_o of_o other_o command_n they_o think_v misbelief_n to_o be_v but_o a_o zoar_n a_o little_a sin_n and_o it_o proceed_v either_o from_o this_o that_o the_o conviction_n of_o other_o sin_n as_o the_o neglect_n of_o prayer_n or_o the_o sin_n of_o swear_v or_o commit_v adultery_n do_v arise_v from_o a_o natural_a conscience_n for_o there_o be_v somewhat_o of_o nature_n light_n to_o make_v we_o abominate_a and_o hate_v they_o when_o yet_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n will_v not_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o misbelief_n it_o be_v a_o gospel_n &_o more_o spiritual_a sin_n or_o it_o proceed_v from_o this_o that_o unbelief_n do_v ordinary_o pass_v veil_v under_o the_o vizard_n of_o some_o refine_a virtue_n as_o humility_n and_o tenderness_n though_o that_o rather_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v pride_n and_o ignorance_n clothe_v with_o the_o garment_n of_o humility_n and_o no_o doubt_n christ_n do_v account_v obedience_n to_o this_o commandment_n of_o faith_n the_o great_a act_n of_o humility_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o rom._n 10.3_o where_o it_o be_v call_v submission_n they_o submit_v not_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n or_o else_o it_o proceed_v from_o this_o that_o we_o conceive_v that_o the_o commandment_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o of_o so_o large_a extent_n as_o other_o command_n and_o so_o do_v not_o bind_v we_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o it_o but_o know_v this_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o no_o doubt_n but_o it_o be_v satan_n great_a design_n and_o cardinal_a project_n to_o keep_v we_o back_o from_o obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n of_o faith_n &_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o listen_v to_o the_o precious_a promise_n of_o this_o everlasting_a gospel_n but_o shall_v reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o ourselves_o and_o refuse_v his_o precious_a and_o divine_a call_n the_o second_o previous_a consideration_n that_o we_o will_v give_v shall_v be_v to_o show_v you_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o dispute_v of_o our_o interest_n &_o so_o little_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v unstable_a as_o water_n mar_v our_o own_o excellency_n spend_v so_o much_o of_o our_o time_n in_o walk_v under_o a_o cloud_n and_o be_v so_o seldom_o admit_v to_o read_v our_o name_n in_o these_o precious_a and_o eternal_a record_n of_o heaven_n no_o doubt_n these_o thing_n have_v influence_n upon_o it_o viz._n 1._o that_o we_o be_v more_o judge_v of_o god_n by_o his_o dispensation_n then_o by_o his_o word_n suppose_v ever_o the_o change_n of_o dispensation_n to_o speak_v for_o the_o change_n of_o our_o state_n this_o be_v misbelief_n divinity_n that_o when_o sense_n can_v read_v love_n in_o hiâ—_n face_n but_o he_o appear_v to_o frown_v and_o to_o cast_v a_o clouâ—_n over_o it_o than_o it_o be_v presumption_n say_v sense_n to_o reaâ—_n love_v in_o his_o heart_n or_o in_o his_o word_n but_o know_v it_o be_v self-denying_a practice_n of_o believe_v job_n to_o cry_v out_o though_o he_o shall_v kill_v i_o i_o will_v believe_v in_o he_o therefore_o make_v not_o dispensation_n your_o bible_n otherwise_o you_o will_v stumble_v at_o the_o noon_n tide_v of_o the_o day_n &_o shall_v halt_v in_o your_o way_n know_v you_o never_o what_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o this_o mean_v to_o ascend_v in_o overcome_a thought_n of_o his_o love_n notwithstanding_o any_o thing_n that_o his_o dispensation_n may_v preach_v we_o conceive_v that_o if_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v open_v we_o may_v see_v infinite_a love_n engrave_v on_o the_o dark_a act_n and_o most_o dismal-like_a dispensation_n of_o his_o to_o we_o though_o it_o be_v oftentime_o write_v in_o dark_a and_o dim_a character_n to_o sense_n 2._o there_o be_v this_o likewise_o which_o have_v influence_n upon_o our_o so_o much_o dispute_v and_o misbelieve_v viz._n a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o the_o entertainment_n of_o some_o predominant_a lust_n which_o oftentimes_o occasion_v our_o walk_n in_o darkness_n and_o have_v no_o light_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o 1_o tim._n 1.19_o where_o that_o precious_a jewel_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v hold_v in_o no_o other_o place_n but_o in_o a_o pute_n conscience_n that_o be_v that_o royal_a place_n wherein_o it_o must_v dwell_v and_o no_o doubt_n if_o once_o we_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n we_o will_v err_v concern_v our_o faith_n a_o bosom-idol_n when_o it_o be_v entertain_v do_v exceed_o mar_v the_o vigorous_a exercise_n of_o these_o grace_n which_o be_v evidence_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o certain_o grace_n rather_o in_o its_o degree_n then_o in_o its_o sincerity_n or_o simple_a be_v only_o be_v that_o which_o give_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o faith_n therefore_o when_o we_o find_v not_o love_v in_o its_o high_a and_o eminent_a act_n we_o hardly_o win_v to_o make_v it_o any_o clearly-concluding_a demonstration_n of_o our_o faith_n 3._o as_o likewise_o a_o bosom_n idol_n when_o it_o be_v entertain_v make_v we_o to_o lose_v much_o of_o our_o high_a esteem_n &_o reputation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o do_v exceed_o interrupt_v the_o sweet_a and_o precious_a act_n of_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o once_o the_o immortal_a soul_n be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o
bond_n of_o love_n and_o respect_n than_o our_o faith_n will_v increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n our_o entertainment_n of_o a_o bosom_n idol_n be_v ordinary_o punish_v with_o the_o want_n of_o the_o sensible_a intimation_n of_o his_o peace_n and_o of_o our_o interest_n in_o he_o so_o that_o sometime_o his_o own_o be_v constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o god_n have_v depart_v from_o i_o and_o he_o answer_v i_o not_o neither_o by_o dream_n nor_o vision_n 4._o there_o be_v that_o likewise_o that_o have_v influence_n upon_o it_o our_o not_o close_v absolute_o with_o jesus_n christ_n but_o upon_o condition_n and_o supposition_n we_o make_v not_o a_o absolute_a and_o blank_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o over_o to_o christ_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o covenant_n notwithstanding_o he_o shall_v dispense_v both_o bitter_a and_o sad_a thing_n to_o we_o but_o we_o conceive_v that_o christ_n covenant_n with_o believer_n be_v like_o that_o covenant_n that_o god_n make_v with_o noah_n that_o 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and_o after_o they_o be_v enlighten_v they_o endure_v a_o great_a fight_n of_o affliction_n for_o the_o word_n that_o be_v there_o render_v affliction_n signify_v inward_a trouble_n through_o the_o motion_n of_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o outward_a affliction_n gal._n 5.24_o and_o god_n use_v to_o dispense_v this_o way_n to_o his_o own_o not_o only_o to_o take_v trial_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o your_o close_n with_o he_o but_o to_o make_v our_o faith_n more_o steadfast_a and_o sure_a and_o no_o doubt_n if_o we_o close_v not_o absolute_o with_o christ_n when_o under_o these_o temptation_n and_o trial_n we_o will_v reject_v our_o confidence_n as_o a_o delusion_n and_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v but_o a_o morning_n dream_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o noble_a and_o divine_a practice_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o close_o with_o christ_n without_o reservation_n see_v he_o do_v dispense_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o may_v tend_v to_o our_o advantage_n and_o we_o will_v say_v to_o such_o as_o be_v under_o these_o temptation_n that_o if_o you_o endeavour_v to_o resist_v they_o it_o be_v the_o most_o compendious_a and_o excellent_a way_n to_o make_v your_o heart_n which_o now_o be_v die_v as_o a_o stone_n to_o be_v as_o a_o water_a garden_n &_o spring_n of_o water_n who_o water_n fail_v not_o and_o to_o make_v you_o strong_a as_o a_o lion_n so_o that_o no_o temptation_n can_v rouse_v you_o up_o but_o you_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o tread_v upon_o the_o high_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o sing_v song_n of_o triumph_n over_o our_o idol_n 5._o there_o be_v this_o likewise_o which_o have_v influence_n on_o it_o our_o building_n of_o our_o faith_n more_o upon_o sense_n then_o upon_o christ_n or_o his_o word_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o faith_n be_v so_o unconstant_a and_o changeable_a as_o the_o moon_n we_o not_o know_v what_o such_o a_o thing_n mean_n to_o hope_v against_o hope_n and_o to_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o we_o will_v only_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o erect_v your_o confidence_n upon_o so_o sandy_a a_o foundation_n that_o when_o the_o wind_n and_o storm_n of_o temptation_n shall_v blow_v that_o house_n shall_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n as_o likewise_o build_v of_o your_o faith_n upon_o sense_n do_v not_o abate_v much_o of_o your_o joy_n and_o much_o of_o your_o precious_a esteem_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v faith_n exercise_v itself_o upon_o a_o invisible_a object_n that_o make_v the_o christian_n to_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n 1_o pet._n 1.8_o 6._o there_o be_v this_o last_o that_o have_v influence_n upon_o it_o even_o our_o sloathfulness_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o spiritual_a duty_n by_o which_o faith_n shall_v be_v entertain_v faith_n be_v a_o tender_a grace_n and_o a_o plant_n that_o must_v not_o be_v ruffle_v but_o nourish_v through_o the_o sap_n of_o other_o precious_a grace_n but_o we_o grow_v remiss_a in_o our_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o do_v turn_v ourselves_o upon_o the_o bed_n of_o security_n as_o the_o door_n upon_o the_o hinge_n and_o do_v not_o our_o drowsiness_n clothe_v we_o with_o rag_n and_o make_v we_o fall_v into_o a_o deep_a sleep_n while_z as_o if_o we_o be_v diligent_a our_o soul_n shall_v be_v make_v fat_a and_o rich_a yea_o sloathfulness_n do_v not_o only_o imp_v assurance_n of_o this_o that_o it_o hinder_v the_o divine_a communication_n of_o his_o love_n and_o respect_n by_o which_o assurance_n may_v be_v keep_v in_o life_n cant._n 5.2_o but_o also_o it_o make_v our_o poverty_n come_v on_o we_o as_o a_o arm_a man_n and_o our_o want_n as_o one_o that_o travel_v and_o withal_o it_o let_v loose_v the_o chain_n by_o which_o our_o corruption_n be_v tie_v and_o make_v they_o to_o lift_v up_o their_o head_n by_o which_o our_o assurance_n be_v much_o darken_v and_o impair_v and_o our_o hope_n be_v much_o convert_v into_o diffidence_n and_o despair_n and_o we_o will_v only_o say_v this_o it_o be_v the_o diligent_a christian_n that_o be_v the_o believe_a christian_a and_o it_o be_v the_o believe_v christian_n that_o be_v the_o diligent_a christian_a there_o be_v such_o a_o sweet_a reciprocation_n betwixt_o these_o two_o precious_a grace_n that_o they_o die_v and_o live_v together_o now_o three_o we_o shall_v shut_v up_o our_o discourse_n with_o this_o in_o point_v out_o a_o little_a what_o be_v those_o thing_n that_o do_v obstruct_v a_o christian_n close_v with_o christ_n and_o believe_v in_o his_o precious_a name_n i._o we_o conceive_v that_o this_o woeful_a evil_n do_v spring_n and_o rise_v from_o that_o fundamental_a ignorance_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o heb._n 11.6_o where_o that_o be_v require_v as_o a_o qualification_n of_o a_o comer_n that_o he_o shall_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o assure_o till_o once_o this_o precious_a truth_n be_v imprint_v upon_o our_o soul_n as_o with_o a_o pen_n of_o iron_n and_o point_n of_o a_o diamond_n we_o will_v look_v upon_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o utopian_a fancy_n and_o a_o delude_a notion_n to_o teach_v unstable_a soul_n who_o know_v not_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v unto_o real_a blessedness_n and_o true_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n of_o many_o that_o they_o begin_v to_o dispute_v their_o be_v in_o christ_n before_o they_o know_v there_o be_v a_o christ_n and_o do_v dispute_v their_o interest_n in_o he_o before_o they_o believe_v his_o be_v and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v call_v christ_n ii_o our_o come_a unto_o christ_n be_v obstruct_v from_o the_o want_n of_o the_o real_a and_o spiritual_a conviction_n of_o our_o desperate_a and_o lose_a estate_n without_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o our_o unspeakable_a misery_n be_v the_o want_n of_o he_o which_o be_v clear_a from_o jer._n 2.31_o we_o be_v lord_n we_o will_v come_v no_o more_o to_o thou_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o revel_n 3.16.18_o that_o such_o a_o delusion_n as_o this_o do_v overtake_v many_o that_o they_o can_v reign_v as_o king_n without_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o they_o can_v build_v their_o happiness_n and_o establish_v their_o carnal_a felicity_n upon_o another_o foundation_n but_o o_o that_o we_o can_v once_o win_v to_o this_o to_o believe_v what_o we_o be_v without_o christ_n and_o to_o believe_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o with_o the_o one_o eye_n to_o descend_v and_o look_v upon_o these_o deep_a draught_n that_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n have_v imprint_v upon_o our_o immortal_a soul_n and_o withal_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v death_n and_o be_v constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o woe_n be_v i_o for_o i_o be_o undo_v and_o with_o the_o other_o eye_n to_o ascend_v and_o look_v to_o that_o help_n that_o be_v lay_v
we_o will_v not_o delight_v ourselves_o in_o love_v of_o he_o and_o i_o will_v say_v this_o to_o you_o that_o though_o you_o shall_v weep_v the_o one_o half_a of_o your_o day_n and_o pray_v the_o other_o half_a yet_o if_o you_o want_v this_o noble_a grace_n of_o faith_n your_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v but_o like_o a_o monstruous_a cloth_n and_o filthy_a rag_n before_o he_o for_o what_o be_v pray_v without_o believe_v but_o a_o take_n of_o his_o bless_a name_n in_o vain_a what_o be_v our_o confer_v upon_o the_o most_o divine_a and_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n without_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o a_o lie_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o a_o flatter_a of_o god_n with_o our_o mouth_n and_o we_o will_v have_v you_o know_v this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o sweet_a harmony_n that_o be_v now_o make_v up_o betwixt_o moses_n and_o christ_n betwixt_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o law_n bring_v we_o to_o christ_n as_o a_o saviour_n and_o christ_n bring_v we_o back_o again_o to_o the_o law_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o our_o walk_n to_o which_o we_o must_v subject_v ourselves_o so_o then_o will_v you_o know_v the_o compend_n of_o a_o christian_n walk_v it_o be_v a_o sweet_a travel_v betwixt_o mount_n sinai_n and_o mount_v zion_n betwixt_o moses_n and_o christ_n betwixt_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o we_o conceive_v that_o the_o more_o deep_a that_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o law_n be_v in_o a_o christian_n conscience_n before_o his_o close_n with_o christ_n there_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o precious_a and_o excellent_a advantage_n wait_v for_o he_o i._o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n that_o wait_v on_o the_o deep_a exercise_n of_o the_o law_n that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o win_v to_o much_o establishment_n in_o faith_n when_o once_o we_o begin_v to_o close_v with_o christ_n o_o christian_n will_v you_o know_v that_o which_o make_v the_o superstructure_n and_o build_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v within_o you_o as_o a_o bowing_z wall_n and_o as_o a_o totter_a sense_n of_o that_o oftentimes_o you_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o raze_v the_o foundation_n it_o be_v this_o you_o be_v not_o under_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o law_n before_o your_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v some_o who_o do_v not_o abide_v three_o day_n at_o mount_n sinai_n and_o these_o shall_v not_o dwell_v many_o day_n at_o mount_n zion_n ii_o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n that_o wait_v on_o the_o deep_a exercise_n of_o the_o law_n it_o make_v christ_n precious_a to_o a_o man_n soul_n what_o be_v that_o which_o fill_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a with_o many_o high_a and_o excellent_a thought_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o not_o this_o to_o have_v the_o law_n registrate_v our_o bond_n and_o put_v we_o as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o horn_n that_o be_v to_o have_v the_o law_n curse_v we_o and_o use_v the_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n against_o we_o that_o which_o make_v we_o have_v such_o low_a and_o undervalue_a thought_n of_o precious_a christ_n be_v because_o the_o most_o part_n of_o we_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o deep_a and_o serious_a exercise_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v a_o mystery_n to_o the_o most_o part_n of_o a_o christian_n practice_n you_o know_v that_o there_o be_v four_o stream_n which_o go_v out_o from_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n into_o which_o man_n be_v first_o place_v and_o so_o may_v we_o say_v that_o there_o be_v four_o golden_a stream_n by_o which_o lose_v and_o destroy_v man_n be_v bring_v back_o again_o to_o this_o eden_n and_o paradise_n of_o everlasting_a delight_n first_o there_o be_v the_o precious_a stream_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v justify_v and_o second_o there_o be_v that_o stream_n of_o his_o sanctification_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v purify_v three_o there_o be_v that_o stream_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v conduct_v through_o this_o wilderness_n wherein_o we_o have_v lose_v our_o way_n and_o 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christian_a live_v constant_o under_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o sin_n what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v sin_n exceed_v sinful_a to_o a_o christian_a be_v it_o not_o this_o he_o have_v be_v forty_o day_n in_o moses_n school_n and_o we_o conceive_v that_o the_o ground_n why_o such_o fool_n as_o we_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o sin_n be_v because_o we_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o indignation_n of_o god_n but_o now_o to_o come_v to_o that_o which_o we_o intend_v to_o speak_v of_o we_o tell_v you_o at_o the_o first_o occasion_n that_o we_o speak_v upon_o these_o word_n that_o there_o be_v many_o excellent_a thing_n concern_v the_o grace_n of_o faith_n hold_v forth_o in_o they_o the_o first_o thing_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o concern_v this_o radical_a grace_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o infinite_a advantage_n that_o redound_v to_o a_o christian_a through_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o give_v obedience_n to_o this_o command_n which_o we_o clear_v to_o be_v hold_v forth_o not_o only_o from_o the_o scope_n but_o also_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o command_n and_o now_o to_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o the_o point_n we_o shall_v propose_v these_o cosideration_n that_o may_v abundant_o show_v how_o advantageous_a a_o thing_n this_o excellent_a grace_n of_o faith_n be_v i._o the_o first_o consideration_n that_o speak_v it_o be_v this_o that_o faith_n make_v christ_n precious_a to_o a_o soul_n according_a to_o that_o word_n 1_o pet._n 2.7_o to_o you_o that_o believe_v christ_n be_v precious_a and_o we_o will_v have_v you_o know_v this_o that_o faith_n make_v christ_n more_o precious_a to_o a_o soul_n than_o sense_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n can_v make_v he_o and_o first_o faith_n make_v christ_n more_o precious_a than_o sense_n because_o the_o estimation_n which_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n have_v of_o christ_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o person_n but_o the_o estimation_n of_o sense_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o act_n so_o that_o because_o he_o be_v such_o to_o they_o therefore_o they_o love_v and_o esteem_v he_o but_o that_o heroic_a grace_n of_o faith_n it_o take_v up_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n person_n and_o that_o make_v he_o precious_a to_o they_o second_o faith_n make_v christ_n more_o precious_a than_o sense_n because_o sense_n look_v to_o that_o love_n which_o christ_n manife_v in_o his_o face_n and_o in_o his_o hand_n and_o in_o his_o foot_n but_o faith_n look_v to_o that_o love_n which_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n sense_n will_v cry_v forth_o who_o be_v like_a to_o thou_o who_o countenance_n be_v like_o lebanon_n excellent_a as_o the_o cedar_n who_o hand_n be_v as_o gold_n ring_v set_v with_o beril_n and_o who_o leg_n be_v like_o pillar_n of_o marble_n set_v in_o socket_n of_o gold_n sense_n will_v look_v to_o the_o smile_n of_o christ_n and_o will_v wonder_v it_o will_v look_v to_o his_o dispensation_n and_o act_n and_o will_v be_v constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o who_o be_v like_a unto_o thou_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n solace_v itself_o in_o the_o fountain_n from_o whence_o all_o these_o spring_n and_o sweet_a inundation_n of_o love_n do_v flow_v three_o faith_n make_v christ_n more_o precious_a than_o sense_n because_o faith_n look_v not_o only_o to_o what_o christ_n be_v present_o but_o unto_o what_o christ_n be_v from_o eternity_n before_o time_n and_o what_o christ_n shall_v be_v unto_o eternity_n after_o time_n but_o sense_n only_o do_v look_v to_o what_o christ_n be_v present_o and_o you_o must_v conceive_v that_o the_o sweet_a travel_v of_o faith_n betwixt_o infinite_a love_n from_o eternity_n before_o
and_o infinite_a love_n unto_o eternity_n after_o must_v make_v faith_n to_o fall_v in_o a_o sea_n of_o wonder_v &_o raise_v the_o thought_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o desire_n and_o estimation_n four_o we_o may_v likewise_o add_v that_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o preciousness_n of_o christ_n which_o sense_n make_v upon_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o so_o constant_a nor_o so_o single_a as_o that_o which_o faith_n do_v make_v o_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n give_v the_o christian_a a_o broad_a look_n of_o christ_n and_o let_v he_o see_v christ_n clothe_v with_o ornament_n of_o glory_n and_o divine_a majesty_n sense_n follow_v christ_n rather_o that_o it_o may_v see_v his_o miracle_n and_o love_n that_o it_o may_v be_v feed_v with_o loaf_n but_o faith_n follow_v christ_n for_o himself_o above_o all_o ii_o the_o second_o consideration_n to_o speak_v the_o advantage_n of_o it_o be_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n it_o have_v as_o it_o be_v a_o arbitrary_a power_n with_o god_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o a_o christian_a shall_v seek_v in_o faith_n he_o shall_v receive_v it_o it_o be_v the_o noble_a gift_n that_o be_v once_o give_v to_o faith_n that_o it_o never_o shall_v seek_v any_o thing_n and_o be_v deny_v according_a to_o that_o word_n in_o matt._n 21.22_o and_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o prayer_n believe_v you_o shall_v receive_v it_o and_o that_o word_n in_o john_n 15.7_o abide_v in_o i_o that_o be_v believe_v and_o the_o promise_n be_v annex_v to_o this_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v you_o shall_v receive_v and_o it_o be_v clear_a likewise_o from_o the_o precede_a verse_n to_o our_o text_n that_o if_o we_o obey_v this_o command_n of_o faith_n whatsoever_o we_o shall_v ask_v of_o god_n we_o shall_v receive_v it_o and_o i_o will_v speak_v these_o two_o thing_n to_o you_o from_o this_o first_o that_o oftentimes_o christ_n put_v a_o blank_a in_o a_o christian_n hand_n who_o be_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o that_o in_o matth_n 20.32_o be_v there_o not_o a_o ample_a blank_n put_v into_o that_o man_n hand_n what_o will_v thou_o that_o i_o shall_v do_v unto_o thou_o christ_n desire_v he_o to_o fill_v up_o the_o blank_a with_o what_o he_o will_v and_o second_o there_o be_v this_o which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a step_n of_o christ_n matchless_a condescendency_n that_o oftentimes_o when_o his_o own_o have_v seek_v in_o their_o presumption_n a_o blank_a to_o be_v put_v in_o their_o hand_n christ_n condescend_v to_o give_v it_o according_a to_o that_o strange_a passage_n in_o mark_n 10.35.36_o the_o two_o disciple_n who_o present_v this_o desire_n to_o christ_n we_o desire_v say_v they_o that_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v thou_o shall_v give_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o present_o that_o be_v answer_v what_o will_v you_o that_o i_o shall_v do_v for_o you_o christ_n have_v a_o infinite_a good_a will_n to_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o his_o own_o and_o that_o which_o yet_o more_o speak_v out_o christ_n boundless_a good_a will_n to_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o he_o it_o may_v be_v decare_v in_o that_o word_n john_n 16.24_o where_o he_o charge_v his_o disciple_n with_o this_o hither_o to_o say_v he_o have_v you_o ask_v i_o nothing_o you_o must_v not_o suppose_v that_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n never_o seek_v a_o suit_n of_o christâ—_n but_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n be_v this_o you_o seek_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o which_o i_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v and_o which_o your_o necessity_n do_v call_v for_o at_o my_o hand_n which_o you_o shall_v have_v seek_v iii_o there_o be_v this_o three_o consideration_n to_o poinâ—_n out_o the_o advantage_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o grace_n thaâ—_n keep_v all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o life_n &_o exercise_n faith_n be_v that_o high_a wheel_n at_o the_o motion_n oâ—_n which_o all_o the_o low_a wheel_n do_v move_v if_o so_o we_o may_v speak_v faith_n be_v that_o primum_fw-la mobile_a that_o first_o move_v and_o turn_v about_o all_o these_o low_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n according_a to_o that_o 2_o pet._n 1.5_o add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o your_o virtue_n patience_n and_o to_o your_o patience_n brotherly_a kindness_n first_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n keep_v in_o exrcise_n the_o grace_n of_o love_n as_o be_v clear_a eph._n 3.17_o where_o these_o two_o grace_n be_v conjoin_v as_o likewise_o from_o rom._n 5.1_o compare_v with_o verse_n 5._o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n then_o this_o leffect_n follow_v upon_o it_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o so_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o faith_n keep_v love_n in_o life_n faith_n be_v the_o spy_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o intelligencer_n and_o precious_a messenger_n it_o go_v out_o and_o bring_v in_o object_n unto_o love_n faith_n draw_v and_o bring_v in_o object_n unto_o love_n faith_n draw_v aside_o the_o vail_n and_o love_n sit_v down_o and_o solace_v itself_o in_o the_o discovery_n of_o faith_n second_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n likewise_o it_o keep_v the_o grace_n of_o mortification_n in_o exercise_n as_o be_v clear_a not_o only_o from_o eph._n 6.9_o but_o from_o 1_o john_n 5.4_o this_o be_v our_o victory_n whereby_o we_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o faith_n keep_v mortification_n in_o exercise_n and_o advance_v holiness_n not_o only_o because_o of_o this_o that_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n that_o present_v to_o a_o christian_a the_o absolute_a purity_n and_o spotless_a holiness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o also_o because_o it_o make_v they_o esteem_v their_o idol_n taste_v less_o as_o the_o white_a of_o a_o egg_n and_o they_o become_v unto_o they_o as_o their_o sorrowful_a meat_n the_o best_a principle_n of_o mortification_n be_v this_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o invisible_a virtue_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o mortification_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o lovely_a discovery_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v most_o real_a and_o abide_a as_o those_o water_n which_o rise_v from_o the_o high_a spring_n be_v not_o only_o constant_a but_o likewise_o most_o deep_a and_o excellent_a three_o faith_n likewise_o have_v influence_n upon_o mortification_n as_o it_o do_v take_v hold_n of_o that_o infinite_a strength_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a be_v enable_v to_o mortify_v his_o coruption_n four_o faith_n likewise_o make_v application_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v by_o which_o we_o be_v purify_v from_o dead_a work_n five_o likewise_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n keep_v in_o exercise_n the_o grace_n of_o humility_n as_o be_v clear_a rom._n 3.27_o by_o what_o law_n say_v he_o be_v boast_v exclude_v it_o be_v not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o work_n but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n six_o faith_n keep_v in_o exercise_n the_o grace_n of_o joy_n as_o be_v clear_a rom._n 15.13_o now_o the_o god_n of_o hope_n fill_v you_o with_o all_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v so_o that_o you_o see_v the_o proper_a fruit_n of_o faith_n be_v joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o certain_o do_v we_o believe_v more_o we_o shall_v rejoice_v more_o seven_o and_o last_o faith_n keep_v in_o exercise_n the_o grace_n of_o hope_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o hope_n to_o be_v in_o lively_a exercise_n except_o faith_n once_o be_v exercise_v which_o may_v be_v a_o shame_n unto_o you_o for_o how_o can_v we_o hope_v to_o attain_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v promise_v except_o our_o faith_n first_o close_n with_o the_o promise_n so_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o hope_n the_o grace_n of_o faith_n close_v with_o the_o promise_n but_o the_o grace_n of_o hope_n it_o closeâ—_n with_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v promise_v iv_o there_o be_v this_o four_o consideration_n thâ—…_n may_v speak_v out_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o grace_n 〈◊〉_d faith_n it_o be_v that_o grace_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a do_v attain_v to_o most_o divine_a fellowship_n and_o constant_a correspondency_n with_o heaven_n will_v that_o have_v that_o question_n resolve_v and_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o best_a way_n not_o to_o stir_v up_o our_o belove_a nor_o awake_v he_o until_o he_o please_v it_o be_v this_o be_v much_o in_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o ephes_n 3.17_o that_o christ_n may_v dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o other_o grace_n christ_n be_v buâ—_n a_o sojourner_n that_o turn_v aside_o to_o tarry_v but_o for_o 〈◊〉_d night_n but_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o grace_n he_o come_v to_o take_v up_o house_n with_o we_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o faith_n be_v it_o be_v a_o
betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o believer_n faith_n be_v indeed_o a_o unite_n grace_n and_o that_o which_o knit_v the_o member_n to_o the_o head_n and_o to_o make_v this_o more_o full_o appear_v we_o will_v point_v out_o a_o little_a what_o a_o sweet_a harmony_n and_o correspondency_n there_o be_v betwixt_o these_o two_o sister-grace_n to_o wit_n faith_n and_o love_n faith_n be_v that_o nail_n which_o fasten_v the_o soul_n to_o christ_n and_o love_n be_v that_o grace_n which_o drive_v that_o nail_n to_o the_o head_n faith_n at_o first_o take_v but_o a_o tender_a grip_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o love_n come_v in_o and_o make_v the_o soul_n take_v a_o more_o sure_a grip_n of_o he_o second_o you_o may_v see_v their_o harmony_n in_o this_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n which_o take_v hold_v as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o garment_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o word_n but_o love_n that_o ambitious_a grace_n it_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o heart_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o it_o be_v his_o heart_n do_v melt_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o love_n three_o it_o may_v be_v see_v in_o this_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n which_o draw_v the_o first_o draught_n of_o the_o likeness_n and_o image_n of_o christ_n upon_o a_o soul_n but_o that_o accomplish_v grace_n of_o love_n it_o do_v complete_a these_o first_o draught_n and_o these_o imperfect_a lineament_n of_o christ_n image_n which_o be_v first_o draw_v on_o the_o soul_n four_o by_o faith_n and_o love_n the_o heart_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o believer_n be_v so_o unite_v that_o they_o be_v no_o more_o two_o but_o one_o spirit_n 2._o there_o be_v this_o second_o act_n that_o faith_n exercise_v on_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v in_o discover_v the_o matchless_a excellency_n and_o the_o transcendent_a property_n of_o jesus_n christ_n o_o what_o large_a and_o precious_a commentary_n do_v faith_n make_v upon_o christ_n it_o be_v indeed_o that_o faithful_a spy_n which_o do_v always_o bring_v up_o a_o good_a report_n of_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o faith_n be_v call_v understanding_n coloss_n 2.2_o because_o it_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o reveal_v much_o of_o the_o precious_a truth_n of_o that_o noble_a object_n 3._o and_o there_o be_v this_o three_o noble_a act_n of_o faith_n exercise_v itself_o upon_o christ_n viz._n it_o make_v christ_n precious_a to_o the_o soul_n according_a to_o that_o word_n 1._o pet._n 2.7_o unto_o you_o which_o believe_v he_o be_v precious_a and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o thing_n to_o speak_v forth_o its_o worth_n but_o that_o it_o be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a for_o no_o doubt_n this_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o high_a house_n to_o be_v dwell_v on_o the_o contemplation_n of_o christ_n beauty_n and_o to_o have_v their_o soul_n transport_v with_o love_n towards_o he_o and_o with_o joy_n in_o he_o reason_n and_o amazement_n be_v seldom_o companion_n but_o here_o they_o do_v sweet_o join_v together_o first_o a_o christian_n love_v christ_n because_o of_o christ_n act_n and_o then_o he_o love_v all_o these_o act_n because_o they_o come_v from_o christ_n 2._o now_o second_o this_o point_v out_o the_o precious_a excellency_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o be_v most_o my_o sterious_a and_o sublime_a in_o its_o act_n it_o have_v a_o more_o divine_a and_o sublime_a way_n of_o act_v then_o any_o other_o grace_n hence_o it_o be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n which_o speak_v this_o that_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v mystery_n to_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o i_o shall_v only_o point_v at_o these_o thing_n which_o may_v speak_v out_o the_o mysterious_a act_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n 1._o faith_n can_v believe_v and_o fix_v itself_o on_o a_o word_n of_o promise_n although_o sense_n reason_n and_o probability_n seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o promise_n i'faith_o it_o walk_v not_o by_o the_o low_a dictate_v of_o sense_n and_o reason_n but_o by_o a_o high_a rule_n to_o wit_n the_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n which_o be_v clear_a from_o rom._n 4.19_o where_o abraham_n believe_v the_o promise_n notwithstanding_o that_o sense_n and_o reason_n seem_v to_o contradict_v it_o he_o consider_v not_o the_o deadness_n of_o his_o own_o body_n neither_o the_o barrenness_n of_o sarahs_n womb_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o it_o be_v cleâ—…_n from_o heb._n 11.29.30_o where_o faith_n believe_v their_o pass_n through_o the_o red_a sea_n upon_o dry_a ground_n which_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n i'faith_o be_v lieve_v the_o fall_n down_o of_o the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n bâ—_n the_o blow_n of_o ram_n horn_n which_o thing_n be_v most_o impossible_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n for_o sense_n will_v of_o ten-times_o cry_v out_o all_o man_n be_v liar_n and_o reasoâ—_n will_v say_v how_o can_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v and_o yet_o that_o he_o roick_a grace_n of_o faith_n cry_v out_o have_v he_o spokeâ—_n it_o he_o will_v also_o do_v it_o have_v he_o say_v it_o then_o 〈◊〉_d shall_v come_v to_o pass_v 2._o faith_n can_v believe_v a_o word_n of_o promise_n notwithstanding_o that_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o contradict_v it_o as_o be_v clear_a in_o job_n who_o profess_v he_o will_v trust_v in_o god_n though_o he_o shall_v kiâ—…_n he_o and_o no_o doubt_n but_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n oâ—_n believe_v jacob_n he_o trust_v that_o that_o promise_n shall_v be_v accomplish_v that_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a though_o all_o the_o dispensation_n of_o goâ—_n which_o he_o do_v meet_v with_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o promise_n shall_v not_o be_v accomplish_v 3._o faith_n can_v believe_v a_o word_n of_o promise_n even_o when_o the_o command_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o promise_n this_o be_v cleaâ—_n in_o that_o singular_a instance_n of_o abraham_n faith_n that_o notwithstanding_o he_o be_v command_v to_o kill_v his_o promise_a seed_n upon_o who_o do_v depend_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n yet_o he_o believe_v that_o the_o promise_n shall_v be_v perform_v and_o though_o there_o be_v indeed_o extrordinary_a and_o strange_a trial_n of_o his_o faith_n as_o he_o have_v natural_a affection_n to_o wrestle_v with_o yet_o over_o the_o belly_n of_o all_o these_o believe_v abraham_n he_o give_v faith_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o bring_v his_o son_n isaac_n to_o the_o altar_n though_o he_o do_v receive_v he_o back_o again_o this_o be_v clear_a from_o heb._n 11.17.18.19_o 4._o faith_n can_v exercise_v itself_o upon_o the_o promise_n notwithstanding_o that_o callenge_v and_o conviction_n of_o unworthiness_n and_o guilt_n do_v wait_v on_o the_o christian_a this_o be_v clear_a 2_o sam._n 23.5_o that_o although_o his_o house_n be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n as_o do_v become_v yet_o he_o believe_v the_o promise_n as_o likewise_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o psal_n 65.3_o iniquity_n prevail_v against_o i_o and_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o interrupt_v his_o faith_n but_o he_o say_v as_o for_o our_o transgression_n thou_o shall_v purge_v they_o away_o and_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o noble_a and_o precious_a act_n of_o faith_n to_o believe_v notwithstanding_o of_o unanswerable_a challenge_n of_o guilt_n the_o best_a way_n both_o to_o crucify_v our_o idol_n and_o to_o answer_v those_o challenge_n be_v believe_v and_o hope_v against_o hope_n and_o close_v with_o christ_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o isa_n 64.6.7_o compare_v with_o ver_fw-la 8._o where_o after_o strange_a challenge_n the_o prophet_n have_v a_o strange_a word_n but_o now_o o_o lord_n thou_o be_v our_o father_n there_o be_v a_o emphasis_n in_o the_o word_n now_o for_o all_o this_o yet_o thou_o be_v now_o our_o father_n 5._o and_o last_o this_o point_v out_o the_o mysterious_a act_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n that_o it_o exercise_v itself_o upon_o a_o invisible_a object_n even_o upon_o christ_n not_o yet_o see_v according_a to_o that_o word_n 1_o pet._n 5.8_o who_o have_v not_o see_v yet_o you_o love_v in_o who_o though_o now_o you_o see_v he_o not_o yet_o believe_v 〈◊〉_d i_o pose_v the_o great_a part_n of_o you_o who_o be_v here_o whâ—ther_n or_o not_o these_o be_v two_o of_o the_o great_a paradoâ—…_n and_o mystery_n unto_o you_o for_o be_v not_o this_o a_o mâ—stery_n to_o love_v he_o who_o we_o never_o see_v who_o have_v not_o see_v yet_o you_o love_v to_o love_v a_o absent_a aâ—…_n unseen_a christ_n be_v a_o mystery_n to_o the_o most_o part_n of_o thâ—_n world_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o mystery_n to_o believe_v on_o his_o who_o we_o never_o see_v in_o who_o though_o you_o see_v hiâ—_n not_o yet_o believe_v and_o i_o shall_v add_v this_o that_o faiâ—…_n can_v hold_v fast_o its_o interest_n with_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o most_o
world_n without_o end_n and_o five_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n less_o will_v satisfy_v the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o hope_n then_o will_v satisfy_v the_o grace_n of_o love_n faith_n it_o will_v be_v content_a with_o the_o promise_n and_o hope_n will_v be_v content_a with_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v promise_v but_o that_o ambitious_a grace_n of_o love_n it_o will_v be_v only_o content_a with_o the_o promiser_n love_n clasp_v its_o arm_n about_o that_o precious_a and_o noble_a object_n jesus_n christ_n love_n be_v a_o suspicious_a grace_n it_o oftentimes_o cry_v forth_o they_o have_v take_v away_o my_o lord_n and_o i_o know_v not_o where_o they_o have_v lay_v he_o so_o that_o faith_n be_v oftentimes_o put_v to_o resolve_v suspicion_n of_o love_n i_o can_v compare_v these_o three_o grace_n to_o nothing_o so_o fit_o as_o to_o those_o three_o great_a worthy_n that_o david_n have_v these_o three_o grace_n they_o will_v break_v through_o all_o difficulty_n be_v it_o a_o host_n of_o philistine_n that_o so_o they_o may_v pleasure_n christ_n and_o may_v drink_v of_o the_o well_o of_o bethlehem_n that_o well_o of_o everlasting_a consolation_n that_o flow_v from_o beneath_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n love_n be_v like_o noah_n dove_n it_o never_o find_v rest_n for_o the_o sole_a of_o its_o foot_n until_o once_o it_o be_v within_o that_o ark_n that_o place_n of_o repose_n jesus_n christ_n and_o sixthly_a there_o be_v this_o last_o difference_n between_o they_o faith_n take_v hold_v upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o christ_n hope_n take_v hold_v upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o christ_n but_o love_v it_o take_v hold_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o christ_n and_o think_v you_o not_o it_o must_v be_v a_o pleasant_a and_o soul-refreshing_a exercise_n to_o be_v continual_o take_v up_o in_o embrace_v he_o that_o be_v that_o eternal_a admiration_n of_o angel_n must_v it_o not_o be_v a_o excellent_a life_n daily_o to_o be_v feed_v upon_o the_o fine_a of_o the_o wheat_n and_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o honey_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n o_o but_o heaven_n must_v be_v a_o pleasant_a place_n and_o if_o once_o we_o will_v but_o taste_v of_o the_o first_o ripe_a grape_n and_o a_o cluster_n of_o wine_n that_o grow_v in_o that_o pleasant_a land_n may_v we_o not_o be_v constrain_v to_o bring_v up_o a_o good_a report_n of_o it_o but_o now_o to_o come_v to_o that_o which_o i_o purpose_v main_o to_o speak_v of_o at_o this_o time_n the_o last_o thing_n concern_v faith_n that_o we_o propose_v from_o the_o word_n be_v the_o object_n upon_o which_o faith_n exercise_v itself_o which_o be_v here_o set_v down_o to_o be_v the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o we_o may_v speak_v to_o this_o more_o clear_o we_o shall_v first_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o the_o negative_a what_o thing_n be_v not_o the_o fit_a object_n of_o faith_n and_o then_o to_o the_o positive_a show_v how_o this_o name_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o son_n christ_n be_v that_o sure_a ground_n upon_o which_o a_o christian_a may_v pitch_v his_o faith_n for_o the_o first_o you_o must_v know_v that_o a_o christian_n be_v not_o to_o build_v his_o faith_n upon_o sense_n nor_o sensible_a enjoyment_n sense_n may_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o faith_n but_o it_o must_v not_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o that_o ofttimes_o cry_v out_o except_o i_o put_v my_o finger_n into_o the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o thrust_v my_o hand_n into_o the_o hole_n of_o his_o side_n i_o will_v not_o believe_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o mystery_n unto_o the_o most_o part_n of_o we_o to_o be_v exercise_v faith_n upon_o a_o naked_a word_n of_o promise_n abstract_v from_o sense_n to_o love_v a_o absent_a christ_n and_o to_o believe_v on_o a_o absent_a christ_n be_v the_o two_o great_a mystery_n of_o christianity_n but_o that_o sense_n be_v no_o good_a foundation_n for_o faith_n may_v appear_v 1._o that_o faith_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o fence_n be_v a_o most_o unconstant_a a_o most_o fluctuate_a and_o transient_a faith_n i_o know_v sense_n have_v its_o fit_n of_o love_n and_o as_o it_o be_v have_v its_o fit_n of_o faith_n sometime_o sense_n be_v sick_a of_o love_n and_o sometime_o sense_n be_v strong_a in_o faith_n but_o ere_o six_o hour_n go_v about_o sense_n may_v be_v sick_a of_o jealousy_n and_o sick_a of_o misbelife_n as_o you_o will_v see_v from_o psal_n 30.6.7_o sense_n that_o bold_a thing_n it_o will_v instant_o cry_v out_o my_o mountain_n stand_v strong_a i_o shall_v never_o be_v move_v but_o behold_v how_o soon_o it_o change_v its_o note_n thou_o hide_v thy_o face_n and_o i_o be_v trouble_v at_o one_o time_n it_o will_v cry_v forth_o who_o be_v like_a unto_o he_o that_o pardon_v iniquity_n and_o that_o pass_v over_o transgression_n but_o ere_o many_o hour_n go_v about_o it_o will_v sing_v a_o long_a upon_o another_o key_n and_o cry_v out_o why_o be_v thou_o become_v unto_o i_o as_o a_o liar_n and_o as_o water_n that_o fail_v 2._o that_o faith_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o sense_n it_o want_v the_o promise_n of_o blessedness_n for_o this_o be_v annex_v to_o believe_v that_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o word_n according_a to_o that_o in_o john_n 20.29_o bless_a be_v those_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v nor_o have_v that_o faith_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o sense_n such_o a_o solid_a joy_n wait_v on_o it_o as_o faith_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o naked_a word_n of_o promise_n as_o may_v be_v clear_v from_o that_o word_n 1._o pet._n 1.8_o where_o faith_n exercise_v itself_o upon_o christ_n not_o see_v make_v a_o christian_n to_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n 〈◊〉_d joy_n that_o do_v not_o attend_v believe_v found_v upon_o sense_n 3._o that_o faith_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o sense_n 〈◊〉_d give_v not_o much_o glory_n to_o god_n for_o faith_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o sense_n it_o exalt_v not_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n it_o exalt_v not_o the_o omnipotency_n of_o god_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o be_v the_o divinity_n of_o sense_n let_v i_o see_v and_o then_o i_o will_v believe_v but_o it_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v upon_o trust_n and_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v in_o his_o holiness_n and_o in_o effect_n faith_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o sense_n be_v no_o faith_n even_o as_o rom_n 8._o hope_v that_o be_v see_v be_v no_o hope_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o lord_n see_v a_o christian_a make_v sense_n a_o idol_n that_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v but_o when_o he_o see_v or_o feel_v this_o do_v often_o provoke_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o that_o christian_a and_o to_o deny_v he_o the_o sweet_a influence_n of_o heaven_n and_o those_o consolation_n that_o be_v above_o so_o that_o in_o a_o instant_n he_o have_v both_o his_o sense_n and_o his_o faith_n to_o seek_v 2._o a_o christian_a be_v not_o to_o make_v his_o grace_n the_o object_n of_o his_o faith_n that_o be_v when_o a_o christian_a do_v behold_v love_n burn_v within_o he_o when_o he_o do_v be_v hold_v influence_n to_o prayer_n increase_v and_o mortification_n wax_v strong_a he_o be_v not_o to_o build_v his_o faith_n upon_o they_o this_o be_v condemn_v in_o the_o church_n ezek._n 16.14_o compare_v with_o the_o 15._o verse_n i_o make_v thou_o perfect_a with_o my_o comeliness_n but_o the_o use_n that_o thou_o do_v make_v of_o it_o thou_o do_v put_v thy_o trust_n in_o thy_o beauty_n and_o then_o thou_o do_v play_v the_o harlot_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o grace_n when_o it_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o do_v provoke_v god_n to_o blast_v the_o lively_a exercise_n thereof_o and_o to_o make_v a_o christian_a oft_o time_n have_v that_o complaint_n woe_n to_o i_o my_o leanness_n my_o leanness_n testify_v to_o my_o face_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o three_o great_a mystery_n in_o christianity_n about_o grace_n the_o first_o be_v to_o ride_v march_n between_o these_o two_o not_o to_o deny_v what_o they_o have_v and_o yet_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o what_o they_o have_v many_o time_n there_o be_v grace-denying_a and_o not_o self-denying_a but_o this_o be_v that_o we_o will_v press_v upon_o you_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o grace_n according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v record_v of_o moses_n his_o face_n do_v shine_v and_o he_o know_v it_o not_o he_o do_v misken_fw-mi it_o as_o it_o be_v and_o be_v not_o at_o all_o puff_v up_o with_o it_o for_o so_o the_o word_n we_o conceive_v may_v run_v second_o it_o be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v deny_v to_o his_o self-denial_n to_o be_v humble_a in_o his_o be_v humble_a for_o if_o pride_n
for_o that_o end_n that_o it_o may_v be_v communicate_v unto_o all_o his_o member_n and_o so_o out_o of_o his_o fullness_n we_o shall_v receive_v and_o grace_n for_o grace_n but_o second_o the_o text_n hold_v more_o particular_o this_o excellent_a object_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v tâ—…_n name_n of_o his_o son_n that_o you_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n 〈◊〉_d his_o son_n and_o here_o indeed_o we_o may_v be_v at_o a_o stand_n it_o be_v long_o since_o agar_n do_v non_fw-la plus_fw-la all_o the_o woâ—…_n with_o that_o question_n what_o be_v his_o name_n and_o whâ—…_n be_v his_o son_n name_v if_o thou_o can_v tell_v o_o how_o little_a a_o thing_n can_v be_v know_v of_o he_o and_o o_o how_o brutish_a be_v this_o generation_n that_o know_v so_o much_o less_o than_o may_v be_v know_v of_o he_o in_o such_o a_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o that_o we_o may_v speak_v a_o little_a according_a to_o our_o weak_a measure_n of_o faith_n as_o close_v with_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n his_o name_n be_v his_o glorious_a attribute_n by_o which_o he_o reveal_v so_o much_o of_o himself_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o poor_a mortal_n can_v take_v up_o we_o do_v show_v you_o before_o that_o there_o be_v three_o of_o these_o that_o be_v the_o main_a pillar_n 〈◊〉_d justify_v faith_n faithfulness_n omnipotency_n aâ—…_n his_o infinite_a love_n and_o mercy_n and_o how_o from_o theâ—…_n may_v be_v answer_v all_o the_o objection_n of_o sense_n oâ—_n carnal_a reason_n and_o of_o misbelief_n arise_v from_o conviction_n of_o unworthiness_n and_o certain_a it_o be_v thaâ—_n faith_n in_o all_o its_o conflict_n make_v much_o use_n of_o thâ—_n name_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v not_o a_o object_n thaâ—_n a_o poor_a tempt_v soul_n can_v make_v but_o faith_n can_v frame_v a_o answer_n to_o it_o out_o of_o some_o of_o these_o excelleâ—…_n name_n of_o god_n or_o of_o his_o son_n christ_n it_o woulâ—_n be_v a_o more_o longsome_a work_n than_o i_o intend_v to_o leâ—_n you_o see_v this_o in_o all_o but_o i_o shall_v only_o instance_n thaâ—_n in_o one_o glorious_a name_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o proclaim_v his_o glory_n exod._n 34._o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n keep_v mercy_n for_o â—…usands_n forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_v the_o guilty_a etc._n etc._n think_v there_o be_v seven_o ordinary_a objection_n which_o â—ay_v be_v answer_v from_o that_o place_n first_o it_o be_v a_o â—dinary_a objection_n which_o misbeliever_n do_v make_v â—hat_n they_o be_v under_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o corruption_n that_o they_o be_v black_a as_o the_o tent_n of_o kedar_n and_o not_o beautiful_a as_o the_o curtain_n of_o solomon_n and_o do_v not_o the_o first_o letter_n of_o that_o name_n anâ—ner_n this_o that_o he_o be_v a_o merciful_a lord_n the_o one_o import_v his_o ability_n to_o save_v and_o to_o bring_v down_o every_o high_a imagination_n the_o other_o import_v be_v infinite_a delight_n to_o help_v those_o that_o have_v no_o rength_n and_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o adverâ—ries_n the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v of_o no_o large_a exâ—nt_n than_o this_o love_n there_o be_v that_o second_o objection_n of_o misbelief_n that_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o comâ—end_v we_o to_o christ_n but_o all_o that_o we_o have_v to_o boast_v of_o be_v infirmity_n and_o imperfection_n and_o this_o â—s_n abundant_o answer_v from_o that_o second_o letter_n 〈◊〉_d his_o name_n that_o he_o be_v gracious_a which_o imporâ—…th_v the_o freedom_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o love_n â—hat_n he_o walk_v not_o with_o we_o according_a to_o that_o â—…le_n of_o merit_n but_o according_a to_o that_o golden_a and_o excellent_a rule_n of_o love_n it_o be_v a_o great_a dispute_n whether_o mercy_n or_o grace_n be_v the_o great_a wonder_n whether_o â—he_v love_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o freedom_n of_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mystery_n sure_a both_o these_o put_v together_o â—ake_v up_o a_o matchless_a wonder_n three_o misbelief_n will_v object_v that_o we_o have_v forsake_v he_o day_n without_o number_n and_o that_o we_o can_v trace_v bâ—…_n our_o apostasy_n unto_o the_o first_o day_n of_o its_o rise_n and_o not_o that_o abundant_o answer_v from_o that_o letter_n 〈◊〉_d his_o name_n that_o he_o be_v long-suffering_a this_o beâ—…_n that_o glorious_a attribute_n in_o god_n the_o glory_n of_o whâ—…_n he_o defire_v to_o magnify_v above_o all_o his_o name_n four_o misbelief_n do_v ordinary_o propose_v this_o objection_n that_o we_o have_v multiply_v our_o transgression_n and_o have_v commit_v whoordome_n under_o every_o grâ—…_n tree_n and_o have_v give_v gift_n to_o our_o lover_n even_o â—…ring_v our_o idol_n so_o that_o we_o may_v take_v up_o that_o 〈◊〉_d mentation_n be_v not_o our_o sin_n great_a and_o our_o transgresion_n infinite_a and_o be_v not_o this_o also_o answer_v 〈◊〉_d that_o letter_n of_o his_o name_n that_o he_o be_v abundant_a goodness_n that_o though_o sin_n abound_v in_o we_o that_o grace_n do_v much_o more_o superabound_a in_o he_o wâ—_n confess_v indeed_o that_o there_o be_v some_o that_o may_v wâ—…_n under_o that_o condition_n that_o if_o they_o have_v no_o othâ—…_n exercise_v throughout_o eternity_n but_o to_o make_v confession_n they_o may_v confess_v and_o never_o maâ—…_n any_o needless_a repetition_n and_o true_o in_o some_o 〈◊〉_d spect_v it_o be_v a_o mercy_n that_o we_o be_v mystery_n unto_o 〈◊〉_d self_n for_o if_o we_o do_v know_v complete_o the_o seuâ—_n abomination_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o these_o mysteriâ—…_n act_n of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n we_o will_v be_v in_o 〈◊〉_d zard_z to_o choose_v strangle_v and_o death_n rather_o 〈◊〉_d life_n yet_o may_v not_o one_o glimpse_n of_o that_o abundaâ—_n goodness_n satisfy_v we_o and_o calm_v the_o storm_n fiftâ—ty_n say_v misbelief_n we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v brokâ—_n our_o vow_n and_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o that_o 〈◊〉_d these_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v take_v on_o have_v beâ—…_n but_o as_o flax_n before_o the_o fire_n of_o temptation_n so_o tâ—…_n â—e_v have_v no_o hope_n that_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o â—hose_fw-mi that_o have_v break_v wedlock_n and_o have_v not_o see_v steadfast_a in_o his_o covenant_n but_o be_v not_o that_o â—undantly_o answer_v from_o that_o letter_n of_o his_o name_n that_o he_o be_v abundant_a in_o truth_n which_o speak_v that_o that_o though_o we_o deny_v ourselves_o yet_o he_o abide_v faithful_a and_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o word_n that_o have_v go_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n it_o be_v the_o infinite_a blessedness_n of_o man_n that_o though_o he_o be_v changeable_a yet_o they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o one_o that_o be_v a_o unchangeable_a be_v six_o there_o be_v that_o objection_n that_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v matter_n of_o encouragement_n to_o some_o yet_o they_o know_v â—ot_n whither_o or_o not_o the_o lot_n of_o everlasting_a love_n have_v fall_v upon_o they_o and_o whether_o their_o name_n â—e_v in_o the_o ancient_a record_n of_o heaven_n but_o this_o be_v answer_v from_o that_o letter_n of_o his_o name_n he_o keeâ—eth_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o which_o show_v we_o that_o great_a number_n of_o those_o upon_o who_o the_o lot_n of_o everlasting_a love_n shall_v fall_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o â—entence_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n this_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a matter_n of_o a_o song_n and_o may_v make_v we_o cry_v â—ut_v who_o be_v like_a unto_o he_o who_o compassion_n have_v â—o_o end_n and_o who_o desire_v to_o magnify_v his_o mercy_n â—…ove_v all_o his_o work_n and_o last_o misbelief_n make_v his_o objection_n they_o have_v sin_v not_o only_o against_o â—ight_n not_o only_o against_o vow_n not_o only_o after_o much_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n but_o even_o after_o the_o application_n 〈◊〉_d threaten_n so_o that_o they_o conceive_v that_o their_o â—aker_n will_v not_o have_v mercy_n upon_o such_o yet_o this_o be_v â—ally_o answer_v likewise_o from_o that_o letter_n of_o his_o name_n he_o forgive_v transgression_n iniquity_n and_o sin_n which_o three_o word_n do_v abundant_o speak_v forth_o that_o there_o be_v no_o transgression_n which_o he_o will_v noâ—_n pardon_v there_o be_v but_o one_o particular_a amongâ—…_n all_o that_o innumerable_a number_n of_o sin_n which_o loâ—geth_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o fall_v man_n that_o he_o declare_v unpardonable_a and_o there_o be_v none_o of_o our_o disease_n 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v above_o the_o infinite_a art_n of_o love_n and_o concern_v which_o we_o can_v take_v up_o that_o complaint_n there_o be_v no_o balm_n in_o gilead_n and_o there_o be_v no_o i_o hysician_n there_o and_o though_o providence_n may_v muster_v up_o many_o impossibility_n yet_o let_v faith_n take_v the_o promise_n in_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o impossibility_n in_o the_o
other_o and_o desire_v god_n to_o reconcile_v they_o that_o if_o we_o can_v see_v any_o connexion_n between_o providence_n and_o the_o word_n yet_o may_v we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o omnipotency_n of_o god_n that_o can_v make_v thing_n that_o be_v seem_v contrary_a sweet_o agree_v together_o the_o commentary_n will_v never_o destroy_v the_o text_n noâ—_n providence_n will_v never_o destroy_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o let_v i_o give_v you_o this_o advice_n that_o those_o objection_n of_o misbelief_n which_o you_o can_v answer_v and_o in_o a_o manner_n put_v you_o to_o a_o non_fw-la plus_fw-la and_o when_o you_o have_v look_v over_o all_o the_o name_n of_o god_n you_o can_v find_v a_o answer_n to_o they_o slight_v they_o and_o cover_v they_o as_o we_o have_v often_o tell_v you_o wâ—_n the_o practice_n of_o believe_v abraham_n rom._n 4.19_o where_o that_o strong_a objection_n of_o misbelief_n appear_v before_o his_o eye_n the_o deadness_n of_o his_o body_n aâ—_n the_o barrenness_n of_o sarahs_n womb_n it_o be_v record_v 〈◊〉_d he_o he_o consider_v not_o these_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d have_v a_o divine_a transition_n from_o the_o objection_n 〈◊〉_d misbelief_n to_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v cleâ—…_n from_o matth._n 15.25.26_o where_o that_o strong_a objection_n of_o misbelief_n be_v propose_v against_o that_o woman_n that_o she_o be_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o christ_n commission_n she_o have_v a_o noble_a way_n of_o answer_v with_o this_o lord_n have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o and_o if_o so_o we_o may_v speak_v faith_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o divine_a impertinency_n in_o answer_v the_o objection_n of_o misbelief_n or_o rather_o a_o holy_a slight_n of_o they_o that_o gain_v the_o victory_n when_o cavil_v with_o temptation_n will_v not_o do_v it_o the_o like_a also_o may_v be_v instance_a in_o his_o son_n name_n o_o how_o glorious_a title_n be_v give_v to_o that_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o that_o plant_n of_o renown_n upon_o which_o the_o weak_a faith_n may_v cast_v anchor_n and_o ride_v out_o the_o great_a storm_n i_o shall_v not_o detain_v you_o long_o on_o this_o subject_n but_o this_o we_o will_v have_v you_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o straint_n or_o difficulty_n that_o a_o christian_n can_v be_v expose_v unto_o but_o there_o be_v some_o name_n or_o attribute_v of_o christ_n that_o may_v sweet_o answer_v that_o difficulty_n and_o make_v up_o that_o disadvantage_n be_v a_o christian_n expose_v unto_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n in_o a_o present_a world_n let_v he_o comfort_v himself_o in_o this_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o shadow_n of_o a_o great_a rock_n in_o a_o weary_a land_n be_v a_o christian_a under_o inward_a anxiety_n and_o vexation_n of_o mind_n let_v he_o comfort_v himself_o in_o this_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o of_o all_o consolation_n be_v a_o christian_a under_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n of_o spirit_n let_v he_o comfort_v himself_o in_o this_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o be_v the_o eternal_a wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v a_o christian_a under_o the_o conviction_n of_o this_o that_o he_o be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o his_o lust_n let_v he_o comfort_v himself_o in_o this_o that_o christ_n be_v redemption_n yea_o that_o i_o stay_v no_o long_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o christian_n can_v have_v a_o necessity_n that_o he_o can_v not_o find_v a_o name_n in_o christ_n to_o answer_v it_o he_o may_v lawful_o frame_v a_o name_n to_o christ_n out_o of_o any_o promise_n in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o he_o shall_v find_v it_o forthcoming_a for_o the_o relieve_n and_o make_v up_o of_o that_o necessity_n god_n will_v not_o disappoint_v his_o expectation_n there_o be_v yet_o one_o thing_n further_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o shall_v desire_v you_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o faith_n close_v with_o its_o noble_a object_n and_o its_o rest_v on_o he_o and_o this_o we_o conceive_v may_v be_v excellent_o take_v up_o by_o our_o consider_v of_o the_o many_o several_a name_n that_o faith_n get_v in_o scripture_n beyond_o any_o other_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v call_v look_v isai_n 45.22_o look_v unto_o i_o it_o be_v call_v abide_v in_o christ_n john_n 15.4_o abide_v in_o i_o it_o be_v call_v a_o keep_a silence_n unto_o god_n psal_n 37.7_o my_o soul_n trust_v in_o god_n or_o as_o the_o word_n be_v in_o the_o original_n my_o soul_n be_v silent_a unto_o god_n and_o that_o in_o psal_n 62.1_o my_o soul_n wait_v or_o as_o the_o word_n be_v true_o my_o soul_n be_v silent_a unto_o god_n likewise_o faith_n be_v call_v a_o lean_v psal_n 7.15_o i_o have_v lean_v upon_o thou_o from_o my_o mother_n womb_n i'faith_o it_o be_v call_v a_o eat_n of_o christ_n flesh_n john_n 6.53_o i'faith_o it_o be_v call_v a_o cast_n of_o our_o burden_n upon_o god_n psal_n 55.22_o cast_v your_o burden_n upon_o god_n and_o faith_n it_o be_v call_v a_o come_n unto_o god_n matth._n 11.28_o and_o according_a to_o these_o different_a name_n there_o be_v seven_o noble_a property_n and_o matchless_a difference_n of_o this_o grace_n of_o faith_n the_o first_o be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o grace_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a do_v enjoy_v much_o communion_n with_o god_n hence_o it_o be_v call_v a_o look_v which_o import_v that_o faith_n be_v a_o continual_a contemplation_n of_o the_o immortal_a soul_n upon_o that_o precious_a and_o excellent_a object_n jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v that_o second_o property_n of_o faith_n that_o it_o be_v that_o grace_n by_o which_o a_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v maintain_v hence_o it_o be_v call_v a_o abide_n in_o god_n it_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o make_v christ_n and_o the_o believer_n to_o dwell_v together_o the_o three_o property_n of_o faith_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o submissive_a grace_n hence_o it_o be_v call_v a_o keep_a silence_n unto_o god_n faith_n as_o it_o be_v know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o repine_v it_o be_v the_o noble_a excellency_n of_o faith_n it_o never_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o misconstruct_v christ_n it_o be_v the_o noble_a excellency_n of_o faith_n it_o never_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o pass_v a_o evil_a report_n upon_o christ_n i'faith_o it_o will_v promise_v good_a thing_n to_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o dark_a night_n for_o when_o love_n ask_v faith_n that_o question_n isai_n 21.11.12_o watchman_n what_o of_o the_o night_n watchman_n what_o of_o the_o night_n or_o when_o shall_v the_o morning_n break_v faith_n answer_v it_o with_o the_o word_n that_o follow_v only_o a_o little_a invert_v the_o order_n the_o night_n come_v and_o also_o the_o morning_n the_o morning_n be_v approach_v that_o admit_v of_o no_o follow_a night_n there_o be_v that_o four_o property_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o grace_n that_o keep_v a_o christian_a in_o perseverance_n by_o its_o build_n upon_o the_o rock_n hence_o it_o be_v call_v a_o lean_v upon_o god_n for_o a_o christian_a by_o faith_n do_v perpetual_o join_v himself_o to_o christ_n so_o that_o whatever_o trouble_n he_o be_v cast_v into_o by_o faith_n he_o come_v up_o out_o of_o that_o wilderness_n lean_v upon_o his_o belove_a and_o by_o faith_n he_o be_v lead_v up_o to_o the_o rock_n that_o be_v high_a than_o he_o where_o he_o may_v sit_v in_o saftey_n and_o even_o laugh_v at_o death_n and_o destruction_n when_o assail_a he_o there_o be_v that_o five_o property_n of_o faith_n that_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n that_o bring_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o a_o christian_a by_o a_o close_a and_o particular_a application_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o nowrishment_n of_o the_o soul_n hence_o it_o be_v call_v a_o eat_n of_o the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v three_o sense_n that_o faith_n satisfi_v faith_n satisfer_v the_o sense_n of_o sight_n it_o satisfi_v the_o sense_n of_o taste_n and_o it_o satisfi_v the_o sense_n of_o touch_n faith_n will_v make_v a_o christian_a handle_n that_o eternal_a word_n of_o life_n faith_n will_v make_v a_o christian_a see_v that_o noble_a plant_n of_o renown_n and_o faith_n will_v make_v a_o christian_a taste_n and_o see_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v and_o no_o doubt_n those_o that_o have_v once_o satisfy_v their_o sight_n they_o will_v be_v longing_n to_o satisfy_v their_o taste_n there_o be_v that_o six_o property_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o give_v rest_n unto_o a_o christian_a hence_o it_o be_v call_v a_o cast_n of_o our_o burden_n upon_o he_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n give_v unto_o christ_n that_o unsupportable_a yoke_n of_o our_o iniquity_n and_o take_v from_o christ_n that_o easy_a