most_o lamentable_a cross_n that_o ever_o he_o have_v as_o be_v clear_a psal_n 13.3_o lighten_v my_o eye_n say_v david_n that_o be_v let_v i_o behold_v and_o be_v satisfy_v with_o thy_o face_n and_o the_o motive_n that_o he_o back_v it_o with_o be_v this_o lest_o i_o sleep_v the_o sleep_n of_o death_n david_n think_v himself_o a_o dead_a man_n if_o christ_n do_v withdraw_v his_o presence_n from_o he_o also_o it_o be_v clear_a cant._n 3.1_o compare_v with_o the_o follow_a verse_n where_o absence_n from_o christ_n and_o want_v of_o communion_n with_o he_o be_v the_o great_a across_o the_o spouse_n have_v and_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o john_n 20.11.12.13_o where_o mary_n have_v a_o holy_a disdain_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o respect_n and_o comparison_n of_o christ_n but_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o a_o hypocrite_n do_v most_o lament_n and_o that_o be_v the_o want_n of_o reputation_n among_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v the_o great_a god_n and_o idol_n among_o hypocrite_n and_o thou_o which_o when_o not_o enjoy_v hypocrite_n and_o atheist_n lament_v most_o the_o world_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o their_o eye_n when_o they_o want_v these_o then_o they_o cry_v out_o they_o have_v take_v away_o my_o god_n and_o what_o have_v i_o more_o they_o think_v heaven_n can_v never_o make_v up_o he_o loss_n of_o earth_n and_o certain_o if_o many_o of_o we_o will_v examine_v ourselves_o by_o this_o we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o most_o defective_a i_o will_v pose_v all_o you_o who_o be_v here_o who_o have_v take_v on_o a_o name_n to_o be_v follower_n of_o christ_n whether_o or_o not_o you_o have_v be_v content_a to_o walk_v thirty_o day_n in_o absence_n from_o christ_n and_o yet_o never_o to_o lament_v it_o have_v not_o christ_n be_v thirty_o day_n and_o more_o in_o heaven_n without_o a_o visit_n from_o you_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o you_o have_v not_o clothe_v yourselves_o with_o sackcloth_n i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o total_a want_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n but_o it_o do_v eminent_o prove_v this_o that_o the_o person_n who_o have_v come_v this_o length_n have_v lose_v much_o of_o his_o primitive_a love_n and_o much_o of_o that_o high_a esteem_n which_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o matchless_a christ_n what_o can_v you_o find_v in_o this_o world_n that_o make_v you_o converse_v so_o little_a with_o heaven_n i_o think_v that_o it_o be_v the_o noble_a encouragement_n of_o a_o christian_a when_o he_o be_v go_v down_o to_o his_o grave_n that_o he_o have_v this_o where_n with_o to_o comfort_v himself_o i_o be_o to_o change_v my_o place_n but_o not_o my_o company_n death_n to_o the_o believe_a christian_n be_v a_o bless_a transition_n and_o transportation_n to_o a_o more_o immediate_a constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n but_o i_o believe_v that_o if_o all_o who_o have_v the_o name_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o generation_n shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n they_o may_v have_v this_o to_o say_v i_o be_o now_o not_o only_o to_o change_v my_o place_n but_o also_o my_o company_n for_o these_o seventy_o year_n i_o have_v be_v conversant_a with_o my_o idol_n but_o now_o i_o be_o to_o converse_v with_o more_o bless_a divine_a and_o excellent_a company_n o_o that_o you_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o pursue_v much_o after_o a_o absent_a christ_n be_v it_o not_o a_o sweet_a period_n of_o our_o life_n to_o breathe_v out_o our_o last_o breath_n in_o his_o arm_n and_o to_o be_v live_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o be_v eternal_o with_o he_o which_o may_v be_v found_v upon_o his_o word_n ii_o there_o be_v this_o second_o evidence_n of_o one_o that_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n they_o do_v endeavour_v to_o advance_v that_o necessary_a work_n of_o the_o mortification_n of_o their_o idol_n according_a to_o that_o word_n 1_o john_n 3.3_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a act_n 15.9_o i'faith_o it_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o concern_v this_o evidence_n lest_o any_o shall_v mistake_v it_o i_o will_v say_v these_o thing_n to_o you_o first_o the_o mortification_n of_o a_o christian_a as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v here_o below_o it_o do_v more_o consist_v in_o resolution_n than_o in_o attainment_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v high_a attainment_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o mortification_n of_o his_o idol_n but_o his_o resolution_n go_v far_o above_o his_o performance_n second_o we_o will_v say_v this_o that_o those_o christian_n who_o never_o come_v this_o length_n in_o christianity_n to_o make_v that_o a_o universal_a conclusion_n and_o full_a resolution_n what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v any_o more_o with_o idol_n they_o may_v suspect_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o faith_n for_o a_o chrâ—stian_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v universal_a in_o resolution_n though_o he_o be_v not_o so_o in_o practice_n but_o defective_a in_o performance_n a_o christian_a may_v have_v big_a resolution_n with_o weak_a performance_n for_o resolution_n will_v be_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n before_o practise_v come_v from_o the_o border_n of_o hell_n there_o be_v a_o long_a distance_n betwixt_o resolution_n and_o practice_n and_o the_o one_o much_o swift_a than_o the_o other_o and_o three_o we_o will_v likewise_o say_v that_o you_o who_o never_o do_v know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o endeavour_v by_o prayer_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o other_o duty_n the_o mortification_n of_o your_o lust_n and_o idol_n you_o may_v be_v afraid_a that_o you_o have_v not_o yet_o the_o hope_n of_o see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o i_o will_v say_v this_o to_o many_o who_o be_v settle_v upon_o their_o lees_n and_o who_o never_o do_v know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o spend_v one_o hour_n in_o secret_a prayer_n for_o mortify_v a_o idol_n that_o they_o will_v beware_v lest_o that_o curse_n be_v pass_v in_o heaven_n against_o they_o i_o will_v have_v purge_v you_o and_o you_o will_v not_o be_v purge_v therefore_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v purge_v any_o more_o till_o you_o die_v that_o iniquity_n of_o refuse_v to_o commune_v with_o christ_n in_o the_o work_n of_o â—_o ecret_a mortification_n i_o say_v that_o iniquity_n shall_v not_o be_v purge_v away_o and_o we_o will_v once_o serious_o desire_v you_o by_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n that_o christ_n shall_v pass_v against_o you_o and_o by_o the_o love_n you_o have_v to_o your_o immortal_a soul_n and_o by_o the_o pain_n of_o those_o everlasting_a torment_n in_o hell_n that_o you_o will_v serious_o set_v about_o the_o work_n of_o spiritual_a mortification_n that_o so_o you_o may_v evidence_n that_o you_o have_v believe_v and_o that_o you_o have_v the_o soul-comforting_a hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n i_o will_v only_o speak_v this_o one_o word_n to_o you_o and_o desire_v you_o serious_o to_o ponder_v it_o what_o if_o within_o twelve_o hour_n hereafter_o a_o summons_n be_v give_v to_o you_o without_o continuation_n of_o day_n to_o compear_v before_o the_o solemn_a and_o dreadful_a tribunal_n of_o that_o impartial_a judge_n jesus_n christ_n what_o suppose_v you_o will_v be_v your_o thought_n will_v you_o examine_v your_o own_o conscience_n what_o you_o think_v will_v be_v your_o thought_n if_o such_o summons_n be_v give_v unto_o you_o i_o be_o persuade_v of_o this_o that_o your_o knee_n will_v smite_v one_o against_o another_o and_o your_o face_n will_v gather_v paleness_n see_v your_o conscience_n will_v condemn_v you_o that_o you_o have_v be_v weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n and_o find_v light_n o_o think_v you_o that_o you_o can_v both_o fight_v and_o triumph_v in_o one_o day_n think_v you_o that_o you_o can_v fight_v and_o overcome_v in_o one_o day_n think_v you_o your_o lust_n and_o unmortified_a corruption_n so_o weak_a and_o fainthearted_a a_o enemy_n that_o upon_o the_o first_o appearance_n of_o such_o imaginary_a champion_n as_o most_o part_n of_o we_o be_v in_o our_o own_o eye_n that_o your_o idol_n will_v lay_v down_o arm_n and_o let_v you_o trample_v on_o they_o believe_v i_o mortification_n be_v not_o a_o work_n of_o one_o day_n or_o one_o year_n but_o it_o be_v a_o work_n will_v serve_v you_o all_o your_o time_n begin_v as_o soon_o as_o you_o will_v and_o therefore_o see_v you_o have_v spend_v your_o day_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v time_n that_o now_o you_o will_v begin_v and_o pursue_v after_o he_o who_o work_n be_v with_o he_o and_o who_o reward_n shall_v come_v before_o he_o iii_o now_o there_o be_v this_o three_o evidence_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a may_v know_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o not_o &_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n be_v matchless_a and_o incomparable_a unto_o such_o a_o one_o according_a to_o that_o word_n 1._o pet._n 1.7_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 there_o shall_v be_v summer_n and_o winter_n seed_n time_n and_o harvest_n night_n and_o day_n unto_o a_o christian_a a_o christian_a must_v have_v his_o night_n as_o well_o as_o his_o day_n he_o must_v once_o sow_v in_o tear_n before_o he_o reap_v in_o joy_n he_o must_v once_o go_v forth_o bear_v his_o precious_a seed_n before_o he_o can_v return_v bear_v his_o sheaf_n in_o his_o bosom_n and_o that_o this_o have_v influence_n upon_o our_o instability_n may_v be_v see_v from_o this_o that_o often_o a_o christian_a after_o his_o first_o close_v with_o christ_n he_o meet_v with_o desertion_n in_o point_n of_o tenderness_n in_o point_n of_o joy_n and_o in_o point_n of_o strength_n so_o that_o his_o corruption_n seem_v now_o to_o be_v awake_v more_o than_o former_o that_o he_o want_v those_o seem_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o which_o former_o he_o have_v and_o that_o much_o of_o his_o softness_n of_o his_o heart_n have_v now_o evanished_a which_o be_v clear_a somewhat_o from_o heb._n 10.32_o 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
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
they_o i_o will_v say_v this_o that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o will_v have_v ten_o desire_n for_o death_n when_o they_o will_v not_o have_v one_o for_o the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n but_o it_o be_v good_a for_o thou_o who_o be_v such_o to_o be_v desire_v the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n then_o shall_v thou_o be_v in_o a_o more_o suitable_a frame_n to_o desire_v to_o die_v 3._o some_o will_v have_v hearty_a desire_n to_o die_v and_o yet_o when_o death_n come_v they_o will_v be_v as_o unwilling_a to_o die_v as_o any_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v that_o some_o who_o have_v much_o desire_v to_o die_v when_o death_n come_v have_v cry_v out_o o_o spare_v a_o little_a that_o i_o may_v recover_v strength_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o a_o desire_n to_o die_v and_o death_n itself_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o desire_v to_o die_v but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a business_n to_o meet_v with_o death_n and_o to_o look_v it_o in_o the_o face_n when_o it_o come_v we_o think_v death_n ere_o it_o come_v near_o to_o we_o to_o be_v but_o child_n play_n but_o when_o we_o meet_v with_o it_o it_o make_v we_o change_v our_o thought_n for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a business_n to_o die_v quest._n 2._o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o desire_v to_o live_v when_o he_o be_v summon_v to_o die_v answ_n in_o some_o case_n be_v it_o lawful_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o desire_v to_o live_v even_o when_o he_o be_v summon_v to_o die_v which_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o david_n psal_n 39.13_o where_o he_o pray_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v spare_v he_o a_o little_a it_o be_v also_o clear_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o good_a hezekiah_n isai_n 38.3_o when_o he_o be_v command_v to_o set_v his_o house_n in_o order_n for_o he_o shall_v die_v and_o not_o live_v he_o cry_v forth_o remember_v now_o o_o lord_n how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n and_o hezekiah_n weep_v sore_o or_o as_o the_o word_n be_v in_o the_o original_a he_o weep_v with_o great_a weep_v but_o to_o guard_v this_o take_v these_o two_o caution_n caution_n 1._o thy_o desire_n to_o live_v when_o thou_o be_v summon_v to_o die_v shall_v not_o be_v peremptory_a but_o with_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o if_o it_o be_v his_o pleasure_n to_o remove_v thou_o present_o out_o of_o time_n thou_o shall_v be_v content_a to_o die_v caution_n 2._o thy_o desire_n to_o live_v shall_v have_v gracious_a principle_n and_o also_o a_o very_a gracious_a end_n as_o be_v most_o clear_a from_o david_n psalm_n 39.13_o where_o he_o say_v o_o spare_v i_o a_o little_a that_o i_o may_v recover_v my_o strength_n before_o i_o go_v from_o hence_o and_o be_v no_o more_o his_o desire_n to_o live_v be_v that_o he_o may_v have_v victory_n over_o his_o idol_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v my_o desire_n to_o live_v be_v that_o i_o may_v have_v strength_n to_o wrestle_v with_o and_o overcome_v my_o idol_n and_o without_o all_o controversy_n hezekiahs_n desire_n be_v a_o most_o precious_a and_o wellgrounded_n desire_v however_o i_o will_v say_v this_o unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o shall_v examine_v thy_o desire_n to_o live_v as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o as_o thy_o desire_n to_o die_v for_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o shun_v death_n if_o we_o can_v but_o he_o be_v that_o universal_a king_n unto_o who_o all_o of_o we_o must_v be_v subject_a ere_o long_o now_o in_o the_o word_n that_o be_v read_v unto_o you_o there_o be_v these_o six_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v clear_o observe_v from_o they_o first_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o true_a and_o infallible_a truth_n that_o all_o person_n shall_v once_o see_v death_n as_o be_v clear_a in_o these_o word_n who_o be_v he_o that_o live_v and_o shall_v not_o see_v death_n second_o that_o this_o truth_n that_o we_o shall_v once_o see_v death_n be_v not_o much_o believe_v or_o think_v 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be_v the_o day_n come_v when_o they_o shall_v see_v death_n and_o death_n shall_v take_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n six_o we_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o this_o from_o the_o context_n that_o the_o christian_n who_o be_v much_o in_o mind_v the_o brevity_n of_o his_o life_n will_v believe_v the_o certainty_n of_o his_o death_n the_o psalmist_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o shortness_n of_o his_o life_n in_o the_o precede_a verse_n and_o in_o this_o verse_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o death_n now_o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o thing_n observe_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v certain_a and_o most_o sure_a that_o we_o must_v all_o once_o die_v i_o hope_v there_o be_v none_o of_o you_o here_o who_o will_v deny_v it_o although_o i_o confess_v some_o few_o of_o you_o believe_v it_o yet_o say_v the_o woman_n of_o tekoah_n 2_o sam._n 14._o we_o must_v all_o die_v and_o be_v like_o water_n spill_v upon_o the_o ground_n that_o can_v be_v gather_v up_o again_o and_o god_n do_v not_o accept_v the_o person_n of_o any_o and_o job_n 30.13_o i_o know_v thou_o will_v bring_v i_o to_o death_n and_o to_o the_o house_n appoint_v for_o all_o live_n and_o it_o be_v very_o clear_a eccles_n 8.8_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o have_v power_n over_o the_o spirit_n to_o retain_v the_o spirit_n neither_o have_v he_o any_o power_n in_o the_o day_n of_o death_n and_o there_o be_v no_o discharge_n in_o that_o war_n neither_o shall_v wickedness_n deliver_v those_o that_o be_v give_v to_o it_o it_o be_v also_o clear_a heb_fw-mi 9.27_o it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v so_o it_o be_v most_o clear_a that_o we_o must_v die_v i_o remember_v of_o one_o philip_n king_n of_o macedonia_n who_o have_v one_o substitute_n for_o this_o very_a end_n to_o cry_v at_o his_o chamber-door_n every_o morning_n memento_n mori_fw-la memento_fw-la mori_fw-la momento_n mori_fw-la remember_v thou_o be_v to_o die_v and_o it_o be_v report_v to_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o noble_n of_o greece_n that_o in_o the_o day_n wherein_o their_o emperor_n be_v crown_v that_o they_o present_v a_o marble_n stonâ—_n unto_o he_o and_o he_o be_v inquire_v after_o what_o fashion_n he_o will_v have_v his_o tombstone_n make_v which_o practice_n speak_v this_o unto_o we_o that_o although_o these_o be_v most_o destitute_a of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v very_o mindful_a of_o death_n believe_v i_o death_n may_v surprise_v we_o before_o we_o be_v aware_a for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o we_o must_v die_v but_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o uncertain_a than_o the_o way_n how_o and_o the_o time_n when_o we_o shall_v die_v death_n will_v surprise_v some_o as_o it_o do_v abel_n in_o the_o open_a field_n gen._n 4.8_o death_n will_v surprise_v some_o as_o it_o do_v eglon_n in_o his_o parlour_n judge_n 3.21_o and_o death_n will_v surprise_v some_o as_o it_o do_v saul_n and_o jonathan_n in_o the_o flight_n 1_o sam._n 31._o now_o in_o speak_v unto_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v first_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o those_o advantage_n which_o attend_v those_o that_o live_v within_o continual_a fight_n of_o death_n second_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o some_o consideration_n to_o press_v you_o to_o prepare_v for_o death_n three_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o some_o direction_n to_o help_v you_o to_o prepare_v for_o death_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v proceed_v unto_o the_o second_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o we_o observe_v from_o the_o text_n and_o shall_v speak_v a_o few_o thing_n from_o it_o unto_o you_o and_o so_o come_v to_o a_o close_a for_o this_o time_n first_o then_o we_o conceive_v
the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n open_v up_o or_o some_o sermon_n concern_v faâ—…_n two_o whereof_o be_v not_o former_o print_v wherein_o the_o nature_n excellency_n and_o usefulness_n of_o that_o noble_a grace_n be_v much_o clear_v and_o the_o practice_n thereof_o most_o powerful_o press_v whereunto_o be_v add_v three_o other_o sermon_n two_o concern_v the_o great-salvation_n one_o of_o these_o not_o former_o print_v and_o a_o three_o concern_v death_n by_o that_o pious_a and_o worthy_a servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n mr._n andrew_n grace_n late_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o glasgow_n all_o these_o sermon_n be_v now_o careful_o revise_v and_o much_o correct_v john_n 3.18_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o because_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n glasgow_n print_v by_o robert_n saâ—…_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n 〈…〉_o christian_n reader_n among_o many_o weighty_a and_o soul_n pierce_v 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the_o school_n for_o a_o reprover_n of_o the_o sluggishness_n of_o his_o people_n that_o thereby_o the_o age_a may_v be_v the_o more_o ashamed_a and_o the_o young_a more_o afraid_a neither_o do_v we_o think_v that_o this_o be_v all_o but_o true_o when_o we_o consider_v what_o measure_n of_o grace_n gift_n and_o experience_n the_o lord_n do_v bestow_v upon_o so_o young_a a_o person_n and_o then_o with_o what_o humility_n self-denial_n gravity_n prudence_n diligence_n authority_n and_o moderation_n he_o be_v help_v to_o manage_v these_o talent_n during_o that_o short_a time_n of_o his_o ministry_n it_o may_v be_v just_o conceive_v that_o the_o lord_n bring_v he_o forth_o to_o be_v a_o great_a conviction_n even_o to_o many_o of_o we_o in_o the_o ministry_n who_o come_v into_o our_o master_n vineyard_n long_o before_o he_o and_o will_v go_v out_o behind_o he_o and_o indeed_o to_o we_o it_o look_v somewhat_o like_o the_o lord_n take_v up_o of_o the_o little_a child_n and_o set_v he_o 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that_o if_o we_o mistake_v not_o in_o less_o than_o two_o or_o three_o month_n time_n three_o or_o four_o impression_n be_v cast_v of_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o so_o imperfect_a and_o maim_a that_o howbeit_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o fresh_a remembrance_n of_o the_o worthy_a author_n his_o name_n make_v he_o very_o sweet_a to_o many_o especial_o those_o who_o have_v hear_v he_o preach_v yet_o the_o unsuitable_a dress_n wherein_o they_o appear_v and_o their_o mistake_n of_o the_o first_o writer_n they_o be_v hard_o liable_a to_o take_v up_o every_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v speak_v occasion_v diverse_a material_a fail_n in_o the_o sense_n beside_o lesser_a fault_n can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o trouble_n to_o those_o who_o be_v acquaint_v not_o only_o with_o the_o singular_a grace_n but_o part_n also_o of_o the_o eminent_a youth_n this_o give_v occasion_n to_o some_o friend_n to_o speak_v a_o little_a what_o way_n these_o prejudices_fw-la which_o both_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o author_n name_n may_v lie_v under_o by_o these_o uncorrect_a impression_n and_o find_v that_o the_o copy_n which_o by_o providence_n the_o worthy_a young_a gentlewoman_n who_o be_v his_o wife_n have_v lie_v by_o she_o though_o it_o be_v but_o note_n take_v from_o his_o mouth_n yet_o be_v the_o most_o correct_a that_o can_v be_v find_v and_o that_o it_o also_o do_v contain_v the_o whole_a purpose_n that_o have_v be_v preach_v upon_o the_o text_n yea_o the_o whole_a purpose_n concern_v faith_n that_o he_o have_v preach_v according_a to_o that_o method_n propose_v in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o sermon_n former_o publish_v this_o be_v undertake_v to_o be_v revise_v by_o some_o who_o albeit_o none_o of_o the_o fit_a for_o the_o employment_n yet_o rather_o or_o nothing_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o the_o business_n 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 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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 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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 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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
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
ladder_n that_o reach_v betwixt_o heaven_n and_o earth_n by_o the_o step_n of_o which_o a_o christian_n do_v daily_o go_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o converse_v with_o the_o high_a house_n faith_n be_v that_o grace_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v by_o which_o we_o have_v access_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o grace_n faith_n usher_v in_o the_o believer_n to_o the_o throne_n and_o without_o it_o he_o can_v have_v no_o access_n there_o nor_o joy_n when_o he_o be_v there_o v._o here_o be_v this_o advantage_n that_o attend_v the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n a_o believe_a christian_n be_v a_o pray_v christian_n according_a to_o that_o word_n in_o mark_n 9.24_o where_o these_o two_o be_v conjoin_v together_o lord_n i_o believe_v and_o then_o he_o fall_v to_o his_o prayer_n present_o after_o that_o confession_n help_v thou_o our_o unbelief_n and_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o psal_n 63.1_o o_o god_n thou_o be_v my_o god_n early_o will_v i_o seek_v thou_o my_o soul_n chri_v for_o thou_o and_o sometime_o faith_n be_v a_o most_o impatient_a grace_n but_o we_o may_v always_o say_v of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o diligent_a grace_n oh_o be_v not_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o precious_a exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n that_o make_v our_o leanâ—ness_n testify_v to_o our_o face_n and_o make_v our_o soul_n as_o a_o barren_a wilderness_n i_o be_o persuade_v of_o this_o that_o sinc0e_n ch_n be_v it_o have_v any_o follower_n and_o since_o ever_o this_o everlasting_a gospel_n be_v preach_v in_o paradise_n the_o exercise_n of_o secret_a prayer_n be_v never_o so_o much_o neglect_v we_o have_v turn_v over_o all_o our_o prayer_n into_o compliment_n with_o god_n we_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o rise_v at_o midnight_n and_o call_v upon_o god_n and_o to_o inquire_v after_o our_o maker_n under_o the_o silent_a watch_n of_o the_o night_n o_o but_o it_o be_v a_o sweet_a diversion_n from_o sleep_n to_o retire_v ourselves_o in_o the_o silent_a season_n of_o the_o night_n from_o all_o thought_n about_o worldly_a matter_n and_o to_o converse_v with_o that_o invisible_a majesty_n iv_o there_o be_v this_o six_o consideration_n to_o point_v out_o the_o advantage_n of_o faith_n that_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n that_o do_v facilitate_v a_o christian_n obedience_n and_o make_v it_o most_o pleasant_a and_o easy_a this_o be_v clear_a from_o heb._n 11.8_o by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v command_v to_o go_v to_o a_o strange_a land_n obey_v and_o go_v out_o not_o know_v whether_o he_o go_v the_o word_n may_v be_v render_v he_o do_v cheerful_o obey_v and_o vers_fw-la 17._o by_o faith_n he_o offer_v up_o his_o only_a son_n will_v you_o know_v the_o reason_n why_o his_o command_n be_v your_o burden_n and_o why_o his_o precept_n be_v your_o cress_n it_o be_v because_o of_o this_o you_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o so_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o attain_v to_o a_o pleasant_a way_n of_o obedience_n without_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n faith_n hold_v up_o the_o crown_n to_o a_o christian_a and_o this_o crown_n make_v he_o to_o obey_v faith_n gather_v strength_n from_o christ_n and_o that_o strength_n make_v obedience_n very_o easy_a faith_n take_v up_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o make_v a_o christian_n to_o look_v upon_o his_o duty_n more_o as_o his_o dignity_n than_o his_o duty_n and_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o this_o that_o our_o chariot-wheel_n shall_v move_v more_o swift_o like_o the_o chariot_n of_o aminadab_n if_o we_o be_v more_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n will_v you_o know_v a_o answer_n to_o that_o question_n what_o be_v first_o more_o requisite_a for_o a_o christian_a while_n here_o below_o faith_n and_o what_o second_o be_v most_o requisite_a faith_n and_o what_o three_o be_v most_o requisite_a for_o a_o christian_a even_o faith_n faith_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n faith_n vii_o there_o be_v another_o advantage_n of_o it_o that_o by_o faith_n our_o service_n and_o prayer_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n will_v you_o know_v what_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o a_o christian_n that_o be_v not_o in_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o smoke_n in_o his_o nostril_n and_o a_o fire_n that_o burn_v all_o the_o day_n the_o unbeliver_v sacrifice_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o heb._n 11.4_o by_o faith_n abel_n offer_v up_o unto_o god_n a_o more_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n than_o cain_n and_o we_o conceive_v that_o there_o be_v many_o unanswered_a prayer_n which_o we_o do_v put_v up_o because_o we_o want_v that_o noble_a exercise_n of_o faith_n viii_o and_o last_o we_o shall_v likewise_o add_v this_o that_o faith_n be_v the_o grace_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a have_v that_o pefect_n and_o immediate_a sight_n as_o be_v be_v of_o great_a thing_n that_o be_v promise_v to_o he_o faith_n bring_v a_o christian_a within_o sight_n of_o heaven_n and_o faith_n bring_v a_o christian_a within_o sight_n of_o god_n according_a to_o that_o word_n heb._n 11.1_o faith_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v and_o that_o noble_a paradox_n that_o be_v say_v of_o faith_n heb._n 11.27_o by_o faith_n moses_n see_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a be_v it_o not_o a_o impossible_a thing_n to_o see_v that_o which_o can_v be_v see_v but_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o faith_n discovery_n of_o god_n be_v as_o certain_a and_o sure_a as_o the_o discovery_n of_o our_o bodily_a eye_n be_v faith_n be_v a_o intelligent_a grace_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o most_o sure_a and_o infallible_a grace_n what_o will_v faith_n not_o do_v and_o what_o can_v you_o do_v who_o want_n faith_n now_o to_o enforce_v the_o advantage_n and_o excellency_n of_o faith_n a_o little_a more_o we_o shall_v propose_v to_o you_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o that_o woeful_a sin_n of_o unbelief_n 1._o there_o be_v this_o disadvantage_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n that_o all_o the_o action_n that_o proceed_v from_o a_o unbeliever_n they_o be_v impure_a and_o defile_v according_a to_o that_o in_o tit._n 1.15_o but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v defile_v and_o unbelieving_a be_v nothing_o pure_a but_o even_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v defile_v their_o prayer_n be_v unclean_a yea_o as_o solomon_n speak_v their_o plough_v in_o sin_n yea_o their_o go_v about_o the_o most_o excellent_a duty_n for_o matter_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o god_n according_a to_o that_o word_n rom._n 14.23_o what_o ever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n so_o the_o want_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o great_a polluter_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o of_o all_o our_o performance_n 2._o there_o be_v this_o second_o disadvantage_n of_o misbelief_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o one_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o unbelief_n to_o mortify_v a_o lust_n or_o idol_n and_o we_o may_v allude_v unto_o those_o word_n in_o matth._n 17.20_o when_o his_o disciple_n come_v to_o he_o &_o ask_v he_o this_o question_n why_o can_v not_o we_o cast_v out_o this_o devil_n thaâ—_n be_v give_v as_o a_o answer_n because_o of_o your_o unbelief_n unbelief_n be_v that_o which_o take_v up_o arm_n for_o out_o idol_n and_o do_v most_o strong_o defend_v they_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o will_v kill_v corruption_n so_o much_o as_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o when_o that_o be_v lay_v aside_o we_o have_v lay_v by_o our_o weapon_n and_o have_v in_o a_o manner_n conclude_v a_o treaty_n of_o peace_n with_o our_o idol_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o offend_v they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o offend_v we_o 3._o there_o be_v this_o disadvantage_n that_o wait_v upon_o the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n that_o such_o a_o one_o can_v win_v to_o attain_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o establishment_n but_o be_v always_o as_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o until_o once_o he_o win_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o isai_n 7.9_o except_o you_o believe_v you_o shall_v not_o be_v establish_v 4._o there_o be_v this_o disadvantage_n that_o wait_v on_o it_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o hardness_n and_o stupidity_n of_o heart_n according_a to_o that_o word_n in_o mark_n 16.14_o where_o he_o upbraid_v they_o because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n and_o then_o that_o danger_n follow_v to_o with_o hardness_n of_o heart_n this_o be_v clear_a also_o from_o act_n 19_o 9_o where_o these_o two_o sister-devil_n be_v conjoin_v and_o lock_v together_o unbelief_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n because_o it_o be_v unblief_n indeed_o that_o hinder_v all_o the_o grace_n by_o which_o the_o grace_n of_o tenderness_n must_v be_v maintain_v 5._o there_o be_v this_o disadvantage_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n that_o it_o be_v big_a with_o child_n of_o apostasy_n from_o
persuade_v there_o be_v many_o to_o who_o at_o that_o day_n this_o doctrine_n will_v be_v ravish_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o death_n that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o eternity_n o_o will_v you_o believe_v that_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v bathe_v in_o heaven_n and_o shall_v come_v down_o to_o make_v a_o sacrifice_n not_o in_o the_o land_n of_o idumea_n nor_o in_o the_o land_n of_o bezra_n but_o he_o be_v to_o make_v a_o sacrifice_n among_o his_o people_n who_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o he_o by_o sacrifice_n ah_o ah_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o if_o that_o argument_n be_v use_v to_o many_o that_o within_o forty_o day_n they_o shall_v be_v at_o their_o long_a and_o everlasting_a home_n they_o will_v yet_o spend_v thirty_o nine_o of_o those_o day_n in_o take_v pleasure_n upon_o their_o lust_n i_o be_o persuade_v of_o this_o that_o there_o be_v many_o who_o think_v that_o the_o way_n betwixt_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v but_o one_o day_n journey_n they_o think_v they_o can_v believe_v in_o one_o day_n and_o triumphant_a night_n but_o o_o it_o shall_v be_v short_a triumph_v that_o such_o believer_n as_o those_o shall_v have_v therefore_o o_o die_v to_o close_v with_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n rest_n on_o hiâ—_n by_o faith_n delight_v yourselves_o in_o he_o with_o loâ—…_n and_o let_v your_o soul_n be_v long_v for_o the_o day_n wheâ—_n that_o voice_n shall_v be_v hear_v in_o heaven_n o_o hoâ—_n sweet_o will_v it_o be_v sing_v arise_v arise_v arise_z my_o louâ—_n my_o dove_n my_o fair_a one_o and_o come_v away_o for_o behâ—…_n your_o winter_n be_v pass_v your_o everlasting_a summer_n be_v comâ—_n and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o sing_n of_o the_o bird_n be_v neâ—…_n when_o christ_n shall_v come_v over_o these_o mountain_n 〈◊〉_d bether_o he_o shall_v cry_v behold_v i_o come_v and_o the_o sow_n shall_v sweet_o answer_v come_v bless_v lord_n jesuâ—_n come_v o_o what_o a_o life_n shall_v it_o be_v that_o with_o those_o two_o arm_n you_o shall_v eternal_o encircle_v christ_n anâ—_n hold_v he_o in_o your_o arm_n or_o rather_o be_v encircle_v by_o he_o wait_v for_o he_o for_o he_o shall_v come_v and_o his_o reware_n be_v with_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v once_o take_v home_o the_o wearied_a traveller_n of_o hope_n sermon_n iu._n john_n 3.23_o this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o yâ—_n shall_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesuâ—_n christ_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v two_o great_a and_o excellent_a gistâ—_n which_o god_n in_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o boundless_a love_n have_v bestow_v on_o his_o own_o first_o there_o iâ—_n that_o infinite_a gift_n and_o royal_a donation_n his_o own_o belove_a son_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v call_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n john_n 4.10_o and_o second_o there_o be_v that_o excellent_a gift_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o his_o own_o which_o be_v also_o call_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n ephes_n 2.8_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o be_v it_o not_o certain_a that_o these_o two_o gracious_a gift_n ought_v to_o engage_v our_o soul_n and_o heart_n much_o unto_o he_o infinite_a majesty_n can_v give_v no_o gift_n great_a than_o his_o son_n and_o infinite_a poverty_n can_v receive_v no_o other_o gift_n so_o suitable_a as_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a gift_n that_o heaven_n can_v give_v and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a advantage_n for_o earth_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o we_o can_v wish_v that_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o study_n and_o practice_v of_o man_n that_o be_v spend_v in_o purfuit_n after_o these_o low_a and_o transient_a vanity_n may_v be_v once_o take_v up_o in_o that_o precious_a pursuit_n after_o christ_n we_o can_v wish_v that_o all_o the_o question_n and_o debate_n of_o the_o time_n be_v turn_v over_o into_o a_o soul-concerning_a question_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v and_o that_o all_o the_o question_n controversy_n and_o contension_n of_o the_o time_n be_v turn_v over_o into_o that_o divine_a contention_n and_o heavenly_a debate_n who_o shall_v be_v most_o for_o christ_n who_o shall_v be_v most_o for_o the_o exalt_v of_o the_o noble_a and_o excellent_a plant_n of_o renown_n and_o that_o all_o our_o judge_n and_o search_n of_o other_o man_n practice_n and_o estate_n may_v â—e_v turn_v over_o into_o the_o useful_a search_n to_o prove_v and_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o not_o and_o i_o will_v ask_v you_o this_o question_n what_o be_v your_o thought_n concern_v precious_a christ_n see_v he_o be_v that_o noble_a object_n of_o faith_n we_o will_v only_o have_v you_o take_v along_o these_o thing_n by_o which_o christ_n may_v be_v much_o commend_v to_o your_o heart_n first_o there_o be_v never_o any_o that_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n do_v behold_v the_o matchless_a beauty_n and_o transcendent_a worth_n of_o that_o crucify_a saviour_n that_o return_v his_o enemy_n there_o be_v soul-conquering_a virtue_n in_o the_o face_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v heaâ—…_n captivate_v and_o overcome_a power_n in_o the_o beautyâ—_n jesus_n christ_n this_o first_o sight_n that_o ever_o persecution_n saul_n get_v of_o christ_n it_o bring_v he_o unto_o a_o endleâ—…_n captivity_n of_o love_n second_o there_o be_v this_o that_o wâ—_n will_v say_v of_o precious_a christ_n which_o may_v engage_v our_o soul_n unto_o he_o that_o for_o all_o the_o wrong_n believer_n do_v to_o christ_n yet_o have_v he_o never_o a_o ill_a word_n 〈◊〉_d they_o to_o his_o father_n but_o commend_v they_o which_o be_v clear_a from_o that_o of_o john_n 17.6_o where_o christ_n doâ—…_n commend_v the_o disciple_n to_o the_o father_n for_o the_o gracâ—_n of_o obedience_n they_o have_v keep_v thy_o word_n and_o for_o thâ—_n grace_n of_o faith_n vers_fw-la 8._o they_o have_v believe_v that_o the_o do_v send_v i_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o the_o disciple_n most_o defective_a in_o obedience_n both_o in_o this_o the_o they_o do_v not_o take_v up_o their_o cross_n and_o follow_v christ_n and_o also_o that_o they_o do_v not_o adhere_v to_o he_o in_o the_o daâ—_n that_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o cajaphas_n hall_n and_o weâ—_n they_o not_o most_o defective_a in_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n as_o 〈◊〉_d clear_a from_o matth._n 17_o 17._o and_o likewise_o from_o john_n 14.1_o he_o be_v press_v they_o to_o believe_v iâ—_n he_o and_o yet_o he_o do_v commend_v they_o to_o the_o father_n as_o most_o perfect_a in_o those_o thing_n three_o there_o be_v this_o that_o we_o will_v last_o say_v of_o he_o who_o iâ—_n the_o noble_a object_n of_o faith_n look_v to_o the_o eminent_a depth_n of_o christ_n condescendency_n and_o then_o you_o will_v be_v provoke_v to_o love_v he_o be_v it_o not_o infinite_a love_n that_o make_v christ_n to_o lie_v three_o day_n in_o the_o grave_a that_o we_o may_v be_v through_o all_o the_o age_n of_o eternity_n with_o he_o be_v it_o not_o infinite_a condescendency_n that_o make_v his_o precious_a head_n wear_v a_o crown_n of_o thorn_n that_o we_o may_v eternal_o wear_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n be_v it_o not_o infinite_a condesendency_n that_o make_v christ_n wear_v a_o purple_a robe_n that_o so_o we_o may_v wear_v that_o precious_a robâ—_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o be_v it_o not_o matchless_a condescendency_n that_o christ_n who_o know_v no_o sin_n be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v become_v like_a unto_o he_o and_o be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o but_o to_o come_v to_o that_o which_o we_o intend_v main_o to_o speak_v upon_o at_o this_o time_n which_o be_v that_o second_o thing_n that_o we_o propose_v to_o speak_v of_o from_o these_o word_n and_o that_o be_v concern_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o grace_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o clear_v be_v hold_v out_o in_o that_o that_o faith_n be_v call_v his_o commandment_n which_o be_v call_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n and_o excellency_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n which_o may_v sweet_o point_v out_o the_o precious_a excellency_n of_o this_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o we_o shall_v only_o speak_v to_o these_o thing_n i._o the_o first_o thing_n that_o speak_v out_o the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n be_v this_o it_o exercise_v itself_o upon_o a_o most_o noble_a object_n to_o wit_n jesus_n christ_n faith_n and_o love_n be_v the_o two_o arm_n of_o the_o immortal_a soul_n by_o which_o we_o do_v embrace_v a_o crucify_a saviour_n which_o be_v often_o point_a at_o in_o scripture_n and_o we_o shall_v point_v at_o these_o three_o principal_a act_n of_o faith_n which_o it_o exercise_v on_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o object_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o first_o be_v to_o make_v up_o a_o union_n
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
the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o â—his_fw-la fill_v the_o soul_n with_o divine_a fear_n and_o admiration_n hence_o be_v that_o word_n heb._n 11.28_o that_o we_o see_v by_o faith_n he_o that_o be_v invisible_a as_o if_o he_o hâ—…_n say_v faith_n be_v that_o grace_n that_o make_v thing_n thâ—…_n be_v invisible_a visible_a unto_o we_o it_o let_v the_o soâ—_n see_v christ_n in_o his_o relative_a excellency_n that_o be_v what_o he_o be_v to_o we_o faith_n take_v up_o christ_n as_o husband_n and_o from_o thence_o we_o be_v provoke_v 〈◊〉_d much_o boldness_n and_o divine_a confidence_n and_o with_o all_o to_o see_v those_o rich_a possession_n that_o be_v provideâ—_n for_o we_o by_o our_o elder_a brother_n who_o be_v bear_v for_o adversity_n faith_n take_v up_o christ_n as_o a_o blesseâ—_n day_n man_n that_o do_v lay_v his_o hand_n on_o we_o both_o and_o froâ—_n thence_o it_o be_v constrain_v to_o wonder_v at_o the_o condescendency_n of_o christ_n it_o take_v he_o up_o as_o die_v and_o as_o redeem_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o grave_n and_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o thâ—_n provoke_v christian_n to_o make_v a_o total_a and_o absoluâ—_n resignation_n of_o themselves_o over_o unto_o christ_n i_o serve_v he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n in_o righteousneâ—…_n and_o holiness_n and_o three_o faith_n make_v the_o soâ—_n behold_v those_o mysterious_a draught_n of_o spotless_a louâ—_n those_o divine_a emanation_n of_o love_n that_o have_v floweâ—_n from_o his_o ancient_a and_o everlasting_a love_n since_o thâ—_n world_n begin_v will_v you_o know_v the_o great_a grouâ—…_n why_o we_o be_v so_o ignorant_a of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o study_n 〈◊〉_d angel_n and_o so_o all_o that_o be_v about_o the_o throne_n 〈◊〉_d be_v this_o we_o be_v not_o much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faitâ—_n and_o if_o we_o will_v ask_v that_o question_n what_o be_v thâ—_n way_n to_o attain_v the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d christ_n we_o can_v give_v no_o answer_n to_o it_o but_o thiâ—_n believe_v and_o again_o believe_v and_o again_o believe_v faith_n open_v those_o mysterious_a seal_n of_o hâ—_n boundless_a perfection_n and_o in_o some_o way_n teacheâ—_n â—he_v christian_a to_o answer_v to_o that_o unanswerable_a question_n what_o be_v his_o name_n and_o what_o be_v his_o â—ons_n name_v there_o be_v this_o second_o that_o point_v out_o the_o sweetness_n of_o faith_n that_o it_o give_v a_o excellent_a relish_n unto_o the_o promise_n and_o make_v they_o food_n to_o our_o soul_n what_o be_v all_o the_o promiâ—…s_n without_o faith_n as_o to_o our_o use_n but_o as_o a_o dead_a letâ—er_n have_v no_o life_n but_o faith_n exercise_v upon_o the_o promise_n make_v a_o christian_a cry_n out_o the_o â—ords_n of_o his_o mouth_n be_v sweet_a unto_o i_o then_o the_o hoâ—ey_n and_o the_o honey_n comb_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o heb._n 11.12.13_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n that_o we_o embrace_v the_o promise_n and_o do_v receive_v they_o three_o the_o sweetness_n of_o faith_n may_v appear_v by_o â—his_n that_o it_o enable_v a_o christian_n to_o rejoice_v under_o the_o most_o anxious_a and_o afflict_a dispensation_n â—hat_n he_o meet_v with_o whilst_o he_o be_v here_o below_o as_o 〈◊〉_d clear_a from_o rom._n 5.1.3_o where_o his_o be_v justiâ—…ed_v by_o faith_n have_v this_o fruit_n attend_v it_o to_o joy_n in_o â—…ibulation_n and_o likewise_o from_o heb._n 10.34.35_o â—oth_o not_o faith_n hold_v the_o crown_n in_o its_o right_a hand_n â—nd_n let_v a_o christian_a behold_v these_o infinite_a dignity_n that_o be_v provide_v unto_o they_o after_o they_o â—ave_n as_o a_o strong_a man_n run_v their_o race_n and_o when_o 〈◊〉_d christian_n be_v put_v into_o a_o furnace_n hot_a seven_a â—imes_n more_o than_o ordinary_a it_o bring_v down_o the_o â—on_n of_o man_n jesus_n christ_n to_o walk_v with_o they_o in_o â—he_n furnace_n so_o that_o they_o walk_v safe_o and_o with_o joy_n through_o fire_n and_o water_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n they_o â—an_v have_v no_o cross_n in_o his_o company_n for_o will_v â—e_n know_v what_o be_v the_o description_n of_o a_o cross_n it_o 〈…〉_o want_v christ_n in_o any_o estate_n and_o will_v you_o know_v what_o be_v the_o description_n of_o prosperity_n it_o be_v to_o have_v christ_n in_o any_o condition_n or_o estate_n of_o life_n what_o can_v you_o want_v that_o have_v he_o and_o what_o can_v you_o have_v that_o want_v he_o he_o be_v that_o all_o so_o that_o all_o thing_n beside_o he_o be_v but_o vanity_n but_o beside_o this_o faith_n do_v discover_v unto_o a_o christian_a that_o there_o be_v a_o sweet_a period_n of_o all_o his_o trial_n and_o affliction_n that_o he_o can_v be_v expose_v unto_o so_o that_o he_o can_v never_o say_v that_o of_o faith_n which_o ahab_n speak_v of_o micajah_n he_o never_o prophesi_v good_a thing_n to_o i_o but_o rather_o he_o may_v say_v always_o the_o contrary_a faith_n never_o prophesi_v evil_a unto_o i_o it_o be_v a_o grace_n that_o prophesi_v excellent_a thing_n in_o the_o darkeâ—_n night_n and_o sweet_o declare_v that_o though_o weep_v do_v endure_v for_o the_o evening_n yet_o joy_n come_v in_o the_o morning_n and_o that_o though_o now_o they_o go_v forth_o weep_v bear_v precious_a seed_n yet_o at_o last_o they_o shall_v return_v rejoice_v have_v sheaf_n in_o their_o bosom_n and_o this_o may_v bring_v in_o the_o four_o consideration_n to_o point_v out_o the_o sweetness_n of_o faith_n that_o 〈◊〉_d give_v a_o refresh_a sight_n of_o that_o land_n which_o be_v afar_o off_o and_o make_v he_o to_o behold_v that_o inheritance_n that_o be_v provide_v for_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n it_o go_v forth_o to_o the_o brook_n eshcol_n and_o there_o do_v pluck_v down_o those_o grape_n that_o grow_v in_o emmanucls_n land_n to_o bring_v up_o a_o good_a report_n upon_o that_o noble_a country_n we_o be_v sojourn_v towards_o and_o the_o city_n the_o street_n whereof_o be_v pave_v with_o transparent_a gold_n and_o howbeit_o it_o may_v be_v a_o perplex_v debate_n between_o many_o and_o their_o own_o soul_n whether_o or_o not_o these_o eye_n that_o have_v be_v the_o window_n through_o which_o so_o much_o uncleanness_n have_v enter_v and_o those_o species_n of_o lust_n have_v be_v convey_v into_o the_o heart_n shall_v once_o be_v eye_n of_o a_o dove_n wash_v with_o milk_n and_o fit_o set_v and_o be_v admit_v to_o see_v that_o glorious_a object_n the_o lamb_n that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n or_o whether_o ever_o these_o tongue_n that_o have_v be_v set_v on_o fire_n of_o hell_n and_o these_o pollute_a lip_n that_o have_v speak_v so_o much_o against_o god_n and_o heaven_n and_o all_o his_o people_n and_o interest_n shall_v ever_o be_v admit_v to_o sing_v these_o heavenly_a halelujah_n among_o those_o spotless_a choir_n of_o angel_n and_o that_o assembly_n of_o the_o first-born_a or_o if_o these_o hand_n or_o foot_n that_o have_v be_v so_o active_a to_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o so_o swift_a to_o run_v after_o vanity_n shall_v ever_o be_v admit_v hereafter_o to_o carry_v those_o palm_n branch_n and_o follow_v the_o lamb_n where_o ever_o he_o go_v or_o whether_o ever_o these_o heart_n that_o have_v be_v indeed_o a_o bethaven_n a_o house_n for_o idol_n may_v yet_o notwithstanding_o be_v a_o dwell_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n though_o these_o thing_n we_o say_v and_o such_o like_a may_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o many_o sad_a debate_n to_o some_o weary_a soul_n and_o cause_v many_o toffing_n to_o and_o fro_o till_o the_o morning_n yet_o faith_n can_v bring_v all_o these_o mystery_n to_o light_n and_o look_v within_o the_o vail_n can_v let_v we_o see_v thousand_o of_o thousand_o who_o be_v once_o as_o ugly_a as_o ourselves_o yet_o now_o have_v wash_v their_o robe_n and_o make_v they_o white_a in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n admit_v to_o stand_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v he_o day_n and_o night_n now_o there_o be_v that_o fourthly_a which_o we_o promise_v to_o speak_v of_o concern_v this_o grace_n of_o faith_n from_o these_o word_n and_o it_o be_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o be_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o grace_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o that_o word_n his_o commandment_n which_o do_v import_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o thâ—_n all_o the_o command_n that_o we_o can_v obey_v without_o thâ—_n commandment_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v but_o a_o pollute_a 〈◊〉_d ourselves_o and_o a_o plunge_a of_o ourselves_o in_o thâ—_n ditch_n till_o our_o own_o clothes_n abhor_v we_o 2._o thâ—_n god_n take_v great_a delight_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o thâ—_n grace_n of_o faith_n then_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o other_o and_o last_o that_o as_o to_o the_o many_o imperfection_n which_o we_o have_v in_o our_o obedience_n there_o be_v a_o sweet_a act_n of_o oblivion_n pass_v of_o
they_o all_o if_o we_o make_v conscience_n serious_o to_o obey_v this_o command_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o sweet_a compend_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o these_o thing_n do_v most_o clear_o appear_v iâ—_n that_o believe_v here_o be_v call_v his_o commandment_n by_o way_n of_o excellency_n as_o if_o this_o be_v his_o only_a commandment_n but_o that_o we_o may_v yet_o a_o little_a more_o particular_o point_v out_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v these_o thing_n that_o speak_v it_o forth_o to_o the_o full_a 1._o that_o though_o river_n of_o tear_n shall_v run_v down_o our_o eye_n because_o we_o keep_v not_o his_o law_n though_o we_o shall_v never_o rise_v off_o our_o knee_n from_o prayerâ—_n and_o shall_v all_o our_o life-time_n speak_v to_o god_n with_o the_o tongue_n of_o angel_n and_o though_o we_o shall_v constant_o obey_v his_o command_n yet_o without_o faith_n we_o shall_v never_o escape_v that_o eternal_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v no_o action_n that_o do_v proceed_v from_o 〈◊〉_d which_o can_v please_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o lord_n unless_o it_o have_v its_o rise_n from_o this_o principle_n of_o faith_n as_o iâ—_n clear_a from_o heb._n 11.6_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o though_o we_o shall_v offer_v â—nto_o he_o ten_o thousand_o river_n of_o oil_n and_o thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o shall_v offer_v up_o in_o a_o burn_a sacrifice_n all_o the_o beast_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o mountain_n and_o the_o tree_n that_o be_v upon_o many_o hill_n this_o shall_v â—e_v the_o answer_n that_o god_n shall_v return_v to_o we_o who_o â—…th_v require_v these_o thing_n at_o your_o hand_n i_o take_v no_o cleasure_n in_o these_o solemn_a sacrifice_n because_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o attain_v peace_n with_o god_n but_o through_o â—he_n exercise_n of_o faith_n make_v use_n of_o the_o spotless_a â—ighteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o let_v we_o do_v our_o utmost_a by_o all_o the_o invention_n we_o can_v to_o bring_v â—own_v our_o body_n and_o let_v we_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o â—ll_a the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n yet_o all_o our_o idol_n shall_v â—eign_v without_o much_o contradiction_n except_o we_o do_v â—nce_o attain_v unto_o this_o grace_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v that_o â—ictory_n whereby_o we_o must_v overcome_v the_o world_n and_o the_o hand_n that_o make_v use_v of_o infinite_a strength_n for_o â—bduing_a of_o coruption_n make_v the_o christian_n sweet_o to_o take_v up_o that_o song_n strong_a be_v he_o that_o be_v with_o we_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n form_v all_o this_o that_o we_o have_v say_v both_o of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o necessity_n thereof_o we_o will_v propose_v these_o few_o consideration_n to_o two_o or_o three_o sort_n of_o person_n 1._o there_o be_v some_o who_o live_v in_o that_o vain_a imaginary_a delusion_n of_o attain_v to_o heaven_n through_o a_o â—ovenant_n of_o work_n and_o do_v neglect_v to_o seek_v salvation_n by_o faith_n in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o â—o_o those_o who_o build_v upon_o this_o sandy_a foundation_n i_o â—hal_v say_v but_o these_o two_o word_n first_o how_o long_o shall_v â—e_v labour_n in_o the_o fire_n for_o very_a vanity_n do_v you_o ever_o think_v to_o put_v on_o the_o cap-stone_n know_v you_o 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o day_n be_v approach_v when_o your_o house_n shall_v fall_v about_o your_o ear_n your_o confidence_n shall_v be_v reject_v and_o your_o hope_n shall_v evanish_v as_o a_o dream_n and_o flee_v away_o as_o a_o vision_n in_o the_o night_n second_o what_o a_o monstruous_a blindness_n and_o what_o a_o unspeakable_a act_n of_o folly_n must_v it_o be_v to_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v crucify_v in_o vain_a which_o yet_o you_o do_v practical_o assert_v when_o you_o go_v about_o to_o purchase_v a_o righteousness_n through_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n 2._o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v secure_a in_o their_o own_o thought_n concern_v their_o faith_n they_o never_o question_v the_o reality_n of_o it_o they_o never_o examine_v it_o o_o you_o who_o faith_n be_v as_o old_a as_o yourselves_o you_o say_v yâ—_n never_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o dispute_v and_o i_o may_v say_v you_o never_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v thou_o profane_a hypocrite_n let_v i_o tell_v thou_o a_o strong_a faith_n and_o yet_o strong_a idol_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o strong_a delusion_n thou_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o lord_n thou_o will_v noâ—_n pray_v thou_o will_v not_o believe_v a_o threaten_n in_o all_o the_o word_n thou_o will_v count_v all_o religion_n madness_n and_o foolishness_n and_o yet_o thou_o will_v persuade_v thyself_o thou_o believe_v in_o christ_n oh_o be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v and_o why_o will_v you_o mock_v yourselves_o 〈◊〉_d shall_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o reprobat_n have_v a_o sad_a religion_n one_o day_n they_o must_v believe_v and_o obey_v and_o pray_v and_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o godliness_n but_o alace_o too_o late_a and_o little_a to_o their_o advantage_n shall_v noâ—_n he_o who_o all_o the_o minister_n on_o earth_n can_v scarce_o ever_o persuade_v to_o believe_v so_o much_o as_o a_o heaven_n oâ—_n hell_n or_o one_o threaten_v in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o god_n at_o last_o be_v force_v to_o believe_v their_o own_o sense_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o ancient_n of_o day_n upon_o the_o throne_n and_o shall_v hear_v the_o cry_n of_o so_o many_o thouâ—and_o live_a witness_n come_v out_o both_o from_o heaven_n and_o hell_n bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o threaten_n and_o promise_n that_o not_o one_o jot_n of_o they_o â—s_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o he_o will_v never_o be_v persuade_v to_o bow_v a_o knee_n to_o god_n in_o earnest_a all_o his_o â—…fe_n shall_v he_o not_o then_o pray_v with_o great_a fervency_n that_o hill_n and_o mountain_n may_v fall_v upon_o he_o â—o_o cover_v he_o from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o he_o that_o will_v never_o submit_v to_o a_o command_n of_o god_n must_v he_o not_o at_o last_o obey_v that_o dreadful_a command_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a torment_n etc._n etc._n yea_o he_o who_o be_v the_o great_a mocker_n â—n_o the_o world_n shall_v then_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v blessed_v who_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o the_o lord_n as_o they_o be_v excellent_o bring_v in_o though_o in_o a_o apocryphal_a â—ook_n wisd_v chap._n 5.4_o cry_v out_o with_o great_a terâ—or_n while_o they_o behold_v that_o unexpected_a sight_n of_o â—he_n glorious_a condition_n of_o the_o godly_a o_o here_o be_v the_o man_n say_v they_o who_o we_o mock_v who_o life_n we_o account_v madness_n and_o their_o end_n dishonourable_a be_v wise_a therefore_o in_o time_n and_o do_v that_o willing_o which_o you_o must_v do_v by_o constraint_n and_o do_v that_o with_o sweetness_n and_o advantage_n that_o you_o must_v do_v at_o last_o with_o loss_n and_o 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apprehension_n and_o this_o shall_v never_o bear_v we_o through_o the_o gate_n of_o death_n nor_o convey_v we_o in_o unto_o eternity_n of_o joy_n 2._o may_v not_o this_o press_v you_o to_o follow_v after_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v the_o compendious_a way_n to_o sweeten_v all_o your_o cross_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o hab._n 3.17.18_o where_o the_o conviction_n of_o this_o make_v habakkuk_n to_o rejoyice_n in_o the_o god_n of_o his_o salvation_n though_o the_o fig_n tree_n do_v not_o bear_v fruit_n and_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o olive_n do_v fail_v and_o there_o be_v no_o sweetness_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o vine_n and_o from_o heb._n 10.34_o when_o they_o take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n know_v within_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v a_o better_a and_o a_o endure_a substance_n this_o be_v
and_o portable_a yoke_n of_o his_o commandment_n and_o seventh_o there_o be_v that_o last_o property_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o grace_n by_o which_o sanctification_n be_v promove_v hence_o it_o be_v call_v a_o come_n to_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o divine_a motion_n and_o travel_v from_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n unto_o thâ—_n land_n of_o canaan_n i'faith_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o pleasant_a motion_n from_o the_o land_n of_o the_o north_n the_o land_n oâ—_n our_o captivity_n unto_o the_o land_n of_o perfect_a liberty_n all_o along_o go_v out_o by_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o walk_v in_o that_o new_a and_o live_a way_n even_o in_o he_o who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n and_o now_o for_o a_o more_o full_a application_n of_o this_o we_o shall_v speak_v but_o two_o thing_n further_o 1._o we_o will_v have_v it_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v some_o that_o come_v unto_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n with_o less_o difficulty_n and_o after_o a_o more_o divine_a and_o evangelic_n way_n and_o there_o be_v some_o that_o close_a with_o christ_n in_o a_o more_o difficult_a and_o legal_a way_n there_o be_v some_o that_o before_o they_o can_v come_v to_o mount_n zion_n they_o must_v dwell_v forty_o day_n at_o mount_n sinai_n there_o be_v some_o before_o the_o decree_n of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o they_o they_o must_v roar_v as_o a_o ox_n and_o must_v cover_v themselves_o with_o sackcloth_n have_v ash_n upon_o their_o head_n we_o must_v be_v a_o benoni_n before_o we_o be_v a_o benjamin_n that_o be_v we_o must_v be_v a_o son_n of_o sorrow_n before_o we_o can_v be_v a_o son_n of_o consolation_n but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o christ_n lead_v sometime_o some_o to_o himself_o through_o a_o valley_n of_o rose_n and_o i_o will_v only_o have_v you_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o two_o which_o though_o we_o conceive_v they_o be_v not_o infallible_a in_o the_o rule_n yet_o oftentimes_o experience_n make_v they_o out_o to_o be_v truth_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o be_v most_o ordinary_o bring_v under_o great_a terror_n ere_o they_o close_v with_o christ_n first_o those_o who_o have_v commit_v some_o gross_a and_o abominable_a sin_n that_o be_v most_o contradict_v unto_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n second_o that_o person_n that_o sin_v much_o against_o light_n before_o conversion_n hence_o it_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o act_n there_o be_v a_o more_o gospel_n and_o love-way_n of_o convert_v the_o gentile_n than_o be_v of_o convert_v the_o jew_n see_v act_n 2.37_o there_o be_v a_o sharp_a law_n exercise_v among_o they_o who_o have_v crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o act_n 9_o paul_n that_o have_v be_v a_o grievous_a persecuter_n at_o his_o conversion_n he_o be_v first_o strike_v dead_a to_o the_o ground_n before_o he_o be_v make_v a_o captive_a of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v but_o look_v to_o act_n 8._o and_o chap._n 19_o and_o there_o you_o will_v find_v a_o more_o fair_a and_o smooth_a way_n of_o beget_v son_n to_o christ_n and_o three_o that_o person_n that_o be_v much_o in_o conceit_n of_o his_o own_o righteousnese_n he_o use_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o christ_n through_o much_o terror_n and_o exercise_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v clear_a in_o paul_n his_o condition_n also_o phil._n 3._o and_o ast_n 9_o compare_v and_o certain_o whoever_o think_v to_o come_v that_o length_n in_o self-abasement_n and_o will_v count_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o that_o chapter_n must_v dwell_v many_o day_n at_o mount_n sinai_n and_o learn_v his_o arithmetic_n there_o 2._o we_o will_v have_v you_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o that_o though_o the_o person_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o christ_n in_o a_o more_o smooth_a and_o evangelical_n way_n may_v have_v the_o preeminency_n of_o the_o person_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o christ_n after_o a_o more_o legal_a and_o terrible_a way_n in_o some_o thing_n yet_o we_o conceive_v that_o a_o christian_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o christ_n through_o much_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o law_n and_o through_o many_o of_o the_o thundering_n of_o mount_n sinai_n after_o he_o have_v win_v to_o see_v his_o righâ—_n in_o christ_n he_o be_v more_o constant_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v because_o that_o aâ—_n ordinary_a ground_n of_o misbelief_n be_v our_o not_o distinct_a uptaking_n either_o of_o the_o time_n of_o our_o conversion_n which_o be_v ofttimes_o hide_v from_o those_o person_n that_o be_v convert_v in_o a_o more_o evangelic_n way_n as_o likewise_o this_o that_o those_o person_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o chirst_n in_o a_o more_o gospel_n chariot_n be_v sometime_o put_v to_o debate_n whether_o ever_o they_o be_v under_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o law_n and_o this_o make_v they_o often_o as_o it_o be_v to_o raze_v the_o foundation_n and_o to_o cry_v forth_o my_o hope_n and_o my_o strength_n be_v perish_v from_o the_o lord_n and_o now_o to_o shut_v up_o our_o discourse_n we_o shall_v add_v this_o one_o word_n of_o exhortation_n that_o you_o will_v careful_o lay_v hold_n upon_o that_o noble_a object_n and_o exercise_v your_o faith_n upon_o he_o and_o i_o shall_v say_v but_o this_o that_o all_o these_o that_o have_v this_o noble_a grace_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o be_v heir_n of_o that_o everlasting_a inheritance_n there_o be_v a_o fourfold_a crown_n prepare_v for_o you_o there_o be_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o he_o that_o shall_v fight_v that_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o may_v you_o say_v be_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n except_o we_o have_v joy_n wait_v upon_o that_o life_n for_o what_o be_v life_n without_o joy_n but_o a_o bitterness_n and_o a_o burden_n to_o itself_o therefore_o you_o shall_v have_v a_o crown_n of_o joy_n but_o what_o be_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o a_o joy_n except_o we_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o holiness_n and_o be_v complete_a in_o that_o therefore_o you_o shall_v have_v also_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n but_o what_o be_v life_n joy_n â—and_v righteousness_n without_o glory_n therefore_o you_o shall_v have_v likewise_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n but_o what_o of_o all_o these_o if_o that_o crown_n shall_v once_o fall_v from_o our_o head_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o our_o kingdom_n therefore_o take_v this_o to_o make_v up_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v a_o eternal_a crown_n of_o glory_n that_o word_n in_o prov._n 27._o near_o the_o close_a the_o crown_n say_v solomon_n do_v not_o endure_v for_o ever_o but_o this_o precious_a crown_n that_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n shall_v fix_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o a_o overcome_a christian_a this_o be_v the_o motto_n that_o be_v engrave_v upon_o it_o unchangeable_a and_o eternal_a eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a and_o o_o what_o a_o day_n suppose_v you_o that_o shall_v be_v when_o that_o precious_a crown_n shall_v be_v put_v upon_o our_o head_n what_o think_v you_o will_v be_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n in_o heaven_n they_o shall_v have_v these_o four_o crown_n which_o be_v indeed_o one_o but_o christ_n shall_v have_v upon_o his_o head_n many_o crown_n according_a to_o that_o word_n rev._n 19.12_o but_o let_v i_o say_v one_o word_n also_o to_o you_o who_o be_v stranger_n from_o god_n and_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o will_v not_o by_o faith_n close_o with_o this_o excellent_a object_n there_o be_v a_o fourfold_a crown_n that_o once_o shall_v be_v put_v upon_o your_o head_n but_o do_v not_o mis-interprete_a the_o vision_n there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o butler_n and_o the_o baker_n you_o may_v prophesy_v good_a thing_n to_o yourselves_o but_o there_o be_v a_o crown_n of_o death_n which_o you_o shall_v once_o have_v put_v upon_o your_o head_n you_o shall_v be_v 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it_o to_o study_v save_v wisdom_n this_o be_v clear_a psalm_n 90.12_o where_o david_n put_v up_o this_o request_n so_o teach_v we_o to_o number_v our_o day_n that_o we_o may_v apply_v our_o heart_n unto_o wisdom_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v never_o think_v myself_o wise_a till_o i_o know_v that_o bless_a piece_n of_o arithmetic_n how_o to_o number_v my_o day_n i_o will_v desire_v every_o one_o of_o you_o all_o to_o think_v with_o yourselves_o every_o morning_n when_o you_o arise_v now_o we_o be_v a_o hour_n near_o unto_o eternity_n than_o we_o be_v before_o and_o at_o the_o end_n of_o every_o hour_n now_o we_o be_v a_o day_n near_o unto_o eternity_n than_o we_o be_v before_o i_o say_v think_v often_o yea_o always_o thus_o we_o be_v never_o so_o near_a death_n as_o we_o be_v now_o for_o oh_o be_v we_o not_o all_o near_o to_o eternity_n to_o day_n than_o we_o be_v you_o sterday_o the_o seven_o advantage_n attend_v the_o faith_n of_o approach_a death_n be_v this_o that_o it_o 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