great_a and_o precious_a promise_n or_o some_o sermon_n concern_v the_o promise_n and_o the_o right_a application_n thereof_o whereunto_o be_v add_v some_o other_o concern_v the_o usefulness_n of_o faith_n in_o advance_v sanctification_n as_o also_o three_o more_o concern_v the_o faith_n of_o assurance_n by_o mr._n andrew_n grey_a late_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o glasgow_n all_o be_v revise_v since_o his_o death_n by_o some_o friend_n the_o last_o impression_n careful_o correct_v and_o amend_v 2_o cor._n 7.1_o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n edinburgh_n print_v by_o george_n swintoun_n and_o james_n glen_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1669._o to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n although_o upon_o some_o consideration_n these_o follow_a sermon_n have_v be_v keep_v back_o till_o now_o and_o have_v wait_v the_o vacancy_n 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apply_v the_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n 2._o how_o by_o faith_n thou_o may_v advance_v the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n and_o 3._o how_o thy_o faith_n may_v grow_v up_o unto_o assurance_n of_o all_o which_o we_o may_v true_o say_v that_o nothing_o can_v more_o seasonable_o take_v up_o the_o thought_n nor_o bring_v more_o advantage_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n in_o these_o time_n o_o how_o necessary_a be_v it_o in_o such_o troublesome_a day_n to_o learn_v how_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n we_o may_v inherit_v the_o promise_n and_o now_o when_o our_o strong_a corruption_n have_v in_o a_o manner_n necessitate_v the_o wise_a physician_n to_o mix_v unto_o we_o so_o bitter_a a_o cup_n and_o give_v so_o strong_a a_o potion_n in_o what_o a_o faint_a and_o swoon_a condition_n must_v we_o be_v if_o by_o the_o two_o immutable_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v we_o reoeive_v not_o also_o the_o strong_a consolation_n again_o when_o profanity_n and_o ungodliness_n have_v so_o abound_v in_o these_o nation_n that_o from_o the_o top_n of_o the_o head_n to_o the_o sole_a of_o the_o foot_n there_o be_v no_o soundness_n but_o wound_n and_o bruise_n and_o putrify_a sore_n and_o when_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n like_o the_o son_n of_o zerviah_n be_v grow_v too_o strong_a even_o for_o the_o david_n who_o be_v among_o we_o what_o shall_v we_o study_v with_o more_o earnestness_n then_o to_o purify_v our_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o by_o have_v these_o promise_n to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n 3._o when_o the_o lord_n have_v remove_v we_o so_o far_o from_o peace_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o many_o have_v even_o forget_v prosperity_n and_o the_o multiply_v change_n and_o revolution_n in_o our_o day_n have_v so_o clear_o demonstrate_v the_o instability_n of_o all_o sublunary_a glory_n and_o so_o convince_o teach_v we_o that_o this_o 〈◊〉_d not_o our_o â—est_n undoubted_o it_o be_v time_n to_o look_v for_o a_o city_n that_o have_v foundation_n and_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a the_o subject_n than_o be_v useful_a as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o handle_v it_o it_o be_v true_a much_o accuracy_n and_o neatness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o any_o work_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v only_o the_o hasty_a glean_n of_o a_o church_n writer_n and_o as_o to_o liveliness_n and_o power_n though_o it_o he_o as_o easy_a to_o draw_v a_o picture_n with_o the_o heat_n and_o motion_n of_o a_o live_a man_n as_o to_o write_v or_o print_n these_o lively_a motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o do_v often_o accompany_v the_o lord_n messenger_n in_o preach_v and_o in_o a_o eminent_a measure_n be_v also_o let_v out_o upon_o this_o bless_a author_n yet_o we_o suppose_v thou_o will_v find_v the_o matter_n most_o serious_o and_o feel_o speak_v unto_o as_o from_o a_o heart_n which_o believe_v and_o therefore_o speak_v yea_o both_o conception_n and_o expression_n savour_v much_o of_o a_o exercise_v spirit_n not_o only_o much_o take_v up_o in_o communion_n with_o god_n within_o itself_o but_o even_o thirst_v also_o and_o pant_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o other_o nay_o in_o some_o measure_n travel_v in_o birth_n till_o christ_n may_v be_v form_v in_o they_o oh_o that_o more_o of_o this_o holy_a zeal_n and_o fervency_n may_v accompany_v this_o great_a measure_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v gracious_o bestow_v both_o on_o pastor_n and_o people_n in_o this_o generation_n that_o once_o again_o we_o may_v see_v as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o john_n baptist_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n and_o the_o violent_a take_v it_o by_o force_n and_o that_o the_o bless_a spirit_n by_o the_o same_o gracious_a operation_n may_v so_o warm_a and_o enlarge_v thy_o soul_n in_o the_o use_n of_o this_o and_o all_o other_o mean_n for_o thy_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v the_o sincere_a desire_n of_o thy_o servant_n for_o christ_n sake_n robert_n traill_n john_n stirling_n great_a and_o precious_a promise_n sermon_n i._n 2_o pet._n 1.4_o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n may_v we_o not_o true_o say_v that_o if_o ever_o the_o christian_n who_o live_v in_o those_o day_n shall_v be_v advance_v to_o stand_v within_o the_o holy_a place_n and_o shall_v inherit_v everlasting_a life_n all_o these_o be_v now_o before_o his_o throne_n may_v lay_v aside_o their_o harp_n and_o give_v we_o leave_v to_o sing_v will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o mystery_n suppose_v you_o unto_o heavenly_a enoch_n that_o spend_v so_o much_o of_o his_o time_n in_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n when_o he_o shall_v behold_v such_o christian_n within_o that_o everlasting_a rest_n that_o have_v spend_v so_o little_a of_o their_o time_n in_o correspond_v with_o god_n will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o mystery_n unto_o believe_v abraham_n when_o he_o shall_v behold_v such_o misbeliever_n such_o disputer_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n advance_v to_o reign_v with_o christ_n will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o mystery_n unto_o wrestle_a jacob_n when_o he_o shall_v behold_v these_o christian_n once_o crown_v with_o immortal_a glory_n that_o do_v so_o little_o know_v what_o it_o be_v as_o prince_n to_o wrestle_v with_o god_n till_o they_o do_v prevail_v will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o patient_a job_n when_o he_o shall_v behold_v such_o impatient_a christian_n as_o we_o have_v be_v enter_v into_o that_o bless_a place_n of_o repose_n will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o mystery_n unto_o holy_a david_n when_o he_o shall_v behold_v such_o unmortified_a christian_n enter_v within_o that_o city_n into_o which_o no_o unclean_a thing_n do_v enter_v will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o mystery_n unto_o tender_a josiah_n to_o behold_v such_o christian_n as_o we_o be_v that_o have_v our_o heart_n die_v as_o a_o stone_n within_o we_o enter_v into_o heaven_n will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o mystery_n unto_o upright_a nathaniel_n to_o behold_v such_o hypocritical_a christian_n as_o the_o most_o part_n of_o we_o be_v enter_v within_o the_o holy_a place_n and_o to_o see_v those_o that_o have_v be_v clothe_v with_o hypocrisy_n and_o guile_n now_o clothe_v with_o the_o robe_n of_o immortal_a glory_n and_o will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o mystery_n unto_o self_n deny_v paul_n when_o he_o shall_v behold_v so_o proud_a and_o selfish_a christian_n enter_v into_o heaven_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o say_v this_o go_v where_o we_o will_v we_o shall_v be_v matchless_a and_o
accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n may_v appear_v and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n when_o the_o promise_n be_v long_o beneath_o ground_n than_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n do_v more_o appear_v in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o promise_n and_o from_o this_o i_o will_v only_o say_v to_o christian_n that_o be_v under_o that_o exercise_n complain_v of_o the_o want_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o promise_n these_o few_o thing_n 1._o believe_v that_o the_o promise_n shall_v once_o be_v accomplish_v that_o though_o the_o vision_n tarry_v yet_o at_o last_o it_o shall_v speak_v 2._o believe_v that_o every_o hour_n delay_v of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n have_v a_o sweet_a design_n of_o love_n there_o be_v not_o one_o moment_n of_o delay_n but_o it_o be_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o christian_a as_o be_v clear_a from_o that_o word_n rom._n 8.28_o and_o 3._o that_o promise_n that_o come_v after_o long_a delay_n it_o have_v these_o three_o sweet_a and_o soul-refreshing_a attendant_n 1._o it_o be_v perform_v most_o seasonble_o a_o christian_n if_o he_o will_v observe_v he_o will_v see_v infinite_a wisdom_n shine_v in_o time_a the_o accompaniment_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o such_o a_o particular_a day_n a_o christian_a will_v be_v constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o if_o the_o promise_n have_v be_v fulfil_v before_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o art_n of_o wisdom_n appear_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o 2._o that_o the_o promise_n when_o it_o be_v accomplish_v will_v engage_v a_o christian_a more_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o â—ove_n than_o four_o promise_n accomplish_v at_o a_o â—hort_a and_o small_a time_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o will_v so_o inflame_v the_o soul_n with_o love_n as_o to_o have_v a_o promise_v accomplish_v after_o delay_n and_o 3._o the_o promise_n accomplish_v after_o deâ—ayes_n have_v much_o sense_n wait_v upon_o the_o performance_n thereof_o i_o think_v hardly_o a_o christian_a ever_o meet_v with_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o â—_o promise_v after_o long_a delay_n but_o his_o soul_n be_v make_v as_o a_o water_a garden_n and_o as_o spring_n of_o water_n who_o water_n fail_v not_o this_o promise_n â—aileth_v and_o come_v to_o a_o christian_a perfume_v with_o love_n now_o we_o shall_v shut_v up_o our_o discourse_n at_o this_o â—ime_n and_o shall_v only_o speak_v to_o these_o six_o defect_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n in_o believe_v the_o promise_n 1._o that_o our_o faith_n be_v impatient_a we_o cannot_v stay_v upon_o the_o promise_n if_o it_o be_v delay_v hence_o you_o will_v see_v that_o in_o scripture_n ofâ—en_o patience_n be_v annex_v to_o faith_n which_o speak_v this_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o believe_v as_o he_o ought_v that_o want_v the_o exercise_n of_o patience_n see_v heb._n 6.12_o be_v you_o follower_n of_o they_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n and_o that_o word_n â—n_v the_o revelation_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n and_o paâ—ience_n of_o the_o saint_n 2._o our_o faith_n in_o close_v with_o the_o promise_n it_o be_v most_o unconstant_a a_o christian_a when_o first_o a_o promise_n be_v bear_v in_o upon_o his_o spirit_n he_o will_v then_o believe_v the_o promise_n and_o join_v with_o it_o but_o after_o six_o or_o seven_o day_n go_v about_o he_o will_v change_v his_o faith_n this_o be_v remarkable_o clear_a from_o exod._n 4.31_o compare_v with_o exod._n 6.9_o when_o first_o the_o promise_n come_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o shall_v go_v out_o of_o egypt_n it_o be_v say_v of_o they_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n at_o the_o close_a they_o believe_v the_o promise_n and_o worship_v but_o look_v to_o they_o in_o exod._n 6.9_o and_o there_o you_o will_v see_v they_o not_o believe_v because_o of_o bitterness_n and_o anxiety_n of_o heart_n and_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o the_o 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will_v be_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n to_o make_v that_o promise_n sweet_a and_o lively_a to_o he_o and_o a_o four_o defect_n be_v this_o we_o build_v our_o faith_n more_o upon_o dispensation_n then_o upon_o the_o word_n when_o dispensation_n say_v that_o which_o â—he_v promise_n say_v then_o we_o will_v believe_v but_o when_o dispensation_n speak_v the_o contrary_a language_n unto_o the_o promise_n than_o we_o will_v reâ—ect_v our_o confidence_n and_o hope_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o two_o great_a mystery_n of_o believe_v it_o be_v hard_o for_o a_o christian_n to_o believe_v when_o the_o commentary_n seem_v to_o destroy_v the_o text_n that_o be_v when_o the_o commentary_n seem_v to_o declare_v that_o the_o promise_n shall_v never_o be_v accomplish_v in_o 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v this_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o believe_v when_o dispensation_n will_v say_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v faill_n and_o when_o promise_n bid_v you_o believe_v 2._o it_o be_v hard_a for_o a_o chriâ—tian_n to_o take_v impossibility_n in_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n in_o the_o other_o and_o â—ay_n o_o precious_a christ_n reconcile_v these_o two_o together_o that_o impossibility_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o promise_n but_o that_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v accomplish_v notwithstanding_o of_o this_o â—_o we_o have_v this_o defect_n of_o faith_n among_o we_o that_o we_o build_v our_o faith_n more_o upon_o sense_n â—hen_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n when_o a_o christian_a be_v in_o a_o good_a frame_n he_o will_v believe_v but_o when_o christ_n hide_v his_o face_n he_o will_v then_o give_v over_o his_o hope_n and_o last_o there_o be_v this_o that_o our_o faith_n upon_o the_o promise_n be_v general_a we_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o we_o study_v not_o to_o make_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v not_o stand_v long_o to_o make_v any_o use_n of_o what_o we_o have_v speak_v only_o i_o will_v have_v the_o christian_n of_o this_o age_n and_o those_o that_o be_v here_o to_o go_v home_o with_o this_o conviction_n the_o damnable_a neglect_n of_o believe_v of_o the_o promise_n a_o christian_a neglect_v these_o three_o duty_n of_o religion_n most_o he_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o self_n examine_v the_o duty_n of_o believe_v the_o promise_n and_o that_o noble_a soul_n exalt_v duty_n of_o meditation_n these_o three_o duty_n â—_o christian_n do_v so_o constant_o neglect_v that_o almost_o he_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o conviction_n that_o he_o do_v neglect_v they_o but_o i_o will_v say_v a_o word_n unto_o these_o thaâ—_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o be_v stranger_n unto_o these_o bless_a thing_n that_o be_v record_v within_o the_o covenant_n and_o iâ—_n be_v only_o this_o doubtless_o you_o must_v believe_v your_o sense_n if_o you_o will_v not_o believe_v his_o word_n it_o be_v a_o question_n indeed_o which_o of_o all_o the_o sense_n shall_v be_v most_o satisfy_v in_o heaven_n whether_o that_o of_o see_v when_o we_o shall_v behold_v the_o king_n in_o his_o beauty_n and_o see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v oâ—_n that_o of_o hear_v when_o we_o shall_v hear_v these_o melodious_a halelujah_n of_o that_o innumerable_a company_n which_o be_v about_o the_o throne_n without_o any_o jar_a among_o they_o all_o oâ—_n that_o of_o smell_v when_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o sweet_a perfume_n of_o his_o garment_n which_o be_v perfume_v with_o all_o the_o powder_n of_o the_o merchant_n or_o that_o of_o touch_v when_o we_o find_v mary_n inhibitiâ—on_n take_v off_o touch_v i_o not_o and_o be_v admit_v to_o embrace_v he_o who_o be_v now_o ascend_v to_o his_o father_n or_o that_o of_o taste_v when_o we_o shall_v drink_v of_o these_o river_n of_o consolation_n that_o shall_v never_o run_v dry_a this_o i_o say_v be_v indeed_o a_o
that_o innocent_a policy_n that_o he_o make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o deliverance_n of_o this_o oration_n which_o likewise_o do_v appear_v in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n where_o he_o endeavour_v to_o insinuate_v &_o ingratiate_v himself_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o person_n before_o who_o he_o have_v stand_v i_o confess_v piety_n be_v the_o best_a policy_n that_o be_v take_v up_o in_o entertain_v piety_n howbeit_o true_a policy_n may_v move_v in_o one_o 〈◊〉_d and_o sphere_n with_o piety_n and_o the_o one_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o other_o in_o some_o case_n 3._o this_o shine_v in_o that_o discourse_n even_o the_o spiritual_a boldness_n paul_n have_v in_o give_v a_o excellent_a confession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o the_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v god_n even_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o he_o do_v believe_v christ_n witness_v a_o glorious_a confession_n before_o pontius_n pilate_n for_o he_o and_o he_o will_v witness_v a_o glorious_a confession_n before_o agrippa_n for_o christ_n that_o since_o christ_n have_v not_o deny_v he_o in_o that_o notable_a day_n he_o will_v not_o now_o deny_v precious_a christ_n in_o this_o day_n and_o this_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o all_o along_v last_o this_o shine_v in_o the_o word_n that_o paul_n do_v set_v forth_o the_o matchless_a freedom_n &_o unspeakable_a riches_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o towards_o himself_o in_o that_o he_o do_v cast_v the_o lot_n of_o everlasting_a love_n towards_o he_o but_o likewise_o towards_o the_o gentile_n to_o who_o he_o be_v send_v as_o a_o preacher_n and_o that_o he_o do_v glorious_o condescend_v to_o visit_v the_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o have_v the_o morning_n star_n and_o the_o day_n spring_n from_o on_o highâ—rising_v â—rising_z on_o the_o habitation_n of_o cruelty_n and_o in_o this_o verse_n which_o we_o have_v read_v you_o may_v behold_v these_o five_o glorious_a end_n of_o the_o preach_n of_o this_o everlasting_a gospel_n for_o attain_v of_o which_o minister_n be_v make_v instrument_n under_o god_n the_o first_o be_v to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a which_o in_o short_a be_v even_o this_o to_o give_v those_o that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n the_o spiritual_a knowledge_n of_o the_o deep_a mystery_n oâ—_n the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n so_o that_o from_o this_o you_o may_v see_v that_o the_o gospel_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o omnipotency_n in_o produce_v effect_n abouâ—_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n the_o second_o we_o may_v see_v in_o these_o word_n to_o remove_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_v which_o import_v these_o two_o 1._o the_o remove_n of_o person_n from_o a_o estate_n of_o excellent_a joy_n 2._o the_o remove_n of_o person_n from_o a_o estate_n of_o iniquity_n unto_o a_o estate_n of_o holiness_n darkness_n in_o scripture_n point_v out_o sin_n and_o light_n in_o scripture_n point_v ouâ—_n holiness_n 3._o the_o bring_v we_o from_o undeâ—_n the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n the_o make_v 〈◊〉_d bless_a exchange_n of_o captivity_n and_o bondage_n that_o these_o who_o be_v under_o the_o captivity_n oâ—_n satan_n may_v be_v under_o the_o captivity_n of_o love_n that_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o bondage_n oâ—_n sin_n may_v be_v under_o the_o sweet_a obedience_n 〈◊〉_d christ_n who_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o who_o burdeâ—_n be_v light_a matth._n 11.30_o 4._o that_o person_n may_v receive_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o forâ—givenesse_n of_o their_o iniquity_n this_o be_v the_o greaâ—_n voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n come_v to_o a_o crucifieâ—_n christ_n come_v to_o a_o pardon_v christ_n comâ—_n to_o a_o glorify_a christ_n christ_n have_v the_o pardoâ—_n of_o iniquity_n in_o his_o one_o hand_n and_o riches_n 〈◊〉_d himself_o in_o the_o other_o and_o these_o be_v the_o greaâ—_n motive_n by_o which_o he_o study_v to_o persuade_v we_o to_o come_v and_o the_o last_o be_v in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o verse_n that_o person_n may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o inheritance_n among_o they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o i_o that_o be_v that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o share_n of_o that_o glorious_a mansion_n of_o that_o excellent_a kingdom_n that_o christ_n have_v purchase_v and_o have_v go_v before_o to_o prepare_v and_o withal_o in_o this_o verse_n as_o the_o word_n be_v set_v down_o you_o may_v see_v the_o excellent_a and_o orderly_a method_n that_o the_o gospel_n keep_v in_o conquer_a soul_n &_o you_o may_v see_v these_o excellent_a allurement_n these_o persuasive_a argument_n that_o christ_n hold_v forth_o to_o conquer_v you_o as_o it_o be_v christ_n come_v not_o unto_o we_o clothe_v with_o the_o robe_n of_o majesty_n but_o clothe_v with_o the_o robe_n of_o love_n and_o advantage_n know_v that_o in_o this_o posture_n he_o shall_v most_v â—gain_o upon_o our_o heart_n now_o in_o speak_v unto_o that_o last_o end_n of_o the_o preach_v the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v only_o according_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n take_v notice_n of_o this_o one_o thing_n from_o it_o not_o intend_v to_o prosecute_v it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o as_o a_o property_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v that_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n have_v a_o noble_a and_o excellent_a influence_n upon_o the_o growth_n of_o sanctification_n and_o the_o attain_n of_o holiness_n they_o be_v sanctify_v say_v he_o through_o faith_n in_o i_o we_o shall_v not_o stand_v long_o to_o clear_v this_o unto_o you_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o act._n 15.9_o where_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o purify_n their_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o likewise_o 1_o tim._n 1.5_o where_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a they_o be_v join_v and_o link_v together_o as_o likewise_o 1_o joh._n 3.3_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o 〈◊〉_d purify_v himself_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v link_v together_o by_o a_o golden_a anâ—_n unseparable_a chain_n so_o that_o he_o that_o obtain_v one_o he_o shall_v obtain_v all_o yea_o more_o all_o thâ—_n grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o have_v a_o mutual_a inâ—fluence_n upon_o one_o another_o growth_n so_o thaâ—_n we_o may_v compare_v they_o unto_o hypocrates_n twin_n of_o who_o it_o be_v report_v that_o they_o 〈◊〉_d laugh_v and_o weep_v together_o and_o they_o do_v grow_v together_o even_o so_o when_o one_o grace_n do_v reâ—joyce_v the_o rest_n do_v rejoce_fw-mi with_o it_o anâ—_n when_o one_o grace_n do_v mourn_v the_o rest_n dotâ—_n also_o mourn_v with_o it_o and_o when_o one_o grace_n dotâ—_n grow_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o do_v likewise_o grow_v apace_o there_o be_v only_o three_o particular_n that_o wâ—_n shall_v insist_v a_o little_a upon_o first_o we_o shalâ—_n show_v you_o how_o faith_n have_v influence_n upon_o thâ—_n attain_v of_o sanctification_n and_o this_o we_o makâ—_n clear_a unto_o you_o in_o these_o respect_n 1._o in_o that_o it_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n thâ—â—_n matchless_a excellency_n that_o transcendent_a beauty_n and_o that_o surpass_a comeliness_n that_o be_v iâ—_n christ_n which_o sight_n do_v exceed_o persuade_v the_o soul_n to_o draw_v that_o conclusion_n whâ—â—_n have_v i_o to_o do_v any_o more_o with_o idol_n a_o glorious_a sight_n of_o christ_n and_o acquaintance_n with_o hiâ—_n make_v we_o lose_v our_o acquaintance_n with_o ouâ—_n idol_n and_o when_o once_o we_o be_v unite_v untâ—_n christ_n by_o faith_n we_o break_v that_o union_n we_o haâ—â—_n with_o they_o and_o indeed_o the_o want_n of_o thâ—_n knowledge_n of_o that_o excellent_a comeliness_n thâ—â—_n be_v in_o christ_n and_o of_o love_n to_o he_o be_v the_o greaâ—_n occasion_n that_o the_o poor_a deity_n and_o idol_n 〈◊〉_d the_o world_n take_v up_o your_o heart_n do_v you_o but_o once_o see_v he_o who_o be_v that_o glorious_a son_n of_o righteousness_n you_o will_v be_v force_v to_o put_v in_o your_o amen_n unto_o that_o excellent_a confession_n of_o faith_n eccles._n 1.2_o vanity_n of_o vanity_n and_o all_o be_v but_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n 2._o in_o that_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n that_o discover_v unto_o a_o christian_a the_o spotless_a holiness_n of_o christ_n faith_n do_v not_o only_o discover_v the_o beauty_n of_o christ_n but_o likewise_o his_o holiness_n and_o this_o do_v make_v the_o soul_n fall_v in_o love_n with_o that_o excellent_a thing_n sanctification_n it_o be_v record_v among_o the_o first_o step_n to_o sin_n and_o misery_n that_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v as_o god_n know_v good_a and_o evil_a but_o certain_o it_o be_v among_o the_o first_o step_n to_o life_n and_o happiness_n when_o the_o soul_n desire_v to_o be_v holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a and_o i_o suppose_v this_o be_v the_o great_a ground_n that_o you_o be_v not_o much_o endeavour_v a_o bless_a conformity_n to_o god_n and_o
to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o bless_a image_n of_o christ_n you_o know_v not_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n 3._o faith_n lay_v hold_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n â—nd_n draw_v strength_n and_o virtue_n from_o he_o for_o the_o conquer_a of_o lust_n and_o in_o raise_v 〈◊〉_d up_o into_o a_o bless_a conformity_n unto_o himself_o when_o the_o christian_a be_v weak_a faith_n be_v that_o noble_a correspondent_a between_o that_o emptiness_n â—hat_n be_v in_o we_o and_o the_o fullness_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n â—aith_n be_v that_o noble_a correspondent_a between_o â—hat_n weakness_n that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o that_o everlasting_a strength_n that_o be_v in_o he_o therefore_o â—here_o be_v two_o noble_a and_o excellent_a counsel_n â—f_a faith_n first_o it_o counsel_v we_o not_o to_o lean_a 〈◊〉_d our_o own_o strength_n and_o second_o to_o â—ave_n our_o recourse_n unto_o he_o who_o name_n be_v jehovah_n that_o everlasting_a strength_n and_o no_o doubt_n if_o we_o be_v more_o take_v up_o in_o employ_v christ_n by_o faith_n that_o pprophecy_n shall_v be_v accomplish_v i_o will_v make_v the_o feeble_a one_o as_o david_n and_o david_n as_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n and_o when_o a_o christian_a be_v most_o diffident_a in_o himself_o than_o god_n shall_v prove_v himself_o to_o be_v almighty_a and_o all-sufficient_a and_o 4._o faith_n influence_n may_v be_v clear_v in_o this_o that_o it_o lay_v hold_v upon_o the_o promise_n and_o do_v believe_v they_o and_o believe_v of_o the_o promise_n bring_v forth_o that_o noble_a birth_n conformity_n to_o god_n according_a to_o thaâ—_n word_n upon_o which_o we_o be_v speak_v 2_o pet_n 1_o 4._o by_o believe_v the_o promise_n that_o be_v the_o advantage_n of_o it_o we_o be_v by_o they_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 5._o i'faith_o also_o believe_v the_o threatningâ—_n that_o be_v pass_v in_o scripture_n against_o sin_n and_o the_o believe_v they_o have_v a_o undoubted_a and_o strong_a influence_n upon_o the_o attain_n and_o growth_n oâ—_n sanctification_n faith_n strengthen_v a_o christian_a against_o the_o commit_n of_o iniquity_n with_o these_o two_o word_n that_o word_n rom._n 6.20_o o_o soul_n say_v faith_n commit_v not_o iniquity_n foâ—_n the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n and_o that_o word_n rev_n 21._o last_o there_o shall_v in_o no_o way_n enter_v into_o thâ—_n city_n any_o thing_n that_o be_v unclean_a or_o that_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o threaten_n and_o of_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v in_o scripture_n will_v be_v as_o 〈◊〉_d threefold_a cord_n not_o easy_o break_v to_o restain_v you_o from_o the_o act_n of_o iniquity_n and_o shall_v tell_v you_o brief_o the_o ground_n why_o these_o curseâ—_n heart_n of_o we_o do_v commit_v iniquity_n witâ—_n so_o little_a fear_n and_o with_o so_o much_o delight_n it_o be_v even_o this_o because_o we_o believe_v not_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v in_o their_o own_o season_n for_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o if_o you_o believe_v that_o word_n rev_n 21._o last_o that_o nothing_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n that_o defile_v or_o work_v abomination_n or_o that_o make_v a_o lie_n that_o you_o dare_v not_o for_o a_o world_n adventure_v upon_o the_o commit_n of_o iniquity_n as_o you_o do_v and_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v to_o such_o that_o do_v undervalue_v the_o threaten_n of_o god_n the_o day_n be_v come_v when_o they_o shall_v be_v constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o he_o have_v speak_v it_o and_o he_o have_v do_v it_o &_o faithful_a be_v he_o there_o be_v not_o one_o jot_n nor_o title_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o shall_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o believe_v it_o god_n will_v be_v faithful_a in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o threaten_n as_o he_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o promise_n 6._o faith_n discover_v unto_o a_o christian_a the_o noble_a excellency_n and_o those_o spiritual_a dignity_n that_o be_v in_o that_o everlasting_a estate_n that_o be_v provide_v for_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n faith_n as_o it_o be_v carry_v up_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o top_n of_o pisgah_n off_o which_o it_o be_v admit_v to_o behold_v the_o promise_a land_n and_o true_o the_o see_v of_o these_o noble_a thing_n that_o be_v provide_v for_o the_o saint_n can_v but_o make_v they_o study_v holiness_n since_o they_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n for_o one_o to_o attain_v to_o that_o estate_n with_o ouâ—_n holiness_n because_o he_o have_v say_v it_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n o_o then_o if_o once_o you_o see_v heaven_n you_o will_v be_v constrain_v to_o walk_v in_o that_o path_n of_o sanctification_n since_o it_o be_v the_o glorious_a way_n by_o which_o you_o must_v walk_v in_o through_o the_o gate_n of_o that_o bless_a city_n buâ—_n you_o know_v not_o the_o excellency_n that_o be_v there_o iâ—_n be_v a_o fancy_n and_o notion_n unto_o you_o and_o that_o iâ—_n the_o ground_n that_o you_o do_v not_o study_v to_o conform_v yourselves_o unto_o that_o bless_a image_n of_o god_n and_o i_o will_v only_o ask_v you_o this_o one_o question_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o such_o a_o delusion_n as_o this_o can_v overtake_v you_o as_o to_o think_v that_o you_o who_o never_o study_v holiness_n on_o earth_n shall_v yet_o enter_v into_o heaven_n gate_n i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o that_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n i_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o imagination_n of_o my_o own_o heart_n and_o many_o more_o that_o suppose_v that_o they_o may_v fight_v and_o overcome_v that_o they_o may_v quit_v the_o estate_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v complete_a in_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n all_o in_o one_o day_n but_o why_o will_v you_o deceive_v yourselves_o can_v a_o nation_n be_v bear_v in_o one_o day_n or_o be_v there_o but_o one_o step_n between_o hell_n and_o heaven_n o_o remember_v though_o nothing_o be_v impossible_a with_o god_n yet_o there_o be_v but_o one_o thief_n save_v upon_o the_o cross_n 7._o faith_n have_v influence_n upon_o the_o attain_n of_o holiness_n in_o this_o respect_n that_o it_o believe_v the_o exceed_a great_a advantage_n that_o be_v promise_v unto_o the_o person_n that_o study_v holiness_n faith_n believe_v that_o word_n matth._n 5.8_o bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n faith_n it_o lay_v hold_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o excellent_a say_n and_o make_v the_o christian_a endeavour_n to_o attain_v unto_o a_o likeness_n and_o conformity_n with_o he_o that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o behold_v his_o face_n for_o all_o eternity_n and_o to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o he_o 8._o faith_n discover_v unto_o christian_n the_o sinfulness_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v never_o do_v till_o once_o they_o be_v in_o the_o lively_a exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o these_o three_o ground_n why_o faith_n compleaty_n discover_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o sin_n 1._o faith_n let_v we_o see_v the_o person_n against_o who_o we_o commit_v this_o sin_n and_o that_o do_v exceed_o aggrege_n sin_n for_o when_o the_o christian_a be_v admit_v to_o behold_v god_n and_o to_o see_v that_o matchless_a excellency_n that_o be_v in_o he_o then_o say_v he_o what_o a_o beast_n be_v i_o to_o offend_v such_o a_o glorious_a majesty_n as_o he_o what_o a_o fool_n be_v i_o to_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n or_o to_o enter_v in_o the_o list_n with_o such_o a_o infinite_a god_n 2._o faith_n let_v a_o christian_a see_v these_o excellent_a obligation_n of_o love_n that_o christ_n have_v impose_v upon_o we_o faith_n let_v we_o see_v the_o ancient_a and_o everlasting_a love_n of_o christ_n faith_n be_v that_o grace_n that_o let_v we_o see_v his_o suffering_n faith_n let_v we_o see_v all_o that_o he_o have_v do_v for_o we_o and_o this_o make_v the_o christian_n to_o cry_v out_o do_v i_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n o_o foolish_a one_o and_o unwise_a and_o no_o doubt_n if_o a_o christian_a be_v more_o take_v up_o in_o the_o study_n of_o this_o duty_n he_o will_v be_v less_o in_o contract_a debt_n and_o be_v you_o but_o serious_o take_v up_o in_o the_o study_n of_o these_o two_o great_a register_n 1._o the_o register_n in_o which_o all_o the_o infinite_a act_n of_o love_n be_v record_v and_o 2._o that_o register_n in_o which_o all_o your_o act_n of_o offend_v precious_a christ_n be_v write_v you_o will_v be_v astonish_v and_o ashamed_a to_o see_v so_o much_o forgive_v you_o and_o dare_v not_o sin_v any_o more_o there_o you_o will_v see_v infinite_a mercy_n desire_v to_o rejoice_v over_o judgement_n and_o there_o you_o will_v see_v the_o spotless_a riches_n of_o that_o transcendent_a grace_n that_o be_v in_o christ._n
may_v be_v a_o curse_n to_o a_o christian._n that_o word_n â—s_v most_o terrible_a mal._n 2.2_o i_o will_v curse_v your_o blessing_n and_o the_o last_o word_n that_o i_o will_v â—ay_n to_o this_o be_v that_o a_o christian_n who_o believe_v â—he_n promise_n notwithstanding_o that_o dispensation_n seem_v to_o contradict_v it_o that_o promise_n â—hall_v be_v make_v most_o refreshfull_a unto_o his_o spirit_n when_o it_o be_v accomplish_v o_o but_o a_o christian_a that_o never_o have_v much_o jealousy_n nor_o much_o stagger_n about_o the_o accomplishment_n â—f_n the_o promise_n when_o it_o come_v it_o will_v be_v most_o refreshfull_a unto_o he_o and_o believe_v it_o â—here_o be_v not_o one_o hour_n entertainment_n of_o jealousy_n about_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o it_o will_v impair_v the_o sweetness_n of_o â—he_n promise_v when_o it_o be_v accomplish_v except_o so_o far_o that_o the_o transcendent_a and_o free_a â—ove_n of_o christ_n be_v see_v in_o the_o accomplishment_n â—f_fw-mi they_o notwithstanding_o of_o our_o misbelief_n the_o last_o rule_n that_o i_o shall_v offer_v a_o christiaâ—â—n_n his_o application_n of_o the_o promise_n when_o you_o meet_v with_o objection_n that_o you_o can_v answer_v but_o they_o do_v silence_n you_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o you_o shall_v do_v with_o they_o misken_fw-mi these_o obstruction_n and_o lay_v they_o by_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o believe_v abraham_n rom._n 4.9_o he_o consider_v not_o his_o own_o body_n be_v weak_a and_o the_o deadness_n of_o sarahs_n womb_n the_o weakness_n of_o his_o own_o body_n and_o the_o deadness_n of_o sarahs_n womb_n be_v so_o strong_a objection_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o he_o can_v not_o answer_v they_o and_o the_o way_n he_o take_v to_o refute_v they_o be_v he_o do_v not_o consider_v they_o as_o it_o be_v he_o forget_v those_o objection_n and_o go_v about_o his_o duty_n the_o three_o thing_n that_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o application_n of_o the_o promise_n shall_v be_v somewhat_o for_o help_v a_o christian_n that_o be_v stand_v at_o too_o great_a a_o distance_n to_o get_v the_o promise_n apply_v first_o a_o christian_n will_v be_v much_o in_o the_o study_n of_o these_o experience_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o what_o other_o have_v meet_v with_o when_o you_o begin_v to_o apply_v a_o promise_n you_o may_v be_v help_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o apply_v promise_n by_o behold_v these_o great_a record_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n that_o be_v extant_a this_o be_v the_o way_n the_o angel_n take_v with_o mary_n luke_n 1.36_o where_o help_v she_o to_o believe_v that_o promise_n that_o of_o she_o shall_v be_v bear_v the_o messiah_n this_o be_v the_o way_n that_o he_o strengthen_v she_o thy_o cousin_n elizabeth_n be_v now_o with_o child_n and_o have_v go_v six_o month_n even_o she_o that_o be_v call_v barren_a and_o i_o shall_v only_o name_v these_o two_o place_n in_o scripture_n which_o may_v help_v you_o exceed_o and_o strengthen_v you_o to_o believe_v the_o promise_n upon_o this_o acount_n there_o be_v that_o â—ord_n in_o exod._n 12.41_o and_o 51._o it_o be_v a_o most_o remarkable_a say_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o four_o hundred_o â—nd_a thirty-year_n on_o that_o same_o very_a day_n there_o â—as_v not_o one_o day_n miss_v after_o the_o time_n that_o â—as_v set_v be_v accomplish_v in_o that_o same_o very_a â—ay_n they_o come_v out_o and_o this_o be_v mark_v in_o ver_fw-la 51._o â—gain_o and_o there_o be_v that_o word_n 1_o king_n 8.56_o â—here_o solomon_n when_o he_o be_v sing_v most_o sweet_o to_o god_n he_o take_v a_o observation_n of_o â—is_n loe_o say_v he_o there_o have_v not_o fail_v one_o â—ord_n that_o god_n have_v speak_v to_o you_o by_o his_o servant_n moses_n second_o you_o will_v be_v much_o in_o the_o conâ—â—deration_n of_o your_o own_o experience_n that_o â—ou_fw-mi have_v in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o promise_n â—â—rmerly_o this_o be_v david_n way_n that_o he_o â—â—ok_v to_o strengthen_v himself_o to_o believe_v the_o promise_n he_o that_o have_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o â—ge_n of_o the_o lion_n and_o the_o paw_n of_o the_o bear_n he_o â—ill_v deliver_v i_o from_o this_o uncircumcised_a phiâ—â—stine_n 1_o sam._n 17.35_o and_o 37.46_o and_o this_o â—as_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 2_o tim._n â—_o 17_o 18._o god_n have_v deliver_v i_o from_o that_o 〈◊〉_d lion_n and_o from_o thence_o he_o subjoin_v â—nd_v the_o lord_n will_v deliver_v i_o from_o every_o evil_a â—ork_n and_o this_o be_v his_o practice_n 2_o cor._n 1._o â—â—_o where_o these_o three_o be_v swet_o knit_v toother_o god_n have_v deliver_v i_o he_o do_v deliâ—â—â—_n i_o and_o he_o shall_v deliver_v i_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d one_o experience_n of_o this_o kind_n but_o it_o reach_v that_o 〈◊〉_d yourâ—_n o_o believe_v the_o promise_n and_o do_v not_o â—all_n in_o question_n his_o faithâ—â—â—nesse_n three_o there_o be_v that_o help_n that_o yeâ—_n study_v much_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o promiseâ—_n that_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a and_o excellent_a way_n 〈◊〉_d move_v you_o to_o apply_v the_o promise_n accord_v to_o that_o word_n psal._n 119.111_o i_o have_v maâ—_n thy_o testimony_n my_o heritage_n for_o ever_o and_o thâ—_n ground_n of_o it_o be_v that_o because_o they_o be_v the_o râ—â—joycing_v of_o my_o heart_n the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o promise_n will_v engage_v our_o heart_n to_o apply_v they_o and_o there_o be_v that_o four_o help_n a_o christiâ—â—_n will_v study_v the_o omnipotency_n of_o god_n thâ—â—_n so_o he_o may_v be_v help_v to_o believe_v and_o applâ—_n the_o promise_n this_o be_v clear_a in_o zech._n 12.1_o where_o god_n go_v to_o pass_v many_o excellent_a promise_n he_o usher_v in_o that_o discourse_n wiâ—â—_n high_a and_o magestick_a description_n of_o his_o poweâ—_n in_o that_o he_o streatch_v forth_o the_o heaven_n 〈◊〉_d lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o formeâ—_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n within_o he_o and_o this_o 〈◊〉_d the_o practice_n of_o abraham_n rom._n 4.21_o the_o 〈◊〉_d how_o he_o come_v to_o believe_v the_o promise_n he_o 〈◊〉_d he_o able_a that_o have_v make_v it_o that_o he_o 〈◊〉_d perform_v it_o five_o for_o your_o help_n in_o apply_v 〈◊〉_d the_o promise_n study_v much_o the_o unchangâ—â—ablenesse_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o faithfulness_n knoâ—_n that_o he_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o 〈◊〉_d and_o for_o ever_o this_o be_v the_o way_n that_o 〈◊〉_d come_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o promise_n heb._n 11._o â—_o she_o believe_v 〈◊〉_d the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o it_o 〈◊〉_d that_o she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a that_o have_v prâ—â—mised_v there_o 〈…〉_z of_o misbelief_n that_o a_o christian_n fall_v into_o but_o it_o saiâ—â—_n that_o god_n be_v not_o faithful_a and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o true_a now_o the_o last_o duty_n that_o we_o will_v press_v â—rom_o this_o point_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o high_a esteem_n of_o the_o promiser_n even_o of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o they_o be_v yea_o and_o amen_n and_o i_o shall_v close_v all_o at_o this_o time_n with_o this_o â—re_n there_o not_o many_o here_o that_o have_v no_o respect_n unto_o he_o who_o be_v that_o faithful_a witness_n â—nd_v the_o amen_n who_o have_v promise_v we_o himself_o and_o all_o thing_n and_o if_o you_o will_v not_o take_v with_o the_o challenge_n let_v your_o heart_n but_o answer_n these_o two_o or_o three_o thing_n 1._o have_v â—ot_n the_o loss_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n affect_v â—our_n heart_n more_o than_o ever_o absence_n from_o â—hrist_n do_v have_v it_o not_o and_o can_v such_o a_o â—oul_n say_v i_o have_v a_o high_a account_n of_o the_o promiser_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o these_o that_o will_v â—ourn_v more_o under_o the_o absence_n of_o their_o idol_n â—an_v for_o the_o want_n of_o he_o that_o they_o can_v have_v 〈◊〉_d high_a account_n of_o jesus_n christ_n i_o be_o persuade_v of_o this_o there_o be_v some_o merchant_n 〈◊〉_d the_o loss_n of_o their_o good_n at_o the_o sea_n have_v â—â—â—verted_v they_o from_o their_o night_n rest_n and_o 〈◊〉_d absence_n from_o christ_n never_o do_v divert_v 〈◊〉_d from_o their_o sleep_n one_o hour_n o_o when_o 〈◊〉_d love_v to_o find_v out_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o enjoy_v 〈◊〉_d fellowship_n make_v you_o rise_v up_o in_o the_o silent_a â—â—atches_n of_o the_o night_n and_o to_o pursue_v after_o 〈◊〉_d 2._o have_v not_o your_o soul_n delight_v â—ore_o on_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o a_o â—orld_n than_o ever_o they_o do_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n 〈◊〉_d christ._n be_v not_o this_o true_a that_o the_o increase_n 〈◊〉_d wine_n and_o oil_n and_o of_o silver_n and_o gold_n have_v affect_v your_o heart_n more_o with_o joy_n than_o ever_o christ_n
of_o god_n and_o have_v break_v their_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n they_o can_v supposâ—_n god_n will_v abide_v faithful_a to_o they_o and_o 〈◊〉_d accomplish_v his_o promise_n unto_o they_o 〈◊〉_d the_o only_a way_n how_o to_o answer_v this_o dispute_n be_v to_o look_v to_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o 〈◊〉_d that_o word_n 2_o tim_n 2.13_o though_o we_o belieuâ—_v not_o yet_o god_n do_v abide_v faithful_a he_o can_v 〈◊〉_d himself_o and_o now_o to_o shut_v up_o this_o second_o duty_n thaâ—_n we_o press_v from_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o thâ—_n promise_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v these_o two_o wordâ—_n unto_o you_o 1._o assure_v yourselves_o of_o thiâ—_n â—â—at_v these_o accomplishment_n of_o promise_n that_o 〈◊〉_d not_o through_o the_o lively_a exercise_n of_o 〈◊〉_d do_v loose_a much_o of_o their_o sweetness_n â—uch_o of_o their_o lustre_n and_o much_o of_o their_o advantage_n sometime_o a_o promise_n will_v be_v accomplish_v unto_o a_o christian_a when_o he_o have_v 〈◊〉_d be_v much_o in_o the_o constant_a lively_a exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o believe_v such_o a_o promise_n 〈◊〉_d then_o the_o disadvantage_n that_o attend_v â—â—ch_a a_o one_o be_v not_o easy_o experess_v how_o â—ften_o may_v he_o cry_v out_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o this_o â—ace_n and_o i_o be_v not_o aware_a how_o little_a of_o 〈◊〉_d do_v he_o see_v in_o it_o how_o short_a be_v he_o in_o praise_n and_o render_v to_o the_o lord_n according_a 〈◊〉_d the_o good_a he_o have_v receive_v how_o negligent_a in_o improve_n or_o keep_v the_o mercy_n â—nd_v how_o loath_a to_o lay_v it_o out_o for_o god_n when_o â—ee_n say_v the_o lord_n have_v need_v of_o it_o and_o many_o â—â—ingâ—_n more_o of_o this_o kind_n which_o may_v press_v 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v steadfast_a in_o believe_v and_o 2._o o_o dispute_n less_o and_o believe_v more_o what_o proâ—â—te_n shall_v you_o have_v of_o your_o dispute_n and_o 〈◊〉_d you_o will_v produce_v all_o your_o strong_a argument_n why_o you_o shall_v not_o believe_v the_o promise_n you_o may_v drown_v they_o in_o this_o immense_a depth_n god_n be_v unchangeable_a let_v i_o say_v â—ut_v this_o further_o there_o be_v three_o most_o remarkable_a change_n in_o a_o christian_a in_o his_o maâ—ing_a use_n of_o the_o promise_n fiâ—st_v sometime_o â—ee_n will_v believe_v the_o promise_n and_o make_v application_n of_o they_o and_o ere_o many_o hour_n â—o_o about_o he_o will_v misbelieve_v that_o promise_n â—hich_v present_o he_o believe_v will_v not_o sometime_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o morning_n cry_v out_o i_o â—m_n my_o belove_n and_o my_o belove_v he_o be_v i_o and_o ere_o twelve_o hour_n come_v they_o will_v changâ—_n their_o note_n and_o cry_v out_o my_o hope_n and_o 〈◊〉_d strength_n be_v perish_v from_o the_o lord_n sometimes_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o morning_n will_v cry_v out_o my_o mountain_n stand_v strong_a i_o shall_v never_o bâ—_n move_v and_o ere_o many_o hour_n go_v about_o he_o wiâ—â—_n change_v his_o note_n and_o cry_v out_o thou_o have_v 〈◊〉_d thy_o face_n from_o i_o and_o i_o be_v trouble_v second_o sometime_o a_o promise_n will_v be_v to_o a_o christiaâ—_n sweet_a than_o the_o honey_n &_o the_o honey_n comb_n sometimes_o a_o christian_a will_v die_v and_o live_v upon_o 〈◊〉_d promise_n sometime_o the_o believe_v of_o a_o proâ—mise_n will_v be_v to_o a_o christian_a as_o the_o valley_n 〈◊〉_d anchor_n for_o a_o door_n of_o hope_n that_o will_v make_v hiâ—_n to_o sing_v and_o yet_o ere_o many_o day_n go_v about_o hâ—_n may_v come_v to_o that_o same_o very_a promise_n and_o iâ—_n will_v prove_v tastelesse_a to_o he_o as_o the_o white_a of_o 〈◊〉_d egg_n so_o that_o he_o may_v cry_v out_o o_o that_o it_o 〈◊〉_d with_o i_o as_o in_o month_n past_a and_o in_o the_o ancient_a time_n and_o o_o where_o be_v the_o sweetness_n thaâ—_n find_v in_o such_o a_o promise_n o_o it_o be_v go_v it_o 〈◊〉_d go_v and_o i_o be_o leave_v desolate_a three_o sometimes_o when_o a_o christian_a will_v be_v believe_v suâ—â—_n a_o promise_n and_o rest_v upon_o it_o he_o will_v through_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n see_v much_o light_a anâ—_n clearness_n in_o that_o promise_n he_o will_v take_v 〈◊〉_d the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n that_o shine_v therein_o and_o at_o another_o time_n he_o may_v come_v to_o thâ—_n same_o promise_n and_o it_o may_v be_v dark_a to_o he_o 〈◊〉_d that_o his_o light_n have_v evanished_a and_o sometime_o the_o joy_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o promise_n will_v be_v go_v when_o his_o light_n that_o he_o have_v in_o it_o 〈◊〉_d remain_v with_o he_o a_o christian_a may_v come_v 〈◊〉_d the_o promise_n and_o find_v his_o ancient_a light_n yeâ—_n not_o his_o ancient_a joy_n nor_o his_o ancient_a delight_n therefore_o if_o you_o will_v have_v the_o promise_n always_o sweet_a unto_o you_o pray_v over_o they_o â—ray_v that_o god_n may_v breathe_v upon_o such_o a_o proâ—ise_n and_o make_v it_o lively_a to_o you_o the_o three_o thing_n that_o we_o will_v press_v â—pon_n you_o from_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v that_o which_o by_o proportion_n you_o â—ay_v gather_v even_o from_o this_o that_o the_o threatening_n of_o god_n be_v unchangeable_a these_o two_o â—re_n conjoin_v yea_o joshua_n seem_v to_o infer_v â—he_v unchangeableness_n of_o the_o threaten_n â—rom_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o the_o promise_n chap._n 23.14_o compare_v with_o verse_n 15._o and_o â—hese_fw-mi two_o be_v conjoin_v zech._n 8.14_o 15._o that_o as_o i_o think_v to_o punish_v you_o and_o it_o have_v â—ome_o to_o pass_v so_o i_o have_v think_v to_o build_v you_o up_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o i_o will_v from_o this_o desire_n you_o to_o stand_v in_o awe_n lest_o you_o come_v under_o the_o lash_n of_o the_o unchangeable_a threatening_n of_o god_n for_o know_v that_o as_o god_n be_v unchangeable_a in_o the_o promise_n and_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n in_o all_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v accomplish_v so_o likewise_o know_v there_o be_v not_o a_o curse_n in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v in_o its_o time_n and_o know_v this_o likewise_o that_o the_o day_n be_v come_v when_o that_o sad_a word_n that_o be_v in_o hos._n 7.12_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v i_o will_v chastise_v they_o as_o their_o congregation_n have_v hear_v and_o o_o you_o that_o live_v in_o this_o place_n if_o all_o the_o threaten_n that_o your_o congregation_n have_v hear_v shall_v be_v accomplish_v in_o their_o time_n you_o may_v take_v up_o the_o last_o word_n of_o baalam_n song_n alas_o who_o shall_v live_v when_o god_n shall_v do_v these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o since_o the_o threatening_n of_o god_n be_v unchangeable_a as_o also_o thâ—_n promise_n life_n and_o death_n be_v set_v before_o you_o and_o either_o you_o shall_v be_v the_o object_n of_o â—he_n â—â—â—changeable_a threatening_n of_o god_n or_o you_o muâ—â—_n be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o unchangeable_a promiseâ—_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v from_o thâ—_n charge_v you_o that_o as_o you_o will_v not_o be_v helpâ—full_a to_o the_o destruction_n of_o your_o own_o immoâ—â—tal_a soul_n you_o will_v not_o undervalue_v thâ—_n threaten_n at_o you_o hear_v in_o your_o congregâ—tions_n since_o there_o be_v a_o declaration_n past_a thâ—â—_n the_o threaten_n in_o your_o congregation_n shaâ—â—_n be_v accomplish_v now_o there_o be_v that_o four_o duty_n that_o weâ—_n will_v press_v upon_o you_o from_o this_o that_o thâ—_n promise_n be_v unchangeable_a have_v a_o unchangeâ—able_a love_n to_o the_o promiser_n let_v this_o commeâ—â—_n the_o promiser_n let_v this_o constrain_v your_o heart_n tâ—_n delight_n in_o the_o promiser_n o_o what_o a_o bless_a dispensation_n of_o love_n be_v this_o that_o a_o unchangeablâ—_n god_n shall_v make_v unchangeable_a promise_n uâ—â—to_o changeable_a creature_n if_o the_o promise_n 〈◊〉_d the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v as_o changeable_a iâ—_n their_o nature_n as_o we_o be_v changeable_a there_o shoulâ—_n not_o one_o of_o we_o go_v to_o heaven_n but_o know_v it_o iâ—_n the_o bless_a design_n of_o love_n and_o it_o have_v be_v â—_o bless_a practice_n of_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o when_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o changeable_a creature_n he_o will_v give_v they_o unchangeable_a promise_n and_o i_o will_v once_o invite_v you_o again_o that_o you_o will_v come_v near_o and_o embrace_v thiâ—_n unchangeable_a promiser_n i_o shall_v speak_v these_o five_o word_n that_o may_v persuade_v you_o first_o christ_n be_v easy_o to_o be_v get_v if_o you_o will_v take_v â—im_a you_o will_v get_v christ_n if_o you_o will_v but_o hear_v â—ea_o for_o one_o listen_v of_o your_o ear_n to_o his_o â—oice_n you_o shall_v get_v he_o according_a to_o that_o word_n isa._n 55.3_o hear_v and_o what_o of_o that_o â—nd_v your_o soul_n shall_v live_v be_v not_o
ready_a to_o draw_v that_o conclusion_n i_o be_o cast_v out_o of_o his_o sight_n and_o shall_v no_o more_o behold_v he_o in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n when_o a_o promise_n have_v be_v bear_v in_o upon_o his_o spirit_n have_v support_v he_o and_o make_v he_o to_o change_v his_o song_n and_o to_o invert_v his_o conclusion_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o psal._n 94.18_o when_o i_o say_v my_o foot_n slip_v there_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o misbelief_n and_o despair_n yet_o thy_o mercy_n o_o lord_n do_v hold_v i_o up_o there_o be_v the_o gate_n at_o which_o faith_n do_v bring_v in_o consolation_n not_o from_o by-gone_a experience_n only_o but_o certain_o from_o that_o which_o he_o find_v in_o some_o precious_a promise_n that_o be_v bear_v in_o upon_o his_o spirit_n many_o excellent_a cord_n of_o love_n have_v christ_n let_v down_o unto_o a_o soul_n when_o they_o have_v be_v go_v down_o into_o the_o depth_n and_o the_o weed_n have_v be_v wrap_v about_o their_o head_n it_o be_v clear_a likewise_o from_o psal._n 119.81_o my_o soul_n faint_v for_o thy_o salvation_n as_o if_o david_n have_v say_v i_o be_o in_o hazard_n to_o give_v over_o my_o hope_n and_o to_o break_v my_o confidence_n and_o will_v you_o know_v what_o be_v it_o that_o support_v i_o under_o such_o a_o estate_n i_o hope_v in_o thy_o word_n have_v not_o this_o oftentimes_o be_v the_o song_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o their_o dark_a night_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o my_o thought_n within_o i_o thy_o comfort_n do_v delight_v my_o soul_n faith_n will_v see_v a_o morning_n approach_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o great_a trouble_n and_o no_o doubt_n that_o promise_n that_o uphold_v a_o christian_a in_o their_o doubt_n and_o most_o misbelieve_a condition_n the_o lively_a impression_n of_o that_o promise_n will_v remain_v a_o long_a time_n with_o he_o and_o when_o first_o it_o be_v bear_v in_o upon_o their_o spirit_n they_o will_v see_v no_o small_a love_n shine_v forth_o in_o carve_v out_o such_o a_o promise_n to_o suit_n with_o such_o a_o providence_n as_o they_o be_v it_o may_v be_v meet_v with_o for_o the_o time_n the_o four_o advantage_n in_o believe_v the_o promise_n iâ—_n that_o thereby_o we_o have_v a_o excellent_a help_n to_o patience_n and_o divine_a submission_n under_o our_o sad_a outward_a affliction_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o psal._n 27.13_o i_o have_v faint_v unless_o i_o have_v believe_v to_o see_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n and_o from_o psal._n 119.49_o 50._o where_o david_n tell_v his_o exercise_n in_o the_o 49._o i_o hope_v say_v he_o in_o thy_o word_n immediate_o he_o subjoin_v this_o be_v my_o comfort_n in_o my_o affliction_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v if_o i_o have_v not_o have_v the_o promise_n to_o be_v my_o comforter_n i_o have_v sit_v alone_o and_o keep_v silence_n and_o shall_v have_v remain_v without_o comfort_n in_o the_o day_n of_o my_o adversity_n and_o vers_fw-la 92._o unless_o thy_o law_n have_v be_v my_o delight_n i_o shall_v have_v perish_v in_o my_o affliction_n and_o we_o conceive_v in_o short_a the_o influence_n which_o faith_n upon_o the_o promise_n have_v upon_o the_o patient_a bear_n of_o the_o cross_n may_v be_v show_v unto_o you_o in_o these_o two_o particular_n first_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a prophet_n that_o always_o propehsy_v unto_o we_o good_a thing_n will_v you_o inquire_v at_o faith_n at_o your_o midnight_n of_o affliction_n what_o be_v its_o opinion_n of_o god_n and_o of_o your_o own_o estate_n faith_n will_v sweet_o resolve_v you_o thus_o wait_v on_o god_n for_o i_o shall_v yet_o praise_v he_o for_o the_o health_n of_o his_o countenance_n faith_n know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o wrong_a construction_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o noble_a interpreter_n of_o a_o christian_n cross_n if_o sense_n reason_n and_o misbelief_n interpret_v your_o cross_n they_o will_v make_v you_o cry_v out_o unto_o god_n why_o be_v thou_o become_v unto_o as_o a_o enemy_n or_o as_o a_o liar_n and_o water_n that_o sail_n but_o if_o faith_n that_o noble_a interpreter_n do_v interpret_v your_o cross_n it_o will_v make_v you_o cry_v out_o i_o know_v the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n that_o they_o be_v thought_n of_o peace_n and_o not_o of_o evil_a to_o give_v i_o a_o expect_a end_n faith_n let_v a_o christian_a see_v a_o bless_a outgate_n and_o issue_n of_o all_o the_o sad_a dispensation_n that_o he_o meet_v with_o i'faith_o that_o be_v its_o divinity_n i_o sow_v in_o tear_n but_o i_o shall_v reap_v in_o joy_n weep_v may_v be_v at_o evening_n say_v faith_n but_o joy_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o morning_n second_o it_o afford_v unto_o a_o christian_a such_o soul_n refresh_v consolation_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o affliction_n that_o in_o a_o manner_n they_o forget_v their_o sorrow_n as_o water_n that_o pass_v away_o this_o david_n do_v divine_o assert_v in_o psal._n 119.50_o this_o be_v my_o comfort_n in_o my_o affliction_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v indeed_o that_o tree_n which_o if_o they_o be_v cast_v into_o our_o water_n of_o marah_n they_o will_v make_v they_o immediate_o become_v sweet_a the_o five_o advantage_n be_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o promise_n do_v help_v a_o christian_a to_o a_o great_a distance_n with_o the_o world_n and_o to_o live_v as_o a_o pilgrim_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o heb._n 11.13_o where_o these_o two_o be_v sweet_o link_v together_o their_o embrace_n of_o the_o promise_n by_o faith_n and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o we_o shall_v show_v the_o influence_n that_o faith_n have_v upon_o this_o in_o these_o three_o 1._o it_o make_v a_o christian_a see_v the_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n here_o and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o within_o this_o glob_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v not_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n faith_n be_v that_o prospect_n through_o which_o a_o christian_a have_v most_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o do_v exceed_o help_v he_o to_o live_v as_o a_o pilgrim_n 2._o it_o let_v a_o christian_a see_v the_o endless_a perfection_n of_o heaven_n and_o bring_v it_o within_o sight_n of_o that_o immense_a and_o everlasting_a hope_n and_o this_o make_v he_o to_o live_v as_o a_o pilgrim_n and_o to_o declare_v plain_o that_o he_o seek_v a_o country_n and_o 3._o it_o do_v excee_o help_v he_o forward_o in_o that_o bless_a work_n of_o wean_n of_o affection_n from_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v here_o will_v you_o know_v where_o a_o believer_n heart_n be_v it_o be_v in_o heaven_n will_v you_o know_v where_o his_o thought_n be_v they_o be_v in_o heaven_n will_v you_o know_v where_o his_o conversation_n be_v it_o be_v in_o heaven_n will_v you_o know_v where_o his_o hope_n be_v it_o be_v in_o heaven_n his_o treasure_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o his_o heart_n and_o his_o conversation_n be_v there_o and_o christ_n in_o he_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o glory_n and_o indeed_o more_o faith_n of_o the_o promise_n will_v constrain_v we_o all_o to_o subscribe_v that_o confession_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o heb_n 11.13_o the_o six_o advantage_n that_o attend_v the_o believe_v of_o the_o promise_n be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o much_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o divine_a consolation_n and_o make_v a_o christian_n to_o be_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o praise_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o psal._n 71.14_o but_o i_o will_v hope_v continuâ—ally_o and_o then_o immediate_o be_v subjoin_v and_o will_v yet_o praise_v he_o more_o and_o more_o as_o likewise_o from_o rom._n 15.13_o and_o from_o 1_o pet_n 1.8_o if_o a_o man_n will_v have_v his_o way_n to_o heaven_n make_v pleasant_a and_o while_o they_o be_v sit_v by_o the_o river_n of_o babel_n will_v be_v admit_v to_o sing_v one_o of_o the_o song_n of_o zion_n then_o ought_v they_o â—o_o believe_v the_o promise_n and_o to_o choose_v they_o as_o their_o heritage_n for_o ever_o and_o then_o he_o may_v sing_v in_o hope_n and_o praise_n in_o expectation_n though_o he_o have_v but_o little_a in_o hand_n for_o the_o present_a indeed_o when_o he_o look_v to_o his_o possession_n there_o will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o matter_n of_o rejoice_v but_o when_o he_o look_v upon_o his_o hope_n and_o his_o expectation_n he_o may_v be_v constrain_v to_o cry_v â—orth_o awake_v up_o o_o my_o glory_n i_o myself_o will_v awake_v early_o the_o seven_o advantage_n be_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o attain_v unto_o spiritual_a life_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o isa._n 38.16_o by_o these_o thing_n say_v hezekiah_n do_v man_n live_v speak_v of_o the_o promise_n and_o in_o
they_o have_v take_v away_o my_o god_n and_o what_o have_v i_o more_o but_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o heaven_n we_o care_v not_o who_o deprive_v we_o of_o our_o portion_n there_o i_o will_v not_o limit_v the_o lord_n nor_o determine_v what_o he_o may_v do_v but_o believe_v it_o it_o be_v one_o to_o a_o thousand_o if_o many_o christian_n of_o this_o age_n have_v a_o pleasant_a night_n and_o comfortable_a close_n of_o their_o eye_n they_o be_v such_o undervalue_n 〈◊〉_d of_o assurance_n i_o may_v fear_v that_o lamentation_n shall_v be_v hear_v upon_o the_o death_n bed_n of_o many_o 〈◊〉_d o_o poor_a wretched_a wander_a soul_n where_o be_v thou_o go_v and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n it_o come_v to_o this_o when_o we_o be_v so_o long_o in_o beginning_n to_o ask_v the_o question_n and_o now_o i_o close_o with_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o i_o think_v beyond_o all_o question_n the_o soul_n that_o live_v content_o under_o the_o want_n of_o assurance_n be_v the_o careless_a daughter_n that_o dwell_v at_o ease_n christ_n and_o they_o be_v at_o a_o remarkable_a distance_n it_o must_v be_v a_o cold_a winter_n and_o a_o dark_a night_n at_o best_o as_o to_o their_o present_a fellowship_n with_o god_n a_o second_o consideration_n from_o this_o point_n be_v that_o if_o the_o seek_n after_o assurance_n be_v so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n then_o let_v i_o beseech_v you_o to_o ponder_v with_o yourselves_o what_o mean_n be_v fit_a for_o you_o to_o use_v that_o you_o may_v attain_v it_o and_o if_o you_o inquire_v what_o these_o mean_n be_v i_o shall_v only_o lay_v before_o you_o some_o few_o 1._o that_o you_o will_v be_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n i_o mean_v the_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o the_o sinner_n from_o his_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o his_o want_n lay_v hold_v on_o jesus_n christ_n close_v with_o he_o and_o lean_v upon_o he_o for_o a_o full_a supply_n out_o of_o his_o fullness_n for_o indeed_o there_o be_v two_o great_a fault_n among_o the_o lordâ—_n people_n some_o do_v seek_v assurance_n of_o faith_n before_o ever_o they_o seek_v to_o have_v faith_n 2._o some_o be_v much_o more_o take_v up_o in_o debate_v their_o evidence_n whether_o they_o be_v real_a or_o not_o than_o they_o be_v in_o strengthen_v their_o evidence_n so_o that_o most_o of_o their_o time_n be_v spend_v in_o question_v o_o be_v this_o a_o real_a evidence_n of_o assurance_n whereas_o more_o actual_a believe_v in_o christ_n and_o grip_v to_o the_o promise_n and_o lâ—sse_n dispute_v be_v the_o short_a and_o sure_a way_n that_o word_n be_v most_o clear_a eph._n 1.13_o after_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n that_o be_v you_o get_v assurance_n but_o not_o before_o you_o believe_v and_o you_o know_v it_o be_v say_v matth._n 9_o 2._o and_o when_o jesus_n see_v their_o faith_n he_o say_v son_n be_v of_o good_a comfort_n thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o so_o than_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o to_o be_v much_o in_o believe_v be_v the_o near_a way_n to_o assurance_n 2._o you_o will_v be_v much_o in_o believe_v the_o general_a truth_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o frequent_o meditatnig_v of_o they_o all_o assurance_n be_v by_o a_o practical_a syllogism_n the_o first_o proposition_n whereof_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o scripture_n â—ruth_n and_o certain_o the_o firm_a assent_n to_o that_o truth_n and_o the_o soul_n delightful_a meditation_n on_o it_o be_v often_o bless_a of_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o special_a mean_n whereby_o the_o conscience_n be_v help_v to_o make_v the_o assumption_n and_o also_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o conclusion_n for_o instance_n we_o see_v with_o what_o strength_n of_o affection_n paul_n act_v his_o faith_n on_o that_o word_n 1_o tim._n 1.15_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n christ_n jesus_n come_v to_o save_v sinner_n and_o present_o we_o see_v what_o follow_v on_o it_o of_o who_o i_o be_o the_o chief_a then_o be_v his_o assurance_n for_o doubtless_o he_o mean_v that_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o save_v sinner_n yea_o certain_o a_o sinner_n thus_o exercise_v himself_o will_v often_o find_v so_o much_o sweetness_n in_o the_o general_a truth_n that_o he_o can_v but_o put_v to_o his_o own_o name_n 3._o be_v diligent_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o christian_a duty_n that_o this_o iâ—_n among_o the_o best_a mean_n of_o attain_v to_o assurance_n be_v manifest_a from_o 2_o pet._n 1._o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a for_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o the_o diligence_n there_o mention_v be_v not_o a_o diligence_n in_o dispute_v and_o question_v about_o our_o election_n but_o a_o diligence_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o duty_n and_o grace_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o ver_fw-la 5._o give_v all_o diligence_n say_v the_o apostle_n whereto_o in_o add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n to_o your_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o vers_n 8._o if_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o shall_v neither_o be_v barren_a noâ—_n unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n he_o do_v not_o say_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n simple_o but_o of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n import_v that_o that_o the_o result_n of_o diligence_n in_o these_o grace_n shall_v be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o and_o of_o our_o interesâ—_n in_o he_o and_o then_o he_o add_v upon_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o that_o lake_v these_o thing_n be_v blind_a and_o can_v see_v afar_o off_o this_o be_v he_o can_v see_v far_o iâ—_n any_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o so_o not_o in_o the_o matteâ—_n of_o his_o interest_n o_o therefore_o think_v not_o thaâ—_n you_o will_v get_v assurance_n by_o lie_v down_o with_o thâ—â—â—uggard_n upon_o your_o bed_n or_o by_o your_o formal_a prayer_n or_o your_o anxious_a debate_n but_o if_o eveâ—_n you_o come_v to_o assurance_n you_o must_v be_v strive_v aâ—_n in_o a_o agony_n for_o so_o the_o word_n import_v which_o be_v use_v to_o express_v our_o diligence_n in_o christiaâ—_n duty_n 4._o as_o you_o will_v be_v diligent_a so_o if_o ever_o yâ—_n will_v come_v to_o assurance_n you_o will_v be_v tender_a and_o circumspect_a in_o your_o walk_n that_o be_v a_o clear_a word_n psal._n 50._o last_o verse_n to_o he_o that_o order_v his_o conversation_n aright_o will_v i_o show_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n and_o isa._n 32._o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n be_v peace_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o ah_o the_o untender_a walk_n that_o many_o of_o we_o have_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o see_v we_o walk_v in_o darkness_n such_o stink_a gross_a vapour_n that_o arise_v off_o our_o conversation_n can_v but_o engender_v cloud_n that_o hinder_v we_o from_o see_v god_n and_o certain_o such_o pearl_n as_o assurance_n be_v not_o give_v to_o dog_n and_o swine_n lest_o they_o tread_v upon_o they_o sermon_n viii_o â—_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n there_o be_v two_o great_a balance_n into_o which_o man_n do_v weight_n themselves_o there_o be_v some_o that_o weight_n themselves_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o deceit_n who_o â—â—ink_v that_o in_o all_o their_o labour_n there_o be_v no_o iniquity_n to_o be_v find_v yet_o god_n who_o be_v the_o weigh_o 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n when_o he_o shall_v weigh_v they_o will_v â—â—grave_v this_o upon_o their_o forehead_n thou_o be_v â—eighed_v in_o the_o balance_n and_o be_v find_v light_n but_o there_o be_v many_o who_o approve_v themselves_o who_o christ_n shall_v never_o approve_v there_o be_v many_o that_o call_v god_n father_n who_o he_o will_v not_o call_v child_n and_o many_o that_o call_v christ_n husband_n who_o he_o will_v not_o call_v spouse_n 2._o there_o be_v some_o who_o weigh_v themselves_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n who_o upon_o solid_a and_o most_o spiritual_a ground_n do_v draw_v this_o conclusion_n i_o be_o my_o belove_n and_o his_o desire_n be_v towards_o i_o who_o can_v with_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n look_v christ_n in_o the_o face_n and_o say_v thou_o be_v i_o and_o with_o much_o spiritual_a confidence_n take_v he_o in_o their_o arm_n and_o cry_v out_o he_o shall_v be_v eternal_o i_o and_o sure_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o pleasant_a life_n than_o to_o be_v take_v he_o every_o day_n in_o our_o arm_n and_o to_o be_v cry_v out_o be_o i_o not_o make_v up_o in_o he_o be_o i_o not_o make_v up_o in_o he_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o word_n there_o be_v three_o great_a and_o most_o soul-concerning_a error_n