unmerciful_a and_o a_o uncharitable_a man_n be_v a_o wicked_a and_o a_o ungodly_a man_n let_v it_o be_v the_o care_n of_o all_o those_o among_o you_o who_o be_v rich_a in_o estate_n to_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n let_v every_o man_n lie_v up_o for_o the_o poor_a according_a as_o god_n have_v prosper_v he_o 2_o remember_v that_o say_n of_o christ._n come_v you_o bless_v of_o my_o father_n inherit_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o i_o be_v a_o hunger_a and_o you_o give_v i_o meat_n i_o be_v thirsty_a and_o you_o give_v i_o drink_v i_o be_v a_o stranger_n and_o you_o take_v i_o in_o naked_a and_o you_o clothe_v i_o i_o be_v sick_a and_o you_o visit_v i_o i_o be_v in_o prison_n and_o you_o come_v unto_o i_o 14_o take_v heed_n of_o separate_n from_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n i_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o all_o our_o church-calamity_n have_v spring_v from_o this_o root_n he_o that_o separate_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n be_v like_o a_o man_n tumble_v down_o a_o hill_n and_o never_o leave_v till_o he_o come_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o i_o can_v relate_v many_o sad_a story_n of_o person_n profess_v godliness_n who_o out_o of_o dislike_n to_o our_o church-meeting_n begin_v at_o first_o to_o separate_v from_o they_o and_o after_o many_o change_n and_o alteration_n be_v turn_v some_o of_o they_o anabaptist_n some_o quaker_n some_o ranter_n some_o direct_a atheist_n but_o i_o forbear_v you_o must_v hold_v communion_n with_o all_o those_o church_n with_o which_o christ_n hold_v communion_n you_o must_v separate_v from_o the_o sin_n of_o christian_n but_o not_o from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ._n take_v heed_n of_o unchurch_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n lest_o you_o prove_v schismatic_n instead_o of_o be_v true_a christian_n 15_o though_o you_o never_o live_v to_o see_v the_o time_n settle_v yet_o labour_v to_o get_v your_o conscience_n settle_v pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n in_o these_o err_a day_n remember_v that_o say_n of_o christ_n 23._o if_o thy_o eye_n be_v evil_a thy_o whole_a body_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o darkness_n if_o therefore_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o you_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n god_n have_v give_v you_o your_o understanding_n to_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n as_o the_o eye_n be_v the_o guide_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o sun_n of_o the_o world_n so_o be_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o man_n therefore_o you_o must_v in_o pray_v pray_v that_o god_n will_v give_v you_o a_o right_a understanding_n in_o all_o thing_n pray_v not_o only_o for_o the_o grace_n of_o sanctification_n but_o ofâ—_n illumination_n avoid_v as_o soul-poyson_n all_o doctrine_n 1_o which_o tend_v to_o liberty_n open_v a_o door_n to_o profaneness_n and_o be_v contrary_a to_o godliness_n 2_o which_o hold_v forth_o a_o superstitious_a strictness_n above_o what_o be_v require_v in_o the_o woâ—d_n 3_o which_o be_v antimagistratical_a and_o antiministerial_a 4_o which_o lift_v up_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o exalt_v unsanctified_a reason_n 5_o which_o preach_v freegrace_n to_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o good_a work_n 6_o which_o lessen_v the_o privilege_n of_o infant_n and_o make_v their_o condition_n worse_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o under_o the_o old_a 7_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o the_o lord_n prayer_n 16_o take_v heed_n lest_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a you_o fall_v from_o your_o own_o stead_n fastness_n 17_o take_v heed_n of_o a_o threefold_a apostasy_n of_o which_o this_o nation_n be_v deep_o guilty_a of_o apostasy_n 1_o in_o your_o judgement_n from_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n and_o from_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n 2_o in_o your_o affection_n from_o that_o ancient_a love_n desire_v and_o delight_n which_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n have_v have_v heretofore_o and_o you_o yourselves_o once_o have_v in_o and_o towards_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o godly_a and_o learned_a minister_n of_o christ._n 3_o in_o your_o conversation_n from_o that_o humble_a and_o exact_a walk_v with_o god_n in_o all_o good_a duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n which_o be_v the_o credit_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o good_a old_a puritan_n in_o former_a day_n let_v i_o speak_v to_o you_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o peter_n 〈◊〉_d wherefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v you_o steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a etc._n etc._n the_o god_n of_o grace_n who_o have_v call_v you_o into_o his_o eternal_a glory_n by_o jesus_n christ_n make_v you_o perfect_a establish_v strengthen_v and_o settle_v you_o 17_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o who_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o word_n of_o life_n and_o of_o the_o same_o sacramental_a bread_n and_o wine_n shall_v admonish_v one_o another_o exhort_v one_o another_o watch_v over_o one_o another_o bear_v the_o burden_n of_o one_o another_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o love_n and_o good_a work_n seek_v the_o good_a of_o one_o another_o and_o not_o your_o own_o good_a only_o that_o you_o shall_v warn_v the_o unruly_a comfort_v the_o feeble-minded_n and_o support_v the_o weak_a that_o this_o be_v your_o duty_n appear_v from_o col._n 3._o 16._o phil._n 2._o 4._o heb._n 1._o 24._o gal._n 6._o 1._o rom._n 15._o 2._o rom._n 14._o 7._o 2._o cor._n 5._o 15._o 1_o thes._n 5._o 11_o 13_o 14._o the_o 12_o vers_fw-la speak_v of_o ministerial_a and_o authoritative_a admonition_n but_o the_o 13_o and_o 14._o verse_n of_o fraternal_a and_o charitative_a these_o text_n will_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o thousand_o of_o christian_n at_o the_o last_o day_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o you_o be_v to_o admonish_v none_o but_o those_o of_o your_o own_o society_n admonition_n be_v a_o act_n of_o mercy_n it_o be_v spiritualis_fw-la eleemosyna_fw-la spiritual_a alm_n and_o you_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o royal_a law_n of_o charity_n by_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n the_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o communion_n of_o nature_n to_o distribute_v these_o spiritual_a alm_n to_o all_o that_o need_v they_o as_o god_n shall_v give_v occasion_n but_o this_o i_o say_v you_o ought_v especial_o to_o admonish_v they_o and_o watch_v over_o they_o this_o be_v novum_fw-la though_o not_o solum_fw-la vinculum_fw-la some_o divine_n think_v that_o one_o chief_a reason_n why_o the_o israelite_n be_v punish_v for_o achans_n sin_n be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o admonish_v he_o and_o watch-ove_a he_o for_o the_o israelite_n be_v command_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n josh._n 6._o 18._o keep_v yourselves_o from_o the_o accurse_a thing_n etc._n etc._n he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o body_n and_o because_o they_o do_v not_o watch_v over_o he_o they_o communicate_v in_o his_o sin_n and_o in_o his_o punishment_n there_o be_v a_o excellent_a law_n in_o this_o nation_n that_o every_o parish_n shall_v provide_v for_o its_o own_o poor_a and_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v as_o just_a and_o equal_a that_o every_o congregation_n shall_v chief_o and_o especial_o look_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o their_o own_o member_n to_o warn_v they_o admonish_v they_o exhort_v they_o and_o watch_v over_o they_o that_o you_o may_v the_o better_o discharge_v this_o duty_n you_o must_v labour_v to_o be_v acquaint_v one_o with_o another_o as_o far_o as_o your_o calling_n and_o relation_n will_v give_v you_o leave_v it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o common_a sin_n and_o much_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o there_o be_v so_o little_a knowledge_n and_o acquaintance_n between_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o congregation_n they_o sit_v in_o the_o same_o pew_n together_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o converse_v no_o more_o together_o than_o if_o one_o live_v at_o york_n and_o the_o other_o at_o london_n and_o when_o they_o do_v converse_v together_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a civil_a and_o outward_a converse_n as_o among_o sober_a heathen_n but_o there_o be_v very_o little_a religious_a society_n between_o they_o for_o the_o spiritual_a edification_n one_o of_o another_o now_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n for_o how_o can_v you_o watch_v over_o one_o another_o edify_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o how_o can_v you_o support_v the_o weak_a comfort_v the_o feeble-minded_n if_o not_o spiritual_o acquaint_v one_o with_o another_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o my_o opinion_n that_o every_o member_n of_o a_o congregation_n be_v bind_v to_o know_v every_o fellow-member_n i_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n or_o of_o samaria_n it_o be_v incredible_a to_o think_v that_o they_o all_o know_v one_o
and_o not_o before_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o sell_v their_o brother_n gen_n 42._o 21._o they_o open_v the_o ear_n to_o discipline_n in_o prosperity_n we_o turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o charmer_n though_o he_o charm_v never_o so_o wise_o but_o adversity_n open_v the_o ear_n and_o cause_v we_o to_o attend_v when_o god_n speak_v upon_o mount_n sinah_n in_o a_o terrible_a manner_n than_o the_o people_n say_v unto_o moses_n speak_v thou_o unto_o we_o all_o that_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v speak_v unto_o thou_o and_o we_o will_v hear_v it_o and_o do_v it_o deut._n 5._o 27._o memorable_a be_v that_o text_n jer._n 2._o 24._o a_o wild_a ass_n use_v to_o the_o wilderness_n that_o snuff_v up_o the_o wind_n at_o her_o pleasure_n in_o her_o occasion_n who_o can_v turn_v she_o away_o all_o they_o that_o seek_v she_o will_v not_o weary_v themselves_o in_o her_o month_n they_o shall_v find_v she_o in_o her_o month_n that_o be_v when_o she_o be_v great_a with_o young_a and_o near_o her_o time_n a_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o prosperity_n be_v like_o a_o wild_a ass_n use_v to_o the_o wilderness_n he_o snuff_v at_o any_o that_o shall_v reprove_v he_o he_o be_v of_o a_o uncircumcised_a ear_n and_o a_o rebellious_a heart_n but_o in_o his_o month_n that_o be_v when_o he_o be_v big_a with_o affliction_n than_o he_o will_v be_v easy_o find_v this_o will_v open_v his_o ear_n to_o discipline_n 3_o they_o will_v open_v the_o mouth_n to_o confess_v sin_n judg._n 10._o 15._o 4_o they_o will_v command_v we_o to_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n job_n 36._o â—_o 9_o 10._o affliction_n be_v god_n furnace_n to_o purge_v out_o the_o dross_n of_o our_o sin_n god_n file_n to_o pare_v off_o our_o spiritual_a rust_n god_n fan_n to_o winnow_v out_o our_o chaff_n in_o prosperity_n we_o gather_v much_o soil_n but_o adversity_n purge_v and_o purify_v we_o this_o be_v its_o proper_a work_n to_o work_v out_o unrighteousness_n dan._n 11._o 35._o dan._n 12._o 10._o 3_o god_n end_n be_v not_o only_o to_o keep_v we_o from_o sin_n design_n but_o to_o make_v we_o holy_a and_o righteous_a therefore_o it_o be_v say_v isa._n 26._o 9_o when_o they_o judgement_n be_v in_o the_o earth_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n will_v learn_v righteousness_n and_o heb._n 12._o 10._o he_o for_o our_o profit_n that_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o his_o holiness_n as_o the_o water_n that_o drown_v the_o old_a world_n do_v not_o hurt_v the_o ark_n of_o noah_n but_o bear_v it_o up_o above_o the_o earth_n and_o as_o they_o increase_v so_o the_o ark_n be_v lift_v up_o near_a and_o near_o to_o heaven_n so_o affliction_n when_o sanctify_v do_v not_o prejudice_v the_o saint_n of_o god_n but_o lift_v they_o up_o near_a unto_o god_n in_o holiness_n and_o heavenly-mindedness_a 4_o god_n design_n in_o afflict_v his_o child_n be_v to_o make_v the_o world_n bitter_a unto_o they_o design_n and_o christ_n sweet_a 1_o to_o embitter_v the_o world_n there_o be_v two_o lame_a leg_n upon_o which_o all_o worldly_a thing_n stand_v uncertainty_n and_o insufficiency_n all_o earthly_a thing_n be_v like_o the_o earth_n found_v upon_o nothing_o they_o be_v like_o heap_n make_v of_o wax_n that_o quick_o melt_v away_o riches_n and_o honour_n wise_a and_o child_n have_v wing_n and_o fly_v away_o they_o be_v like_a unto_o absoloms_n mule_n they_o will_v fail_v we_o when_o we_o have_v most_o need_n of_o they_o they_o may_v puff_n up_o the_o soul_n but_o they_o can_v satisfy_v it_o inflare_fw-la possunt_fw-la satiare_fw-la animam_fw-la non_fw-la possunt_fw-la they_o be_v all_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n so_o say_v the_o preacher_n but_o most_o people_n in_o time_n of_o health_n will_v not_o believe_v these_o thing_n but_o when_o some_o great_a sickness_n betide_v they_o this_o be_v as_o a_o real_a sermon_n to_o make_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o then_o they_o see_v that_o a_o velvet_n slipper_n can_v cure_v the_o gout_n nor_o a_o golden_a cap_n the_o head_n ache_v prov._n 〈◊〉_d 4._o that_o riches_n avail_v not_o in_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o this_o imbitter_v the_o world_n 2_o to_o make_v christ_n sweet_a and_o precious_a when_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v in_o a_o ship_n together_o mat._n 8._o 25._o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n be_v asleep_a and_o as_o long_o as_o the_o sea_n be_v calm_a his_o disciple_n suffer_v he_o to_o sleep_v but_o when_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v drown_v than_o they_o awake_v christ_n and_o say_v master_n save_v we_o we_o perish_v even_o the_o best_a of_o saint_n when_o fat_v with_o outward_a plenty_n and_o abundance_n be_v prone_a to_o suffer_v christ_n 〈◊〉_d lie_v asleep_a within_o they_o and_o so_o neglect_v the_o lively_a act_n of_o faith_n upon_o christ_n but_o when_o the_o storm_n of_o affliction_n and_o outward_a calamity_n begin_v to_o arise_v and_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o distress_n than_o none_o but_o christ_n none_o but_o christ._n 5_o god_n design_n in_o afflict_v his_o child_n be_v to_o prove_v and_o improve_v their_o grace_n 1_o to_o prove_v their_o grace_n rev._n 2._o 10._o deut._n 8._o 2._o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o they_o 1_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o grace_n for_o this_o cause_n he_o load_v job_n with_o affliction_n to_o try_v whether_o he_o serve_v god_n for_o his_o camel_n and_o ox_n or_o for_o love_n to_o god_n as_o solomon_n sword_n try_v the_o true_a mother_n from_o the_o false_a so_o the_o sword_n of_o affliction_n discover_v the_o sincere_a christian_a from_o the_o hypocrite_n distress_n be_v divine_a touchstone_n to_o try_v whether_o we_o be_v true_a or_o counterfeit_a saint_n that_o grace_n be_v true_a which_o upon_o trial_n be_v find_v true_a 2_o to_o try_v the_o strength_n of_o our_o grace_n for_o it_o require_v a_o strong_a faith_n to_o endure_v great_a affliction_n that_o faith_n which_o will_v suffice_v for_o a_o little_a affliction_n will_v not_o suffice_v for_o a_o great_a one_o peter_n have_v faith_n enough_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n upon_o the_o sea_n but_o assoon_o as_o the_o storm_n begin_v to_o arise_v his_o faith_n begin_v to_o fail_v and_o christ_n say_v why_o be_v thou_o afraid_a o_o thou_o of_o little_a faith_n mat._n 14._o 30_o 31._o it_o must_v be_v a_o strong_a faith_n that_o must_v keep_v we_o from_o sink_v in_o the_o day_n of_o great_a distress_n 2_o to_o improve_v our_o grace_n it_o be_v report_v of_o the_o lioness_n that_o she_o leave_v her_o young_a one_o till_o they_o have_v almost_o kill_v themselves_o with_o roar_v and_o howl_v and_o then_o at_o last_o gasp_n she_o relieve_v relieve_v they_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o become_v more_o courageous_a so_o god_n bring_v his_o child_n into_o the_o deep_n and_o suffer_v jonah_n to_o be_v three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n in_o the_o belly_n of_o the_o whale_n and_o david_n to_o cry_v till_o his_o throat_n be_v dry_a psal._n 69._o 3._o and_o suffer_v his_o apostle_n to_o be_v all_o the_o night_n in_o a_o great_a storm_n till_o the_o four_o watch_n and_o then_o he_o come_v and_o rebuke_n the_o wind_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o mighty_o increase_v their_o patience_n and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o their_o faith_n in_o christ._n as_o the_o palmtree_n the_o more_o it_o be_v depress_v the_o high_a strong_a and_o fruitfull_a it_o grow_v so_o do_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n people_n last_o god_n aim_n in_o afflict_v his_o people_n be_v to_o put_v a_o edge_n upon_o their_o prayer_n and_o all_o their_o other_o holy_a service_n 1_o upon_o prayer_n what_o a_o famous_a prayer_n do_v manasseh_n make_v when_o he_o be_v under_o his_o iron_n fetter_n it_o be_v thrice_o mention_v 2_o chron._n 33._o 13_o 18_o 19_o when_o paul_n be_v strike_v off_o his_o horse_n and_o strike_v with_o blindness_n than_o he_o pray_v to_o purpose_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v act._n 9_o 11._o behold_v he_o pray_v in_o prosperity_n we_o pray_v heavy_o and_o drowsy_o but_o adversity_n add_v wing_n to_o our_o prayer_n isa._n 26._o 16._o the_o very_a heathen_a mariner_n cry_v aloud_o to_o god_n in_o a_o storm_n it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a say_n qui_fw-la nescit_fw-la orare_fw-la discat_fw-la navigare_fw-la there_o be_v no_o sailor_n so_o wicked_a but_o they_o will_v pray_v when_o in_o a_o great_a storm_n 2_o upon_o preach_v prosperity_n glut_v the_o spiritual_a appetite_n adversity_n wheter_v it_o 3_o upon_o a_o sacrament_n how_o sweet_a be_v a_o sacrament_n to_o a_o true_a saint_n after_o a_o long_a and_o great_a sickness_n 1_o it_o make_v god_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n precious_a if_o god_n set_v our_o cornfield_n on_o fire_n as_o absalon_n do_v joabs_n than_o he_o shall_v
and_o comfort_n under_o soul-trouble_n there_o be_v no_o monarch_n can_v furnish_v his_o table_n with_o such_o variety_n of_o delicate_n as_o god_n have_v furnish_v his_o word_n with_o variety_n of_o comfort_n 2_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o the_o magazine_n of_o all_o true_a comfort_n but_o the_o fountain_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v derive_v all_o the_o comfort_n that_o you_o receive_v by_o read_v of_o good_a book_n be_v fetch_v out_o of_o this_o book_n all_o the_o refresh_n that_o the_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n administer_v to_o you_o be_v borrow_v from_o this_o fountain_n as_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n answer_v the_o woman_n that_o cry_v out_o say_v 27._o help_v my_o lord_n o_o king_n if_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o help_v thou_o whence_o shall_v i_o help_v thou_o so_o will_v all_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n say_v to_o any_o distress_a soul_n that_o cry_v out_o for_o comfort_n how_o can_v we_o comfort_v you_o if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v not_o comfort_v you_o all_o our_o comfort_n must_v be_v fetch_v from_o thence_o 3_o it_o will_v comfort_v we_o at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o no_o outward_a thing_n can_v comfort_v we_o and_o that_o be_v when_o we_o be_v under_o soul-agony_n and_o when_o our_o soul_n sit_v upon_o our_o lip_n ready_a to_o depart_v when_o we_o be_v sail_v into_o the_o ocean_n of_o eternity_n then_o even_o then_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o word_n will_v comfort_v we_o when_o gold_n and_o silver_n father_n and_o mother_n friends_z and_o physician_n be_v miserable_a comforter_n then_o will_v one_o promise_v out_o of_o the_o word_n fill_v we_o full_a of_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o glorious_a 4_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o word_n exceed_v all_o other_o comfort_n for_o they_o be_v pure_a and_o purify_n sure_a and_o satisfy_v they_o be_v soul-supporting_a soul-comforting_a and_o soul-ravishing_a they_o be_v durable_a and_o everlasting_a the_o comfort_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v name_v that_o day_n in_o which_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o word_n they_o be_v not_o consolationes_fw-la but_o consolatiunculae_fw-la at_o best_a they_o be_v but_o bodily_a unsatisfy_v and_o transitory_a many_o time_n they_o be_v sinful_a and_o soul-damning_a 5_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o a_o magazine_n and_o a_o fountain_n of_o comfort_n but_o also_o a_o touchstone_n by_o which_o we_o must_v try_v all_o our_o comfort_n whether_o they_o be_v true_a and_o real_a or_o no._n all_o joy_n hope_n and_o assurance_n must_v be_v try_v by_o the_o word_n and_o if_o not_o right_o ground_v thereupon_o be_v false_a and_o soul-delusion_n 6_o it_o be_v as_o a_o apothecary_n shop_n or_o a_o physician_n dispensatory_a out_o of_o which_o we_o may_v fetch_v all_o manner_n of_o medicine_n to_o cure_v all_o the_o disease_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v thou_o spiritual_o lame_a blind_a or_o dumb_a etc._n etc._n the_o word_n will_v open_v blind_a eye_n make_v the_o dumb_a to_o speak_v and_o the_o lame_a to_o walk_v if_o dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n the_o word_n when_o it_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n will_v quicken_v thou_o it_o be_v as_o a_o corrasive_n to_o eat_v sin_n out_o of_o thy_o heart_n therefore_o david_n say_v i_o have_v hide_v thy_o word_n in_o my_o heart_n that_o i_o may_v not_o sin_v against_o thou_o 7_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a armoury_n out_o of_o which_o we_o may_v fetch_v all_o manner_n of_o weapon_n to_o conquer_v the_o devil_n and_o his_o temptation_n 2_o corint_n 10._o 4._o it_o be_v that_o little_a brook_n out_o of_o which_o every_o david_n may_v fetch_v five_o smooth_a stone_n to_o destroy_v the_o devil_n these_o five_o smooth_a stone_n be_v five_o text_n of_o scripture_n three_o of_o these_o christ_n take_v out_o of_o the_o brook_n of_o the_o word_n by_o which_o he_o subdue_v the_o devil_n mat._n 4._o 4._o 7_o 10._o 8_o it_o be_v the_o sun_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n as_o the_o sun_n be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o natural_a world_n and_o without_o it_o the_o world_n be_v but_o a_o chaos_n and_o a_o dungeon_n full_a of_o darkness_n so_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o light_n of_o the_o spiritual_a world_n without_o which_o a_o christian_a be_v under_o a_o eternal_a night_n therefore_o david_n say_v thy_o word_n be_v a_o lamp_n unto_o my_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o my_o path_n psal._n 119._o 105._o what_o will_v all_o the_o world_n avail_v if_o no_o sun_n to_o illighten_v it_o and_o what_o comfort_n will_v all_o the_o wealth_n of_o it_o afford_v we_o if_o no_o word_n to_o instruct_v and_o counsel_v we_o for_o this_o be_v the_o christian_n compass_n to_o sail_v to_o heaven_n by_o his_o staff_n to_o walk_v withal_o to_o heaven_n his_o spiritual_a bladder_n to_o keep_v his_o soul_n from_o drown_v the_o cork_n to_o keep_v up_o the_o net_n of_o his_o soul_n from_o sink_v affliction_n be_v like_o the_o lead_n of_o the_o net_n which_o weigh_v it_o down_o but_o the_o word_n be_v as_o the_o cork_n which_o keep_v it_o up_o that_o it_o sink_v not_o so_o say_v david_n in_o the_o text_n unless_o thy_o law_n have_v be_v my_o delight_n etc._n etc._n use_v if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o such_o invaluable_a excellency_n absolute_a necessity_n and_o of_o such_o admirable_a use_n use_n 1_o let_v we_o bless_v god_n exceed_o for_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o we_o in_o the_o word_n it_o be_v a_o great_a honour_n and_o privilege_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o to_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n rom._n 3._o 2._o and_o it_o be_v our_o great_a happiness_n that_o we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o same_o oracle_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v but_o a_o addition_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n unto_o we_o if_o god_n be_v to_o be_v praise_v for_o every_o crumb_n of_o bread_n we_o eat_v much_o more_o for_o give_v we_o his_o word_n which_o be_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o the_o only_a food_n of_o our_o soul_n bless_a be_v god_n who_o have_v not_o only_o give_v we_o the_o book_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n to_o know_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n by_o but_o also_o and_o especial_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n whereby_o we_o come_v to_o know_v those_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n which_o neither_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n nor_o of_o the_o creature_n can_v reveal_v unto_o we_o let_v we_o bless_v god_n not_o only_o for_o reveal_v his_o will_n in_o his_o word_n but_o for_o reveal_v it_o by_o write_v before_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n god_n discover_v his_o will_n by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o heaven_n but_o we_o have_v a_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n a_o pet._n 1._o 19_o sure_a to_o we_o than_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n for_o the_o devil_n say_v the_o apostle_n transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n 14._o he_o have_v his_o apparition_n and_o revelation_n he_o be_v god_n ape_n and_o in_o imitation_n of_o god_n he_o appear_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o make_v they_o believe_v it_o be_v god_n that_o appear_v and_o not_o the_o devil_n thus_o he_o appear_v to_o saul_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o samuel_n and_o if_o god_n shall_v now_o at_o this_o day_n discover_v his_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o his_o divine_a will_n by_o revelation_n how_o easy_o woo_a man_n be_v deceive_v and_o mistake_v diabolical_a delusion_n for_o divine_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o bless_v god_n for_o the_o write_a word_n which_o be_v sure_a and_o safe_a as_o to_o we_o than_o a_o immediate_a revelation_n there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o if_o a_o angel_n shall_v come_v from_o heaven_n and_o reveal_v god_n will_v to_o they_o it_o will_v work_v more_o upon_o they_o than_o the_o write_a word_n but_o i_o will_v have_v these_o man_n study_v the_o conference_n between_o abraham_n and_o dives_n luke_n 16._o 27_o 28_o 29_o 30_o 31._o habent_fw-la mosen_n &_o prophetas_fw-la etc._n etc._n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n if_o they_o will_v not_o profit_v by_o they_o neither_o will_v they_o profit_v by_o any_o that_o shall_v come_v out_o of_o hell_n or_o down_o from_o heaven_n to_o they_o for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o god_n that_o speak_v by_o his_o write_a word_n and_o by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n the_o difference_n be_v only_o in_o the_o outward_a clothing_n and_o therefore_o if_o god_n speak_v by_o writing_n will_v not_o amend_v we_o no_o more_o will_v god_n speak_v by_o a_o voice_n o_o bless_v god_n exceed_o for_o the_o write_a word_n let_v we_o cleave_v close_o to_o it_o and_o not_o expect_v any_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n of_o new_a truth_n but_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n
gal._n 1._o 8_o 9_o use_v 2._o let_v we_o prize_v the_o word_n of_o god_n above_o gold_n yea_o above_o fine_a gold_n let_v we_o read_v it_o diligent_o reverent_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o give_v we_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o write_v it_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o understand_v it_o and_o conscientious_o to_o practice_v it_o let_v we_o make_v it_o the_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v of_o our_o heart_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o text_n let_v we_o make_v it_o our_o delight_n but_o of_o this_o i_o speak_v in_o the_o former_a point_n the_o only_a motive_n i_o shall_v now_o use_v to_o persuade_v you_o to_o make_v the_o word_n your_o delight_n shall_v be_v this_o in_o the_o text._n because_o it_o will_v keep_v you_o from_o perish_v in_o the_o time_n of_o your_o great_a affliction_n it_o will_v comfort_v you_o when_o you_o have_v most_o need_v of_o it_o that_o be_v under_o heart-sinking-affliction_n and_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o it_o will_v comfort_v you_o when_o all_o outward_a comfort_n and_o creature_n fail_v it_o will_v be_v food_n to_o strengthen_v your_o weak_a faith_n physic_n to_o cure_v the_o remainder_n of_o corruption_n it_o will_v be_v a_o cordial_a to_o revive_v your_o droop_a spirit_n and_o faint_a soul_n it_o will_v make_v you_o more_o than_o conqueror_n over_o all_o temptation_n and_o distress_n quest._n but_o now_o the_o great_a question_n be_v how_o a_o child_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o manage_v and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o a_o conduit_n of_o support_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o great_a affliction_n answ._n to_o be_v able_a to_o do_v this_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n require_v for_o the_o word_n to_o many_o people_n be_v like_o saul_n armour_n to_o david_n which_o be_v so_o cumbersome_a to_o he_o that_o he_o can_v not_o wear_v it_o there_o be_v many_o know_v not_o how_o to_o use_v the_o word_n so_o as_o to_o be_v comfort_v by_o it_o as_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n tell_v christ_n joh._n 4._o 11._o the_o well_o be_v deep_a and_o thou_o have_v nothing_o to_o draw_v with_o so_o may_v â—i_n say_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o deep_a well_o it_o be_v a_o well_o of_o salvation_n 4._o but_o it_o be_v deep_a and_o the_o deep_a the_o sweet_a but_o most_o people_n want_v bucket_n to_o draw_v with_o they_o want_v a_o spiritual_a art_n to_o fetch_v out_o of_o these_o well_n of_o salvation_n divine_a supportation_n and_o consolation_n and_o therefore_o to_o help_v you_o in_o this_o great_a work_n you_o must_v know_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v divide_v into_o three_o part_n word_n into_o commandment_n threaten_n and_o promise_v and_o though_o a_o christian_n must_v not_o neglect_v the_o command_a and_o threaten_a word_n yet_o if_o ever_o he_o will_v make_v the_o word_n a_o channel_n of_o divine_a comfort_n he_o must_v study_v the_o promising-word_n for_o the_o promise_n be_v a_o christian_n magna_fw-la charta_fw-la for_o heaven_n all_o comfort_n must_v be_v build_v upon_o a_o scripture_n promise_n else_o it_o be_v presumption_n not_o true_a comfort_n the_o promise_n be_v pabulum_fw-la fidei_fw-la &_o anima_fw-la fidei_fw-la the_o food_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o faith_n as_o faith_n be_v the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a so_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n faith_n be_v a_o dead_a faith_n if_o it_o have_v no_o promise_n to_o quicken_v it_o as_o the_o promise_n be_v of_o no_o use_n without_o faith_n to_o apply_v they_o so_o faith_n be_v of_o no_o use_n without_o a_o promise_n to_o lay_v hold_v on_o and_o the_o great_a reason_n why_o the_o people_n of_o god_n walk_v uncomfortable_o in_o their_o affliction_n be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o chew_v the_o promise_n they_o be_v rare_a cordial_n but_o as_o a_o man_n can_v taste_v the_o sweetness_n of_o a_o cordial_n unless_o he_o chew_v it_o no_o more_o can_v we_o receive_v any_o spiritual_a refreshment_n from_o the_o promise_n unless_o we_o meditate_v on_o they_o the_o promise_n be_v as_o a_o my_o full_a of_o rich_a treasure_n but_o as_o mine_n unless_o we_o dig_v deep_a into_o they_o we_o can_v never_o get_v the_o gold_n and_o silver_n hide_v in_o they_o no_o more_o can_v we_o enjoy_v the_o soul-ravishing_a comfort_n of_o the_o promise_n unless_o we_o dig_v into_o they_o by_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o they_o they_o be_v as_o a_o garden_n full_a of_o rare_a flower_n able_a to_o sweeten_v any_o condition_n but_o because_o we_o do_v not_o walk_v in_o this_o garden_n and_o pick_v out_o these_o flower_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o live_v so_o disconsolate_o and_o deject_o under_o our_o affliction_n there_o be_v many_o rare_a story_n declare_v the_o comfort_n that_o some_o of_o god_n saint_n have_v receive_v from_o the_o promise_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o distress_n mr._n bilney_n that_o bless_a martyr_n be_v much_o wound_v in_o conscience_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a â—n_n he_o commit_v in_o subscribe_v to_o the_o popish_a error_n but_o he_o be_v much_o comfort_v by_o read_v those_o word_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 15._o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n of_o which_o i_o be_o the_o chief_a beza_n be_v support_v under_o his_o trouble_n by_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n john_n 10._o 27_o 28_o 29._o mr._n bolton_n tell_v we_o of_o one_o that_o be_v uphold_v under_o great_a affliction_n and_o comfort_v from_o isa._n 26._o 3._o of_o another_o from_o isa._n 57_o 15._o i_o know_v a_o young_a maid_n that_o go_v triumphant_o to_o heaven_n by_o the_o refresh_n she_o find_v in_o that_o well_o know_a text_n matth._n 11._o 28._o and_o many_o that_o have_v be_v wonderful_o cheer_v by_o read_v the_o eight_o chapter_n of_o the_o roman_n and_o by_o that_o text_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 14._o we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n unto_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v no_o promise_n but_o if_o god_n be_v please_v to_o illighten_v it_o and_o show_v we_o our_o interest_n in_o it_o will_v afford_v a_o harvest_n of_o joy_n it_o be_v with_o promise_n as_o it_o be_v with_o sermon_n that_o sermon_n which_o once_o hear_v do_v not_o at_o all_o work_n upon_o we_o the_o same_o sermon_n hear_v at_o another_o time_n may_v exceed_o affect_v we_o and_o the_o same_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o sometime_o do_v not_o at_o all_o comfort_n we_o may_v at_o another_o time_n convey_v much_o comfort_n to_o we_o two_o man_n trouble_v in_o conscience_n may_v both_o of_o they_o read_v the_o same_o chapter_n and_o hear_v the_o same_o sermon_n and_o one_o of_o they_o may_v have_v his_o trouble_a mind_n pacify_v and_o the_o other_o continue_v trouble_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v the_o word_n effectual_a to_o one_o and_o not_o to_o the_o other_o how_o often_o have_v a_o distress_a saint_n read_v mat._n 11._o 28._o 1_o tim._n 1._o 15._o joh._n 10._o 27_o 28._o isa._n 26._o 3._o isa._n 57_o 15._o 1_o joh._n 3._o 14._o and_o find_v no_o comfort_n in_o read_v of_o they_o but_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v come_v in_o and_o open_v his_o eye_n to_o behold_v the_o rich_a mercy_n wrap_v up_o in_o these_o promise_n and_o his_o interest_n in_o they_o they_o will_v fill_v he_o with_o comfort_n above_o expression_n and_o therefore_o if_o ever_o you_o will_v make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n god_n instrument_n to_o convey_v support_n and_o comfort_n to_o you_o in_o the_o time_n of_o soul-sinking_a affliction_n you_o must_v study_v the_o promise_n and_o pray_v unto_o god_n that_o his_o spirit_n may_v irradiate_a they_o and_o show_v you_o the_o fullness_n of_o they_o and_o your_o interest_n in_o they_o quest._n how_o must_v we_o improve_v the_o promise_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o spiritual_a bladder_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o deep_a water_n of_o affliction_n ans._n you_o must_v do_v three_o thing_n 1_o you_o must_v make_v a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o promise_n promise_n 2_o you_o must_v serious_o ponder_v and_o meditate_v on_o they_o 3_o you_o must_v apply_v they_o to_o your_o own_o soul_n as_o belong_v to_o you_o in_o particular_a 1_o you_o must_v make_v a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o promise_n you_o must_v gather_v they_o up_o as_o they_o lie_v scatter_v in_o the_o word_n into_o a_o spiritual_a nosegay_n and_o bind_v they_o together_o you_o must_v do_v as_o they_o that_o gather_v up_o end_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n you_o must_v lose_v none_o every_o promise_n be_v as_o a_o ray_n of_o gold_n as_o a_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n and_o
though_o there_o be_v star_n of_o divers_a magnitude_n differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o glory_n yet_o every_o star_n have_v its_o beauty_n and_o benefit_n so_o though_o some_o promise_n be_v more_o glorious_a than_o other_o like_o the_o sun_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o moon_n yet_o every_o promise_n have_v its_o beauty_n and_o lustre_n and_o as_o starlight_n in_o a_o dark_a night_n be_v very_o comfortable_a so_o in_o the_o dark_a night_n of_o affliction_n every_o little_a promise_n will_v afford_v unspeakable_a comfort_n to_o a_o trouble_a soul._n to_o help_v you_o in_o make_v this_o catalogue_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o suggest_v three_o thing_n 1_o be_v sure_a to_o make_v it_o in_o time_n of_o health_n woe_n be_v to_o those_o that_o have_v their_o promise_n to_o gather_v when_o they_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o they_o you_o that_o sleight_v the_o promise_n in_o prosperity_n shall_v receive_v no_o comfort_n from_o they_o in_o adversity_n 2_o forget_v not_o to_o treasure_n up_o all_o those_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o his_o child_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o adversity_n as_o for_o example_n god_n have_v promise_v in_o all_o our_o affliction_n to_o be_v with_o we_o isa._n 43._o 2._o when_o thou_o pass_v through_o the_o water_n i_o will_v be_v with_o thou_o and_o through_o the_o river_n they_o shall_v not_o overflow_v thou_o etc._n etc._n he_o will_v be_v with_o you_o to_o protect_v and_o direct_v you_o to_o support_v and_o comfort_v you_o if_o three_o saint_n be_v put_v into_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n the_o son_n of_o god_n will_v make_v the_o four_o dan._n 3._o 25._o 2_o god_n will_v be_v afflict_v in_o all_o our_o affliction_n isa._n 63._o 9_o he_o suffer_v in_o all_o our_o suffering_n act._n 9_o 4._o 3_o he_o will_v make_v our_o bed_n in_o our_o sickness_n psal._n 41._o 3._o he_o will_v condescend_v to_o the_o low_a office_n for_o our_o ease_n and_o refreshment_n 4_o he_o will_v know_v our_o soul_n in_o adversity_n psal._n 31._o 7._o he_o will_v know_v we_o to_o pity_v we_o and_o to_o succour_v and_o to_o help_v we_o 5_o he_o will_v keep_v we_o from_o the_o evil_a of_o all_o affliction_n job_n 5._o 19_o god_n have_v not_o promise_v to_o keep_v his_o people_n from_o affliction_n but_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o hurt_n of_o they_o though_o they_o be_v not_o good_a in_o themselves_o yet_o he_o will_v turn_v they_o to_o our_o good_a heb._n 12._o 10._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 32._o jer._n 24._o 5._o the_o good_a fig_n be_v carry_v into_o captivity_n for_o their_o good_a god_n have_v promise_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o our_o good_a rom._n 8._o 28._o not_o only_o all_o ordinance_n etc._n etc._n but_o all_o affliction_n etc._n etc._n 6_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o lay_v no_o more_o upon_o we_o than_o we_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v but_o either_o to_o give_v we_o less_o pain_n or_o great_a patience_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 13._o and_o though_o in_o a_o little_a wrath_n he_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o we_o for_o a_o moment_n yet_o with_o everlasting_a kindness_n will_v he_o have_v mercy_n on_o we_o etc._n etc._n isa._n 54._o 7_o 8._o these_o and_o many_o such_o like_a promise_n will_v be_v as_o so_o many_o spiritual_a cordial_n to_o revive_v our_o faint_a spirit_n and_o as_o so_o many_o pillar_n to_o uphold_v we_o under_o the_o great_a affliction_n 3_o for_o the_o complete_n of_o this_o catalogue_n bulkley_n you_o may_v make_v use_n of_o many_o excellent_a book_n write_v for_o this_o purpose_n wherein_o you_o shall_v have_v promise_n of_o all_o kind_n both_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a gather_v together_o yet_o let_v i_o advise_v you_o not_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o the_o collection_n of_o other_o but_o when_o you_o read_v the_o bible_n and_o meet_v with_o a_o suitable_a promise_n with_o which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o affect_v your_o heart_n take_v the_o pain_n to_o write_v it_o down_o and_o one_o such_o promise_n of_o your_o own_o writing_n will_v work_v more_o powerful_o upon_o your_o soul_n than_o many_o other_o of_o another_o gather_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o viz._n make_v a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o sermon_n a_o advertisement_n to_o the_o reader_n reader_n this_o and_o the_o follow_a sermon_n contain_v a_o large_a discourse_n about_o the_o promise_n which_o because_o it_o may_v be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v impertinent_a to_o the_o text_n and_o rather_o a_o digression_n from_o it_o than_o a_o explication_n of_o it_o i_o crave_v leave_n to_o inform_v thou_o of_o two_o thing_n 1_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o principal_a ground_n of_o comfort_n to_o a_o child_n of_o god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o adversity_n they_o be_v his_o chief_a city_n of_o refuge_n when_o all_o creature-comfort_n fail_v when_o he_o suffer_v shipwreck_n of_o all_o humane_a prop_n these_o be_v his_o plank_n upon_o which_o he_o swim_v safe_a to_o the_o shore_n of_o heaven_n all_o comfort_n that_o be_v not_o found_v upon_o a_o promise_n be_v delusion_n not_o true_a consolation_n and_o therefore_o a_o discourse_n about_o they_o can_v rational_o be_v interpret_v eccentrical_a to_o the_o text._n 2_o that_o there_o be_v diverse_a particular_n add_v to_o these_o sermon_n concern_v the_o nature_n necessity_n excellency_n and_o vsefulness_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v not_o mention_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o they_o and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v appear_v to_o be_v heterogenial_a to_o the_o text_n yet_o if_o they_o prove_v serviceable_a to_o heighten_v thy_o esteem_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o to_o quicken_v thou_o to_o a_o more_o serious_a and_o frequent_a meditation_n on_o they_o and_o application_n of_o they_o i_o hope_v thou_o be_v not_o at_o all_o injure_a and_o i_o may_v just_o desire_v that_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v offend_v it_o be_v report_v of_o saint_n austin_n in_o his_o life_n write_v by_o possidius_n that_o by_o a_o digression_n in_o one_o of_o his_o sermon_n from_o his_o text_n he_o convert_v a_o heretic_n from_o his_o erroneous_a opinion_n if_o any_o passage_n in_o these_o two_o sermon_n prove_v useful_a to_o turn_v thou_o from_o thy_o sinful_a negligence_n and_o to_o awaken_v thou_o to_o a_o more_o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o precious_a promise_n i_o shall_v account_v it_o a_o happy_a and_o bless_a digression_n for_o herein_o especial_o consist_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o religious_a christian_a and_o a_o moral_a man_n a_o morâ—l_a man_n will_v abstain_v from_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o sin_n but_o he_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o live_v upon_o promise_n he_o never_o taste_v any_o sweetness_n in_o a_o promise_n he_o live_v upon_o creature_n not_o upon_o promise_n and_o therefore_o when_o creature_n fail_v his_o heart_n sink_v like_o a_o stone_n and_o he_o be_v at_o his_o wit_n end_n and_o faith_n end_n but_o a_o religious_a christian_a life_n upon_o promise_n and_o not_o upon_o creature_n and_o therefore_o when_o creature_n fail_v he_o have_v the_o promise_n to_o live_v on_o he_o labour_v to_o taste_v the_o sweetness_n that_o be_v in_o they_o he_o live_v upon_o promise_n when_o providence_n seem_v to_o run_v cross_a to_o promise_n they_o be_v his_o fiery_a chariot_n to_o carry_v he_o up_o to_o heaven_n if_o then_o these_o ensue_a sermon_n inflame_v thy_o affection_n with_o a_o great_a love_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o a_o great_a care_n to_o meditate_v on_o they_o and_o to_o get_v a_o interest_n in_o they_o thou_o have_v cause_n to_o bless_v god_n and_o to_o pray_v for_o thy_o unworthy_a servant_n in_o christ_n ed._n calamy_n meditate_v on_o the_o promise_n sermon_n iu._n psal._n 119._o 92._o unless_o thy_o law_n have_v be_v my_o delight_n i_o shall_v then_o have_v perish_v in_o my_o affliction_n he_o that_o will_v improve_v the_o promise_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o spiritual_a bladder_n to_o keep_v he_o from_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o deep_a water_n of_o affliction_n must_v not_o only_o make_v a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o he_o must_v also_o 2_o fix_o and_o serious_o meditate_v on_o they_o they_o first_o he_o must_v treasure_n up_o these_o jewel_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o then_o unlock_v they_o by_o meditation_n first_o he_o must_v make_v his_o nosegay_n and_o then_o smell_v of_o it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o i_o have_v say_v be_v as_o a_o garden_n full_a of_o excellent_a promise_n as_o so_o many_o choice_a flower_n and_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o walk_v often_o in_o this_o garden_n to_o gather_v up_o all_o the_o flower_n that_o lie_v scatter_v in_o it_o into_o several_a nosegay_n to_o bind_v they_o together_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v with_o the_o thread_n of_o faith_n and_o then_o every_o day_n to_o smell_v of_o they_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o saint_n
make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o conduit_n of_o comfort_n in_o the_o day_n of_o your_o distress_n you_o must_v not_o only_o meditate_v on_o the_o command_a and_o threat_a word_n but_o on_o the_o premise_a word_n the_o commandment_n and_o threaten_n must_v drive_v you_o to_o the_o promise_n you_o must_v not_o only_o study_v your_o corruption_n to_o humble_v you_o but_o also_o the_o promise_n to_o comfort_v you_o i_o do_v not_o say_v you_o must_v not_o study_v your_o corruption_n but_o you_o must_v join_v the_o study_n of_o the_o promise_v together_o with_o they_o if_o abraham_n have_v mind_v only_o the_o deadness_n of_o sarahs_n womb_n and_o of_o his_o own_o body_n he_o have_v never_o believe_v etc._n etc._n but_o he_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n and_o stagger_v not_o because_o he_o consider_v not_o his_o own_o body_n now_o dead_a when_o he_o be_v about_o a_o hundred_o year_n old_a 21._o nor_o the_o deadness_n of_o sarahs_n womb_n but_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o what_o god_n have_v promise_v he_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v if_o sarah_n have_v consider_v only_o that_o she_o be_v past_o age_n she_o will_v never_o have_v believe_v that_o she_o shall_v have_v a_o child_n but_o she_o eye_v the_o promise_n and_o judge_v he_o faithful_a 11_o who_o have_v promise_v and_o that_o make_v she_o believe_v if_o a_o saint_n of_o god_n look_v only_o downward_o upon_o the_o deadness_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o meditate_v only_o upon_o his_o sin_n and_o infirmity_n he_o will_v never_o be_v comfort_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o distress_n but_o he_o must_v also_o look_v upward_o unto_o the_o promise_n serious_o ponder_v and_o fix_o study_v they_o which_o will_v be_v as_o strong_a pillar_n to_o support_v he_o and_o keep_v he_o from_o fall_v into_o despair_n in_o the_o hour_n of_o tribulation_n q._n what_o be_v the_o meditation_n which_o we_o must_v have_v in_o reference_n and_o relation_n to_o the_o promise_n in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o distress_n ans._n i_o will_v rank_v they_o into_o nine_o particular_n 1_o you_o must_v meditate_v upon_o the_o three_o great_a truth_n already_o mention_v promise_n 1_o that_o god_n command_v nothing_o as_o our_o duty_n which_o he_o have_v not_o promise_v as_o his_o gift_n 2_o that_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n will_v accept_v of_o less_o than_o he_o require_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n 3_o that_o if_o we_o true_o believe_v in_o christ_n god_n will_v accept_v of_o his_o righteousness_n as_o a_o satisfaction_n for_o our_o unrighteousness_n 2_o you_o must_v meditate_v upon_o the_o excellency_n and_o preciousness_n of_o the_o promise_n promise_n they_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n they_o be_v precious_a in_o five_o respect_n 1_o because_o they_o cost_v a_o great_a price_n â—0_n even_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o purchase_v they_o they_o be_v all_o make_v to_o we_o in_o christ_n and_o for_o christ_n they_o be_v in_o he_o yea_o and_o in_o he_o amen_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v the_o pandecta_n and_o cabinet_n of_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v seal_v with_o his_o blood_n 2_o because_o they_o assure_v we_o of_o great_a and_o precious_a thing_n they_o assure_v we_o of_o our_o interest_n in_o god_n of_o our_o justification_n reconciliation_n adoption_n sanctification_n and_o glorification_n heaven_n itself_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o promise_n heb._n 6._o 12._o the_o promise_n be_v heaven_n fold_v up_o heaven_n be_v the_o promise_v unfold_v for_o the_o promise_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o eternal_a purpose_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o child_n make_v manifest_a the_o purpose_n of_o god_n be_v his_o conceal_a promise_n and_o the_o promise_n be_v his_o reveal_v purpose_n the_o promise_n be_v the_o kiss_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o discover_v his_o dear_a love_n and_o when_o he_o discover_v to_o we_o our_o interest_n in_o they_o than_o he_o kiss_v we_o with_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o fill_v we_o with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o glorious_a they_o be_v make_v by_o god_n and_o they_o make_v over_o god_n to_o we_o as_o our_o portion_n and_o christ_n as_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o spirit_n as_o our_o sanctifier_n and_o all_o good_a thing_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o as_o our_o inheritance_n and_o therefore_o may_v well_o be_v call_v exceed_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n 3_o because_o they_o put_v a_o price_n upon_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o wherein_o do_v the_o new_a testament_n exceed_v the_o old_a unless_o it_o be_v in_o this_o because_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o better_a promise_n heb._n 8._o 6._o and_o bring_v in_o a_o better_a hope_n hebrew_n 7._o 19_o 4_o because_o they_o put_v a_o price_n upon_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n a_o little_a mercy_n reach_v out_o to_o we_o as_o a_o fruit_n of_o a_o promise_n be_v more_o worth_a than_o a_o world_n of_o blessing_n come_v to_o we_o mere_o by_o way_n of_o providence_n a_o man_n may_v receive_v blessing_n from_o god_n upon_o a_o double_a account_n either_o ex_fw-la largitate_fw-la or_o ex_fw-la promisso_fw-la either_o by_o way_n of_o providence_n or_o by_o way_n of_o promise_n 1_o by_o way_n of_o providence_n thus_o god_n give_v the_o earth_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n psal._n 115._o 16._o thus_o he_o give_v one_o hundred_o twenty_o and_o seven_o province_n to_o ahashuerus_n thus_o he_o set_v up_o the_o base_a of_o man_n to_o rule_v over_o nation_n dan._n 4._o 17._o 2_o by_o way_n of_o promise_n thus_o he_o give_v health_n wealth_n and_o all_o outward_a comfort_n unto_o his_o child_n for_o godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v 1_o tim._n 4._o 8._o now_o you_o must_v know_v that_o a_o little_a blessing_n come_v to_o we_o as_o a_o fruit_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v more_o worth_a than_o a_o thousand_o blessing_n come_v to_o we_o only_o by_o way_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o david_n say_v a_o little_a that_o the_o righteous_a man_n have_v be_v better_a than_o the_o riches_n of_o many_o wicked_a psalm_n 37._o 16._o and_o the_o reason_n be_v 1_o because_o blessing_n give_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o promise_n be_v sign_n of_o god_n special_a love_n and_o come_v flow_v to_o we_o from_o the_o same_o love_n with_o which_o god_n give_v we_o christ_n they_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o covenant-love_n 2_o because_o we_o have_v they_o as_o blessing_n a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o blessing_n and_o yet_o not_o have_v it_o as_o a_o blessing_n the_o israelite_n have_v quail_n send_v they_o immediate_o from_o god_n which_o be_v a_o blessing_n in_o itself_o but_o be_v not_o send_v to_o they_o as_o a_o blessing_n 31_o for_o while_o the_o meat_n be_v in_o their_o mouth_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n come_v upon_o they_o the_o wicked_a have_v blessing_n but_o not_o as_o blessing_n but_o as_o the_o cup_n in_o benjamins_n sack_n which_o prove_v a_o snare_n to_o he_o rather_o than_o a_o mercy_n but_o the_o godly_a have_v blessing_n as_o blessing_n they_o have_v grace_n with_o they_o to_o improve_v they_o for_o god_n glory_n they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o blessing_n but_o a_o thankful_a heart_n for_o they_o and_o a_o fruitful_a heart_n under_o they_o which_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o they_o have_v they_o as_o blessing_n 3_o because_o they_o be_v pledge_n to_o they_o of_o better_a mercy_n and_o beginning_n of_o better_a they_o be_v not_o merces_fw-la but_o arrha_fw-la not_o their_o wage_n but_o a_o earnest_n of_o heaven_n now_o a_o farthing_n give_v as_o a_o earnest_n of_o a_o thousand_o a_o year_n be_v more_o worth_a than_o many_o pound_n give_v as_o a_o reward_n a_o wicked_a man_n have_v outward_a blessing_n as_o his_o portion_n his_o heaven_n his_o all_o but_o a_o godly_a man_n that_o have_v they_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o promise_n have_v they_o as_o a_o pledge_n of_o heaven_n and_o as_o a_o beginning_n of_o eternal_a mercy_n 5_o the_o promise_n be_v precious_a because_o they_o producâ—_n great_a and_o precious_a effect_n they_o be_v not_o only_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o but_o be_v also_o very_o powerful_a and_o operative_a upon_o all_o believer_n the_o promise_v as_o one_o say_v seal_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n ratify_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n testify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n deliver_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o mercy_n and_o receive_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n be_v operative_a word_n and_o produce_v rare_a effect_n in_o the_o soul._n they_o have_v power_n 1_o a_o sanctify_v 2_o a_o comfort_v 1_o a_o soul-sanctifying_a power_n therefore_o they_o be_v say_v to_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 4._o i_o say_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n not_o by_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n but_o
the_o first_o it_o be_v say_v how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o father_n in_o heaven_n give_v good_a thing_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o second_o how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n grace_n and_o glory_n and_o all_o outward_a good_a thing_n be_v he_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o great_a duke_n of_o guise_n that_o though_o he_o be_v poor_a as_o to_o his_o present_a possession_n yet_o he_o be_v the_o rich_a man_n in_o france_n in_o bill_n bond_n and_o obligation_n because_o he_o have_v engage_v all_o the_o nobleman_n in_o france_n unto_o himself_o by_o prefer_v of_o they_o a_o true_a and_o real_a christian_a be_v the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o world_n in_o promise_n and_o obligation_n for_o he_o have_v the_o great_a god_n engage_v by_o promise_n to_o be_v his_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o he_o as_o charles_n the_o first_o command_v his_o herald_n in_o a_o challenge_n to_o francis_n the_o first_o king_n of_o france_n to_o proclaim_v he_o with_o all_o his_o title_n still_v he_o emperor_n of_o germany_n king_n of_o castille_n arragon_n naples_n sicily_n etc._n etc._n but_o francis_n command_v his_o herald_n to_o call_v he_o so_o often_o king_n of_o france_n as_o the_o other_o have_v title_n by_o all_o his_o country_n imply_v that_o france_n alone_o be_v more_o worth_a than_o all_o his_o country_n so_o when_o a_o wicked_a man_n brag_v of_o his_o lordship_n and_o great_a possession_n when_o he_o boast_v of_o his_o thousand_o a_o year_n a_o child_n of_o god_n may_v say_v god_n be_v i_o god_n be_v i_o etc._n etc._n i_o be_o rich_a than_o all_o the_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o world_n 6_o you_o must_v meditate_v on_o the_o latitude_n and_o extension_n of_o the_o promise_n promise_n the_o promise_n be_v the_o saint_n catholicon_fw-la and_o panacea_fw-la there_o be_v no_o condition_n a_o child_n of_o god_n can_v be_v in_o but_o he_o may_v find_v not_o only_o a_o promise_n but_o a_o suitable_a and_o seasonable_a promise_n to_o comfort_v he_o in_o it_o and_o herein_o especial_o consist_v the_o spiritual_a excellency_n and_o heavenly_a wisdom_n of_o a_o christian_a not_o only_o to_o study_v the_o promise_n in_o general_a but_o to_o labour_v to_o find_v out_o and_o have_v find_v out_o to_o meditate_v upon_o such_o kind_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v most_o suitable_a and_o most_o seasonable_a to_o the_o condition_n he_o be_v in_o as_o for_o example_n if_o thou_o be_v poor_a in_o estate_n meditate_v on_o psalm_n 34._o 10._o matth._n 6._o 33._o heb._n 13._o 5._o if_o barren_a and_o without_o child_n meditate_v on_o isa._n 56._o 5._o if_o persecute_v for_o christ_n sake_n meditate_v on_o matth._n 5._o 10._o 1_o pet._n 4._o 12_o 13_o 14._o psal._n â—4_n 12._o if_o sick_a and_o under_o torment_a pain_n meditate_v on_o psal._n 50._o 15._o isa._n 63._o 9_o rom._n 8._o 28._o if_o reproach_v slander_v and_o false_o accuse_v meditate_v on_o mat._n 10._o 25._o mat._n 5._o 11_o 12._o luke_n 6._o 22_o 23._o if_o satan_n tempt_v thou_o and_o thou_o be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v he_o meditate_v on_o rom._n 16._o 20._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 13._o gen._n 3._o 15._o 1_o joh._n 3._o 8._o if_o thy_o corruption_n be_v too_o strong_a for_o thou_o meditate_v on_o rom._n 6._o 14._o micah_n 7._o 19_o if_o god_n hide_v his_o face_n from_o thou_o and_o thou_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o see_v no_o light_n meditate_v on_o isa._n 50._o 10._o isa._n 54._o 7_o 8._o if_o ready_a to_o faint_v in_o wait_v upon_o god_n and_o in_o expect_v the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o promise_n meditate_v on_o isa._n 30._o 18._o isa._n 63._o 3._o isa._n 40._o 28_o 29_o 30._o mal._n 3._o 1._o if_o ready_a to_o die_v and_o full_a of_o fear_n and_o doubt_n meditate_v on_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 55_o 56_o 57_o hos._n 13._o 14._o rev._n 14._o 13._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 22_o 23._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 1_o 8._o 7_o you_o must_v meditate_v on_o the_o variety_n of_o the_o promise_n promise_v and_o their_o difference_n and_o distinction_n one_o from_o the_o other_o the_o promise_n be_v like_a unto_o the_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n 1_o for_o their_o multitude_n they_o be_v very_o many_o the_o scripture_n be_v bespangle_v with_o promise_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v with_o star_n it_o be_v happy_a if_o the_o saint_n will_v prove_v spiritual_a astronomer_n and_o make_v it_o their_o work_n to_o study_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o star_n 2_o for_o their_o beauty_n excellency_n and_o influence_n every_o star_n be_v beautiful_a in_o its_o kind_n and_o very_o useful_a and_o advantageous_a so_o be_v the_o promise_n and_o as_o the_o star_n be_v most_o comfortable_a in_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o night_n so_o be_v the_o promise_v in_o the_o night_n of_o trouble_n and_o adversity_n 3_o and_o especial_o for_o their_o distinction_n and_o difference_n for_o one_o star_n differ_v from_o another_o in_o glory_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 41._o there_o be_v one_o glory_n of_o the_o sun_n another_o of_o the_o moon_n another_o of_o the_o star_n so_o do_v the_o promise_n differ_v exceed_o one_o from_o the_o other_o in_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n some_o be_v temporal_a some_o spiritual_a some_o of_o thing_n that_o be_v eternal_a some_o be_v conditional_a some_o absolute_a some_o be_v promise_n to_o those_o that_o have_v grace_n some_o be_v promise_n of_o grace_n some_o be_v general_a other_o particular_a some_o be_v original_a fundamental_a and_o fountain-promises_a as_o the_o promise_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o god_n be_v our_o god_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n other_o be_v derivative_a depend_v and_o rivolet-promise_n as_o the_o promise_n of_o all_o outward_a comfort_n here_o and_o of_o eternal_a life_n hereafter_o now_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o every_o ray_n of_o gold_n to_o meditate_v upon_o all_o the_o promise_n both_o spiritual_a temporal_a and_o eternal_a both_o conditional_a and_o absolute_a both_o of_o grace_n and_o to_o grace_n both_o general_a and_o particular_a but_o especial_o of_o the_o original_a and_o fundamental_a promise_n the_o fountain_n promise_v from_o whence_o all_o other_o as_o so_o many_o stream_n and_o rivulet_n be_v deduce_v and_o derive_v 8_o you_o must_v meditate_v on_o the_o usefulfulness_n promise_n and_o profitableness_n of_o the_o promise_n i_o have_v already_o show_v you_o that_o they_o be_v the_o conduit_n of_o grace_n and_o comfort_n that_o they_o have_v a_o soul-sanctifying_a and_o a_o soul-comforting-power_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o add_v that_o the_o promise_n be_v 1_o the_o breathe_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o affection_n 2_o the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o faith_n 3_o the_o anchor_n of_o hope_n 4_o the_o wing_n of_o prayer_n 5_o the_o foundation_n of_o industry_n 6_o the_o ray_n and_o beam_n of_o the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n and_o upon_o all_o these_o account_n be_v very_o useful_a and_o advantageous_a 〈◊〉_d 1_o they_o be_v the_o breathe_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o affection_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o god_n wonderful_a love_n to_o his_o child_n that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o promise_n and_o covenant_n to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o to_o give_v they_o christ_n and_o in_o christ_n all_o blessing_n here_o and_o hereafter_o we_o read_v gen._n 17._o 2_o 3._o when_o god_n tell_v abraham_n that_o he_o will_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o he_o he_o fall_v on_o his_o face_n as_o astonish_v at_o so_o great_a a_o mercy_n and_o as_o thankful_o acknowledge_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o the_o like_a we_o read_v of_o david_n when_o god_n by_o nathan_n make_v a_o promise_n to_o he_o 19_o he_o go_v into_o god_n house_n and_o pray_v who_o be_o i_o o_o lord_n and_o what_o be_v my_o house_n that_o the_o lord_n my_o god_n shall_v do_v this_o etc._n etc._n the_o promise_n be_v the_o cabinet_n of_o the_o tender_a bowel_n of_o god_n they_o contain_v the_o dear_a and_o tender_a love_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o elect_a child_n god_n by_o promise_a make_n himself_o a_o debtor_n to_o they_o now_o that_o god_n who_o be_v bind_v to_o none_o no_o not_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n shall_v enter_v into_o bond_n and_o bind_v himself_o to_o give_v grace_n and_o glory_n to_o his_o elect_a child_n this_o be_v love_n above_o expression_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o move_v god_n to_o do_v this_o but_o as_o i_o have_v say_v his_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n for_o though_o god_n be_v now_o bind_v out_o of_o justice_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n yet_o nothing_o move_v he_o to_o make_v these_o promise_n but_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n as_o david_n say_v of_o what_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o he_o 2_o sam._n 7._o 21._o according_a to_o thy_o own_o heart_n ex_fw-la mero_fw-la motu_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la and_o according_a to_o thy_o word_n not_o
for_o any_o thing_n in_o i_o for_o what_o be_o i_o o_o lord_n etc._n etc._n thus_o you_o see_v how_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o breathe_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o affection_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n be_v very_o useful_a and_o profitable_a for_o love_n be_v love_n loadstone_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v 19_o we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o love_v we_o first_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n love_n to_o we_o will_v kindle_v a_o love_n in_o we_o to_o god_n even_o as_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n reflect_v upon_o a_o wall_n heat_v those_o that_o walk_v by_o the_o wall_n so_o the_o beam_n of_o god_n love_v shine_v into_o our_o soul_n warm_v our_o heart_n with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o louâ—_n of_o god_n constrain_v we_o as_o say_v paul_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 14._o there_o be_v a_o compulsive_a and_o constrain_a power_n in_o love_n what_o do_v not_o jacob_n do_v for_o the_o love_n of_o rachel_n how_o be_v mephibosheth_n affect_v with_o the_o love_n of_o david_n 2_o sam._n 9_o 8._o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o love_v those_o that_o hate_v we_o but_o not_o to_o love_v those_o that_o love_v we_o be_v more_o than_o heathenish_a and_o brutish_a 2_o they_o be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o faith_n faith_n faith_n without_o a_o promise_n to_o act_v upon_o be_v as_o a_o body_n without_o a_o soul_n as_o a_o dead_a flower_n which_o have_v no_o beauty_n or_o sweetness_n in_o it_o but_o faith_n ground_v upon_o the_o promise_n will_v enable_v a_o christian_n to_o advance_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o holiness_n what_o make_v abraham_n forsake_v his_o country_n and_o his_o father_n house_n and_o go_v he_o know_v not_o whither_o nothing_o move_v he_o to_o this_o but_o because_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o make_v he_o a_o great_a nation_n and_o he_o believe_v it_o of_o all_o grace_n none_o so_o causal_a of_o holiness_n as_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o world_n overcome_v heart-purifying_a life-sanctifying_a wonder-working_a grace_n and_o therefore_o the_o promise_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o useful_a because_o they_o be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o faith_n 3_o they_o be_v the_o anchor_n of_o hope_n hope_n hope_n be_v call_v a_o anchor_n of_o the_o soul_n both_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a but_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o anchor_n of_o hope_n 9_o all_o hope_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v not_o found_v upon_o a_o promise_n be_v presumption_n and_o not_o hope_n presumption_n be_v when_o a_o man_n hope_n to_o go_v to_o heaven_n upon_o no_o ground_n or_o upon_o a_o insufficient_a ground_n but_o true_a hope_n be_v a_o hope_n ground_v upon_o a_o scripture-promise_a and_o hope_v bottom_v upon_o divine_a promise_n will_v mighty_o avail_v unto_o purity_n and_o holiness_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n live_v as_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n upon_o earth_n because_o they_o look_v and_o hope_v for_o a_o city_n which_o have_v foundation_n who_o builder_n and_o maker_n be_v god_n 10._o the_o old_a testament_n saint_n will_v not_o accept_v deliverance_n upon_o sinful_a term_n 11._o because_o they_o hope_v for_o a_o better_a resurrection_n the_o papist_n and_o arminian_n be_v much_o mistake_v in_o teach_v that_o the_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o godliness_n the_o scripture_n say_v the_o quite_o contrary_a 1_o joh._n 3._o 3_o he_o that_o have_v this_o hope_n purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a the_o true_a hope_n of_o heaven_n will_v make_v we_o live_v heavenly_a 4_o they_o be_v the_o wing_n of_o prayer_n prayer_n be_v a_o divine_a cordial_n to_o convey_v grace_n from_o heaven_n into_o our_o soul_n prayer_n it_o be_v a_o key_n to_o unlock_v the_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n which_o be_v in_o god_n the_o best_a way_n to_o obtain_v holiness_n be_v upon_o our_o knee_n the_o best_a posture_n to_o fight_v against_o the_o devil_n be_v upon_o our_o knee_n and_o therefore_o prayer_n be_v not_o put_v as_o a_o part_n of_o our_o spiritual_a armour_n but_o add_v as_o that_o which_o must_v be_v a_o ingredient_n in_o every_o part_n 18_o and_o which_o will_v make_v every_o part_n effectual_a but_o now_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o wing_n of_o prayer_n prayer_n without_o a_o promise_n be_v as_o a_o bird_n without_o wing_n 12._o and_o therefore_o we_o read_v both_o of_o jacob_n and_o jehoshaphat_n 9_o how_o they_o urge_v god_n in_o their_o prayer_n with_o his_o promise_n and_o certain_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n wing_v with_o divine_a promise_n will_v quick_o fly_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o draw_v down_o grace_n and_o comfort_n into_o theâ—_n soul_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o the_o promise_n be_v so_o useful_a to_o a_o christian_a because_o they_o be_v so_o helpful_a in_o prayer_n when_o we_o pray_v weâ—_n must_v urge_v god_n with_o his_o promise_n and_o say_v lord_n have_v thou_o not_o say_v thâ—â—_n will_v circumcise_v our_o heart_n to_o love_v theâ—_n thou_o will_v subdue_v our_o sin_n thou_o wilâ—_n give_v the_o spirit_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v it_o lord_n thou_o be_v faithful_a fulfil_v these_o thy_o own_o promise_n and_o we_o must_v remember_v this_o great_a truth_n that_o the_o promise_v god_n make_v to_o we_o to_o mortifieâ—_n our_o sin_n for_o we_o be_v great_a help_n against_o sin_n than_o our_o promise_n to_o god_n to_o mortify_v sin_n many_o man_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o distress_n vow_n and_o promise_v to_o leave_v sin_n and_o fight_v against_o it_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o these_o promise_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o conquer_a sin_n be_v conquer_v by_o sin_n but_o if_o we_o fight_v against_o sin_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o promise_n if_o we_o urge_v god_n in_o prayer_n with_o his_o own_o word_n we_o shall_v at_o last_o get_v victory_n over_o it_o for_o he_o have_v say_v that_o sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o we_o rom._n 6._o 14._o 5_o they_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o industry_n industry_n the_o promise_n do_v not_o make_v man_n â—azy_a and_o idle_a as_o some_o scandalous_o say_v 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o true_a laâ—our_n and_o industry_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v we_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o promise_n 1_o unto_o the_o study_n of_o soul-purification_n 5._o to_o have_v our_o conversation_n without_o covetousness_n 4._o to_o flee_v from_o idolatry_n 18._o and_o to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o sinful_a communion_n divine_a promise_n be_v â—reat_a encouragement_n unto_o spiritual_a diligence_n object_n though_o conditional_a promise_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o industry_n because_o we_o can_v have_v the_o thing_n promise_n unless_o we_o perform_v the_o condition_n yet_o absolute_a promise_n say_v some_o be_v foundation_n of_o laziness_n and_o therefore_o they_o a_o firm_a there_o be_v no_o absolute_a promise_n in_o scripture_n answ._n absolute_a promise_n be_v make_v foundation_n of_o industry_n in_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o conditional_a the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a 13._o because_o it_o be_v god_n 〈◊〉_d work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o hiâ—_n own_o good_a pleasure_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n perform_v nothing_o which_o he_o promise_v though_o never_o so_o absolute_o but_o in_o the_o diligent_a and_o conscientious_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n on_o our_o part_n god_n promise_v ezek._n 36._o 26._o to_o give_v we_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n but_o theâ—_n he_o add_v vers_fw-la 37._o i_o will_v yet_o 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v inquire_v of_o by_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n 6_o they_o be_v the_o ray_n and_o beam_n as_o one_o say_v of_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n righteousness_n in_o who_o they_o be_v found_v and_o establish_v as_o all_o the_o liâ—es_n in_o a_o circumference_n though_o never_o so_o distant_a sin_n carry_v a_o man_n to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o centre_n so_o all_o the_o promise_v carry_v we_o to_o christ_n the_o centre_n for_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o make_v for_o any_o thing_n in_o we_o nor_o have_v they_o any_o stability_n from_o we_o but_o they_o be_v make_v in_o and_o for_o christ_n unto_o we_o unto_o christ_n in_o our_o behalf_n and_o unto_o we_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v member_n of_o christ._n now_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o soul-purification_n soul-consolation_n and_o soul-salvation_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o the_o promise_n be_v most_o singular_o useful_a and_o advantageous_a and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o live_v holy_o and_o comfortable_o to_o consider_v and_o ponder_v the_o profitableness_n and_o beneficialness_n of_o the_o promise_n 9_o and_o last_o promise_n you_o must_v meditate_v on_o the_o great_a necessity_n that_o lie_v upon_o all_o man_n to_o get_v a_o
a_o right_n and_o portion_n in_o all_o the_o promise_n this_o be_v that_o which_o god_n say_v exod._n 19_o 5._o if_o you_o will_v obey_v my_o voice_n indeed_o than_o you_o shall_v be_v a_o peculiar_a treasure_n etc._n etc._n if_o you_o will_v obey_v my_o voice_n indeed_o not_o only_o in_o word_n and_o in_o show_n but_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n thus_o jerem._n 7._o 5_o 7._o if_o you_o thorough_o amend_v your_o way_n if_o you_o thorough_o execute_v judgement_n etc._n etc._n then_o will_v i_o cause_v you_o to_o dwell_v in_o this_o place_n etc._n etc._n if_o you_o thorough_o amend_v etc._n etc._n not_o only_o in_o some_o thing_n but_o in_o all_o thing_n not_o only_o outward_o but_o inward_o also_o this_o rule_n be_v express_o deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 8._o godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v if_o thou_o be_v a_o godly_a man_n in_o a_o gospel-sense_n that_o be_v one_o who_o true_o and_o sincere_o indeavour_v to_o be_v godly_a if_o thou_o make_v god_n will_v thy_o rule_n to_o live_v by_o and_o not_o thy_o own_o god_n glory_n thy_o end_n and_o not_o thy_o own_o carnal_a interest_n god_n love_v thy_o principle_n if_o thy_o rule_n aim_n and_o principle_n be_v godly_a all_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v belong_v to_o thou_o it_o be_v worth_a observe_n that_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n be_v conditional_a happiness_n be_v entail_v upon_o holiness_n glory_n upon_o grace_n you_o shall_v read_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o of_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n 37._o of_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n if_o ever_o you_o will_v assure_v yourselves_o of_o your_o interest_n in_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n you_o must_v try_v yourselves_o by_o your_o sincere_a performance_n of_o the_o condition_n thus_o christ_n be_v promise_v to_o none_o but_o such_o as_o believe_v pardon_v of_o sin_n to_o none_o but_o such_o as_o repent_v and_o heaven_n to_o none_o but_o such_o as_o persevere_v in_o well_o do_v tell_v i_o then_o can_v thou_o say_v as_o in_o god_n presence_n that_o thou_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n though_o thou_o fail_v in_o all_o yet_o thou_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o that_o thou_o obeye_v god_n in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o that_o thou_o sincere_o labour_v to_o be_v godly_a this_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v thy_o portion_n but_o you_o that_o be_v ungodly_a and_o do_v not_o thorough_o amend_v your_o way_n you_o that_o sleight_n undervalue_n and_o despise_v the_o command_a word_n you_o have_v no_o part_n no_o portion_n in_o the_o promise_a word_n but_o it_o may_v be_v a_o distress_a christian_n though_o without_o just_a cause_n will_v say_v that_o he_o be_v afraid_a that_o he_o do_v not_o sincere_o obey_v the_o command_a word_n and_o therefore_o dare_v not_o apply_v to_o himself_o the_o promise_a word_n wherefore_o i_o add_v rule_v 2._o 2_o the_o more_o thou_o be_v afraid_a promise_n lest_o thou_o shall_v have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o promise_n the_o more_o right_o thou_o have_v in_o all_o probability_n to_o they_o this_o i_o speak_v only_o to_o the_o distress_a christian_a not_o that_o i_o commend_v his_o fear_n but_o this_o i_o say_v this_o fear_n which_o thou_o be_v possess_v withal_o be_v a_o probable_a sign_n that_o thou_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n for_o a_o presumptuous_a sinner_n never_o doubt_v of_o his_o right_n to_o they_o but_o take_v it_o as_o a_o maxim_n not_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o they_o belong_v to_o he_o it_o be_v a_o comfortable_a say_n of_o mr._n greenham_n when_o thou_o hear_v the_o promise_n and_o be_v in_o a_o cold_a sweat_n and_o have_v a_o fear_n and_o tremble_a seize_v upon_o thou_o lest_o they_o shall_v not_o belong_v to_o thou_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o they_o do_v belong_v to_o thou_o for_o christ_n have_v say_v 28_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n and_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n call_v upon_o those_o who_o be_v of_o a_o fearful_a heart_n 4_o to_o be_v strong_a and_o fear_v not_o and_o tell_v we_o for_o our_o comfort_n that_o god_n will_v look_v with_o a_o eye_n of_o favour_n upon_o he_o that_o be_v poor_a 2_o and_o of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n and_o tremble_v at_o his_o word_n rule_v 3_o 3_o the_o more_o sensible_a thou_o be_v of_o thy_o own_o unworthiness_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o the_o promise_n promise_n the_o more_o thou_o be_v fit_v and_o qualify_v to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o they_o for_o the_o promise_n be_v as_o i_o have_v show_v the_o fruit_n of_o freegrace_n nothing_o move_v god_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n with_o his_o people_n and_o thereby_o to_o become_v their_o debtor_n but_o his_o free_a love_n free_a grace_n bring_v christ_n down_o from_o heaven_n deum_fw-la and_o it_o be_v free_a grace_n must_v carry_v we_o up_o to_o heaven_n christ_n himself_o be_v call_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n john_n 4._o 10._o moses_n tell_v the_o israelite_n deut._n 7._o 7_o 8._o the_o lord_n do_v not_o set_v his_o love_n upon_o you_o nor_o choose_v you_o because_o you_o be_v more_o in_o number_n than_o any_o people_n etc._n etc._n but_o because_o the_o lord_n love_v you_o and_o because_o he_o will_v keep_v the_o oath_n which_o he_o have_v swear_v unto_o your_o father_n have_v the_o lord_n bring_v you_o out_o with_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o redeem_v you_o etc._n etc._n god_n do_v not_o love_v we_o because_o we_o be_v worthy_a of_o his_o love_n but_o because_o he_o love_v we_o therefore_o he_o make_v we_o worthy_a we_o must_v not_o bring_v worthiness_n to_o christ_n but_o fetch_v worthiness_n from_o christ._n and_o therefore_o if_o thou_o be_v sensible_a of_o thy_o own_o nothingnesse_n emptiness_n and_o unworthiness_n lay_v hold_v upon_o that_o excellent_a promise_n bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 3_o bless_a be_v those_o who_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o spiritual_a want_n for_o to_o they_o belong_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o certain_o as_o if_o they_o be_v already_o in_o it_o rule_n 4._o 4_o study_v thy_o interest_n in_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a promise_n 20_o and_o that_o will_v help_v thou_o to_o make_v out_o thy_o interest_n in_o all_o the_o other_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a promise_n be_v the_o promise_n of_o christ._n for_o all_o promise_n whither_o spiritual_a oâ—_n temporal_a be_v make_v to_o we_o in_o and_o through_o he_o god_n have_v promise_v never_o to_o leave_v we_o nor_o forsake_v we_o and_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o our_o good_a that_o be_v if_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n god_n have_v say_v all_o thing_n be_v we_o whether_o paul_n or_o apollo_n whether_o life_n or_o death_n 2_o whether_o thing_n present_a or_o thing_n to_o come_v but_o it_o be_v with_o this_o promise_n if_o we_o be_v christ_n whosoever_o take_v any_o comfort_n from_o any_o temporal_a promise_n and_o be_v not_o in_o christ_n do_v but_o delude_v and_o cheat_v himself_o this_o then_o be_v thy_o work_n o_o christian_n study_v thy_o interest_n in_o christ_n make_v out_o that_o and_o make_v out_o all_o if_o no_o interest_n in_o christ_n no_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n if_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n a_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n let_v this_o then_o be_v thy_o daily_a business_n to_o make_v it_o out_o to_o thy_o soul_n christ._n that_o christ_n be_v thou_o quest._n how_o shall_v i_o be_v able_a to_o do_v this_o answ._n for_o this_o purpose_n you_o must_v diligent_o study_v three_o thing_n 1_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o christ._n 2_o the_o freeness_n of_o it_o 3_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o he_o be_v tender_v 1_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o christ._n christ_n christ_n jesus_n with_o all_o his_o benefit_n be_v promise_v to_o every_o one_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o lay_v hold_n on_o he_o 16._o as_o he_o be_v tender_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n be_v command_v to_o go_v into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v etc._n etc._n if_o thou_o have_v a_o heart_n to_o believe_v be_v thy_o sin_n never_o so_o great_a it_o be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o pardon_v they_o as_o the_o sea_n cover_v great_a rock_n as_o well_o as_o small_a so_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n will_v pardon_v great_a sin_n as_o well_o as_o little_a aug._n it_o will_v