the_o vision_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o rapture_n of_o the_o spirit_n how_o often_o do_v satan_n by_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n endeavour_v the_o seducement_n and_o ruin_n of_o many_o christian_n against_o who_o as_o a_o angel_n of_o darkness_n he_o can_v not_o prevail_v be_v in_o every_o thing_n god_n ape_n to_o imitate_v those_o extraordinary_a way_n by_o which_o god_n have_v sometime_o make_v know_v himself_o unto_o his_o people_n gerson_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr probatione_fw-la spirituum_fw-la of_o the_o trial_n of_o spirit_n tell_v a_o remarkable_a story_n of_o satan_n appear_v to_o a_o holy_a man_n in_o a_o most_o glorious_a and_o beautiful_a manner_n profess_v himself_o to_o be_v christ_n and_o because_o he_o for_o his_o exemplary_a holiness_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v honour_v above_o other_o therefore_o he_o appear_v unto_o he_o but_o the_o old_a man_n ready_o answer_v he_o that_o he_o desire_v not_o to_o see_v his_o saviour_n in_o this_o wilderness_n it_o shall_v suffice_v he_o to_o see_v he_o hereafter_o in_o heaven_n and_o with_o all_o add_v this_o pithy_a prayer_n sit_v in_o alio_fw-la seculo_fw-la non_fw-la in_o hoc_fw-la visio_fw-la tua_fw-la merces_fw-la mea_fw-la o_o let_v thy_o sight_n be_v my_o reward_n lord_n in_o another_o life_n and_o not_o in_o this_o life_n this_o direction_n therefore_o be_v of_o no_o little_a importance_n unto_o believer_n that_o will_v not_o loose_v and_o wild_a themselves_o in_o uncertainty_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o duty_n and_o comfort_n to_o take_v heed_n how_o they_o leave_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o word_n and_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o revelation_n for_o rhe_n guidance_n of_o their_o way_n or_o how_o they_o neglect_v the_o application_n of_o the_o promise_n by_o faith_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o their_o heart_n in_o the_o peace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o expect_v their_o assurance_n to_o flow_v from_o a_o immediate_a voice_n or_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n as_o if_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n have_v no_o activity_n and_o light_n in_o they_o to_o evidence_n and_o declare_v the_o certainty_n and_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n unto_o their_o soul_n such_o way_n though_o the_o novelty_n of_o they_o may_v render_v they_o please_v to_o many_o yet_o it_o can_v as_o we_o see_v make_v they_o safe_a to_o any_o that_o tread_v or_o walk_v in_o they_o and_o therefore_o let_v that_o of_o austin_n be_v every_o christian_n practice_n and_o prayer_n sint_fw-la sacrae_fw-la scripturae_fw-la tuâ—_n deliciae_fw-la meae_fw-la in_fw-la quibus_fw-la nec_fw-la possim_fw-la fallere_fw-la nec_fw-la falli_fw-la lord_n let_v thy_o holy_a scripture_n be_v my_o pure_a delight_n in_o which_o i_o can_v neither_o deceive_v or_o ever_o be_v deceive_v sect_n 2._o cau._n 7._o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n out_o on_o earthly_a object_n the_o seven_o and_o last_o cautionary_a direction_n be_v to_o take_v beed_o of_o have_v the_o heart_n let_v out_o to_o earthly_a object_n either_o in_o earnest_a desire_n after_o they_o or_o in_o long_a and_o frequent_a muse_n of_o the_o mind_n upon_o they_o the_o application_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v then_o most_o powerful_a and_o operative_a when_o they_o lie_v near_o and_o close_a unto_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o comfort_n that_o distil_v from_o they_o be_v then_o most_o sweet_a when_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o most_o inward_a part_n of_o the_o hide_a man_n the_o soft_a garment_n man_n usual_o wear_v next_o their_o skin_n and_o the_o best_a jewel_n they_o lie_v up_o in_o the_o most_o inward_a cell_n of_o their_o cabinet_n and_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n be_v the_o promise_n and_o invitation_n of_o mercy_n in_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v thing_n of_o the_o great_a delicacy_n and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v apply_v next_o unto_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v of_o all_o part_n the_o most_o tender_a they_o be_v of_o the_o high_a worth_n and_o value_n and_o therefore_o shall_v high_o be_v lodge_v in_o the_o most_o retire_a and_o inward_a receptacle_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o their_o most_o due_a and_o proper_a seat_n all_o interposition_n of_o earthly_a thing_n do_v not_o only_o hinder_v the_o conveyance_n both_o of_o grace_n and_o comfort_n from_o the_o promise_n but_o do_v also_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n &_o predominancy_n of_o it_o make_v the_o heart_n as_o a_o unmeet_a vessel_n to_o receive_v such_o heavenly_a treasure_n in_o diverse_a respect_n first_o earthly_a thing_n do_v fill_v the_o heart_n &_o thereby_o put_v it_o into_o a_o incapacity_n of_o receive_v either_o divine_a counsel_n or_o comfort_n from_o the_o word_n or_o promise_n they_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o crowd_n of_o business_n so_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o word_n find_v no_o more_o place_n in_o it_o than_o he_o and_o his_o mother_n do_v room_n in_o the_o inn_n where_o the_o manger_n be_v fain_o to_o be_v his_o cradle_n luk._n 2._o 7._o they_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o diversity_n of_o care_n and_o solicitude_n so_o that_o it_o can_v have_v any_o freedom_n to_o attend_v heavenly_a duty_n martha_n who_o be_v trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n do_v not_o with_o mary_n her_o sister_n sit_v at_o christ_n foot_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n she_o cumber_v about_o much_o serve_v make_v she_o to_o neglect_v the_o one_o thing_n that_o be_v needful_a luke_n 10._o 41._o they_o many_o time_n fill_v the_o heart_n with_o pride_n and_o scorn_n so_o as_o that_o the_o choice_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o better_a than_o foolishness_n the_o pharisee_n hear_v christ_n preach_v against_o earthly_a affection_n but_o they_o deride_v he_o luke_n 16._o 14._o the_o full_a soul_n loathe_v the_o honeycomb_n pro._n 27._o 7._o and_o so_o do_v a_o earthly_a mind_n reject_v the_o word_n which_o be_v more_o sweet_a than_o the_o drop_a honey_n second_o earthly_a thing_n defile_v the_o heart_n with_o many_o vile_a and_o corrupt_a affection_n which_o do_v unqualifie_v it_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o holy_a and_o precious_a promise_n they_o stain_v the_o heart_n with_o a_o adulterous_a and_o impure_a love_n which_o be_v enmity_n unto_o god_n james_n 4._o 4._o and_o make_v it_o apt_a to_o prefer_v carnal_a satisfaction_n before_o communion_n with_o christ_n they_o defile_v the_o heart_n with_o a_o false_a and_o unsound_a confidence_n turn_v it_o from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o trust_n unto_o the_o mutable_a and_o unstable_a creature_n and_o therefore_o paul_n enjoin_v timothy_n to_o charge_v they_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o trust_v not_o in_o uncertain_a riches_n but_o in_o the_o live_a god_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 17._o they_o pollute_v the_o heart_n with_o sensual_a joy_n with_o unhallowed_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n so_o that_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o corn_n wine_n and_o oil_n increase_v do_v extinguish_v that_o complacency_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n that_o flow_v from_o the_o presence_n and_o fruition_n of_o spiritual_a object_n as_o in_o luxurious_a person_n strange_a love_n do_v eat_v out_o and_o obliterate_v that_o which_o be_v conjugal_a how_o then_o can_v any_o man_n expect_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n shall_v be_v both_o a_o counsellor_n and_o comforter_n unto_o such_o a_o one_o who_o love_n confidence_n joy_n be_v adulterate_a and_o sinful_a sure_o he_o who_o have_v the_o purity_n of_o a_o dove_n will_v never_o take_v up_o the_o lodging_n of_o a_o crow_n he_o who_o dwell_v in_o the_o soul_n when_o it_o be_v a_o temple_n of_o holiness_n will_v never_o afford_v his_o presence_n when_o it_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o cage_n of_o unclean_a bird_n three_o earthly_a object_n divide_v the_o heart_n hosea_n 2._o 10._o and_o make_v it_o uncertain_a in_o its_o motion_n towards_o god_n as_o the_o balance_n have_v no_o steadfastness_n in_o itself_o but_o do_v by_o every_o breath_n and_o touch_n fluctuate_v sometime_o to_o the_o one_o hand_n sometime_o to_o the_o other_o so_o the_o earthly_a mind_n be_v various_a and_o inconstant_a in_o its_o desire_n to_o heavenly_a thing_n sometime_o for_o a_o short_a and_o sudden_a fit_n it_o seem_v to_o affect_v they_o and_o by_o and_o by_o grow_v cold_a and_o heartless_a again_o like_a to_o the_o grasshopper_n which_o as_o gregory_n observe_v give_v a_o flirt_n up_o and_o make_v a_o faint_a essay_n of_o fly_v towards_o heaven_n and_o then_o present_o fall_v on_o the_o earth_n again_o thus_o the_o young_a man_n mark_v 10._o 17._o come_v run_v to_o christ_n to_o show_v his_o fervour_n and_o zeal_n kneel_v to_o he_o to_o testify_v his_o observance_n pray_v to_o he_o to_o direct_v he_o in_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n to_o evidence_n his_o care_n and_o solicitude_n about_o it_o but_o when_o christ_n bid_v he_o to_o sell_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a that_o so_o he_o may_v have_v treasure_n in_o heaven_n how_o soon_o do_v he_o who_o
worth_n do_v vie_v with_o each_o other_o everlasting_a life_n be_v as_o sweet_a as_o long_o heaven_n be_v as_o glorious_a in_o its_o beauty_n as_o vast_a in_o its_o dimension_n the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v lay_v up_o be_v as_o rich_a as_o weighty_a there_o be_v no_o one_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o be_v of_o that_o extent_n for_o its_o latitude_n and_o of_o that_o value_n for_o its_o preciousness_n that_o he_o deserve_v to_o be_v eternal_o poor_a who_o have_v that_o for_o his_o subsistence_n look_v upon_o any_o man_n who_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o none_o great_a or_o rich_a than_o himself_o though_o the_o gravel_n of_o the_o river_n be_v turn_v into_o pearl_n and_o every_o shower_n of_o rain_n from_o the_o cloud_n into_o a_o shower_n of_o silver_n and_o gold_n for_o to_o supply_v his_o want_n the_o four_o particular_a be_v the_o high_a and_o noble_a end_n of_o the_o donation_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n etc._n etc._n painter_n when_o they_o picture_n angel_n do_v not_o intend_v similitude_n but_o beauty_n nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o expression_n aim_v at_o any_o essential_a change_n and_o conversion_n of_o our_o substance_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n but_o only_o at_o the_o elevation_n and_o dignify_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o christ_n our_o near_a union_n with_o he_o do_v restore_v we_o to_o a_o high_a similitude_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n then_o ever_o we_o attain_v in_o our_o primitive_a perfection_n but_o it_o do_v not_o introduce_v any_o real_a transmutation_n either_o of_o our_o body_n or_o soul_n into_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o if_o that_o stupendous_a union_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n in_o one_o person_n the_o lord_n christ_n do_v not_o effect_v a_o essential_a change_n in_o either_o but_o that_o both_o nature_n do_v conserve_v and_o retain_v their_o distinct_a property_n without_o mixture_n or_o confusion_n much_o less_o can_v the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n which_o be_v not_o a_o personal_a union_n but_o a_o union_n of_o person_n make_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o faith_n cause_n any_o such_o alteration_n as_o that_o our_o nature_n lose_v its_o own_o subsistence_n shall_v whole_o pass_v into_o the_o divine_a and_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o abyss_n of_o it_o as_o a_o drop_n when_o it_o fall_v into_o the_o wide_a ocean_n pithy_o do_v cyprian_n express_v this_o truth_n when_o he_o affirm_v nostra_fw-la &_o ipsius_fw-la conjunctio_fw-la nec_fw-la miscet_fw-la personas_fw-la nec_fw-la unit_fw-la substantias_fw-la sed_fw-la affectus_fw-la consociat_fw-la &_o confoedérat_fw-la voluntates_fw-la our_o and_o christ_n conjunction_n do_v neither_o mingle_v person_n nor_o unite_v substance_n but_o do_v conjoin_v our_o affection_n and_o bring_v into_o a_o league_n of_o amity_n our_o will_n suitable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 17._o they_o that_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v make_v one_o spirit_n chap._n ii_o in_o which_o be_v declare_v what_o a_o promise_n be_v it_o be_v not_o design_v by_o i_o as_o the_o subject_n of_o my_o present_a task_n to_o undertake_v a_o distinct_a and_o full_a prosecution_n of_o all_o these_o four_o particular_n in_o the_o text_n every_o one_o of_o which_o like_a gold_n in_o the_o beat_n will_v easy_o diffuse_v and_o spread_v themselves_o into_o a_o large_a compass_n but_o occasional_o to_o glance_v at_o they_o as_o they_o conduce_v to_o the_o illustration_n of_o that_o head_n and_o branch_n which_o i_o shall_v single_a and_o cull_v out_o from_o the_o rest_n as_o the_o present_a subject_n upon_o which_o i_o shall_v pitch_v and_o fix_v my_o thought_n and_o that_o be_v the_o matchless_a worth_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o truth_n it_o be_v of_o much_o weight_n and_o sweetness_n to_o every_o believer_n but_o yet_o as_o it_o lie_v contract_v in_o a_o proposition_n discover_v not_o so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o when_o draw_v forth_o into_o a_o full_a explication_n like_v to_o colour_n that_o be_v less_o beautiful_a and_o please_a while_o they_o lie_v on_o the_o palate_n of_o the_o painter_n then_o when_o place_v and_o spread_v on_o the_o picture_n by_o the_o pencil_n of_o the_o artificer_n i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o unfolding_n of_o it_o endeavour_v these_o five_o thing_n first_o to_o show_v what_o a_o promise_n be_v second_o in_o what_o respect_v they_o be_v great_a and_o precious_a three_o give_v rule_n about_o the_o due_a application_n of_o they_o four_o resolve_v some_o useful_a query_n and_o case_n concern_v they_o five_o close_a and_o shut_v up_o all_o with_o some_o practical_a inference_n and_o genuine_a application_n such_o as_o flow_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o honey_n which_o drop_v from_o the_o comb_n be_v of_o all_o the_o best_a and_o sweet_a first_o what_o a_o promise_n be_v it_o be_v a_o declaration_n of_o god_n will_n wherein_o he_o signify_v what_o particular_a good_a thing_n he_o will_v free_o bestow_v and_o the_o evil_n that_o he_o will_v remove_v this_o description_n like_o the_o box_n of_o spiknard_n in_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v more_o useful_a when_o it_o be_v break_v then_o whole_a i_o shall_v therefore_o take_v it_o into_o piece_n and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o in_o the_o several_a parcel_n first_o a_o promise_n be_v a_o declaration_n of_o god_n will_v it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o middle_a thing_n between_o his_o purpose_n and_o performance_n his_o intendment_n of_o good_a and_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o upon_o those_o who_o he_o love_v and_o as_o wicked_a jezabel_n 1_o king_n 19_o 2._o can_v not_o satisfy_v her_o hatred_n of_o elijah_n the_o prophet_n in_o intend_v evil_a unto_o he_o and_o effect_v it_o upon_o he_o in_o time_n as_o she_o can_v but_o withal_o she_o let_v fall_v a_o heavy_a threaten_n against_o he_o strengthen_v with_o a_o bitter_a imprecation_n upon_o herself_o as_o a_o oblige_a tie_n to_o put_v in_o execution_n the_o design_a evil_n so_o let_v the_o god_n do_v to_o i_o and_o more_o also_o if_o i_o make_v not_o thy_o life_n as_o the_o life_n of_o one_o of_o they_o by_o to_o morrow_n about_o this_o time_n so_o much_o less_o can_v the_o love_n of_o god_n satisfy_v itself_o in_o a_o gracious_a decree_n and_o purpose_n of_o good_a towards_o his_o elect_a shut_v up_o in_o his_o own_o breast_n and_o the_o actual_a performance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n unless_o withal_o he_o discover_v it_o unto_o they_o beforehand_o both_o as_o a_o ground_n of_o present_a comfort_n in_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o and_o of_o hope_n and_o expectation_n in_o the_o certain_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n promise_v hereafter_o god_n also_o confirm_v the_o word_n of_o his_o truth_n by_o a_o oath_n not_o for_o any_o necessity_n or_o weakness_n in_o its_o self_n but_o out_o of_o superabundant_a love_n unto_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n that_o by_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 they_o may_v have_v a_o strong_a consolation_n heb._n 6._o 18._o second_o it_o be_v a_o declaration_n concern_v good_a and_o thereby_o a_o promise_n be_v difference_v from_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n which_o in_o divers_a respect_n have_v a_o near_a affinity_n with_o his_o promise_n for_o they_o as_o thing_n of_o a_o middle_a nature_n do_v intervene_v between_o the_o decree_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o they_o be_v let_v fall_v in_o the_o word_n as_o so_o many_o discovery_n of_o god_n anger_n against_o sin_n and_o set_v as_o powerful_a stop_n to_o check_v and_o bound_v the_o lust_n of_o sinner_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o dash_v themselves_o against_o the_o rock_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n they_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o same_o oath_n of_o god_n with_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v ratify_v that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v as_o full_a of_o dread_a to_o sinner_n in_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o fulfil_n of_o they_o as_o the_o promise_n be_v of_o comfort_n to_o believer_n three_o it_o be_v concern_v good_a thing_n free_o bestow_v and_o thereby_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o command_n which_o be_v also_o signification_n of_o god_n will_v concern_v good_a but_o it_o be_v of_o the_o good_a of_o duty_n enjoin_v to_o be_v do_v not_o of_o the_o good_a of_o mercy_n to_o be_v receive_v the_o precept_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n they_o always_o go_v together_o in_o the_o word_n as_o the_o vein_n and_o the_o artery_n do_v in_o the_o body_n wherever_o there_o go_v a_o vein_n that_o carry_v blood_n there_o also_o accompany_v it_o a_o artery_n that_o carry_v spirit_n so_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o precept_n in_o the_o word_n that_o enjoin_v duty_n there_o also_o be_v a_o
answerable_a promise_n that_o assure_v comfort_n the_o one_o hold_v forth_o the_o good_a to_o be_v do_v the_o other_o the_o good_a to_o be_v receive_v four_o it_o be_v of_o particular_a good_a thing_n and_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o hint_n and_o point_n out_o one_o considerable_a difference_n between_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o promise_n the_o covenant_n that_o be_v as_o the_o entire_a vintage_n of_o the_o heavenly_a canaan_n and_o the_o promise_n they_o be_v as_o the_o several_a cluster_n of_o blessing_n that_o be_v as_o a_o glorious_a constellation_n of_o many_o celestial_a body_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o they_o be_v as_o so_o many_o single_a star_n shine_v in_o their_o proper_a orb_n that_o be_v as_o the_o total_a sum_n in_o the_o inventory_n of_o a_o believer_n estate_n and_o they_o be_v as_o the_o distinct_a particular_n which_o make_v it_o up_o all_o the_o sweetness_n beauty_n worth_a that_o be_v diffuse_v throughout_o the_o promise_n 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hinder_v the_o clear_a knowledge_n death_n that_o may_v interrupt_v the_o perpetuity_n sorrow_n that_o may_v diminish_v the_o sweetness_n of_o this_o bless_a estate_n shall_v all_o by_o a_o powerful_a hand_n be_v remove_v and_o do_v away_o chap._n iii_o in_o which_o the_o excellency_n and_o preciousness_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v demonstrate_v in_o three_o particular_n have_v show_v what_o a_o promise_n be_v the_o second_o thing_n that_o fall_v under_o consideration_n be_v the_o great_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o in_o divers_a respect_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v such_o as_o if_o compare_v with_o the_o choice_a of_o earthly_a comfort_n the_o one_o will_v be_v as_o a_o sovereign_a elixir_n full_a of_o spirit_n and_o the_o other_o as_o the_o unactive_a and_o sapless_a dregs_o or_o if_o with_o the_o rich_a treasure_n of_o the_o world_n the_o one_o will_v be_v as_o so_o much_o refine_a gold_n and_o the_o other_o as_o so_o much_o impure_a dross_n what_o job_n say_v concern_v the_o power_n of_o god_n if_o i_o speak_v of_o strength_n lo_o he_o be_v strong_a may_v true_o also_o be_v say_v of_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o promise_n if_o you_o speak_v of_o worth_n lo_o they_o be_v precious_a indeed_o sect_n 1._o christ_n the_o root_n of_o the_o promise_n first_o the_o promise_n do_v derive_v a_o preciousness_n from_o the_o root_n and_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o spring_v they_o be_v as_o so_o many_o beam_n of_o christ_n the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n and_o do_v impart_v a_o light_n which_o discover_v his_o excellency_n evidence_v our_o propriety_n and_o effect_v in_o we_o a_o bless_a purity_n they_o be_v the_o desirable_a fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n not_o of_o that_o tree_n of_o life_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o stand_v in_o adam_n paradise_n on_o earth_n but_o of_o that_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o saint_n john_n paradise_n in_o heaven_n not_o of_o that_o which_o be_v guard_v with_o cherubim_n and_o a_o flame_a sword_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v touch_v but_o of_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n free_a for_o every_o believer_n to_o put_v forth_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o take_v and_o eat_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o both_z as_o food_n and_o medicine_n they_o be_v the_o crystal_n stream_n of_o that_o river_n of_o life_n which_o proceed_v out_o of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o the_o lamb_n revel_v 22._o 1._o who_o water_n in_o time_n of_o drought_n never_o fail_v but_o with_o their_o overflow_a plenty_n satisfy_v the_o thirsty_a with_o their_o cool_a virtue_n allay_v the_o heat_n of_o the_o weary_a and_o with_o their_o sweetness_n cheer_n and_o revive_v the_o droop_a and_o deject_a spirit_n and_o now_o methinks_v i_o can_v but_o make_v a_o pause_n and_o stand_v a_o while_n admire_v both_o a_o believer_n happiness_n and_o christ_n bounty_n each_o of_o which_o be_v of_o such_o transcendency_n as_o that_o they_o better_a suit_n with_o a_o holy_a wonderment_n then_o with_o the_o most_o lively_a and_o full_a expression_n oh_o how_o happy_a be_v every_o believer_n who_o light_n be_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n shine_v in_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o promise_n who_o food_n be_v the_o tree_n of_o life_n that_o continual_o yield_v fruit_n both_o new_a and_o various_a who_o cordial_n be_v the_o water_n of_o life_n not_o spare_o give_v to_o a_o bare_a sustentation_n but_o free_o flow_v to_o a_o delightful_a satiety_n well_o might_n david_n in_o a_o rapture_n say_v lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o he_o and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o visite_a he_o for_o thou_o have_v make_v he_o a_o little_a low_o than_o the_o angel_n psal_n 8_o 4_o 5._o and_o well_o also_o may_v paul_n as_o one_o stand_v upon_o the_o shore_n and_o fathom_v the_o sea_n of_o god_n mercy_n cry_v out_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n rom._n 11._o 35._o and_o most_o joyful_o may_v every_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_n say_v my_o line_n be_v fall_v unto_o i_o in_o pleasant_a place_n yea_o i_o have_v a_o goodly_a heritage_n psal_n 16._o 6._o to_o who_o such_o precious_a promise_n be_v give_v as_o exceed_v both_o in_o glory_n and_o certainty_n all_o earthly_a performance_n whatever_o be_v in_o christ_n from_o who_o they_o all_o come_v yea_o and_o amen_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 20._o sect_n 2._o the_o promise_v the_o root_n of_o faith_n second_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v great_a and_o precious_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o proximity_n and_o peculiar_a relation_n which_o they_o have_v to_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o noble_a grace_n of_o faith_n above_o all_o other_o grace_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v the_o precious_a object_n of_o precious_a faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n style_v it_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 1._o true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o quicken_a influence_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n do_v reach_v every_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o be_v both_o facilitated_a and_o strengthen_v in_o their_o several_a motion_n and_o operation_n by_o they_o hope_n be_v keep_v alive_a in_o its_o expectation_n of_o good_a patience_n be_v support_v under_o difficulty_n holiness_n be_v perfect_v love_n be_v inflame_v and_o a_o bless_a fear_n of_o god_n be_v preserve_v but_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v not_o do_v by_o the_o immediate_a intercourse_n which_o these_o grace_n have_v with_o the_o promise_n but_o by_o the_o intervention_n of_o faith_n which_o first_o feed_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o manna_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o communicate_v the_o sweetness_n and_o virtue_n that_o it_o draw_v and_o receive_v from_o they_o in_o a_o suitable_a manner_n to_o every_o other_o grace_n as_o the_o root_n first_o suck_v the_o juice_n and_o sap_n from_o the_o
by_o a_o roll_a and_o stay_v of_o its_o self_n upon_o god_n isa_n 50._o 10._o sometime_o by_o a_o trust_n in_o he_o isa_n 26._o 4._o sometime_o by_o receive_v of_o christ_n colos_n 2._o 6._o sometime_o by_o a_o come_n unto_o he_o joh._n 6._o 36._o all_o which_o expression_n do_v speak_v the_o spiritual_a motion_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n towards_o christ_n in_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v unto_o he_o which_o believer_n only_o exercise_v and_o not_o hypocrite_n or_o castawaye_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v say_v not_o to_o rely_v on_o god_n or_o to_o look_v towards_o he_o isa_n 31._o 1._o not_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o psal_n 78._o 22._o not_o to_o receive_v christ_n john_n 1._o 11._o not_o to_o come_v unto_o he_o john_n 5._o 40._o their_o faith_n be_v a_o form_n of_o faith_n but_o it_o want_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n which_o accompany_v save_v faith_n this_o cautionary_a rule_n be_v with_o the_o more_o circumspection_n to_o be_v heed_v in_o regard_n that_o multitude_n of_o professor_n do_v rest_v themselves_o content_v in_o that_o general_a acknowledgement_n and_o assent_n which_o they_o yield_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o haply_o the_o chief_a enducement_n by_o which_o they_o be_v lead_v unto_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o custom_n education_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n they_o think_v that_o the_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o die_v for_o sinner_n be_v faith_n enough_o to_o carry_v they_o out_o of_o the_o wilderness_n into_o canaan_n out_o of_o the_o world_n into_o heaven_n but_o alas_o this_o and_o much_o more_o may_v be_v believe_v and_o yet_o no_o benefit_n at_o all_o accrue_v unto_o they_o who_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o these_o supernatural_a verity_n here_o the_o logician_n rule_n hold_v true_a medicina_fw-la curate_n socratem_n non_fw-la hominem_fw-la physic_n be_v not_o give_v to_o man_n nature_n to_o cure_v the_o species_n but_o to_o every_o man_n in_o individuâ—_fw-la to_o heal_v his_o person_n christ_n and_o his_o promise_n be_v not_o beneficial_a unto_o any_o but_o unto_o they_o who_o make_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o both_o unto_o themselves_o what_o comfort_n be_v it_o to_o a_o insolvent_a debtor_n to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v rich_a mine_n of_o gold_n in_o that_o land_n into_o which_o he_o be_v flee_v to_o shelter_v himself_o from_o his_o creditor_n what_o relief_n be_v it_o to_o a_o thirsty_a man_n that_o there_o be_v a_o full_a vintage_n of_o cordial_a and_o refresh_a wine_n grow_v not_o far_o from_o he_o if_o he_o have_v no_o hope_n that_o he_o shall_v taste_v the_o least_o drop_n of_o it_o what_o satisfaction_n be_v it_o to_o a_o condemn_a person_n to_o be_v assure_v that_o there_o be_v a_o pardon_n grant_v and_o seal_v for_o many_o if_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o he_o to_o conceive_v that_o his_o name_n be_v include_v in_o it_o no_o more_o can_v it_o advantage_v any_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n die_v to_o reconcile_v sinner_n to_o god_n and_o that_o by_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n from_o the_o grave_n he_o have_v ascend_v the_o throne_n of_o majesty_n and_o life_n for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o unless_o with_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o bless_a truth_n there_o be_v conjoin_v a_o particular_a reliance_n upon_o christ_n for_o salvation_n and_o a_o cast_n of_o a_o man_n self_n into_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o free_a mercy_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o justify_n of_o his_o person_n at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n do_v not_o the_o devil_n believe_v a_o god_n and_o tremble_v james_n 1._o 19_o do_v they_o not_o acknowledge_v christ_n his_o son_n luk._n 4._o 34._o and_o bow_v the_o knee_n unto_o he_o phil._n 2._o 10._o do_v not_o they_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o christ_n die_v in_o general_a for_o sinner_n and_o that_o they_o which_o fix_v their_o confidence_n in_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o he_o what_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n be_v it_o which_o they_o yield_v not_o a_o assent_n unto_o and_o shall_v the_o faith_n whereby_o believer_n be_v justify_v not_o exceed_v the_o faith_n of_o these_o infernal_a spirit_n but_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o assent_n which_o the_o devil_n yield_v be_v full_a of_o force_n and_o coaction_n and_o be_v command_v by_o the_o evidence_n and_o majesty_n of_o those_o infallible_a truth_n which_o they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o love_n or_o affect_v but_o the_o general_a belief_n which_o christian_n have_v of_o the_o reveal_v truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v altogether_o free_a and_o voluntary_a and_o be_v thereby_o distinguish_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o devil_n this_o difference_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v at_o first_o blush_v somewhat_o specious_a yet_o be_v it_o both_o insufficient_a and_o impertinent_a for_o that_o end_n to_o which_o it_o be_v assign_v in_o regard_n that_o the_o distinction_n which_o it_o make_v of_o the_o one_o assent_n from_o the_o other_o be_v from_o what_o be_v mere_o accidental_a and_o not_o from_o what_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o faith_n for_o they_o who_o make_v faith_n to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n only_o and_o to_o consist_v in_o a_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v can_v proper_o fetch_v the_o essential_a difference_n which_o be_v between_o the_o faith_n of_o devil_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n from_o the_o voluntarinesse_n or_o involuntarinesse_n of_o the_o assent_n from_o the_o like_n or_o dislike_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o believe_v because_o those_o be_v act_n of_o another_o faculty_n in_o which_o by_o they_o faith_n be_v not_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v seat_v beside_o the_o assent_n which_o the_o good_a angel_n give_v unto_o the_o glorious_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o with_o diligence_n they_o look_v into_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 12._o be_v both_o voluntary_a and_o delightful_a and_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o distinct_a and_o differ_v from_o the_o credence_n and_o assent_n which_o believer_n do_v give_v unto_o the_o same_o truth_n it_o not_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o particular_a application_n and_o reliance_n for_o life_n and_o salvation_n as_o it_o always_o be_v in_o believer_n who_o do_v with_o a_o justify_v faith_n embrace_v and_o apply_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o themselves_o a_o man_n may_v be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n to_o a_o will_v to_o aver_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o though_o he_o have_v no_o legacy_n give_v unto_o he_o in_o it_o so_o the_o angel_n as_o so_o many_o heavenly_a witness_n do_v affirm_v and_o assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v declare_v in_o his_o gospel_n as_o in_o his_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n but_o believer_n be_v as_o so_o many_o legatee_n which_o have_v particular_a blessing_n therein_o bequeath_v unto_o they_o &_o therefore_o must_v not_o rest_v in_o a_o general_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o must_v claim_v their_o propriety_n and_o interest_n in_o they_o before_o they_o can_v ever_o have_v any_o benefit_n or_o comfort_n from_o they_o but_o if_o it_o be_v further_o object_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v in_o many_o place_n attribute_v salvation_n to_o a_o general_a faith_n and_o that_o the_o centurion_n faith_n which_o our_o saviour_n so_o much_o commend_v mat._n 8._o 10._o seem_v to_o imply_v no_o more_o than_o a_o historical_a belief_n of_o christ_n power_n and_o divinity_n that_o peter_n confession_n of_o christ_n mat._n 16._o 16._o be_v but_o general_a that_o martha_n faith_n john_n 11._o 27._o be_v of_o the_o same_o stamp_n that_o saint_n john_n character_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o a_o general_a faith_n whosoever_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n 1._o joh._n 5._o to_o the_o solving_a of_o this_o doubt_n a_o double_a answer_n may_v be_v give_v first_o that_o in_o those_o time_n the_o difficulty_n lie_v rather_o upon_o the_o assent_n then_o upon_o the_o affiance_n and_o the_o question_n than_o be_v more_o about_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n than_o the_o office_n of_o christ_n now_o because_o it_o be_v a_o great_a matter_n in_o the_o first_o dawning_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n who_o outward_a appearance_n be_v so_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n therefore_o do_v the_o scripture_n much_o magnify_v and_o heighten_v this_o act_n second_o though_o the_o scripture-expression_n do_v lay_v much_o upon_o this_o one_o act_n of_o faith_n yet_o do_v they_o not_o exclude_v but_o suppose_v the_o other_o act_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v join_v with_o it_o to_o a_o true_a believe_v
it_o be_v their_o usual_a food_n in_o the_o wilderness_n or_o quail_n the_o more_o because_o they_o be_v a_o new_a kind_n of_o meat_n the_o one_o indeed_o please_v their_o appetite_n and_o palate_n more_o but_o the_o other_o supply_v their_o necessity_n as_o well_o and_o so_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v most_o obvious_a and_o common_a in_o their_o use_n do_v yield_v to_o christian_n as_o much_o real_a and_o solid_a comfort_n when_o right_o apply_v though_o other_o which_o they_o conceive_v to_o have_v be_v less_o observe_v or_o by_o themselves_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o may_v more_o affect_v and_o please_v the_o curiosity_n of_o a_o lustful_a fancy_n sect_n 3._o cau._n 5._o take_v heed_n of_o carnal_a reason_n the_o five_o cautionary_a direction_n be_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o carnal_a reason_n which_o be_v restless_a in_o their_o enmity_n to_o all_o matter_n that_o appertain_v to_o faith_n or_o at_o the_o best_a full_a of_o impotency_n and_o unable_a to_o yield_v any_o assistance_n to_o believer_n in_o they_o first_o carnal_a reason_n be_v unwearied_a in_o its_o oppose_a and_o contradict_v of_o faith_n which_o of_o all_o grace_n have_v the_o most_o immediate_a relation_n unto_o the_o promise_n and_o be_v of_o great_a use_n in_o the_o application_n of_o they_o it_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o first_o implantation_n of_o it_o and_o hinder_v man_n from_o submit_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n by_o possess_v their_o mind_n with_o unjust_a prejudices_fw-la and_o cavil_n against_o his_o word_n god_n say_v that_o his_o word_n do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o walk_v upright_o mich._n 2._o 7._o but_o the_o language_n of_o carnal_a man_n be_v it_o be_v vain_a to_o serve_v god_n and_o what_o profit_n be_v it_o that_o we_o have_v keep_v his_o ordinance_n mal._n 3._o 14._o christ_n say_v that_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n mat._n 11._o 30._o but_o his_o carnal_a disciple_n cry_v out_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n and_o who_o can_v hear_v it_o joh._n 6._o 60._o god_n say_v his_o wave_n be_v just_a and_o equal_a but_o the_o carnal_a israelite_n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o censure_v his_o as_o crooked_a and_o their_o own_o as_o straight_o ezek_n 33._o 17._o and_o as_o by_o the_o disguise_n and_o artifices_fw-la of_o carnal_a reason_n man_n be_v keep_v from_o a_o happy_a change_n of_o their_o natural_a estate_n by_o believe_v so_o when_o faith_n be_v wrought_v they_o be_v by_o the_o enmity_n of_o the_o same_o principle_n continual_o disquiet_v and_o interrupt_v in_o the_o comfortable_a enjoyment_n of_o those_o many_o bless_a privilege_n which_o they_o be_v interest_v in_o by_o faith_n sometime_o it_o call_v into_o question_n their_o title_n to_o what_o they_o possess_v and_o suggest_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o be_v rather_o presumptuous_a intruder_n then_o just_a proprietary_n that_o the_o evidence_n upon_o which_o they_o build_v their_o hope_n be_v the_o delusion_n and_o self-flattery_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o not_o the_o unerring_a testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n sometime_o it_o raise_v jealousy_n concern_v the_o promise_n themselves_o that_o they_o be_v thing_n as_o easy_o revoke_v as_o they_o be_v make_v which_o though_o they_o yield_v present_a comfort_n yet_o do_v not_o ascertain_v any_o future_a security_n that_o though_o god_n turn_v not_o away_o from_o they_o nor_o repent_v he_o of_o his_o love_n yet_o they_o may_v turn_v from_o he_o and_o so_o nullify_v the_o promise_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o his_o mercy_n unto_o themselves_o it_o be_v therefore_o of_o great_a concernment_n unto_o believer_n in_o the_o make_n use_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o be_v cautious_a in_o admit_v the_o plea_n and_o argument_n of_o carnal_a reason_n which_o be_v never_o so_o often_o answer_v will_v never_o be_v silent_a but_o peremptory_o to_o resolve_v to_o believe_v notwithstanding_o all_o that_o sense_n and_o reason_n can_v suggest_v to_o the_o contrary_n to_o wink_v and_o believe_v to_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o all_o difficulty_n and_o when_o they_o be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o pose_v their_o reason_n not_o to_o let_v they_o to_o pose_v their_o faith_n excellent_a be_v that_o say_n of_o luther_n aperuit_fw-la nobis_fw-la in_o paradiso_n oculos_fw-la satan_n nunc_fw-la omnis_fw-la labour_n in_fw-la eo_fw-la nobis_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la eos_fw-la iterum_fw-la claudamus_fw-la &_o obturemus_fw-la in_o paradise_n satan_n first_o open_v our_o eye_n and_o now_o it_o be_v our_o chief_a labour_n to_o shut_v and_o fast_o close_v they_o again_o that_o so_o we_o may_v no_o more_o be_v betray_v by_o they_o sense_n and_o reason_n be_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o faith_n noxiabestia_fw-la a_o harmful_a beast_n as_o he_o call_v it_o to_o overturn_v and_o destroy_v whatever_o faith_n use_v as_o a_o prop_n to_o rest_v itself_o upon_o second_o as_o carnal_a reason_n be_v a_o enemy_n unto_o faith_n so_o at_o the_o best_a it_o be_v full_a of_o impotency_n and_o unable_a to_o give_v the_o least_o assistance_n to_o believer_n in_o their_o make_n use_v of_o the_o promise_n or_o dijudication_n of_o spiritual_a object_n as_o may_v appear_v in_o three_o particular_n first_o it_o be_v dim-sighted_n and_o want_v a_o perceptive_a faculty_n busy_n and_o curious_a it_o be_v in_o pry_v &_o look_v into_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n but_o altogether_o weak_a and_o unskilful_a in_o make_v any_o true_a judgement_n concern_v they_o reason_n be_v like_o the_o crocodile_n which_o be_v report_v to_o be_v of_o quick-sight_n on_o the_o land_n but_o of_o dull_a sight_n on_o the_o water_n it_o be_v sagacious_a in_o earthly_a thing_n but_o have_v no_o insight_n in_o spiritual_a object_n asaph_z attempt_v by_o the_o discussion_n of_o reason_n to_o have_v find_v out_o the_o ground_n of_o god_n differ_v administration_n towards_o his_o people_n and_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n who_o belly_n be_v fill_v which_o hide_a treasure_n but_o he_o be_v by_o his_o own_o confession_n soon_o at_o a_o loss_n when_o i_o think_v to_o know_v this_o it_o be_v too_o painful_a for_o i_o ps_n 73._o 16._o and_o when_o he_o do_v go_v that_o way_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o how_o opposite_a be_v the_o inference_n and_o conclusion_n to_o that_o which_o he_o make_v upon_o a_o second_o view_n and_o look_n upon_o the_o same_o thing_n by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lamp_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n when_o he_o behold_v god_n dispensation_n with_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o reason_n only_o what_o a_o wild_a and_o erroneous_a conclusion_n do_v he_o take_v up_o very_o i_o have_v cleanse_v my_o heart_n in_o vain_a and_o wash_v my_o hand_n ininnocency_n ver_fw-la 13._o but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o read_v they_o over_o again_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n than_o he_o draw_v a_o right_a inference_n from_o the_o premise_n it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n verse_n 28._o and_o as_o reason_n be_v blind_a in_o discern_v spiritual_a object_n so_o be_v it_o also_o unskilful_a in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n by_o which_o faith_n be_v enable_v to_o make_v a_o full_a &_o perfect_a discovery_n of_o they_o reason_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o man_n that_o take_v the_o wrong_a end_n of_o the_o perspective_n glass_n to_o see_v with_o which_o lessen_v the_o magnitude_n of_o the_o object_n and_o increase_v the_o distance_n it_o look_v upon_o the_o promise_n by_o unapt_a medium_n which_o do_v not_o make_v a_o just_a representation_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o discern_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o their_o reality_n and_o existence_n but_o faith_n that_o look_v at_o the_o right_a end_n of_o the_o glass_n which_o be_v more_o full_a of_o light_n do_v multiply_v the_o species_n and_o thereby_o take_v away_o the_o remoteness_n of_o the_o object_n and_o present_v they_o as_o close_v unto_o the_o eye_n thus_o abraham_n see_v christ_n day_n and_o rejoice_v to_o see_v it_o joh._n 8._o 56._o great_a be_v the_o space_n of_o time_n between_o the_o make_n of_o that_o promise_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o unto_o abraham_n that_o in_o he_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v gen._n 12._o 3._o but_o yet_o his_o faith_n eye_v the_o power_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o make_v it_o look_n upon_o the_o long_a interval_n of_o many_o age_n that_o be_v between_o he_o and_o his_o promise_a seed_n as_o upon_o a_o very_a small_a and_o inconsiderable_a distance_n thus_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n do_v not_o only_o see_v the_o promise_n afar_o off_o but_o they_o also_o salute_v and_o embrace_v they_o as_o near_o they_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o their_o own_o existence_n afar_o off_o but_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o be_v hard_o at_o hand_n heb._n 11._o 13._o 2_o carnal_a reason_n as_o it_o be_v blind_a so_o be_v it_o also_o full_a of_o impatience_n and_o therefore_o unmeet_a to_o be_v a_o assistance_n unto_o
well_o for_o common_a sore_n but_o their_o malady_n be_v such_o that_o unless_o christ_n touch_v they_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n the_o virtue_n that_o come_v from_o these_o thing_n as_o from_o his_o garment_n can_v never_o heal_v they_o unless_o god_n do_v from_o heaven_n confirm_v his_o promise_n by_o extraordinary_a sign_n and_o miracle_n their_o breach_n and_o rupture_n will_v never_o be_v heal_v their_o comfort_n and_o peace_n will_v never_o prevail_v against_o their_o fear_n and_o darkness_n it_o be_v not_o the_o prophet_n staff_n lay_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o dead_a child_n that_o will_v bring_v life_n again_o into_o it_o 2_o king_n 4._o 32._o he_o must_v come_v and_o stretch_v himself_o upon_o the_o child_n ere_o the_o flesh_n of_o it_o will_v wax_v warm_a this_o caution_n be_v the_o more_o necessary_a to_o be_v heed_v upon_o a_o double_a ground_n first_o because_o of_o the_o aptness_n that_o be_v in_o trouble_a christian_n to_o affect_v new_a mean_n above_o the_o right_n mean_n and_o to_o build_v their_o confidence_n upon_o something_o that_o be_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o word_n rather_o than_o upon_o the_o word_n itself_o second_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a danger_n and_o deceit_n that_o be_v in_o those_o extraordinary_a way_n by_o which_o many_o do_v pretend_v to_o have_v their_o comfort_n &_o assurance_n to_o be_v confirm_v unto_o they_o which_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o other_o mean_v they_o can_v never_o find_v to_o be_v full_o and_o satisfy_o evidence_v unto_o they_o first_o there_o be_v a_o pronity_n in_o christian_n especial_o when_o exercise_v with_o fear_n and_o doubt_n concern_v their_o condition_n to_o grow_v weary_a of_o use_v such_o mean_n in_o which_o they_o find_v not_o their_o expectation_n speedy_o answer_v &_o through_o a_o overhasty_a desire_n of_o comfort_n to_o try_v the_o gain_n of_o it_o in_o a_o new_a way_n rather_o than_o to_o persevere_v in_o the_o old_a be_v in_o this_o not_o much_o unlike_a to_o many_o weak_a and_o crazy_a patient_n that_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o fancy_v every_o new_a medicine_n they_o hear_v off_o and_o to_o tamper_v with_o it_o then_o to_o expect_v a_o recovery_n by_o go_v through_o a_o course_n of_o physic_n prescribe_v by_o the_o physician_n gregory_n tell_v of_o a_o religious_a lady_n of_o the_o empress_n bedchamber_n who_o name_n be_v gregoria_n that_o be_v much_o trouble_v about_o her_o salvation_n do_v write_v unto_o he_o that_o she_o will_v never_o cease_v importune_v he_o till_o he_o have_v send_v her_o word_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v a_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n that_o she_o be_v save_v to_o who_o he_o return_v this_o answer_n rem_fw-la difficilem_fw-la postulas_fw-la &_o inutilem_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a and_o altogether_o useless_a matter_n which_o she_o require_v of_o he_o it_o be_v difficult_a for_o he_o to_o obtain_v as_o be_v unworthy_a to_o have_v the_o secret_a counsel_n of_o god_n to_o be_v impart_v unto_o he_o and_o it_o be_v unprofitable_a for_o she_o to_o know_v not_o only_o for_o the_o reason_n which_o he_o assign_v that_o such_o a_o revelation_n may_v make_v she_o too_o secure_a but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o demonstrate_v and_o make_v know_v unto_o she_o or_o any_o other_o the_o truth_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o revelation_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v to_o be_v from_o god_n so_o that_o have_v she_o afterward_o call_v into_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o as_o well_o she_o may_v her_o trouble_n and_o doubt_n concern_v her_o salvation_n will_v have_v be_v as_o great_a as_o they_o be_v before_o o_o therefore_o let_v believer_n that_o will_v be_v confirm_v in_o the_o peace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n take_v heed_n of_o relinquish_a that_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n which_o shine_v as_o a_o light_n in_o a_o dark_a place_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o and_o of_o fly_v unto_o vision_n revelation_n voice_n from_o heaven_n to_o assure_v and_o evidence_n unto_o they_o their_o salvation_n and_o to_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o comfort_n and_o joy_n which_o they_o be_v fill_v with_o these_o be_v way_n that_o have_v more_o external_a glory_n and_o pomp_n in_o they_o but_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n on_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o adhere_n of_o the_o soul_n unto_o those_o truth_n declare_v in_o they_o be_v the_o unquestionable_a way_n of_o obtain_v a_o full_a establishment_n of_o heart_n in_o all_o sound_a joy_n and_o peace_n and_o therefore_o luther_n though_o as_o he_o confess_v he_o be_v often_o tempt_v to_o ask_v for_o sign_n apparition_n revelation_n from_o heaven_n to_o confirm_v he_o in_o his_o way_n yet_o tell_v how_o strong_o he_o do_v withstand_v they_o pactum_fw-la feci_fw-la cum_fw-la domino_fw-la deo_fw-la meo_fw-la ne_fw-la mihi_fw-la mittat_fw-la vel_fw-la visiones_fw-la vel_fw-la somnia_fw-la vel_fw-la eâ—iam_fw-la angelos_n contentus_fw-la enim_fw-la sum_fw-la hoc_fw-la dono_fw-la quòd_fw-la habeo_fw-la scripturam_fw-la sanctam_fw-la quae_fw-la abundè_fw-la docet_fw-la ac_fw-la suppeditat_fw-la omne_fw-la quae_fw-la necessaria_fw-la sunt_fw-la tum_fw-la ad_fw-la hanc_fw-la vitam_fw-la tum_fw-la ad_fw-la futuram_fw-la i_o have_v say_v he_o indent_v with_o the_o lord_n my_o god_n that_o he_o will_v never_o send_v i_o dream_n vision_n angel_n for_o i_o be_o well_o content_a with_o this_o gift_n that_o i_o have_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o do_v abundant_o teach_v and_o supply_v all_o necessary_n for_o this_o life_n and_o that_o also_o which_o be_v to_o come_v second_o as_o there_o be_v a_o aptness_n in_o christian_n to_o affect_v such_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o comfort_n so_o be_v there_o also_o no_o little_a danger_n and_o deceit_n in_o the_o way_n themselves_o first_o they_o be_v dangerous_a in_o regard_n that_o they_o make_v the_o word_n and_o promise_n to_o be_v as_o thing_n of_o little_a value_n and_o esteem_v which_o shall_v be_v as_o the_o only_a sacred_a oracle_n of_o truth_n for_o believer_n to_o have_v their_o recourse_n unto_o such_o who_o cry_v up_o revelation_n make_v it_o their_o practice_n to_o cry_v down_o the_o word_n and_o look_v upon_o those_o that_o adhere_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v they_o the_o touchstone_n to_o try_v every_o spirit_n by_o as_o vocalistas_n et_fw-fr literatistas_n vowalist_n and_o letterist_n have_v little_a or_o no_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n such_o who_o affirm_v assurance_n to_o be_v the_o immediate_a voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n speak_v in_o they_o &_o say_v unto_o they_o that_o their_o sin_n be_v forgive_v they_o how_o disdainful_o do_v they_o speak_v of_o the_o certainty_n and_o persuasion_n which_o believer_n have_v from_o the_o gracious_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o holiness_n wrought_v by_o he_o in_o their_o soul_n which_o by_o his_o enlighten_v they_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v &_o thereby_o to_o be_v confident_o persuade_v of_o god_n love_n unto_o they_o and_o of_o their_o interest_n in_o all_o the_o promise_n this_o they_o dignify_v with_o no_o better_a or_o high_a title_n than_o a_o humane_a faith_n than_o a_o conjectural_a knowledge_n though_o the_o testimony_n be_v true_o supernatural_a both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o efficient_a cause_n and_o also_o of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o come_v to_o be_v thus_o persuade_v yea_o though_o it_o be_v the_o only_a safe_a way_n which_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o for_o believer_n to_o try_v their_o estate_n by_o to_o look_v unto_o the_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o not_o to_o any_o immediate_a voice_n or_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n as_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n love_n unto_o they_o yet_o do_v such_o vilify_v this_o kind_n of_o evidence_n as_o low_a and_o carnal_a and_o altogether_o unmeet_a for_o evangelical_n christian_n to_o make_v use_n of_o what_o shall_v they_o need_v to_o have_v a_o rush-light_n to_o see_v by_o when_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o sun_n which_o be_v the_o light_n of_o light_n second_o as_o they_o be_v dangerous_a so_o be_v they_o full_a of_o deceit_n and_o illusion_n young_a samuel_n not_o acquaint_v with_o any_o extraordinary_a manifestation_n of_o the_o presence_n &_o power_n of_o god_n take_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n from_o heaven_n to_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o old_a eli_n 1_o sam_n 3._o 5._o and_o so_o do_v many_o take_v the_o irregular_a motion_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n to_o be_v the_o divine_a breathe_n and_o the_o powerful_a impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o the_o undertake_n of_o sundry_a action_n which_o the_o word_n in_o the_o least_o measure_n countenance_v not_o how_o frequent_o in_o these_o time_n do_v fanatic_a person_n baptize_v the_o violent_a working_n of_o their_o own_o distemper_a fancy_n with_o the_o name_n of_o
run_v and_o kneel_v and_o pray_v to_o christ_n turn_v his_o back_n upon_o he_o &_o go_v from_o he_o how_o quick_o be_v his_o desire_n turn_v into_o sorrow_n and_o his_o prayer_n into_o a_o fearful_a apostasy_n now_o then_o if_o earthly_a thing_n do_v make_v the_o heart_n thus_o unsteadfast_a and_o unfaithful_a to_o god_n how_o exceed_o must_v they_o needs_o indispose_v it_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o grace_n and_o comfort_n from_o god_n in_o all_o his_o promise_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o requisite_a than_o a_o evenness_n and_o constancy_n of_o the_o desire_n in_o seek_v after_o they_o and_o a_o entireness_n and_o oneness_n of_o heart_n in_o lay_v hold_n on_o they_o for_o as_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v one_o in_o christ_n and_o can_v be_v sever_v or_o part_v no_o more_o than_o line_n in_o their_o common_a centre_n so_o neither_o must_v the_o heart_n by_o which_o they_o be_v embrace_v be_v divide_v whole_a christ_n and_o all_o his_o promise_n be_v give_v to_o every_o believer_n and_o be_v no_o otherwise_o diversify_v then_o according_a to_o the_o exigence_n of_o man_n present_a condition_n which_o sometime_o require_v the_o application_n of_o one_o promise_n and_o sometime_o of_o another_o and_o therefore_o must_v the_o whole_a heart_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o again_o or_o else_o we_o can_v ever_o expect_v to_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o he_o or_o his_o bless_a promise_n true_a it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o best_a of_o christian_n there_o be_v find_v a_o unstedfastnesse_n of_o heart_n and_o affection_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o unstedfastnesse_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n but_o only_o in_o degree_n it_o be_v not_o such_o as_o distract_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v it_o to_o float_v between_o two_o different_a object_n but_o only_o make_v it_o unequal_a in_o its_o motion_n towards_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o the_o bowl_n when_o it_o be_v first_o throw_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n run_v more_o swift_o towards_o the_o mark_n than_o it_o do_v afterward_o but_o yet_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o motion_n be_v the_o same_o though_o the_o vigour_n and_o strength_n of_o it_o be_v not_o alike_o so_o believer_n when_o partaker_n of_o some_o fresh_a gale_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v then_o move_v towards_o christ_n with_o more_o quick_a and_o lively_a affection_n then_o at_o other_o time_n but_o yet_o by_o that_o inward_a principle_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v within_o they_o they_o be_v always_o carry_v towards_o he_o in_o their_o desire_n though_o not_o after_o one_o equal_a and_o uniform_a manner_n this_o caution_n therefore_o though_o it_o be_v the_o last_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o the_o least_o which_o believer_n be_v with_o much_o diligence_n and_o circumspection_n to_o observe_v that_o will_v glad_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o spiritual_a riches_n and_o treasure_n which_o be_v in_o the_o promise_n but_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v abandon_v all_o care_n and_o industry_n in_o our_o calling_n or_o that_o we_o shall_v affect_v a_o voluntary_a and_o monkish_a poverty_n as_o if_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a inconsistency_n between_o the_o have_v the_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o other_o life_n we_o may_v possess_v earthly_a comfort_n but_o we_o must_v not_o be_v possess_v by_o they_o we_o may_v use_v they_o as_o flower_n to_o smell_v on_o but_o not_o as_o garland_n to_o crown_v ourselves_o with_o they_o we_o may_v in_o our_o pilgrimage_n walk_v with_o they_o as_o staff_n in_o our_o hand_n seek_v a_o country_n which_o be_v above_o but_o we_o may_v not_o load_v ourselves_o with_o they_o and_o bear_v they_o as_o burden_n upon_o our_o back_n we_o may_v make_v they_o our_o encouragement_n but_o not_o our_o confidence_n we_o may_v mind_v they_o as_o our_o accessory_n but_o we_o may_v not_o love_v they_o as_o our_o principal_a happiness_n as_o bee_n though_o they_o live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o cell_n of_o honey_n and_o wax_n yet_o have_v not_o their_o wing_n touch_v with_o any_o viscuous_a matter_n that_o may_v hinder_v their_o delightful_a flight_n abroad_o and_o their_o nimble_a pass_v from_o one_o flower_n to_o another_o so_o shall_v christian_n that_o live_v in_o the_o abundance_n of_o earthly_a comfort_n as_o in_o a_o hive_n of_o sweetness_n be_v exceed_o careful_a that_o nothing_o of_o the_o world_n do_v cleave_v to_o their_o affection_n which_o be_v the_o wing_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o may_v hinder_v the_o lift_n and_o raise_v up_o of_o their_o he_o art_n towards_o heavenly_a object_n or_o abate_v the_o activity_n of_o their_o thought_n in_o their_o frequent_a muse_n on_o the_o promise_n and_o other_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n on_o which_o the_o mind_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v most_o exercise_v and_o delight_v i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o three_o particular_a that_o in_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o task_n be_v propound_v to_o be_v handle_v and_o have_v insist_v long_o upon_o every_o direction_n both_o positue_a and_o cautionary_a than_o i_o first_o intend_v but_o my_o end_n be_v not_o to_o offend_v any_o by_o prolixity_n but_o to_o render_v they_o more_o useful_a and_o necessary_a unto_o all_o then_o otherwise_o they_o may_v have_v be_v if_o contract_v into_o a_o less_o and_o narrow_a compass_n and_o make_v like_a unto_o the_o description_n of_o a_o pitch_a field_n or_o battle_n wherein_o there_o be_v many_o head_n and_o spear_n paint_v but_o few_o or_o no_o complete_a and_o entire_a body_n chap._n xii_o in_o which_o divers_a query_n be_v resolve_v i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o four_o particular_a which_o do_v consist_v of_o divers_a query_n together_o with_o their_o resolution_n the_o clear_a answer_v of_o which_o will_v much_o facilitate_v the_o use_n and_o application_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o first_o quere_z be_v whether_o the_o essence_n of_o save_v and_o justify_v faith_n do_v lie_v in_o a_o prevail_a assurance_n so_o as_o that_o he_o who_o true_o believe_v do_v certain_o know_v himself_o to_o have_v faith_n and_o to_o believe_v on_o christ_n sect_n 1._o faith_n be_v not_o a_o full_a assurauce_n this_o question_n i_o do_v the_o rather_o choose_v to_o speak_v somewhat_o unto_o in_o regard_n that_o many_o of_o our_o divine_n have_v in_o their_o writing_n not_o distinguish_v between_o fides_n fiducia_n and_o certituda_n faith_n affiance_n and_o assurance_n but_o have_v promiscuous_o treat_v of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n yea_o sundry_a pious_a and_o learned_a man_n have_v define_v faith_n to_o be_v a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o heart_n ground_v on_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n now_o that_o which_o chief_o lead_v they_o to_o give_v this_o definition_n of_o faith_n be_v their_o zeal_n to_o maintain_v the_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n of_o faith_n against_o popish_a doubt_n but_o a_o good_a intention_n will_v no_o more_o make_v a_o truth_n than_o a_o fair_a mark_n will_v make_v a_o good_a shoot_n for_o while_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v faith_n from_o that_o languor_n and_o uncertainty_n unto_o which_o the_o papist_n have_v subject_v it_o they_o have_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n occasion_v great_a fear_n and_o perplexity_n to_o arise_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o tender_a and_o weak_a christian_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o use_v this_o as_o a_o argument_n against_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o because_o they_o have_v no_o assurance_n at_o all_o to_o keep_v therefore_o such_o bruise_a reed_n from_o be_v break_v and_o the_o smoke_a flax_n from_o be_v quench_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o want_n of_o assurance_n i_o shall_v by_o sundry_a demonstration_n clear_o show_v that_o the_o essence_n of_o save_a faith_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o a_o prevail_a assurance_n that_o a_o believer_n may_v have_v the_o one_o and_o yet_o want_v the_o other_o the_o first_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o that_o estate_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n who_o christ_n the_o great_a judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n do_v pronounce_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v bless_v and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v believer_n because_o all_o blessedness_n under_o the_o gospel_n come_v only_o by_o faith_n and_o this_o blessedness_n stand_v in_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n rom._n 4._o 6_o 7._o yet_o their_o present_a condition_n speak_v nothing_o less_o than_o assurance_n bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n say_v our_o saviour_n math._n 5._o 3._o so_o again_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o mourn_v ver_fw-la 4._o and_o again_o bless_a be_v they_o which_o do_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n ver_fw-la 6._o but_o spiritual_a poverty_n mourning_n hunger_n though_o they_o be_v gospel-grace_n which_o do_v arise_v from_o faith_n be_v all_o together_o
prophet_n their_o line_n be_v fall_v unto_o they_o in_o pleasant_a place_n yea_o they_o have_v a_o goodly_a heritage_n psal_n 16._o 6._o sect_n 3._o five_o assertion_n direct_v to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o temporal_a promise_n the_o three_o particular_a be_v the_o give_v of_o rule_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o temporal_a promise_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o due_a apply_v they_o unto_o ourselves_o which_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o in_o these_o five_o subsequent_a assertion_n first_o that_o god_n declaration_n in_o his_o promise_n of_o give_v temporal_a blessing_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o tacit_n condition_n and_o limitation_n of_o expediency_n the_o great_a and_o utmost_a end_n of_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o man_n the_o fruition_n of_o god_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o in_o everlasting_a blessedness_n now_o the_o mean_n that_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o this_o end_n be_v either_o such_o as_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o do_v immediate_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v the_o soul_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o or_o else_o such_o as_o be_v less_o requisite_a and_o have_v only_o a_o remote_a and_o consequential_a tendency_n thereunto_o and_o that_o not_o of_o themselves_o but_o as_o they_o be_v overrule_v by_o god_n who_o make_v omnia_fw-la cooperari_fw-la in_o bonum_fw-la all_o thing_n to_o work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v all_o temporal_a blessing_n prosperity_n riches_n health_n freedom_n and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o do_v as_o i_o conceive_v come_v no_o further_a under_o the_o verge_n of_o a_o promise_n then_o as_o they_o conduce_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o life_n this_o life_n be_v only_o a_o way_n and_o passage_n unto_o it_o as_o the_o wilderness_n be_v to_o israel_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o canaan_n because_o therefore_o none_o can_v know_v what_o be_v that_o measure_n of_o these_o outward_a comfort_n which_o most_o tend_v to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o in_o and_o above_o all_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v eye_v by_o they_o it_o be_v haply_o more_o for_o their_o spiritual_a good_a to_o have_v many_o advantage_n of_o this_o life_n in_o a_o less_o degree_n rather_o than_o in_o a_o great_a to_o want_v they_o rather_o than_o to_o enjoy_v they_o they_o can_v then_o in_o their_o supplication_n to_o god_n seek_v the_o absolute_a performance_n of_o his_o promise_n in_o temporal_a blessing_n but_o must_v refer_v themselves_o to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n so_o to_o order_n and_o measure_v out_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n unto_o they_o as_o may_v best_o stand_v with_o the_o welfare_n of_o their_o everlasting_a condition_n without_o which_o all_o earthly_a happiness_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o splendid_a misery_n but_o it_o be_v much_o otherwise_o in_o the_o blessing_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v thing_n so_o essential_a to_o a_o believer_n fruition_n of_o god_n as_o that_o without_o faith_n he_o can_v please_v god_n heb._n 11._o 6._o without_o holiness_n he_o can_v see_v god_n heb._n 12._o 14._o without_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n joh._n 3._o 3_o and_o be_v therefore_o so_o intrinsical_o good_a in_o themselves_o so_o absolute_o also_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n they_o be_v in_o prayer_n to_o be_v most_o absolute_o seek_v as_o consider_v in_o their_o essence_n but_o their_o degree_n be_v arbitrary_a god_n give_v to_o some_o a_o less_o to_o other_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n according_a to_o his_o pleasure_n the_o second_o assertion_n be_v that_o the_o fulfil_n of_o temporal_a promise_n be_v disjunctive_a god_n either_o give_v the_o blessing_n itself_o or_o that_o which_o be_v equivalent_a unto_o it_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v all_o make_v in_o christ_n and_o derive_v their_o certainty_n and_o stability_n from_o he_o in_o who_o they_o be_v make_v not_o from_o we_o to_o who_o they_o be_v make_v they_o be_v all_o ratify_v with_o the_o same_o oath_n and_o purchase_v by_o the_o same_o blood_n and_o though_o they_o be_v not_o equal_o precious_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o thing_n promise_v yet_o they_o be_v equal_o true_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o performance_n only_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o fulfil_n be_v different_a in_o the_o spiritual_a promise_n god_n give_v the_o thing_n in_o kind_n for_o how_o can_v they_o be_v otherwise_o make_v good_a what_o be_v answerable_a in_o worth_n or_o excellency_n to_o grace_n the_o least_o drop_n of_o which_o be_v of_o more_o value_n than_o the_o whole_a creation_n in_o temporal_n god_n give_v the_o thing_n themselves_o or_o make_v a_o compensation_n some_o other_o way_n if_o riches_n be_v ask_v of_o he_o in_o prayer_n and_o yet_o deny_v he_o make_v it_o up_o in_o contentation_n which_o bring_v that_o satisfaction_n with_o it_o that_o riches_n can_v yield_v if_o health_n be_v pray_v for_o and_o not_o grant_v he_o give_v strength_n to_o bear_v the_o cross_n by_o put_v under_o his_o everlasting_a arm_n if_o deliverance_n in_o trouble_n be_v desire_v and_o not_o obtain_v he_o give_v the_o divine_a consolation_n of_o martyr_n which_o that_o noble_a landgrave_n of_o hessia_n say_v he_o find_v in_o his_o long_a and_o tedious_a imprisonment_n and_o in_o thus_o do_v god_n do_v not_o break_v his_o promise_n but_o change_v it_o to_o the_o better_a it_o be_v say_v of_o our_o saviour_n heb._n 5._o 7._o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n he_o offer_v up_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o strong_a cry_v and_o tear_n unto_o he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o save_v he_o from_o death_n and_o be_v hear_v in_o that_o he_o fear_v that_o which_o christ_n pray_v for_o be_v deliverance_n o'father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o mat._n 26._o 39_o be_v there_o then_o any_o defect_n in_o christ_n faith_n in_o that_o he_o do_v not_o obtain_v the_o thing_n pray_v sore_o or_o how_o be_v his_o prayer_n hear_v do_v he_o not_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v he_o not_o bury_v in_o the_o grave_n yes_o but_o yet_o he_o have_v from_o god_n a_o answer_n of_o supportation_n though_o not_o of_o deliverance_n he_o be_v strengthen_v in_o his_o agony_n by_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o angel_n luke_n 22._o 43._o he_o be_v assure_v by_o god_n promise_n of_o victory_n over_o death_n though_o not_o of_o freedom_n from_o it_o he_o undergo_v the_o darkness_n of_o the_o grave_n but_o not_o the_o corruption_n of_o it_o psal_n 16._o 10._o the_o three_o assertion_n be_v that_o temporal_a promise_n be_v to_o be_v expound_v with_o the_o reservation_n and_o exception_n of_o the_o cross_n god_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o adequate_a measure_n of_o his_o obligation_n to_o believer_n have_v keep_v to_o himself_o this_o prerogative_n of_o chasten_v the_o delinquency_n of_o his_o child_n with_o rod_n psal_n 89._o 33._o of_o withdraw_a his_o favour_n from_o they_o when_o they_o withhold_v their_o obedience_n to_o he_o of_o exercise_v the_o severity_n of_o a_o father_n as_o well_o as_o the_o indulgency_n of_o a_o mother_n and_o therefore_o believer_n when_o they_o want_v the_o staff_n of_o many_o outward_a comfort_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o feel_v the_o smart_n of_o the_o rod_n of_o affliction_n upon_o their_o back_n they_o be_v not_o to_o suspect_v god_n fidelity_n in_o his_o promise_n but_o to_o reflect_v upon_o themselves_o and_o by_o a_o serious_a disquisition_n to_o consider_v from_o whence_o the_o suspension_n of_o any_o good_a thing_n that_o he_o have_v promise_v do_v arise_v and_o if_o christian_n under_o god_n reâ—ukes_n do_v make_v this_o their_o chief_a task_n they_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o charge_v he_o with_o unfaithfulnesse_n as_o that_o they_o will_v more_o wonder_v that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o vouchsafe_v they_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v prodigal_n that_o just_o deserve_v nothing_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o deep_a trial_n they_o will_v say_v as_o the_o church_n do_v in_o her_o extremity_n it_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n mercy_n that_o we_o be_v not_o consume_v great_a be_v thy_o faithfulness_n o_o lord_n lam._n 3._o 22_o 23._o the_o four_o assertion_n be_v that_o temporal_a mercy_n in_o the_o promise_n be_v only_o to_o be_v obtain_v by_o a_o well_o regulate_v prayer_n in_o which_o god_n be_v seek_v after_o a_o right_a manner_n and_o the_o mercy_n beg_v for_o a_o right_a end_n first_o the_o manner_n of_o seek_v god_n must_v be_v in_o faith_n james_n 1._o 6._o let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n nothing_o waver_v but_o the_o faith_n here_o require_v be_v not_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o
be_v as_o a_o seal_a book_n but_o neglect_v to_o see_v and_o know_v both_o his_o will_n and_o love_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v as_o a_o book_n wide_o open_a write_v in_o fair_a and_o legible_a character_n for_o all_o to_o look_v into_o in_o the_o one_o their_o travel_n and_o labour_n be_v fruitless_a like_o that_o of_o the_o aunt_n which_o often_o climb_v high_a tree_n to_o seek_v for_o food_n but_o when_o they_o be_v at_o the_o top_n return_v empty_a not_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v any_o thing_n down_o with_o they_o but_o in_o the_o other_o it_o will_v prove_v like_o that_o of_o the_o bee_n which_o seek_v its_o aliment_n among_o fragrant_a flower_n and_o fail_v not_o to_o return_v to_o its_o hive_n lade_v with_o honey_n o_o that_o minister_n who_o seem_v to_o converse_v with_o the_o promise_n more_o than_o other_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o this_o great_a sin_n while_o they_o only_o read_v and_o study_v they_o as_o lawyer_n do_v other_o man_n evidence_n and_o title_n of_o land_n without_o any_o respect_n of_o be_v proprietary_n themselves_o or_o else_o be_v as_o bernard_n express_v it_o like_o the_o tooth_n qui_fw-la toti_fw-la corpori_fw-la masticant_fw-la cibum_fw-la &_o nullum_fw-la indè_fw-la saporem_fw-la habent_fw-la which_o chew_v meat_n for_o the_o whole_a body_n but_o derive_v no_o sweetness_n from_o it_o that_o may_v delight_v or_o profit_v they_o oh_o that_o many_o who_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o true_a heir_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o injurious_a to_o the_o worth_n and_o dignity_n of_o they_o while_o they_o make_v the_o success_n of_o providence_n the_o warrant_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o action_n rather_o than_o the_o stability_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o in_o all_o undertake_n be_v the_o sure_a guide_n for_o to_o direct_v and_o the_o best_a comforter_n for_o to_o encourage_v it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o sulpicius_n concern_v the_o ancient_a jew_n that_o semper_fw-la in_o secundis_fw-la rebus_fw-la immemores_fw-la coelestium_fw-la beneficiorum_fw-la idolis_fw-la supplicabant_fw-la in_fw-la adversis_fw-la deo_fw-la always_o in_o prosperity_n be_v unmindful_a of_o heavenly_a blessing_n they_o do_v worship_n idol_n and_o in_o their_o adversity_n the_o true_a god_n and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v many_o professor_n in_o these_o present_a time_n that_o in_o external_a success_n and_o prosperous_a event_n they_o altogether_o adore_v and_o extol_v providence_n but_o when_o these_o frown_n upon_o they_o or_o grow_v cloudy_a than_o they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o promise_n sect_n 2._o a_o second_o aggravation_n be_v from_o the_o vanity_n and_o emptiness_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o most_o man_n set_v their_o heart_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v the_o supreme_a and_o most_o noble_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n endue_v by_o god_n with_o such_o ability_n and_o grace_n which_o do_v abundant_o declare_v that_o earthly_a thing_n can_v no_o more_o satisfy_v it_o or_o fill_v it_o than_o the_o breath_n of_o the_o mariner_n can_v fill_v the_o sail_n and_o therefore_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o it_o suitable_a object_n on_o which_o it_o may_v exercise_v both_o its_o natural_a power_n and_o the_o supernatural_a habit_n which_o by_o his_o spirit_n he_o infuse_v into_o it_o with_o fullness_n of_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n he_o have_v in_o his_o word_n reveal_v high_a mystery_n which_o the_o glorious_a angel_n do_v desire_v to_o pry_v into_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 12._o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o which_o the_o mind_n of_o believer_n may_v be_v ever_o fruitful_o busy_v and_o he_o have_v also_o make_v precious_a promise_n both_o of_o grace_n and_o glory_n on_o which_o their_o faith_n may_v certain_o rest_v and_o from_o which_o it_o may_v derive_v more_o sweetness_n and_o contentment_n in_o one_o hour_n than_o the_o fruition_n of_o all_o earthly_a perfection_n will_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o yield_v in_o a_o succession_n of_o age_n and_o yet_o how_o apt_a be_v believer_n as_o well_o as_o other_o to_o let_v their_o thought_n to_o fix_v and_o dwell_v on_o these_o empty_a thing_n that_o be_v below_o rather_o then_o to_o study_v and_o delight_v themselves_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o divine_a and_o angelical_a object_n how_o often_o do_v they_o more_o resemble_v in_o their_o conversation_n the_o israelite_n that_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o throughout_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n to_o gather_v straw_n and_o stubble_n exod._n 5._o 12._o then_o the_o wise_a merchant_n that_o spend_v his_o time_n in_o seek_v of_o goodly_a pearl_n mat._n 13._o 45._o and_o do_v they_o not_o by_o such_o preposterous_a and_o irregular_a act_n great_o undervalue_v and_o high_o dishonour_v the_o precious_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v they_o not_o by_o thus_o walk_v make_v themselves_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n rather_o than_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n that_o seek_v and_o desire_v a_o heavenly_a country_n oh_o therefore_o let_v i_o prevail_v with_o you_o who_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v provide_v better_a thing_n for_o you_o then_o other_o to_o be_v exceed_o circumspect_a and_o cautious_a that_o you_o let_v nothing_o lie_v near_o your_o heart_n or_o take_v up_o more_o of_o your_o thought_n than_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n the_o expectation_n of_o which_o yield_v at_o present_a the_o best_a comfort_n and_o their_o fruition_n the_o most_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a happiness_n sect_n 3._o a_o three_o aggravation_n be_v from_o the_o mutability_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o do_v take_v off_o the_o most_o man_n both_o from_o seek_v after_o the_o promise_n and_o from_o value_v of_o they_o according_a to_o their_o worth_n it_o be_v a_o true_a position_n of_o lessius_fw-la in_o his_o divine_a perfection_n that_o aeternitas_fw-la efficit_fw-la bonum_fw-la infinitè_fw-fr melius_fw-la &_o malum_fw-la infinitè_fw-fr pejus_fw-la duration_n and_o aeviternity_n do_v make_v a_o good_a infinite_o better_a and_o a_o evil_n infinite_o worse_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o promise_n do_v far_o excel_v all_o earthly_a riches_n or_o grandeur_n whatever_o which_o in_o their_o great_a ability_n be_v both_o short_a and_o mutable_a can_v any_o man_n say_v that_o the_o wild_a fowl_n in_o his_o ground_n be_v he_o which_o sudden_o take_v their_o wing_n and_o fly_v away_o and_o for_o a_o while_n make_v a_o stay_n in_o another_o man_n field_n and_o thereby_o give_v a_o like_a propriety_n unto_o the_o second_o as_o they_o do_v unto_o the_o first_o no_o more_o can_v any_o man_n call_v riches_n true_o he_o which_o like_v to_o wing_a bird_n shift_v their_o owner_n and_o haste_n from_o one_o to_o another_o have_v not_o the_o present_a time_n furnish_v we_o with_o instance_n in_o this_o kind_n even_o to_o astonishment_n have_v we_o not_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o noble_n stain_v with_o ignominy_n have_v not_o those_o that_o dwell_v in_o stately_a mansion_n become_v as_o cottager_n and_o they_o that_o sit_v in_o low_a place_n be_v invest_v in_o stately_a mansion_n have_v we_o not_o behold_v the_o evil_a that_o solomon_n complain_v of_o eccles_n 10._o 7._o servant_n upon_o horse_n and_o prince_n walk_v as_o servant_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o yet_o who_o be_v there_o that_o by_o all_o these_o change_n be_v awaken_v to_o get_v evidence_n that_o will_v not_o burn_v riches_n that_o can_v be_v plunder_v a_o inheritance_n that_o can_v be_v shake_v oh_o how_o greedy_o do_v man_n still_o pursue_v the_o fleet_a vanity_n and_o neglect_v the_o true_a riches_n that_o endure_v for_o ever_o sect_n 4._o a_o four_o aggravation_n be_v from_o the_o facility_n of_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o promise_n they_o be_v precious_a but_o not_o difficult_a the_o term_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v tender_v serve_v rather_o to_o invite_v then_o to_o deter_v we_o need_v not_o say_v in_o our_o heart_n who_o shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n to_o bring_v down_o christ_n from_o above_o or_o who_o shall_v descend_v into_o the_o deep_a to_o bring_v up_o christ_n again_o from_o the_o dead_a the_o word_n be_v nigh_o unto_o we_o rom._n 10._o 6_o 7._o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o pearl_n which_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o steep_a rock_n have_v but_o few_o adventurer_n for_o they_o because_o the_o danger_n may_v be_v more_o than_o the_o gain_n if_o gold_n in_o remote_a country_n and_o deep_a mine_n be_v not_o travel_v for_o and_o dig_v out_o of_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o it_o may_v be_v just_o wonder_v at_o and_o censure_v as_o the_o high_a folly_n if_o man_n come_v to_o a_o full_a heap_n of_o treasure_n be_v invite_v to_o throw_v away_o the_o clay_n &_o dirt_n with_o which_o their_o hand_n be_v fill_v &_o the_o superfluity_n with_o which_o they_o be_v load_v and_o to_o take_v of_o gold_n and_o pearl_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v
like_o milk_n in_o the_o breast_n of_o the_o nurse_n that_o have_v receive_v a_o concoction_n and_o be_v thereby_o make_v a_o more_o facile_a and_o pure_a nourishment_n to_o the_o child_n that_o partake_v of_o it_o three_o let_v thankfulness_n for_o the_o precious_a promise_n be_v express_v in_o a_o most_o affectionate_a blessing_n of_o god_n for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o all_o that_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o they_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o he_o be_v the_o first_o matter_n as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o which_o god_n have_v frame_v all_o our_o good_a he_o be_v the_o receptacle_n in_o which_o all_o blessing_n be_v lay_v up_o and_o the_o wellhead_n from_o whence_o they_o all_o flow_v by_o his_o blood_n the_o promise_n be_v purchase_v for_o we_o and_o by_o his_o most_o powerful_a intercession_n they_o be_v make_v good_a unto_o we_o alas_o how_o little_a efficacy_n will_v all_o our_o prayer_n have_v if_o they_o be_v not_o present_v to_o god_n the_o father_n by_o his_o hand_n how_o small_a acceptance_n will_v our_o person_n find_v if_o god_n do_v not_o look_v upon_o we_o in_o he_o how_o uncertain_a will_v all_o our_o comfort_n be_v if_o the_o root_n of_o they_o be_v not_o in_o he_o if_o he_o be_v not_o as_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n upon_o which_o they_o grow_v yea_o how_o quick_o shall_v we_o spy_v a_o hell_n that_o may_v amaze_v we_o between_o heaven_n and_o any_o other_o ground_n of_o confidence_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v imagine_v by_o we_o out_o of_o christ_n when_o therefore_o we_o do_v at_o any_o time_n make_v a_o thankful_a recognition_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o we_o in_o the_o particular_a mercy_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o put_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o all_o when_o we_o bless_v god_n for_o blot_v out_o our_o iniquity_n for_o pardon_v free_o all_o our_o sin_n let_v we_o set_v this_o crown_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o the_o mercy_n that_o he_o have_v do_v it_o in_o christ_n when_o we_o bless_v he_o for_o sanctify_v of_o we_o let_v we_o ever_o add_v for_o his_o sanctify_v we_o in_o christ_n when_o we_o praise_v he_o for_o our_o adoption_n and_o sonship_n let_v we_o bless_v he_o for_o do_v of_o it_o in_o christ_n when_o we_o honour_v he_o for_o the_o assure_a hope_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n in_o heaven_n let_v we_o say_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v bless_a be_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v bless_v we_o with_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o heavenly_a place_n in_o christ_n ephes_n 1._o 3._o four_o let_v thankfulness_n for_o the_o promise_n appear_v in_o strong_a desire_n and_o vehement_a pant_n after_o the_o plenary_a possession_n and_o perfect_a enjoyment_n of_o all_o that_o felicity_n of_o which_o they_o be_v the_o earnest_n and_o pledge_n give_v we_o by_o god_n in_o this_o life_n we_o be_v but_o as_o king_n in_o the_o cradle_n the_o set_n of_o the_o crown_n upon_o our_o head_n be_v reserve_v till_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n here_o we_o be_v but_o as_o espouse_a person_n and_o not_o as_o the_o bride_n in_o her_o best_a clothes_n in_o the_o other_o life_n we_o put_v on_o the_o robe_n of_o glory_n which_o shall_v make_v our_o body_n shine_v ten_o thousand_o time_n bright_a than_o the_o sun_n and_o our_o soul_n ten_o thousand_o time_n bright_a than_o our_o body_n here_o we_o be_v but_o as_o invite_a guest_n to_o the_o feast_n and_o supper_n of_o the_o great_a king_n we_o sit_v not_o down_o at_o his_o table_n till_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n and_o then_o christ_n bid_v we_o eat_v o_o friend_n and_o drink_v abundant_o o_o belove_n while_o therefore_o we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n only_o peep_v into_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v within_o the_o veil_n and_o enjoy_v a_o few_o foreta_v of_o glory_n and_o immortality_n we_o shall_v show_v how_o high_o we_o prize_v the_o promise_n by_o long_v after_o and_o wish_v for_o the_o final_a accomplishment_n of_o all_o oh_o when_o will_v it_o be_v that_o i_o shall_v see_v he_o in_o who_o blood_n i_o be_v wash_v by_o who_o stripe_n i_o be_v heal_v by_o who_o spirit_n i_o be_v sanctify_v by_o who_o merit_n such_o great_a thing_n be_v prepare_v for_o i_o how_o long_o lord_n holy_a and_o true_a will_v it_o be_v ere_o death_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o in_o victory_n and_o mortality_n put_v on_o immortality_n thus_o bernard_n upon_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n john_n 16._o 16._o a_o little_a while_n and_o you_o shall_v not_o see_v i_o and_o again_o a_o little_a while_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v i_o passionate_o express_v himself_o pie_n domine_fw-la modicum_fw-la illud_fw-la vocas_fw-la in_o quo_fw-la te_fw-la non_fw-la videam_fw-la o_o modicum_n modicum_fw-la longum_fw-la good_a lord_n do_v thou_o call_v that_o a_o little_a while_n in_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o see_v thou_o o_o long_a long_o little_a such_o desire_n as_o these_o be_v true_a evidence_n of_o a_o thankful_a heart_n chap._n xxi_o motive_n to_o act_n faith_n in_o the_o promise_n the_o five_o and_o last_o application_n be_v to_o stir_v up_o believer_n to_o act_v precious_a faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 1._o upon_o the_o precious_a promise_n without_o which_o what_o be_v the_o promise_n in_o the_o word_n but_o as_o sugar_n in_o the_o wine_n that_o lie_v unstire_v do_v not_o sweeten_v but_o as_o full_a breast_n undraw_v that_o do_v not_o nourish_v but_o as_o bed_n of_o spice_n that_o be_v unblown_a upon_o do_v not_o lend_v forth_o their_o fragrant_a and_o delightful_a odour_n it_o be_v the_o exercise_n and_o skill_n of_o faith_n that_o fetch_v out_o the_o virtue_n and_o sweetness_n which_o lie_v hâ—d_v in_o they_o as_o it_o be_v the_o industry_n of_o the_o bee_n that_o extract_v the_o honey_n from_o the_o flower_n the_o bee_n will_v starve_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o flowery_a meadow_n if_o it_o do_v not_o labour_n and_o so_o will_v a_o christian_a languish_n and_o pine_v away_o notwithstanding_o 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actuate_v on_o the_o promise_n but_o when_o it_o stir_v and_o rouse_v up_o itself_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n how_o apparent_a be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o other_o make_v to_o every_o eye_n what_o burden_n do_v the_o one_o stand_v under_o and_o carry_v away_o upon_o his_o shoulder_n under_o which_o the_o other_o sink_v what_o temptation_n do_v the_o one_o overcome_v unto_o which_o the_o other_o without_o resistance_n yield_v what_o viper_n do_v the_o one_o shake_v off_o his_o hand_n into_o the_o fire_n without_o the_o least_o hurt_n which_o fasten_v upon_o the_o other_o and_o sting_v he_o unto_o death_n it_o be_v faith_n which_o make_v we_o to_o rejoice_v in_o tribulation_n rom._n 5._o 3._o it_o be_v faith_n which_o make_v we_o to_o possess_v our_o soul_n in_o patience_n infiery_a trial_n heb._n 10._o 36._o it_o be_v faith_n which_o make_v we_o resolute_a in_o desertion_n jonah_n 2._o 4._o it_o be_v faith_n which_o make_v every_o condition_n of_o life_n comfortable_a hab._n 2._o 4._o but_o that_o i_o may_v yet_o more_o full_o prosecute_v this_o exhortation_n which_o hitherto_o be_v as_o a_o vessel_n upon_o the_o wheel_n of_o the_o potter_n that_o have_v not_o receive_v it_o perfect_a shape_n i_o shall_v propound_v some_o particular_a argument_n and_o consideration_n that_o may_v animat_fw-la believer_n to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n which_o stand_v chief_o in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o a_o knowledge_n of_o and_o a_o familiar_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o word_n so_o as_o to_o have_v it_o in_o readiness_n for_o direction_n second_o in_o a_o right_a improvement_n and_o exercise_n of_o faith_n
on_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n for_o as_o faith_n be_v true_o the_o life_n and_o guide_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o the_o word_n be_v the_o ground_n life_n and_o guide_n of_o our_o faith_n now_o the_o argument_n that_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o be_v brief_o three_o first_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v that_o life_n which_o above_o all_o other_o god_n will_v have_v believer_n to_o live_v and_o this_o appear_v by_o the_o distance_n that_o god_n have_v put_v between_o his_o promise_n and_o his_o performance_n make_v their_o whole_a life_n to_o be_v rather_o a_o life_n of_o hope_n then_o of_o enjoyment_n and_o the_o good_a thing_n that_o he_o give_v to_o relate_v more_o to_o the_o future_a then_o to_o the_o present_a time_n god_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o open_v a_o door_n of_o hope_n to_o fall_v man_n in_o that_o first_o gospel-promise_n which_o he_o himself_o proclaim_v gen._n 3._o 15._o that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n but_o how_o many_o generation_n pass_v away_o before_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n come_v in_o which_o he_o send_v forth_o his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n he_o have_v promise_v to_o believer_n that_o they_o shall_v tread_v down_o the_o wicked_a and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v ash_n under_o the_o sole_n of_o their_o foot_n mal._n 4._o 3._o but_o yet_o he_o have_v make_v their_o warfare_n to_o be_v as_o long_o as_o their_o life_n he_o have_v promise_v a_o glorious_a resurrection_n of_o their_o body_n out_o of_o the_o grave_n and_o yet_o for_o how_o many_o thousand_o year_n have_v his_o saint_n lie_v dissolve_v in_o their_o dust_n as_o if_o they_o do_v seem_v to_o be_v altogether_o forget_v by_o he_o now_o to_o what_o end_n have_v god_n set_v such_o long_a period_n of_o time_n between_o the_o make_n and_o the_o accomplish_n of_o his_o promise_n but_o only_o that_o he_o will_v have_v the_o heir_n of_o they_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n yea_o and_o to_o die_v in_o faith_n by_o rest_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o every_o mercy_n which_o he_o have_v undertake_v for_o in_o his_o promise_n and_o indeed_o this_o glory_n which_o believer_n give_v to_o god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o faith_n upon_o his_o word_n be_v far_o great_a and_o more_o noble_a than_o all_o that_o glory_n which_o the_o whole_a universe_n of_o creature_n do_v yield_v unto_o he_o they_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o goodness_n in_o their_o be_v and_o in_o the_o comfort_n of_o it_o derive_v unto_o they_o by_o he_o but_o who_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n in_o his_o promise_n but_o a_o believer_n who_o be_v it_o that_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n rom._n 5._o 2._o but_o a_o believer_n who_o glory_v in_o tribulation_n but_o a_o believer_n who_o be_v it_o that_o let_v not_o his_o confidence_n die_v when_o his_o life_n expire_v but_o a_o believer_n my_o flesh_n and_o my_o heart_n fail_v say_v david_n but_o god_n be_v the_o rock_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o my_o portion_n for_o ever_o psal_n 73._o 26._o second_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v of_o all_o estate_n the_o most_o content_a and_o of_o all_o live_v the_o full_a of_o real_a sweetness_n and_o delight_n first_o it_o be_v the_o most_o content_a life_n true_a contentment_n be_v the_o inseparable_a companion_n of_o true_a faith_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 6._o a_o believer_n be_v the_o only_a person_n that_o be_v instruct_v in_o this_o sacred_a mystery_n phil._n 4._o 13._o the_o thing_n that_o other_o want_v he_o desire_v not_o riches_n which_o other_o covet_v with_o the_o strain_n of_o their_o conscience_n he_o throw_v away_o as_o snare_n pleasure_n which_o other_o drink_v down_o with_o a_o thirst_n unsatisfied_a he_o out_o of_o choice_n spare_o sip_v of_o or_o else_o refuse_v so_o much_o as_o to_o taste_v honour_n that_o other_o value_v themselves_o by_o he_o look_v upon_o as_o fancy_n and_o not_o reality_n as_o plato_n tell_v the_o musician_n that_o a_o 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