great_a and_o precious_a promise_n or_o some_o sermon_n concern_v the_o promise_n and_o the_o right_a application_n thereof_o whereunto_o be_v add_v some_o other_o concern_v the_o usefulness_n of_o faith_n in_o advance_v sanctification_n as_o also_o three_o more_o concern_v the_o faith_n of_o assurance_n by_o mr._n andrew_n grey_a late_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o glasgow_n all_o be_v revise_v since_o his_o death_n by_o some_o friend_n the_o three_o impression_n careful_o correct_v and_o amend_v 2_o cor._n 7.1_o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n edinburgh_n print_v by_o a_o 〈…〉_o stationer_n anno_fw-la dom._n 〈…〉_o to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n although_o upon_o some_o consideration_n these_o follow_a sermon_n have_v be_v keep_v back_o till_o now_o and_o have_v wait_v the_o vacancy_n of_o the_o press_n from_o other_o thing_n yet_o be_v it_o at_o first_o intend_v the_o connexion_n of_o the_o purpose_n so_o require_v â—at_a they_o shall_v have_v come_v forth_o assoon_o as_o some_o â—her_n of_o this_o precious_a author_n which_o we_o do_v â—â—merly_o publish_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o preâ—â—â—ce_n which_o we_o then_o prefix_v we_o do_v relate_v to_o â—â—th_n and_o give_v the_o reader_n such_o advertisement_n as_o we_o conceive_v necessary_a concern_v â—e_v one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o so_o that_o we_o have_v â—â—hing_n to_o do_v at_o present_a but_o to_o put_v this_o little_a â—â—â—ece_n into_o thy_o hand_n commend_v it_o to_o thy_o seâ—us_a thought_n and_o the_o lord_n blessing_n upon_o â—n_n neither_o shall_v we_o use_v many_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d purpose_n only_o we_o find_v some_o help_v 〈…〉_o â—o_o thou_o in_o three_o most_o weighty_a and_o 〈…〉_o â—â—ts_n of_o christian_a religion_n 1._o 〈…〉_o lively_o exercise_v of_o faith_n thou_o may_v apply_v tâ—â—_n great_a and_o precious_a promise_n 2._o how_o by_o faiâ—â—_n thou_o may_v advance_v the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n and_o 3._o how_o thy_o faith_n may_v grow_v up_o unto_o assurance_n of_o all_o which_o we_o may_v true_o say_v that_o 〈◊〉_d thing_n can_v more_o seasonable_o take_v up_o the_o thought_n nor_o bring_v more_o advantage_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o tâ—_n lord_n people_n in_o these_o time_n o_o how_o necessary_a be_v it_o in_o such_o troublsome_a dayâ—_n to_o learn_v how_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n wâ—â—_n may_v inherit_v the_o promise_n and_o now_o whâ—_n our_o strong_a corruption_n have_v in_o a_o manner_n neceâ—tate_v the_o wise_a physician_n to_o mix_v unto_o we_o so_o bitâ—_n a_o cup_n and_o give_v so_o strong_a a_o potion_n in_o what_o faint_a and_o swoon_a condition_n must_v we_o be_v by_o the_o two_o immutable_a thing_n in_o which_o iâ—_n impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v we_o receive_v not_o aâ—_n the_o strong_a consolation_n again_o when_o profanity_n and_o ungodliness_n have_v so_o abound_v in_o these_o nation_n tâ—_n from_o the_o top_n of_o the_o head_n to_o the_o sole_a of_o 〈◊〉_d foot_n there_o be_v no_o soundness_n but_o wound_n and_o bruise_n and_o putrify_a sore_n aâ—_n when_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n like_o the_o sâ—_n of_o zerviah_n be_v grow_v too_o strong_a even_o the_o david_n who_o be_v among_o we_o what_o shoâ—_n we_o study_v with_o more_o earnestness_n then_o to_o 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—rifie_v our_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o by_o hauâ—_n these_o promise_n to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o 〈◊〉_d all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n â—â—fecting_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o loâ—â—_n 3_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v remoâ—ed_v we_o so_o far_o fâ—_n peace_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o many_o have_v even_a foâ—_n prosperity_n and_o the_o multiply_v change_n revolution_n in_o our_o day_n have_v so_o clear_o demonstrate_v the_o instability_n of_o all_o sublunary_a glory_n and_o so_o convince_o teach_v we_o that_o this_o be_v not_o our_o rest_n undoubted_o it_o be_v time_n to_o look_v for_o â—_o city_n that_o have_v foundation_n and_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n â—ure_v the_o subject_n than_o be_v useful_a as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o handle_v it_o it_o be_v true_a much_o accuracy_n and_o neatness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o any_o work_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v only_o the_o hasty_a glean_n of_o a_o church_n writer_n and_o as_o to_o liveliness_n and_o power_n though_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o draw_v a_o picture_n with_o the_o heat_n and_o motion_n of_o a_o live_a man_n as_o to_o write_v or_o print_n â—hese_fw-mi lively_a motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o do_v often_o accompany_v the_o lord_n messenger_n in_o preach_v and_o in_o a_o eminent_a measure_n be_v also_o let_v out_o upon_o this_o bless_a author_n yet_o we_o suppose_v thou_o will_v find_v the_o matter_n most_o serious_o and_o feell_o speak_v unto_o as_o from_o a_o heart_n which_o believe_v and_o therefore_o speak_v yea_o both_o conception_n and_o expression_n savour_v much_o of_o a_o exercise_v spirit_n not_o only_o much_o take_v up_o in_o communion_n with_o god_n within_o itself_o but_o even_o thirst_v also_o and_o pant_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o other_o nay_o in_o some_o measure_n travel_v in_o birth_n till_o christ_n may_v be_v form_v in_o they_o oh_o that_o more_o of_o this_o holy_a zeal_n and_o fervency_n may_v accompany_v this_o great_a measure_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v gracious_o bestow_v both_o 〈◊〉_d pastor_n and_o people_n in_o this_o generation_n thâ—_n once_o again_o we_o may_v see_v as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o john_n biptist_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaveâ—_n suffer_v violence_n and_o the_o violent_a take_n by_o force_n and_o that_o the_o bless_a spirit_n by_o same_o gracious_a operation_n may_v so_o warm_a 〈◊〉_d enlarge_v thy_o soul_n in_o the_o use_n of_o this_o and_o all_o otâ—â—_n mean_v for_o thy_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v and_o shâ—â—_n he_o the_o sincere_a desire_n of_o thy_o servant_n foâ—_n christ_n sake_n robert_n traill_n john_n stirling_n great_a and_o precious_a promise_n sermon_n i._n 2_o pet._n 1.4_o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n may_v we_o not_o true_o say_v that_o if_o ever_o the_o christian_n who_o live_v in_o those_o day_n shall_v be_v advance_v to_o stand_v within_o the_o holy_a place_n and_o â—hall_v inherit_v everlasting_a life_n all_o these_o be_v â—ow_o before_o his_o throne_n may_v lay_v aside_o their_o â—arps_n and_o give_v we_o leave_v to_o sing_v will_v it_o not_o â—e_v a_o mystery_n suppose_v you_o unto_o heavenly_a â—noch_n that_o spend_v so_o much_o of_o his_o time_n in_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n wâ—â—â—e_o shall_v behold_v such_o christian_n within_o 〈…〉_o â—â—erlasting_a rest_n that_o have_v spend_v so_o 〈…〉_o â—heir_o time_n in_o correspond_v with_o 〈…〉_o it_o not_o be_v a_o mystery_n unto_o believe_v abrahaâ—_n when_o he_o shall_v behold_v such_o misbeliever_n suâ—_n disputer_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n advance_v to_o reign_v with_o christ_n will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o â—â—stery_n unto_o wrestle_a jacob_n when_o he_o shâ—â—_n behold_v these_o christian_n once_o crown_v wâ—â—_n immortal_a glory_n that_o do_v so_o little_o know_v wâ—â—_n it_o be_v as_o prince_n to_o wrestle_v with_o god_n 〈◊〉_d they_o do_v prevail_v will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o wondâ—_n to_o patient_a job_n when_o he_o shall_v behold_v suâ—â—_n impatient_a christian_n as_o we_o have_v be_v enâ—â—ing_v into_o that_o bless_a place_n of_o repose_n wâ—_n it_o not_o be_v a_o mystery_n unto_o holy_a david_n whâ—_n he_o shall_v behold_v such_o unmortified_a christiâ—â—_n enter_v within_o that_o city_n into_o which_o 〈◊〉_d unclean_a thing_n do_v enter_v will_v it_o not_o bâ—_n mystery_n unto_o tender_a josiah_n to_o behold_v sâ—_n christian_n as_o we_o be_v that_o have_v our_o heaâ—_n die_v as_o a_o stone_n within_o we_o enter_v iâ—_n heaven_n will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o mystery_n unto_o 〈◊〉_d right_a nathaniel_n to_o behold_v such_o hypocâ—â—call_a christian_n as_o the_o most_o part_n of_o we_o be_v â—â—tering_v within_o the_o holy_a place_n and_o to_o 〈◊〉_d those_o that_o have_v be_v clothe_v with_o hypoâ—sie_n and_o guile_n now_o clothe_v with_o the_o râ—â—_n of_o immortal_a glory_n and_o will_v it_o not_o 〈◊〉_d mystery_n unto_o self_n deny_v paul_n when_o shall_v behold_v so_o proud_a and_o selfish_a christian_a enter_v into_o heaven_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o this_o go_v where_o we_o will_v we_o shall_v be_v mâ—_n less_o and_o singular_a for_o if_o we_o shall_v go_v 〈◊〉_d eternity_n of_o pain_n we_o shall_v be_v the_o grâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d unto_o the_o
to_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o use_v that_o word_n 2_o tim._n 2.13_o though_o we_o believe_v not_o yet_o god_n do_v abide_v faithful_a he_o can_v deny_v himself_o and_o now_o to_o shut_v up_o this_o second_o duty_n thaâ—â—â—e_v press_v from_o the_o unchangeablnesse_n of_o thâ—â—omises_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v these_o two_o wordâ—â—o_v you_o 1._o assure_v yourselves_o of_o this_o that_o these_o accomplishment_n of_o promise_n that_o come_v not_o through_o the_o lively_a exercise_n of_o faith_n do_v loose_a much_o of_o their_o sweetness_n much_o of_o their_o lustre_n and_o much_o of_o their_o advantage_n sometime_o a_o promise_n will_v be_v accomplish_v unto_o a_o christian_a when_o he_o have_v not_o be_v much_o in_o the_o constant_a lively_a exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o believe_v such_o a_o promise_n but_o then_o the_o disadvantage_n that_o attend_v such_o a_o one_o be_v not_o easy_o express_v how_o often_o may_v he_o cry_v out_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o this_o place_n and_o i_o be_v not_o aware_a how_o little_a of_o god_n do_v he_o see_v in_o it_o how_o short_a be_v he_o in_o praise_n and_o render_v to_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o the_o good_a he_o have_v receeive_v how_o negligent_a in_o improve_n or_o keep_v the_o mercy_n and_o how_o loath_a to_o lay_v it_o out_o for_o god_n when_o he_o say_v the_o lord_n have_v need_v of_o it_o and_o many_o thing_n more_o of_o this_o kind_n which_o may_v press_v we_o to_o be_v steadfast_a in_o believe_v and_o 2._o o_o dispute_n less_o and_o believe_v more_o what_o profit_n shall_v you_o have_v of_o your_o dispute_n and_o if_o you_o will_v produce_v all_o your_o strong_a argument_n why_o you_o shall_v not_o believe_v the_o promise_n you_o may_v drown_v they_o in_o this_o immense_a depth_n god_n be_v unchangeable_a let_v i_o say_v but_o this_o further_a there_o be_v three_o most_o remarkable_a change_n in_o a_o christian_a in_o his_o make_n use_v of_o the_o promise_n first_o sometime_o he_o will_v believe_v the_o promise_n and_o make_v application_n of_o they_o and_o ere_o many_o hour_n go_v about_o he_o will_v misbelieve_v that_o promise_n which_o present_o he_o believe_v will_v not_o sometime_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o morning_n cry_v out_o i_o be_o my_o belove_n and_o my_o belove_v he_o be_v i_o and_o ere_o twelve_o hour_n come_v they_o will_v change_v their_o note_n and_o cry_v out_o my_o hope_n and_o my_o strength_n be_v perish_v from_o the_o lord_n sometime_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o morning_n will_v cry_v out_o my_o mountain_n stand_v strong_a i_o shall_v never_o be_v move_v and_o ere_o many_o hour_n go_v about_o he_o will_v change_v his_o note_n and_o cry_v out_o thou_o have_v hide_v thy_o face_n from_o i_o and_o i_o be_v trouble_v second_o sometime_o a_o promise_n will_v be_v to_o a_o christian_n sweet_a than_o the_o honey_n and_o the_o honey_n comb_n sometime_o a_o christian_a will_v die_v and_o live_v upon_o the_o promise_n sometime_o the_o believe_v of_o a_o promise_n will_v be_v to_o a_o christian_a as_o the_o valley_n of_o anchor_n for_o a_o door_n of_o hope_n that_o will_v make_v he_o to_o sing_v and_o yet_o ere_o many_o day_n go_v about_o he_o may_v come_v to_o that_o same_o very_a promise_n and_o it_o will_v prove_v tastelesse_a to_o he_o as_o the_o white_a of_o a_o egg_n so_o that_o he_o may_v cry_v out_o o_o that_o it_o be_v with_o i_o as_o in_o month_n past_a and_o in_o the_o ancient_a time_n and_o o_o where_o be_v the_o sweetness_n that_o i_o find_v in_o such_o a_o promise_n o_o it_o be_v go_v it_o be_v go_v and_o i_o be_o leave_v desolate_a three_o sometime_o when_o a_o christian_a will_v be_v believe_v such_o 〈◊〉_d promise_n and_o rest_v upon_o it_o he_o will_v through_o 〈◊〉_d spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n see_v much_o light_n and_o clearness_n in_o that_o promise_n he_o will_v take_v up_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n that_o shine_v therein_o and_o at_o another_o time_n he_o may_v come_v to_o that_o 〈◊〉_d promise_n and_o it_o may_v be_v dark_a to_o he_o so_o that_o his_o light_n have_v evanished_a and_o sometime_o the_o joy_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o promise_n will_v be_v one_o than_o his_o light_n that_o he_o have_v in_o it_o may_v main_a with_o he_o a_o christian_a may_v come_v to_o 〈◊〉_d promise_n and_o find_v his_o ancient_a light_n yet_o not_o his_o ancient_a joy_n nor_o his_o ancient_a delight_n therefore_o if_o you_o will_v have_v the_o promise_n always_o sweet_a unto_o you_o pray_v over_o they_o pray_v that_o god_n may_v breathe_v upon_o such_o a_o promise_n and_o make_v it_o lively_a to_o you_o the_o three_o thing_n that_o we_o will_v press_v upon_o you_o from_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v that_o which_o by_o proportion_n you_o may_v gather_v even_o from_o this_o that_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n be_v unchangeable_a these_o two_o be_v conjoin_v yea_o joshua_n seem_v to_o infer_v the_o unchangeableness_n of_o the_o threaten_n from_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o the_o promise_n chap._n 23.14_o compare_v with_o verse_n 15._o and_o these_o two_o be_v conjoin_v zech._n 8.14_o 15._o that_o as_o i_o think_v to_o punish_v you_o and_o it_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v so_o i_o have_v think_v to_o build_v you_o up_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o i_o will_v from_o this_o desire_n you_o to_o stand_v in_o awe_n lest_o you_o come_v under_o the_o lash_n of_o the_o unchangeable_a threaten_n of_o god_n for_o know_v that_o as_o god_n be_v unchangeable_a in_o the_o promise_n and_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n in_o all_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v accomplish_v so_o likewise_o know_v there_o be_v not_o a_o curse_n in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v in_o its_o time_n and_o know_v this_o likewise_o that_o the_o day_n be_v come_v when_o that_o sad_a word_n that_o iâ—_n in_o hos_n 7.12_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v i_o will_v chastise_v they_o as_o their_o congregation_n have_v hear_v and_o o_o you_o that_o live_v in_o this_o place_n if_o all_o the_o threaten_n that_o your_o congregation_n have_v hear_v shall_v be_v accomplish_v in_o their_o time_n you_o may_v take_v up_o the_o last_o word_n of_o balaamâ—â—_n song_n alas_o who_o shall_v live_v when_o god_n shall_v 〈◊〉_d these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o since_o the_o thâ—â—nings_n of_o god_n be_v nuchangeable_a as_o also_o promise_n life_n and_o death_n be_v set_v before_o yoâ—_n and_o either_o you_o shall_v be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d changeable_a threaten_n of_o god_n or_o you_o 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o unchangeable_a promiâ—â—_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v from_o thâ—_n charge_v you_o that_o as_o you_o will_v not_o be_v heâ—â—_n full_a to_o the_o destruction_n of_o your_o own_o immoral_a soul_n you_o will_v not_o undervalue_v the_o threatening_n that_o you_o hear_v in_o your_o congregation_n since_o there_o be_v a_o declaration_n past_a that_o thâ—_n threaten_n in_o your_o congregation_n shall_v bâ—_n accomplish_v now_o there_o be_v that_o four_o duty_n that_o 〈◊〉_d will_v press_v upon_o you_o from_o this_o that_o 〈◊〉_d promise_n be_v unchangeable_a have_v a_o unchangeable_a love_n to_o the_o promiser_n let_v this_o commâ—â—_n the_o promiser_n let_v this_o constrain_v your_o heart_n delight_v in_o the_o promiser_n o_o what_o a_o bless_a 〈◊〉_d pensation_n of_o love_n be_v this_o that_o a_o unchangeable_a god_n shall_v make_v unchangeable_a promise_n 〈◊〉_d to_o changeable_a creature_n if_o the_o promise_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v as_o changeable_a their_o nature_n as_o we_o be_v changeable_a there_o shâ—â—_n not_o one_o of_o we_o go_v to_o heaven_n but_o know_v iâ—_n the_o bless_a design_n of_o love_n and_o it_o have_v beâ—â—â—â—â—ssed_v practice_n of_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o gâ—_n 〈◊〉_d when_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o changeable_a 〈◊〉_d â—â—ires_n he_o will_v give_v they_o unchangeable_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o i_o will_v once_o invite_v you_o 〈◊〉_d that_o you_o will_v come_v near_o and_o embrace_v unchangeable_a promiser_n i_o shall_v speak_v 〈◊〉_d five_o word_n that_o may_v persuade_v you_o 〈◊〉_d christ_n be_v easy_o to_o be_v get_v if_o you_o will_v he_o you_o will_v get_v christ_n if_o you_o will_v but_o hear_v yea_o for_o one_o listen_v of_o your_o ear_n to_o his_o voice_n you_o shall_v get_v he_o according_a to_o that_o word_n isa_n 55.3_o hear_v and_o what_o of_o that_o and_o your_o soul_n shall_v live_v be_v not_o this_o to_o get_v christ_n at_o a_o easy_a rate_n and_o as_o we_o speak_v before_o you_o will_v get_v christ_n for_o a_o look_n and_o be_v not_o that_o a_o easy_a rate_n isa_n 45.22_o look_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o end_v of_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v save_v have_v you_o a_o desire_n to_o take_v christ_n you_o
clear_a from_o psal_n 94.18_o when_o i_o say_v my_o foot_n slip_v there_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o misbelief_n and_o despair_n yet_o thy_o mercy_n o_o lord_n do_v hold_v i_o up_o there_o be_v the_o gate_n at_o which_o faith_n do_v bring_v in_o consolation_n not_o from_o by_o go_v experience_n only_o but_o certain_o from_o that_o which_o he_o find_v in_o some_o precious_a promise_n that_o be_v bear_v in_o upon_o his_o spirit_n many_o excellent_a cord_n of_o love_n have_v christ_n let_v down_o unto_o a_o soul_n when_o they_o have_v be_v go_v down_o into_o the_o depth_n and_o the_o weed_n have_v be_v wrap_v upon_o their_o head_n it_o be_v clear_a likewise_o from_o psal_n 119.81_o my_o soul_n faint_v for_o thy_o salvation_n as_o if_o david_n have_v say_v i_o be_o in_o hazard_n to_o give_v over_o my_o hope_n and_o to_o break_v my_o confidence_n and_o will_v you_o know_v what_o be_v it_o that_o support_v i_o under_o such_o a_o estate_n i_o hope_v in_o thy_o word_n have_v not_o this_o oftentimes_o be_v the_o song_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o their_o dark_a night_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o my_o thought_n within_o i_o thy_o comfort_n do_v delight_v my_o soul_n faith_n will_v see_v a_o morning_n approach_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o great_a trouble_n and_o no_o doubt_n that_o promise_n that_o uphold_v a_o christian_a in_o their_o doubt_n and_o most_o misbelieve_a condition_n the_o lively_a impression_n of_o that_o promise_n will_v remain_v a_o long_a time_n with_o he_o and_o when_o first_o it_o be_v bear_v in_o upon_o their_o spirit_n they_o will_v see_v no_o small_a love_n shine_v forth_o in_o carve_v out_o such_o a_o promise_n to_o suit_n with_o such_o a_o providence_n as_o they_o be_v it_o may_v be_v meet_v with_o for_o the_o time_n the_o four_o advantage_n in_o believe_v the_o promise_n be_v that_o thereby_o we_o have_v a_o excellent_a help_n to_o patience_n and_o divine_a submission_n under_o our_o sad_a outward_a affliction_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o psal_n 27.13_o i_o have_v faint_v unless_o i_o have_v believe_v to_o see_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n and_o from_o psal_n 119_o 49_o 50._o where_o david_n tell_v his_o exercise_n in_o the_o 49._o i_o hope_v say_v he_o in_o thy_o word_n immediate_o he_o subjoin_v this_o be_v my_o comfort_n in_o my_o affliction_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v if_o i_o have_v not_o have_v the_o promise_n to_o be_v my_o comforter_n i_o have_v sit_v alone_o and_o keep_v silence_n and_o shall_v have_v remain_v without_o comfort_n in_o the_o day_n of_o my_o adversity_n and_o verse_n 92._o unless_o thy_o law_n have_v be_v my_o delight_n i_o shall_v have_v perish_v in_o my_o affliction_n and_o we_o conceive_v in_o short_a the_o influence_n which_o faith_n upon_o the_o promise_n have_v upon_o the_o patient_a bear_n of_o the_o cross_n may_v be_v show_v to_o you_o in_o these_o two_o particular_n first_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a prophet_n that_o always_o prophesi_v unto_o we_o good_a thing_n will_v you_o inquire_v at_o faith_n at_o your_o midnight_n of_o affliction_n what_o be_v its_o opinion_n of_o god_n and_o of_o your_o own_o estate_n faith_n will_v sweet_o reâ—olve_v you_o thus_o wait_v on_o god_n for_o i_o shall_v yet_o praise_v he_o for_o the_o health_n of_o his_o â—ounterance_n faith_n know_v nor_o what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v wrong_a construction_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o noble_a interpreter_n of_o a_o christian_n cross_n if_o sense_n reason_n and_o misbelief_n interpret_v your_o cross_n they_o will_v make_v you_o cry_v out_o unto_o god_n why_o be_v thou_o become_v unto_o i_o as_o a_o enemy_n or_o as_o a_o liar_n and_o water_n that_o fail_v but_o if_o faith_n that_o noble_a interpreter_n do_v interpret_v your_o cross_n it_o will_v make_v you_o cry_v out_o i_o know_v the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n that_o they_o be_v thought_n of_o peace_n and_o not_o of_o evil_a to_o give_v i_o a_o expect_a end_n faith_n let_v a_o christian_a see_v a_o bless_a outgate_n and_o issue_n of_o all_o the_o sad_a dispensation_n that_o he_o meet_v with_o i'faith_o that_o be_v its_o divinity_n i_o sow_v in_o tear_n but_o i_o shall_v reap_v in_o joy_n weep_v may_v be_v at_o evening_n say_v faith_n but_o joy_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o morning_n second_o it_o afford_v unto_o a_o christian_a such_o soul-refreshing_a consolation_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o affliction_n that_o in_o a_o manner_n they_o forget_v their_o sorrow_n as_o water_n that_o pass_v away_o this_o david_n do_v divine_o assert_v in_o psal_n 119.50_o this_o be_v my_o comfort_n in_o my_o affliction_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v indeed_o that_o tree_n which_o if_o they_o be_v cast_v into_o our_o water_n of_o marah_n they_o will_v make_v they_o immediate_o become_v sweet_a the_o five_o advantage_n be_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o promise_n do_v help_v a_o christian_a to_o a_o great_a distance_n with_o the_o world_n and_o to_o live_v as_o a_o pilgrim_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o heb._n 11.13_o where_o these_o two_o be_v sweet_o link_v together_o their_o embrace_n of_o the_o promise_n by_o faith_n and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o we_o shall_v show_v the_o influence_n that_o faith_n have_v upon_o this_o in_o these_o three_o 1._o it_o make_v a_o christian_a see_v the_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n here_o and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o within_o this_o glob_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v not_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n faith_n be_v that_o prospect_n through_o which_o a_o christian_a have_v most_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o do_v exceed_o help_v he_o to_o live_v as_o a_o pilgrim_n 2._o it_o let_v a_o christian_a see_v the_o endless_a perfection_n of_o heaven_n and_o bring_v it_o within_o sight_n of_o that_o immense_a and_o everlasting_a hope_n and_o this_o make_v he_o to_o live_v as_o a_o pilgrim_n and_o to_o declare_v plain_o that_o he_o seek_v a_o country_n and_o 3._o it_o do_v exceed_o help_v he_o forward_o in_o that_o bless_a work_n of_o wean_n of_o affection_n from_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v here_o will_v you_o know_v where_o a_o believer_n heart_n be_v it_o be_v in_o heaven_n will_v you_o know_v where_o his_o thought_n be_v they_o be_v in_o heaven_n will_v you_o know_v where_o his_o conversation_n be_v it_o be_v in_o heaven_n will_v you_o know_v where_o his_o hope_n be_v it_o be_v in_o heaven_n his_o treasure_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o his_o heart_n and_o his_o conversation_n be_v there_o and_o christ_n in_o he_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o glory_n and_o indeed_o more_o faith_n of_o the_o promise_n will_v constrain_v we_o all_o to_o subscribe_v that_o confession_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o heb._n 11.13_o the_o six_o advantage_n that_o attend_v the_o believe_v of_o the_o promise_n be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o much_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o divine_a consolation_n and_o make_v a_o christian_n to_o be_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o praise_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o psal_n 71.14_o but_o i_o will_v hope_v continual_o and_o then_o immediate_o be_v subjoin_v and_o will_v yet_o praise_v he_o more_o and_o more_o as_o likewise_o from_o rom._n 15.13_o and_o from_o 1_o pet._n 1.8_o if_o a_o man_n will_v have_v his_o way_n to_o heaven_n make_v pleasant_a and_o while_o they_o be_v sit_v by_o the_o liver_n of_o babel_n will_v be_v admit_v to_o sing_v one_o of_o the_o song_n of_o zion_n then_o ought_v they_o to_o believe_v the_o promise_n and_o to_o choose_v they_o as_o their_o heritage_n for_o ever_o and_o then_o he_o may_v sing_v in_o hope_n and_o praise_n in_o expectation_n though_o he_o have_v but_o little_a in_o hand_n for_o the_o present_a indeed_o when_o he_o look_v to_o his_o possession_n there_o will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o matter_n of_o rejoice_v but_o when_o he_o look_v upon_o his_o hope_n and_o his_o expectation_n he_o may_v be_v constrain_v to_o cry_v forth_o awake_v up_o o_o my_o glory_n i_o myself_o will_v awake_v early_o the_o seven_o advantage_n be_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o attain_v unto_o spiritual_a life_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o isai_n 38.16_o by_o these_o thing_n say_v hezekiah_n do_v man_n live_v speak_v of_o the_o promise_n and_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o life_n of_o my_o spirit_n as_o likewise_o from_o psal_n 119.50_o thy_o word_n say_v david_n have_v quicken_v i_o o_o what_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a life_n do_v attend_v that_o christian_n that_o be_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n upon_o the_o promise_n and_o what_o be_v the_o great_a occasion_n that_o our_o
upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n than_o misbelief_n it_o arise_v as_o a_o champion_n mighty_a to_o war_n and_o cry_v out_o i_o shall_v one_o day_n fall_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n and_o we_o conceive_v that_o dispensation_n contradict_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o his_o speak_v that_o word_n psal_n 116.11_o i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n all_o man_n be_v liar_n and_o i_o will_v only_o say_v to_o you_o that_o dispute_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o dispensation_n contradict_v they_o do_v but_o consider_v this_o god_n in_o his_o way_n be_v not_o like_a unto_o you_o will_v you_o know_v the_o time_n when_o the_o promise_n be_v near_a their_o accomplishment_n it_o be_v then_o when_o we_o can_v least_o see_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v accomplish_v the_o promise_n be_v never_o near_o their_o performance_n then_o when_o we_o think_v that_o they_o be_v further_a off_o from_o it_o and_o therefore_o let_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o omnipotency_n of_o god_n uphold_v your_o spirit_n under_o such_o a_o debate_n then_o let_v dispensation_n speak_v what_o they_o will_v you_o may_v answer_v all_o with_o this_o there_o be_v nothing_o too_o hard_o for_o he_o there_o be_v nothing_o too_o hard_o for_o the_o lord_n i_o grant_v this_o may_v try_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o strong_a faith_n yea_o we_o find_v it_o have_v make_v the_o best_a to_o stagger_v when_o they_o have_v no_o probability_n to_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o promise_n shall_v be_v accomplish_v this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o sarahs_n misbelief_n gen._n 18.12_o that_o when_o she_o hear_v she_o shall_v bear_v a_o son_n in_o her_o old_a age_n she_o laugh_v within_o herself_o and_o do_v as_o it_o be_v mock_v at_o such_o a_o promise_n and_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o moses_n his_o misbelief_n numb_a 11.21_o 22._o he_o do_v not_o see_v a_o probability_n that_o such_o a_o multitude_n shall_v be_v feed_v with_o flesh_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v call_v in_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o that_o promise_n this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o misbelief_n of_o that_o lord_n that_o be_v make_v mention_n 2_o king_n 7.2_o and_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o zecharies_n misbelief_n luk._n 1.20_o but_o i_o will_v only_o say_v to_o you_o that_o do_v so_o much_o consult_v with_o probability_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o your_o faith_n these_o two_o thing_n 1._o there_o be_v nothing_o too_o hard_o for_o god_n this_o be_v the_o very_a argument_n that_o god_n take_v to_o convince_v sarah_n in_o the_o 14._o vers_fw-la of_o that_o 18._o chapter_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n too_o hard_o for_o god_n and_o 2._o faith_n be_v never_o in_o its_o native_a and_o spiritual_a exercise_n till_o once_o probability_n contradict_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n than_o faith_n it_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o stage_n and_o then_o faith_n do_v act_n but_o as_o long_o as_o faith_n and_o probability_n think_v one_o thing_n than_o the_o day_n of_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v the_o second_o ground_n upon_o which_o christian_n dispute_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v their_o much_o dispute_v of_o their_o interest_n in_o god_n sometime_o a_o christian_a will_v believe_v a_o promise_n and_o before_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n come_v their_o hope_n will_v be_v darken_v their_o interest_n in_o christ_n will_v be_v obscure_v and_o then_o they_o do_v quite_o their_o faith_n in_o adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o promise_n these_o two_o be_v join_v together_o want_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o our_o interest_n and_o want_v of_o faith_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n as_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o that_o word_n psal_n 77.8_o be_v his_o mercy_n clean_o go_v there_o be_v dispute_v of_o his_o interest_n and_o present_o this_o be_v subjoin_v do_v his_o promise_n fail_v for_o evermore_o except_o a_o christian_a caâ—_n read_v his_o name_n in_o the_o ancient_a record_n of_o heaven_n and_o can_v seal_v this_o conclusion_n i_o be_o my_o belove_n and_o my_o belove_v he_o be_v i_o it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a and_o a_o difficult_a task_n for_o he_o if_o not_o impossible_a to_o believe_v the_o promise_n the_o four_o ground_n of_o a_o christian_n dispute_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v their_o mistake_v the_o way_n how_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v accomplish_v there_o be_v some_o that_o suppose_v that_o when_o ever_o they_o close_v with_o a_o promise_n by_o faith_n there_o be_v no_o more_o but_o to_o enter_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o such_o a_o promise_n but_o do_v not_o mistake_v it_o between_o your_o believe_v the_o promise_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o there_o may_v be_v sad_a and_o dark_a day_n interveen_v according_a to_o that_o word_n in_o mark._n 10.30_o where_o christ_n pass_v great_a promise_n to_o his_o disciple_n he_o as_o it_o be_v do_v add_v do_v not_o mistake_v i_o that_o you_o shall_v have_v these_o promise_n without_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n you_o shall_v receive_v say_v he_o a_o hundred_o fold_n in_o this_o life_n with_o persecution_n a_o christian_a when_o he_o believe_v the_o promise_n he_o must_v resolve_v to_o have_v a_o winter_n before_o the_o spring_n time_n come_v wherein_o the_o promise_n shall_v bud_v and_o flourish_v the_o five_o ground_n of_o a_o christian_n dispute_v â—â—e_v truth_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v when_o the_o promise_n be_v long_o in_o their_o accomplish_n a_o christian_a when_o first_o he_o meet_v with_o a_o promise_n he_o will_v cry_v forth_o o_o i_o believe_v but_o when_o time_n be_v take_v for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o than_o his_o faith_n begin_v to_o faint_v and_o his_o hope_n begin_v to_o languish_v and_o give_v over_o yea_o sometime_o christian_n they_o fall_v in_o this_o fault_n when_o they_o believe_v a_o promise_n they_o fix_v a_o day_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o which_o if_o god_n do_v not_o keep_v but_o go_v over_o then_o they_o immediate_o cry_v forth_o what_o be_v my_o strength_n that_o i_o shall_v wait_v and_o what_o be_v my_o confidence_n that_o i_o shall_v prolong_v my_o day_n this_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o abraham_n where_o the_o promise_n of_o have_v a_o numerous_a seed_n be_v give_v to_o he_o gen._n 2.12_o the_o long_a time_n before_o that_o promise_n be_v accomplish_v in_o part_n to_o he_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o his_o misbelief_n that_o he_o vent_v gen._n 15.3_o o_o lord_n what_o will_v thou_o give_v i_o since_o i_o go_v childless_a but_o you_o must_v know_v that_o before_o the_o vision_n shall_v speak_v there_o be_v a_o appoint_a time_n that_o you_o must_v wait_v according_a to_o 1_o pet._n 5.9_o 10._o after_o you_o have_v suffer_v a_o while_n than_o the_o promise_n shall_v be_v accomplish_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v make_v perfect_a the_o six_o ground_n upon_o which_o christian_n call_v in_o question_n the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v promise_v when_o they_o compare_v it_o with_o their_o own_o worth_n and_o deserve_a than_o they_o begin_v to_o dispute_v o_o shall_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v shall_v unworthy_a i_o shall_v finful_a i_o shall_v self-destroying_a i_o shall_v i_o that_o be_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o his_o mercy_n receive_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o such_o a_o mercy_n this_o we_o may_v suppose_v be_v one_o ground_n of_o abraham_n misbelief_n gen._n 17.18_o when_o he_o cry_v forth_o at_o that_o same_o time_n when_o the_o lord_n be_v give_v he_o the_o excellent_a promise_n of_o a_o isaac_n o_o that_o ishmael_n may_v live_v he_o think_v a_o isaac_n such_o a_o excellent_a mercy_n that_o he_o can_v not_o without_o presumption_n expect_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o promise_n and_o zach._n 8.6_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o misbelief_n which_o god_n do_v sweet_o obviate_v if_o it_o be_v wonderful_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o remnant_n of_o this_o people_n in_o these_o day_n shall_v it_o also_o be_v wonderful_a in_o i_o the_o last_o ground_n upon_o which_o christian_n dispute_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v when_o in_o the_o time_n between_o their_o believe_a and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n they_o fall_v into_o some_o gross_a iniquity_n this_o make_v they_o exceed_o debate_v whether_o the_o promise_n shall_v be_v accomplish_v unto_o they_o for_o since_o they_o have_v transgress_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o have_v break_v their_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n they_o can_v suppose_v god_n will_v abide_v faithful_a to_o they_o and_o once_o accomplish_v his_o promise_n unto_o they_o and_o the_o only_a way_n how_o to_o answer_v this_o dispute_n be_v to_o look_v
his_o way_n that_o will_v come_v and_o shall_v come_v and_o shall_v not_o tarry_v we_o desire_v to_o give_v praise_n sermon_n v._n 2_o pet._n 1.4_o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n there_o be_v three_o cardinal_n and_o excellent_a grace_n that_o be_v exercise_v and_o take_v up_o with_o the_o precious_a promise_n there_o be_v the_o excellent_a grace_n of_o faith_n that_o believe_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o promise_n there_o be_v the_o precious_a grace_n of_o hope_n that_o with_o patience_n wait_v for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o do_v stay_v until_o the_o vision_n speak_v and_o that_o noble_a grace_n of_o love_n that_o love_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v promise_v and_o take_v exceed_v much_o delight_n in_o the_o promiser_n if_o we_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o speak_v so_o we_o think_v these_o strange_a revolution_n and_o time_n we_o live_v in_o be_v another_o eclesiaste_n which_o do_v full_o preach_v forth_o the_o vanity_n and_o emptiness_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v below_o god_n and_o we_o do_v indeed_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o darkling_a of_o our_o pleasant_a thing_n and_o in_o make_v every_o gourd_n to_o wither_v under_o the_o shadow_n 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o use_v to_o repose_v ourselves_o and_o in_o faâ—â—â—â—ifling_v all_o the_o god_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o bring_v hiâ—â—_n own_o to_o delight_v themselves_o in_o this_o visible_a treasure_n the_o pomise_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n and_o in_o he_o who_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o they_o and_o that_o since_o all_o thing_n else_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v vanity_n we_o may_v choice_n these_o as_o our_o own_o portion_n for_o ever_o at_o the_o last_o occasion_n that_o we_o speak_v upon_o these_o word_n we_o be_v speak_v unto_o the_o property_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o we_o tell_v you_o that_o there_o be_v four_o of_o they_o hold_v forth_o 1._o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o promise_n 2._o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o which_o then_o we_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o and_o now_o there_o remain_v other_o two_o to_o be_v speak_v to_o to_o wit_n that_o the_o promise_n be_v exceed_o great_a and_o that_o they_o be_v exceed_o precious_a a_o sweet_a and_o excellent_a though_o a_o rare_a conjunction_n greatness_n and_o goodness_n here_o kiss_v one_o another_o preciousness_n and_o highness_n link_v together_o by_o the_o bond_n of_o union_n and_o we_o shall_v speak_v unto_o these_o two_o property_n to_o â—â—ther_n and_o shall_v clear_v a_o little_a this_o thing_n 〈…〉_o what_o respect_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o coveâ—â—â—â—_n may_v be_v call_v exceed_o great_a and_o precious_a and_o we_o conceive_v in_o short_a they_o may_v be_v call_v so_o in_o these_o eight_o respect_n first_o they_o be_v exceed_o great_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a price_n that_o be_v lay_v down_o to_o purchase_v they_o there_o not_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n above_o the_o head_n of_o which_o this_o may_v not_o be_v engrave_v in_o great_a letter_n here_o be_v the_o price_n and_o purchase_v of_o blood_n and_o no_o doubt_n this_o aught_o high_o to_o commend_v the_o promisâ—â—_n that_o they_o be_v buy_v at_o so_o infinite_a a_o race_n must_v they_o not_o be_v great_a and_o precious_a thing_n that_o so_o wise_a a_o merchant_n do_v lay_v down_o so_o infinite_a a_o treasure_n for_o the_o purchase_n of_o they_o 2._o they_o may_v be_v call_v exceed_o great_a and_o precious_a in_o respect_n of_o those_o great_a and_o precious_a thing_n that_o be_v promise_v in_o they_o be_v not_o godliness_n a_o great_a thing_n and_o this_o be_v within_o the_o bosom_n of_o a_o promise_n be_v not_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n a_o great_a and_o precious_a thing_n and_o yet_o this_o lie_v within_o the_o bosom_n of_o a_o promise_n be_v not_o the_o know_v of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v our_o perfect_a conformity_n with_o god_n our_o victory_n over_o idol_n great_a and_o excellent_a thing_n and_o yet_o all_o these_o be_v treasure_v up_o in_o the_o promise_n 3._o they_o may_v be_v call_v exceed_o great_a and_o precious_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a advantage_n that_o redound_v to_o a_o christian_a through_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n if_o so_o we_o may_v speak_v be_v the_o pencil_n that_o draw_v the_o draught_n and_o lineament_n of_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n by_o which_o we_o be_v change_v from_o glory_n to_o glory_n as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o peter_n do_v here_o speak_v the_o promise_n be_v such_o thing_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 4._o they_o may_v be_v call_v exceed_o precious_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o neat_a relation_n that_o they_o have_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n what_o be_v all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v they_o not_o stream_n and_o rivulet_n that_o flow_v from_o jesus_n christ_n christ_n be_v the_o fountain_n out_o of_o which_o all_o these_o promise_n do_v spring_n and_o can_v this_o fountain_n that_o be_v sweet_a in_o itself_o send_v forth_o any_o bitter_a water_n must_v they_o not_o â—e_v precious_a thing_n that_o have_v such_o a_o noble_a descent_n as_o to_o be_v stream_n of_o love_n flow_v out_o from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n and_o from_o he_o unto_o we_o as_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o ointment_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o aaron_n which_o run_v down_o the_o beard_n unto_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n 5._o they_o may_v be_v call_v exceed_o precious_a promise_n in_o respect_n they_o or_o rather_o christ_n in_o they_o be_v the_o object_n of_o precious_a faith_n what_o be_v the_o meat_n upon_o which_o faith_n do_v feed_v be_v it_o not_o upon_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o christ_n the_o kernill_a of_o they_o what_o be_v these_o thing_n that_o faith_n take_v so_o much_o delight_n in_o and_o be_v support_v by_o be_v it_o not_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n 6._o they_o may_v be_v call_v exceed_o precious_a in_o that_o they_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o guide_v and_o lead_v we_o to_o precious_a christ_n there_o be_v not_o a_o promise_n within_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o as_o it_o be_v it_o cry_v forth_o with_o a_o loud_a voice_n o_o come_v to_o christ_n the_o promise_n be_v indeed_o the_o star_n that_o lead_v we_o unto_o the_o house_n where_o christ_n do_v lie_v and_o there_o be_v no_o access_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n but_o by_o a_o promise_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v find_v there_o for_o he_o dwell_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n and_o there_o he_o will_v try_v with_o his_o people_n and_o be_v find_v of_o they_o and_o 7._o they_o may_v be_v call_v exceed_o precious_a in_o respect_n that_o the_o saint_n have_v find_v such_o sweetness_n and_o such_o unspeakable_a delight_n in_o these_o promise_n do_v not_o david_n find_v a_o great_a sweetness_n in_o the_o promise_n when_o he_o cry_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o thy_o mouth_n be_v better_o unto_o i_o than_o thousand_o of_o gold_n and_o silver_n do_v he_o not_o find_v much_o sweetness_n in_o the_o promise_n when_o he_o be_v constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o thy_o law_n be_v sweet_a 〈◊〉_d to_o i_o than_o the_o honey_n and_o the_o honey_n comb_n dâ—vid_n in_o a_o manner_n be_v put_v to_o a_o nonplus_n to_o finâ—_n out_o any_o suitable_a similitude_n and_o significant_a resemblance_n to_o point_v out_o the_o sweetness_n of_o thâ—_n promise_n though_o we_o may_v see_v the_o christian_n of_o this_o time_n in_o a_o spiritual_a fever_n they_o have_v lose_v their_o spiritual_a taste_n so_o that_o they_o may_v say_v if_o we_o may_v allude_v unto_o that_o word_n 2_o sam._n 19.25_o i_o be_o this_o day_n fourscore_o year_n old_a and_o can_v discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_n can_v thy_o servant_n taste_v what_o i_o eat_v or_o what_o i_o drink_v they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v overcome_v with_o the_o sweetness_n that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o these_o excellent_a stream_n of_o divine_a consolation_n last_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v call_v exceed_o precious_a in_o that_o the_o saint_n have_v a_o high_a and_o matchless_a account_n of_o they_o hence_o that_o word_n here_o render_v precious_a may_v likewise_o be_v render_v honourable_a which_o speak_v forth_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o have_v so_o much_o of_o the_o esteem_n of_o a_o christian_a as_o the_o promise_n will_v you_o put_v wisdom_n
or_o riches_n or_o honour_n or_o what_o you_o will_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o the_o promise_n they_o will_v cry_v forth_o what_o shall_v i_o profit_v to_o gain_v all_o these_o if_o i_o lose_v the_o promise_n we_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o but_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v indeed_o that_o apple_n the_o eat_n of_o which_o will_v make_v we_o in_o some_o respect_n and_o in_o humility_n be_v it_o speak_v as_o god_n know_v good_a and_o evil_n the_o promise_n be_v these_o thing_n that_o do_v elevate_v the_o soul_n unto_o a_o divine_a conformity_n with_o god_n and_o oh_o that_o this_o may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o they_o the_o promise_n be_v as_o cord_n let_v down_o to_o soulâ—_n sink_v in_o the_o miry_a clay_n and_o in_o the_o horrible_a pit_n do_v but_o lie_v hold_v upon_o they_o and_o you_o shall_v undoubted_o be_v draw_v up_o and_o he_o shall_v set_v your_o foot_n upon_o the_o rock_n and_o order_v all_o your_o go_n now_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o three_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o advantage_n and_o unspeakable_a gain_n that_o flow_v to_o a_o christian_a through_o the_o promise_n hold_v forth_o in_o these_o word_n that_o by_o they_o you_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o word_n do_v not_o hold_v forth_o that_o there_o be_v any_o substantial_a chance_n of_o our_o nature_n unto_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n but_o only_o it_o hold_v forth_o this_o that_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v take_v up_o in_o believe_v of_o the_o promise_n they_o arise_v unto_o a_o likeness_n and_o conformity_n to_o he_o in_o holiness_n wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n and_o as_o to_o these_o advantage_n that_o come_v to_o a_o christian_a through_o the_o promise_n 1._o we_o must_v lay_v this_o for_o a_o ground_n that_o the_o fruit_n of_o all_o come_v to_o he_o through_o believe_v the_o promise_n and_o in_o make_v application_n of_o they_o and_o the_o first_o be_v that_o they_o do_v exceed_o help_v and_o promove_v that_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a work_n of_o mortification_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n as_o likewise_o from_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o have_v these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o clearse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o influence_n that_o the_o promise_n have_v upon_o sanctification_n may_v be_v show_v unto_o you_o in_o these_o three_o first_o they_o lay_v upon_o a_o christian_n a_o divine_a bond_n and_o obligation_n to_o study_v holiness_n that_o since_o christ_n have_v signify_v and_o testifiâ—â—_n his_o respect_n unto_o we_o in_o so_o ample_a and_o larâ—â—_n a_o way_n as_o to_o give_v we_o such_o precious_a promiseâ—_n we_o ought_v to_o endeavour_v to_o study_v holiness_n which_o be_v that_o great_a reward_n of_o love_n that_o hâ—_n seek_v from_o we_o for_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v bestow_v and_o we_o receive_v and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o 2_o corinth_n 7.1_o second_o the_o strength_n and_o furniture_n of_o a_o christian_a for_o fulfil_v and_o accomplish_v of_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n lie_v within_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o christian_a as_o samson_n lock_n in_o which_o their_o great_a strength_n do_v lie_v and_o if_o once_o they_o cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o promise_n through_o misbelief_n their_o strength_n do_v decay_v and_o they_o become_v as_o other_o man_n where_o must_v the_o christian_a go_v to_o for_o strength_n be_v it_o not_o to_o the_o promise_n be_v it_o not_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n yea_o this_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o a_o christian_a unto_o which_o he_o must_v resort_v continual_o and_o three_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n they_o hold_v forth_o that_o unspeakable_a reward_n that_o attend_v that_o christian_n that_o shall_v study_v holiness_n there_o be_v several_a promise_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n that_o cry_v forth_o to_o the_o christian_a to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_n this_o promise_n be_v accomplish_v to_o he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v this_o truth_n be_v fulfil_v and_o this_o do_v exceed_o provoke_v a_o christian_n to_o wrestle_v with_o all_o his_o discouragement_n he_o meet_v within_o the_o way_n he_o buri_v all_o his_o anxiety_n within_o the_o circle_n of_o his_o immortal_a crown_n which_o he_o hope_v for_o and_o see_v in_o the_o promise_n and_o his_o hope_n make_v he_o dispense_v with_o his_o want_n his_o expectation_n make_v he_o overcome_v his_o fear_n and_o his_o look_v for_o joy_n make_v he_o to_o dispense_v with_o his_o sorrow_n the_o second_o advantage_n be_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o promise_n do_v help_v a_o christian_a to_o a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o withal_o make_v he_o delight_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o this_o be_v clear_a from_o 2_o sam._n 7.27_o where_o david_n believe_v the_o promise_n it_o be_v subjoin_v he_o find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o pray_v that_o prayer_n unto_o god_n and_o if_o any_o will_v look_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prayer_n they_o will_v see_v they_o run_v in_o a_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a strain_n speak_v he_o one_o much_o acquaint_v with_o god_n and_o under_o most_o high_a and_o majestic_a apprehension_n of_o his_o glory_n as_o be_v clear_a also_o psal_n 119_o 147._o i_o prevent_v the_o dawn_n of_o the_o morning_n and_o cry_v and_o as_o if_o david_n have_v say_v will_v you_o know_v what_o make_v i_o thus_o fervent_a and_o diligent_a in_o prayer_n it_o be_v that_o i_o hope_v in_o his_o word_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o have_v so_o many_o prayer_n in_o that_o psalm_n all_o be_v occasion_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o promise_n as_o for_o instance_n when_o he_o cry_v forth_o quicken_v i_o according_a to_o thy_o word_n be_v merciful_a unto_o i_o according_a to_o thy_o word_n and_o we_o conceive_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o promise_n help_v a_o christian_a in_o his_o prayer_n to_o these_o four_o divine_a ingredient_n of_o that_o duty_n 1._o it_o make_v he_o pray_v with_o faith_n when_o once_o he_o build_v his_o prayer_n upon_o the_o promise_n than_o he_o vent_v his_o prayer_n with_o much_o confidence_n of_o hope_n according_a to_o that_o word_n psal_n 65.3_o where_o you_o may_v see_v a_o man_n believe_v and_o pray_v when_o he_o be_v believe_v and_o express_v his_o confidence_n mâ—â—_n strange_o in_o these_o word_n as_o for_o our_o transgression_n thou_o shall_v purge_v they_o away_o it_o 〈◊〉_d not_o say_v thou_o will_v purge_v they_o away_o or_o we_o desire_v that_o thou_o shall_v purge_v they_o away_o but_o thou_o shall_v which_o speak_v forth_o both_o the_o confidence_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o boldness_n of_o faith_n a_o christian_a that_o believe_v the_o promise_n he_o can_v take_v the_o promise_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o present_v it_o unto_o god_n and_o say_v fulfil_v this_o promise_n since_o thou_o will_v not_o deny_v thy_o name_n but_o be_v faithful_a 2._o it_o make_v a_o christian_a pray_v with_o much_o humility_n for_o when_o he_o do_v understand_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o he_o have_v but_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o a_o promise_n he_o do_v not_o boast_v as_o those_o that_o have_v receive_v but_o walk_v humble_o under_o his_o enjoyment_n this_o be_v clear_a gen._n 32.10_o where_o we_o may_v see_v jacob_n speak_v to_o god_n with_o much_o humility_n and_o in_o the_o nine_o verse_n he_o be_v speak_v to_o god_n with_o much_o faith_n and_o 3._o it_o make_v a_o christian_a pray_v with_o much_o love_n will_v you_o know_v the_o great_a ground_n that_o we_o be_v so_o remiss_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o love_n in_o prayer_n it_o be_v because_o we_o build_v not_o our_o prayer_n upon_o the_o promise_n and_o 4._o it_o help_v a_o christian_n to_o pray_v with_o much_o fervency_n when_o be_v it_o that_o david_n cry_v to_o god_n be_v it_o not_o when_o he_o be_v believe_v the_o promise_n that_o past_a to_o he_o of_o old_a we_o will_v not_o plead_v with_o god_n with_o such_o remissness_n if_o we_o do_v believe_v the_o promise_n that_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n the_o three_o advantage_n be_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o promise_n do_v sometime_o uphold_v a_o christian_a under_o his_o spiritual_a disertion_n and_o tentation_n be_v it_o not_o certain_a that_o sometime_o he_o have_v be_v ready_a to_o draw_v that_o conclusion_n i_o be_o cast_v out_o of_o his_o sight_n and_o shall_v no_o more_o behold_v he_o in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n when_o a_o promise_n have_v be_v bear_v in_o upon_o his_o spirit_n have_v support_v he_o and_o make_v he_o to_o change_v his_o song_n and_o to_o invert_v his_o conclusion_n this_o be_v
heart_n be_v oftentimes_o die_v within_o we_o like_o a_o stone_n and_o we_o be_v like_a unto_o those_o that_o be_v free_a among_o the_o dead_a be_v it_o not_o because_o we_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o the_o promise_n eight_o there_o be_v that_o advantage_n that_o faith_n of_o the_o promise_n it_o make_v a_o christian_a have_v a_o esteem_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v promise_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o we_o write_v this_o above_o the_o head_n of_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n this_o be_v a_o zoar_n a_o little_a one_o be_v it_o not_o because_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v great_a thing_n sometime_o to_o we_o have_v no_o beauty_n and_o there_o be_v no_o comeliness_n that_o appear_v in_o they_o why_o they_o shall_v be_v desire_v but_o if_o we_o have_v so_o much_o faith_n as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n we_o will_v cry_v forth_o how_o excellent_a be_v these_o thing_n that_o be_v purchase_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o how_o eternal_o be_v they_o make_v up_o that_o have_v a_o right_a but_o to_o one_o line_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n that_o be_v well_o order_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o sure_a and_o ninthly_a the_o faith_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o door_n at_o which_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n do_v enter_v in_o according_a to_o that_o word_n luk._n 1.45_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o believe_v for_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o performance_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o lord_n unto_o they_o if_o we_o be_v more_o in_o wait_v for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o promise_n the_o vision_n shall_v speak_v and_o shall_v not_o tarry_v and_o no_o doubt_n a_o mercy_n come_v to_o we_o as_o the_o fruit_n and_o performance_n of_o a_o promise_n will_v make_v it_o a_o exceed_o refreshful_a thing_n when_o a_o christian_a get_v leave_v to_o sing_v that_o song_n which_o be_v in_o isa_n 25.9_o lo_o this_o be_v our_o god_n we_o have_v wait_v for_o he_o and_o he_o will_v come_v and_o save_v we_o and_o when_o a_o mercy_n be_v the_o fruit_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n there_o be_v a_o beautiful_a lustre_n and_o die_v upon_o that_o mercy_n which_o no_o art_n can_v set_v on_o but_o only_o the_o finger_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o small_a mercy_n than_o become_v a_o matchless_a mystery_n of_o love_n and_o the_o most_o matchless_a mystery_n of_o love_n without_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n they_o become_v as_o thing_n that_o be_v contemptible_a in_o our_o eye_n and_o we_o do_v not_o value_v nor_o praise_v they_o faith_n make_v our_o thought_n to_o ascend_v &_o misbelief_n make_v our_o thought_n to_o descend_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o mercy_n of_o heaven_n last_o beside_o all_o these_o advantage_n we_o have_v these_o two_o mention_v in_o the_o text_n 1._o that_o by_o they_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o be_v bring_v up_o unto_o that_o bless_a conformity_n with_o god_n which_o we_o have_v lose_v in_o the_o fall_n 2._o that_o by_o they_o we_o escape_v the_o corruption_n in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n lintend_v not_o particular_o to_o open_v up_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n at_o this_o time_n because_o i_o be_o only_a to_o speak_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n but_o o_o what_o excellent_a mercy_n be_v these_o to_o get_v on_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o to_o get_v off_o these_o ugly_a defilement_n which_o be_v the_o image_n of_o satan_n upon_o our_o soul_n o_o how_o shall_v this_o commend_v the_o promise_n unto_o we_o that_o by_o faith_n in_o they_o we_o do_v all_o behold_v with_o open_a face_n as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o from_o glory_n to_o glory_n as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o that_o which_o second_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o shall_v be_v the_o advantage_n that_o result_v to_o a_o christian_a from_o a_o spiritual_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n accomplish_v his_o promise_n for_o here_o you_o see_v in_o the_o text_n the_o apostle_n make_v a_o observation_n of_o these_o excellent_a thing_n that_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o these_o precious_a promise_n when_o they_o be_v accomplish_v and_o the_o first_o advantage_n be_v that_o it_o stamp_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o believer_n with_o most_o divine_a impression_n of_o love_n this_o be_v clear_a isa_n 38.15_o where_o hezekiah_n cry_v out_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v he_o have_v speak_v it_o and_o himself_o have_v do_v it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v astonish_v and_o overcome_v with_o thâ—_n apprehension_n of_o the_o condescendency_n of_o god_n he_o be_v put_v to_o a_o non_fw-la plus_fw-la and_o to_o what_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d say_v psal_n 41.8_o 9_o as_o we_o have_v hear_v say_v david_n so_o have_v we_o see_v in_o the_o city_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n that_o be_v according_a to_o his_o promise_n we_o have_v have_v suitable_a performance_n 〈◊〉_d and_o he_o subjoin_v verse_n 9_o that_o which_o waâ—_n both_o their_o exercise_n and_o their_o advantage_n we_o have_v think_v of_o thy_o love_a kindness_n o_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o thy_o temple_n as_o it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o promise_n make_v their_o thought_n whole_o to_o be_v take_v up_o with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o no_o doubt_n therâ—_n be_v more_o love_n in_o perform_v one_o promise_n theâ—_n eternity_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o commeatary_n upon_o it_o be_v one_o wonder_n of_o condescendency_n that_o god_n shall_v oblige_v and_o bind_v himself_o to_o we_o by_o promise_n and_o another_o depth_n of_o wonderful_a love_n that_o he_o shall_v perform_v these_o bond_n and_o answer_v his_o word_n with_o performance_n the_o second_o advantage_n be_v that_o the_o observe_n of_o accomplishment_n of_o promise_n do_v bring_v in_o to_o the_o soul_n new_a discovery_n of_o godâ—_n this_o be_v clear_a exod._n 6.3_o where_o god_n thuâ—_n speak_v to_o moses_n i_o be_v know_v say_v he_o unto_o abraham_n and_o unto_o isaac_n and_o unto_o jacob_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o almighty_a but_o by_o the_o namâ—_n of_o jehovah_n be_v i_o not_o know_v unto_o they_o the_o be_v by_o the_o name_n of_o give_v a_o accomplishment_n unto_o my_o promise_n that_o name_n be_v nâ—_n discover_v unto_o they_o but_o shall_v be_v maâ—_n know_v unto_o their_o posterity_n in_o the_o day_n wheâ—â—_n his_o promise_n shall_v pass_v unto_o performance_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v also_o that_o when_o the_o lord_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o great_a promise_n he_o do_v so_o often_o in_o the_o scripture_n subjoin_v that_o word_n you_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o jehovah_n or_o the_o lord_n isa_n 49.23_o 52._o and_o 60.16_o and_o indeed_o we_o do_v daily_o find_v it_o so_o for_o be_v not_o every_o accomplishment_n of_o a_o promise_n a_o new_a discovery_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o shine_v in_o the_o suitable_a tyme_v of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o a_o promise_n be_v not_o every_o accomplishment_n of_o a_o promise_n a_o new_a discovery_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v not_o alter_v that_o which_o have_v go_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n and_o be_v not_o every_o performance_n of_o the_o promise_n a_o new_a discovery_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o he_o desire_v to_o magnify_v his_o mercy_n above_o all_o his_o work_n and_o a_o new_a discovery_n of_o the_o power_n and_o omnipotency_n of_o god_n that_o can_v bring_v forth_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n notwithstanding_o of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o way_n yea_o make_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v and_o bring_v to_o nought_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o three_o advantage_n be_v that_o be_v help_v a_o christian_n to_o have_v high_a apprehension_n and_o majestic_a uptaking_n of_o god_n this_o be_v clear_a 1_o tim._n 1.15_o compare_v with_o vers_n 17._o where_o paul_n close_v with_o that_o promise_n that_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n and_o behold_v in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o in_o himself_o 〈◊〉_d heart_n as_o it_o be_v be_v elevate_v within_o â—â—th_n and_o he_o cry_v forth_o now_o unto_o the_o king_n â—ernal_a immortal_a invisible_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n â—e_a honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n there_o be_v a_o enphasis_n in_o that_o word_n now_o if_o paul_n have_v say_v i_o can_v never_o praise_v and_o 〈◊〉_d toll_v he_o till_o now_o and_o i_o be_o so_o much_o bind_v christ_n that_o i_o will_v not_o delay_v this_o exercise_n oâ—_n moment_n now_o i_o will_v bless_v he_o and_o it_o be_v clâ—_n from_o mic._n 7.18_o where_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v there_o make_v tâ—â—_n church_n cry_v out_o who_o
trial_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v will_v you_o have_v a_o distinct_a persuasion_n that_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n then_o be_v much_o in_o the_o exercisâ—_n of_o self_n examination_n for_o the_o rest_n of_o thâ—_n word_n of_o the_o verse_n we_o intend_v not_o 〈◊〉_d handle_v as_o to_o the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thiâ—_n attainable_a i_o shall_v only_o propose_v these_o reason_n unto_o you_o to_o make_v it_o evident_a 1._o it_o be_v know_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a have_v in_o ordinary_a way_n attain_v to_o distinct_a persuasion_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n song_n 2._o vers_fw-la 16._o my_o belove_a be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o he_o and_o rom._n 8.38_o i_o be_o persuade_v say_v the_o apostle_n that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v i_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o 2_o cor._n 5._o ver_fw-la 1._o for_o we_o know_v if_o this_o our_o earthly_a tabernacle_n be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o house_n with_o god_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n 2._o it_o be_v the_o great_a scope_n of_o many_o scripture_n to_o show_v how_o christian_n may_v attain_v to_o assurance_n 1_o job_n 1.13_o these_o thing_n i_o write_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o may_v know_v what_o you_o have_v eternal_a life_n the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o john_n write_v in_o these_o epistle_n be_v to_o make_v a_o soul_n acquaint_v with_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v they_o to_o accept_v of_o he_o and_o to_o give_v they_o a_o distinct_a assurance_n that_o christ_n have_v accept_v they_o 3._o there_o be_v many_o command_n in_o scripture_n for_o christian_n to_o be_v serious_a in_o scarch_v after_o assurance_n 2_o pet._n 1.10_o wherefore_o brethren_n give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a it_o be_v the_o bless_a end_n of_o god_n oath_n in_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n that_o a_o christian_n may_v get_v assurance_n what_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o great_a end_n that_o god_n confirm_v his_o covenant_n with_o a_o oath_n be_v it_o not_o heb._n 6.18_o that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v you_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n 5._o if_o assurance_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o christ_n be_v not_o attainable_a then_o thâ—se_a precious_a grace_n of_o joy_n and_o love_n can_v not_o be_v well_o exercise_v iâ—_n christian_n be_v evermore_o in_o the_o dark_a concern_v his_o interest_n in_o christ_n he_o can_v not_o giu_v obedience_n to_o that_o exhortation_n rejoice_v eveâ—_n more_o again_o i_o say_v rejoice_v 6._o the_o scripture_n have_v set_v down_o these_o mean_n by_o which_o 〈◊〉_d christian_n may_v win_v to_o assurance_n as_o be_v cleaâ—_n 1_o joh._n 3.18_o 19_o 2_o pet._n 4.5_o compare_v witâ—_n vers_fw-la 10._o where_o the_o apostle_n peter_n press_v thâ—_n doctrine_n of_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a he_o set_v down_o these_o excellent_a meaâ—_n by_o which_o they_o may_v win_v to_o it_o and_o doubtless_o the_o mark_n and_o evident_n that_o be_v registrate_n iâ—_n the_o scripture_n of_o a_o gracious_a state_n do_v assurâ—_n we_o that_o assurance_n be_v attainable_a 7._o what_o arâ—_n the_o end_n of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o that_o our_o assurance_n may_v be_v confirm_v and_o that_o our_o faith_n may_v be_v strengthen_v the_o two_o sacrament_n be_v the_o two_o great_a seal_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v put_v to_o the_o charter_n of_o the_o covenant_n now_o as_o to_o the_o application_n and_o the_o morâ—_n full_a improvement_n of_o this_o first_o point_n i_o shalâ—_n only_o offer_v these_o consideration_n 1._o i_o woulâ—_n have_v it_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o though_o gracâ—_n and_o assurance_n be_v two_o lover_n yet_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d such_o band_n of_o union_n between_o they_o that_o thâ—_n one_o can_v consist_v without_o the_o other_o 〈◊〉_d christian_n may_v have_v the_o real_a grace_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d and_o yet_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o have_v no_o light_a 〈◊〉_d a_o christian_a may_v be_v go_v to_o heaven_n and_o yeâ—_n that_o word_n oftentimes_o in_o his_o mouth_n i_o be_o 〈◊〉_d off_o from_o thy_o sight_n yea_o be_v there_o not_o eveâ—_n some_o who_o have_v have_v assurance_n and_o sometime_o a_o day_n have_v be_v admit_v to_o draw_v that_o conclusion_n i_o be_o my_o belove_n and_o his_o desire_n 〈◊〉_d towards_o i_o who_o be_v now_o under_o darkness_n concern_v their_o interest_n and_o in_o much_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n do_v sometime_o cry_v out_o my_o hope_n and_o my_o strength_n be_v perish_v from_o the_o lord_n but_o therefore_o let_v i_o say_v this_o one_o word_n both_o to_o weak_a one_o who_o never_o have_v assurance_n and_o desert_a one_o who_o have_v lose_v it_o when_o you_o miss_v assurance_n beware_v of_o draw_v such_o negative_a conclusion_n concern_v your_o grace_n but_o when_o you_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o see_v no_o light_n trust_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o stay_v yourselves_o upon_o your_o god_n that_o be_v when_o you_o can_v reach_v the_o faith_n of_o assurance_n be_v much_o in_o maintain_v of_o adherence_n remember_v job_n divinity_n though_o thou_o shall_v kill_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o thou_o and_o consider_v that_o sweet_a word_n he_o will_v keep_v they_o in_o perfect_a peace_n who_o heart_n be_v stay_v on_o he_o my_o second_o consideration_n be_v that_o since_o assurance_n be_v attainable_a you_o will_v 〈◊〉_d find_v out_o and_o remove_v these_o thing_n that_o 〈◊〉_d hinder_v you_o from_o attain_v unto_o it_o and_o that_o we_o may_v help_v you_o in_o this_o we_o conceive_v that_o the_o obstruction_n of_o a_o christian_n assurance_n be_v especial_o in_o these_o two_o 1._o our_o mistake_n of_o the_o lord_n deal_v towards_o we_o and_o 2._o our_o untender_a and_o unsuitable_a deal_n towards_o he_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n we_o shall_v lay_v before_o you_o these_o five_o the_o first_o be_v want_v of_o favourable_a term_n of_o prayer_n this_o often_o make_v a_o christian_n to_o debate_v his_o interest_n and_o call_v in_o question_n his_o evidence_n lam._n 3.8_o compare_v with_o verse_n 18._o i_o cry_v and_o shout_n but_o he_o shut_v out_o my_o prayer_n and_o this_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o dispensation_n verse_n 18._o my_o hope_n and_o my_o strength_n be_v perish_v from_o the_o lord_n and_o this_o especial_o occasion_v when_o the_o christian_a most_o serious_a and_o servant_n in_o prayer_n and_o the_o he_o meer_v not_o with_o a_o return_n this_o make_v they_o exceed_o debate_v their_o interest_n aâ—â—_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o sad_a dispensation_n to_o mâ—â—_n with_o a_o silent_a christ_n in_o prayer_n but_o yet_o thâ—_n need_v not_o make_v a_o believer_n question_v all_o aâ—â—_n debate_n the_o reality_n of_o his_o interest_n in_o god_n since_o the_o dear_a of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o thâ—_n kingdom_n have_v be_v so_o deal_v with_o even_o 〈◊〉_d david_n psal_n 22._o cry_v night_n and_o day_n without_o silence_n and_o be_v not_o hear_v but_o cry_v out_o why_o be_v thou_o so_o far_o from_o help_v and_o from_o the_o word_n of_o my_o roar_n yea_o that_o passage_n may_v relate_v tâ—_n he_o who_o be_v the_o root_n and_o offspring_n of_o david_n for_o even_o he_o be_v so_o deal_v with_o and_o have_v not_o present_o a_o sensible_a return_n when_o he_o haâ—_n pray_v thrice_o that_o the_o cup_n may_v pass_v from_o he_o second_o the_o want_n of_o sensible_a enlargement_n and_o liberty_n in_o prayer_n that_o he_o never_o get_v to_o his_o knee_n but_o his_o heart_n begin_v to_o die_v like_o a_o stone_n within_o he_o than_o he_o cry_v forth_o that_o word_n 2_o cor._n 3.17_o where_o thâ—_n spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v there_o be_v liberty_n and_o surâ—_n if_o i_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v haâ—â—_n liberty_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n and_o thaâ—_n this_o be_v a_o rise_n of_o the_o dispute_v of_o our_o intereâ—â—_n be_v clear_a from_o psal_n 77.4_o compare_v with_o 〈◊〉_d 7.9_o say_v david_n i_o be_o sore_o trouble_v that_o 〈◊〉_d can_v speak_v i_o have_v no_o liberty_n in_o prayer_n 〈◊〉_d never_o go_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n but_o as_o it_o weâ—â—_n my_o tongue_n stick_v to_o the_o roof_n of_o my_o mouâ—â—_n he_o from_o hence_o draw_v that_o conclusion_n 〈◊〉_d god_n forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a and_o have_v 〈◊〉_d wrath_n shut_v up_o his_o tender_a mercy_n for_o ever_o i_o confess_v this_o also_o be_v a_o sad_a dispensation_n to_o meet_v with_o a_o absent_a and_o veil_a christ_n in_o prayer_n so_o that_o we_o can_v never_o go_v to_o seek_v god_n in_o secret_a but_o we_o may_v write_v this_o upon_o our_o prayer_n he_o be_v go_v he_o be_v go_v especial_o when_o we_o have_v lose_v that_o liberty_n that_o former_o
from_o this_o point_n 〈◊〉_d that_o if_o the_o seek_n after_o assurance_n be_v so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n then_o let_v i_o beseech_v you_o to_o poâ—der_v with_o yourselves_o what_o mean_n be_v fit_a 〈◊〉_d you_o to_o use_v that_o you_o may_v attain_v it_o and_o if_o you_o 〈◊〉_d choir_n what_o these_o mean_n be_v i_o shall_v only_o 〈◊〉_d before_o you_o some_o few_o 1._o that_o you_o will_v be_v much_o in_o the_o exercâ—â—_n of_o faith_n i_o mean_v the_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d whereby_o the_o sinner_n from_o his_o sense_n and_o feâ—â—ing_n of_o his_o want_n lay_v hold_v on_o jesus_n chrisâ—_n close_v with_o he_o and_o lean_v upon_o he_o 〈◊〉_d a_o full_a supply_n out_o of_o his_o fullness_n for_o indeed_o there_o be_v two_o great_a fault_n among_o the_o lord_n people_n some_o do_v seek_v assurance_n of_o faith_n before_o ever_o they_o seek_v to_o have_v faith_n 2._o some_o 〈◊〉_d much_o more_o take_v up_o in_o debate_v their_o â—â—dences_n whether_o they_o be_v real_a or_o not_o than_o they_o be_v instrengthen_v their_o evidence_n so_o that_o most_o of_o their_o time_n be_v spend_v in_o question_v o_o be_v this_o a_o real_a evidence_n of_o assurance_n where_o as_o more_o actual_a believe_v in_o christ_n and_o grip_v to_o the_o promise_n and_o less_o dispute_v be_v the_o short_a and_o sure_a way_n that_o word_n be_v most_o clear_a eph._n 1.13_o after_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n that_o be_v you_o get_v assurance_n but_o not_o before_o you_o believe_v and_o you_o know_v it_o be_v say_v matth._n 9.2_o and_o when_o jesus_n see_v their_o faith_n he_o say_v son_n be_v of_o good_a comfort_n thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o so_o than_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o to_o be_v much_o in_o believe_v be_v the_o near_a way_n to_o assurance_n 2._o you_o will_v be_v much_o in_o believe_v the_o general_a truth_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o frequent_o meditate_v of_o they_o all_o assurance_n be_v by_o a_o practical_a syllogism_n the_o first_o proposition_n whereof_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o scripture_n truth_n and_o certain_o the_o firm_a assent_n to_o that_o truth_n and_o the_o soul_n delightful_a meditation_n on_o it_o be_v often_o bless_a of_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o special_a mean_n whereby_o the_o conscience_n be_v help_v to_o make_v the_o assumption_n and_o also_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o conclusion_n for_o instance_n we_o see_v with_o what_o strength_n of_o affection_n paul_n act_v his_o faith_n on_o that_o word_n 1_o tim._n 1.15_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n christ_n jesus_n come_v to_o save_v sinner_n and_o present_o we_o see_v what_o follow_v on_o it_o of_o who_o i_o be_o the_o chief_a then_o be_v his_o assurance_n for_o doubtless_o he_o mean_v that_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o save_v sinner_n yea_o certain_o a_o sinner_n thus_o exercise_v himself_o will_v often_o find_v so_o much_o sweetness_n in_o the_o general_a truth_n 〈◊〉_d can_v but_o put_v to_o his_o own_o name_n 3._o diligent_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o spritual_a grace_n and_o christian_a duty_n that_o thâ—_n among_o the_o best_a mean_n of_o attain_v to_o 〈◊〉_d rance_n be_v manifest_a from_o 2_o pet._n 1._o give_v all_o 〈◊〉_d â—ance_n to_o make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a 〈◊〉_d â—ndeed_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o the_o diligat_n there_o mention_v be_v not_o a_o diligence_n in_o dispâ—â—ing_n and_o question_v about_o our_o election_n 〈◊〉_d diligence_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o duty_n and_o graâ—â—_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o ver_fw-la 5._o give_v all_o diligence_n 〈◊〉_d the_o apostle_n whereto_o in_o add_v to_o your_o 〈◊〉_d virtue_n to_o your_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o vers_n 8._o if_o 〈◊〉_d do_v these_o thing_n you_o shall_v neither_o be_v barren_a 〈◊〉_d unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesuâ—_n christ_n he_o do_v not_o say_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n simple_o but_o of_o our_o loâ—â—_n jesus_n import_v that_o that_o the_o result_n of_o diligence_n in_o these_o grace_n shall_v be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o and_o of_o our_o intereâ—â—_n in_o he_o and_o then_o he_o add_v upon_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o that_o lake_v these_o thing_n be_v blind_a 〈◊〉_d can_v see_v afar_o off_o this_o be_v he_o can_v see_v far_o 〈◊〉_d any_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o so_o not_o in_o the_o mattâ—â—_n of_o his_o interest_n o_o therefore_o think_v not_o thâ—_n you_o will_v get_v assurance_n by_o lie_v down_o with_o 〈◊〉_d sleggard_v upon_o your_o bed_n or_o by_o your_o forâ—â—_n prayer_n or_o your_o anxious_a debate_n but_o if_o euâ—â—_n you_o come_v to_o assurance_n you_o must_v be_v strive_v 〈◊〉_d in_o a_o agony_n for_o so_o the_o word_n import_v whiâ—â—_n be_v use_v to_o express_v our_o diligence_n in_o christian_a duty_n 4._o as_o you_o will_v be_v diligent_a so_o if_o eveâ—_n will_v come_v to_o assurance_n you_o will_v be_v tender_a and_o circumspect_a in_o your_o walk_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d clear_a word_n psal_n 50._o last_o verse_n to_o he_o that_o â—â—dereth_v his_o conversation_n aright_o will_v i_o show_v â—he_n salvation_n of_o god_n and_o isa_n 32._o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n be_v peace_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o â—h_a the_o untender_a walk_n that_o many_o of_o we_o have_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o see_v we_o walk_v in_o darkness_n â—uch_o stink_v gross_a vapour_n that_o arise_v off_o our_o conversation_n can_v but_o engender_v cloud_n â—hat_n hinder_v we_o from_o see_v god_n and_o certain_o such_o pearl_n as_o assurance_n be_v not_o give_v to_o dog_n and_o swine_n lest_o they_o tread_v upon_o they_o sermon_n viii_o 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n there_o be_v two_o great_a balance_n into_o which_o man_n do_v weight_n themselves_o there_o be_v some_o that_o weight_n themselves_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o deceit_n who_o â—hink_v that_o in_o all_o their_o labour_n there_o be_v no_o iniquity_n to_o be_v find_v yet_o god_n who_o be_v the_o weigh_o â—f_n the_o spirit_n when_o he_o shall_v weigh_v they_o will_v â—â—grave_v this_o upon_o their_o forehead_n thou_o be_v â—eighed_v in_o the_o balance_n and_o be_v find_v light_n 〈◊〉_d but_o there_o be_v many_o who_o approve_v themselves_o who_o christ_n shall_v never_o approâ—_n there_o be_v many_o that_o call_v god_n father_n 〈◊〉_d he_o will_v not_o call_v child_n and_o many_o thâ—â—_n christ_n husband_n who_o he_o will_v not_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 2._o there_o be_v some_o who_o weigh_v themselves_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n who_o 〈◊〉_d so_o lie_v and_o most_o spiritual_a ground_n do_v 〈◊〉_d this_o conclusion_n i_o be_o my_o belove_n and_o 〈◊〉_d desire_n be_v towards_o i_o who_o can_v with_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n look_v christ_n in_o the_o face_n 〈◊〉_d say_v thou_o be_v i_o and_o with_o much_o spiriâ—â—â—_n confidence_n take_v he_o in_o their_o arm_n and_o 〈◊〉_d out_o he_o shall_v be_v eternal_o i_o and_o 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o pleasant_a life_n than_o to_o 〈◊〉_d take_v he_o every_o day_n in_o our_o arm_n and_o to_o 〈◊〉_d cry_v out_o be_o i_o not_o make_v up_o in_o he_o be_o i_o noâ—_n make_v up_o in_o he_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o word_n there_o 〈◊〉_d three_o great_a and_o most_o soul_n concern_v errouâ—_n among_o the_o christian_n of_o these_o day_n thâ—â—_n we_o desire_v you_o may_v consider_v 1._o there_o 〈◊〉_d many_o that_o be_v more_o desirous_a to_o know_v whâ—_n they_o be_v than_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v thâ—â—_n be_v some_o be_v more_o take_v up_o to_o know_v whâ—ther_o they_o be_v justify_v and_o sanctify_v than_o 〈◊〉_d be_v indeed_o justify_v and_o sanctify_v and_o theâ—_n be_v more_o desirous_a to_o know_v if_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d christ_n then_o indeed_o to_o be_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o we_o find_v many_o who_o do_v spend_v a_o greâ—â—_n deal_v more_o time_n dispute_v that_o question_n 〈◊〉_d there_o be_o i_o in_o christ_n or_o not_o than_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d use_v of_o these_o mean_n by_o which_o real_a unâ—â—_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o may_v be_v attainâ—â—_n but_o oh_o will_v you_o once_o study_v more_o to_o be_v in_o 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o shall_v be_v the_o short_a way_n to_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o your_o be_v in_o he_o thâ—_n second_o great_a error_n be_v that_o some_o be_v more_o desirous_a to_o know_v what_o they_o shall_v do_v theâ—_n they_o be_v desirous_a to_o do_v what_o they_o know_v 〈◊〉_d be_v there_o not_o many_o of_o we_o that_o have_v this_o question_n wherewith_o shall_v