the_o promise_n to_o be_v effectual_a unto_o we_o both_o for_o support_v and_o comfort_n he_o alone_o it_o be_v who_o be_v the_o mighty_a worker_n of_o that_o noble_a and_o divine_a grace_n of_o save_a faith_n by_o which_o believer_n be_v enable_v to_o lay_v hold_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o by_o they_o of_o christ_n in_o who_o they_o all_o meet_v as_o so_o many_o line_n in_o their_o common_a centre_n he_o it_o be_v who_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o a_o heavenly_a light_n by_o which_o the_o worth_n and_o preciousness_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v give_v of_o god_n in_o the_o promise_n be_v judge_v and_o discern_v he_o it_o be_v who_o bring_v to_o our_o remembrance_n the_o faithful_a say_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v they_o to_o be_v as_o word_n speak_v in_o season_n to_o he_o that_o be_v weary_a he_o it_o be_v who_o teach_v believer_n to_o plead_v the_o promise_n in_o their_o supplication_n unto_o god_n and_o when_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o they_o ought_v make_v request_n for_o they_o with_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v he_o it_o be_v who_o by_o way_n of_o obsignation_n do_v seal_v and_o ratify_v the_o promise_n unto_o the_o faithful_a and_o that_o in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o transcendent_a manner_n in_o the_o assurance_n and_o security_n which_o be_v give_v for_o outward_a thing_n we_o only_o have_v the_o wax_v seal_v with_o the_o impression_n and_o sculpture_n of_o the_o seal_n the_o signet_n seal_v be_v not_o at_o all_o look_v after_o if_o the_o one_o be_v safe_a it_o matter_n not_o though_o the_o other_o be_v lose_v but_o in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o promise_n believer_n do_v possess_v both_o they_o have_v the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o be_v as_o the_o seal_n seal_v and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v as_o the_o seal_n seal_v and_o print_v upon_o their_o heart_n the_o spirit_n by_o his_o special_a testimony_n do_v assure_v they_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o seal_v they_o up_o unto_o it_o according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n rom._n 8._o 16._o the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n with_o christ_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v his_o lively_a image_n and_o impress_n upon_o their_o soul_n do_v also_o evidence_n and_o confirm_v the_o same_o thing_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n unto_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 14._o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o direction_n of_o great_a importance_n unto_o all_o who_o will_v glad_o reap_v profit_n and_o advantage_n from_o the_o promise_n to_o keep_v firm_a and_o to_o strengthen_v their_o communion_n with_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v the_o only_a counsellor_n to_o instruct_v they_o how_o to_o manage_v the_o promise_n to_o the_o best_a improvement_n of_o they_o the_o most_o powerful_a advocate_n to_o furnish_v they_o with_o argument_n to_o plead_v at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n their_o right_n unto_o they_o and_o their_o interest_n in_o they_o the_o most_o effectual_a comforter_n to_o support_v their_o heart_n with_o confidence_n to_o fill_v they_o with_o joy_n while_o they_o wait_v upon_o god_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n unto_o they_o if_o he_o be_v grieve_v by_o our_o careless_a demeanour_n towards_o he_o it_o be_v not_o any_o promise_n that_o can_v make_v we_o glad_a if_o he_o be_v provoke_v to_o withdraw_v and_o suspend_v his_o light_n there_o be_v no_o irradiation_n from_o the_o promise_n that_o can_v free_v we_o from_o the_o darkness_n of_o desertion_n if_o he_o be_v make_v to_o turn_v our_o enemy_n by_o voluntary_a defection_n from_o he_o none_o of_o the_o promise_n can_v speak_v peace_n unto_o we_o how_o vain_a and_o ungrounded_a then_o be_v the_o presumption_n of_o those_o who_o build_v their_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o salvation_n upon_o the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n &_o yet_o neglect_v all_o communion_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n who_o rest_n in_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n misguide_v by_o false_a rule_n and_o cheat_v by_o satan_n subtlety_n &_o look_v not_o at_o all_o after_o the_o testimony_n and_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n without_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v but_o as_o deed_n and_o instrument_n with_o label_n hang_v at_o they_o without_o seal_n to_o confirm_v they_o which_o do_v not_o operate_v or_o convey_v any_o thing_n of_o right_n unto_o those_o that_o be_v possess_v of_o they_o sect_n 5._o rule_n 10._o be_v true_o thankful_a for_o the_o least_o dawning_n of_o mercy_n the_o ten_o direction_n in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o promise_n no_o less_o weighty_a than_o any_o be_v to_o be_v true_o thankful_a for_o the_o least_o dawning_n of_o mercy_n for_o the_o small_a pledge_n and_o earnest_n of_o comfort_n which_o the_o promise_n at_o any_o time_n do_v afford_v unto_o we_o the_o angel_n rebuke_v and_o reproach_v those_o who_o despise_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n zach._n 4._o 10._o who_o with_o mournful_a eye_n with_o unbelieved_a and_o misgive_a heart_n do_v look_v upon_o the_o poor_a and_o mean_a beginning_n of_o the_o rebuild_n of_o the_o temple_n as_o such_o which_o be_v altogether_o unlikely_a to_o terminate_v in_o a_o glorious_a structure_n and_o to_o have_v the_o top-stone_n thereof_o lay_v with_o shouting_n and_o acclamation_n of_o joy_n and_o no_o less_o be_v those_o christian_n to_o be_v reprove_v who_o esteem_n any_o of_o the_o consolation_n of_o god_n to_o be_v small_a who_o if_o they_o be_v not_o at_o first_o fill_v with_o the_o spiritual_a suavity_n of_o the_o promise_n take_v little_a or_o no_o notice_n of_o the_o support_n and_o sustentation_n which_o they_o receive_v daily_o from_o they_o who_o if_o they_o present_o enjoy_v not_o what_o they_o hasty_o desire_v can_v neither_o thankful_o accept_v of_o any_o pledge_n of_o mercy_n which_o god_n have_v free_o vouchsafe_v they_o nor_o patient_o wait_v for_o the_o sure_a performance_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v they_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a method_n of_o god_n to_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n by_o certain_a step_n and_o degree_n to_o make_v his_o salvation_n to_o break_v forth_o like_o the_o morning_n which_o begin_v in_o a_o imperfect_a twilight_n but_o cease_v not_o till_o it_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o bright_a day_n the_o first_o glimmering_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n which_o spring_n from_o the_o promise_n be_v accompany_v with_o great_a mixture_n of_o darkness_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v of_o a_o grow_a and_o prevail_a nature_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v but_o to_o be_v thankful_o acknowledge_v and_o rejoice_v in_o as_o the_o happy_a earnest_n of_o a_o ensue_a day_n in_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v as_o full_a of_o spiritual_a serenity_n and_o joy_n as_o the_o firmament_n be_v of_o light_n when_o the_o sun_n be_v in_o its_o vertical_a point_n in_o the_o bestow_n of_o his_o favour_n god_n deal_v with_o believer_n as_o boaz_n do_v with_o ruth_n he_o first_o give_v she_o a_o liberty_n to_o glean_v in_o his_o field_n than_o invite_v she_o to_o eat_v bread_n at_o his_o table_n and_o to_o dip_v her_o morsel_n in_o the_o vinegar_n and_o last_o give_v himself_o so_o god_n first_o in_o a_o spare_a manner_n and_o at_o some_o distance_n make_v a_o discovery_n of_o his_o love_n and_o good_a will_n unto_o they_o then_o in_o a_o more_o familiar_a and_o friendly_a way_n he_o encourage_v they_o by_o his_o promise_n to_o draw_v near_o unto_o he_o and_o to_o taste_v how_o good_a the_o lord_n be_v to_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o then_o as_o the_o compliment_n of_o all_o he_o give_v his_o spirit_n into_o their_o bosom_n to_o assure_v they_o of_o his_o love_n and_o their_o interest_n in_o whatever_o may_v make_v they_o perfect_o happy_a after_o that_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n say_v the_o apostle_n ephes_n 1._o 13._o but_o the_o ready_a and_o speedy_a way_n to_o obtain_v all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v true_o thankful_a for_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o mercy_n that_o shine_v forth_o from_o the_o promise_n and_o to_o count_v it_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n to_o receive_v it_o with_o such_o joy_n as_o the_o morning_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v ancient_o salute_v when_o the_o people_n go_v out_o and_o cry_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d welcome_o such_o light_n to_o such_o god_n speak_v as_o our_o saviour_n do_v to_o nathanael_n joh._n 1._o 50._o because_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o i_o see_v thou_o under_o the_o figtree_n believe_v thou_o thou_o shall_v see_v great_a thing_n than_o these_o be_v thou_o
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
of_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a but_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o make_v such_o prayer_n and_o of_o their_o confidence_n in_o obtain_v they_o do_v whole_o arise_v from_o the_o promise_n that_o god_n have_v make_v he_o it_o be_v who_o have_v promise_v that_o christ_n shall_v reign_v till_o he_o have_v put_v all_o his_o enemy_n under_o his_o foot_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 25._o he_o it_o be_v who_o have_v say_v that_o zion_n shall_v suck_v the_o milk_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o shall_v suck_v the_o breast_n of_o king_n isa_n 60._o 16._o that_o her_o horn_n shall_v be_v iron_n and_o her_o hoof_n brass_n to_o break_v in_o piece_n many_o people_n micha_n 4._o 13._o and_o thereby_o be_v they_o encourage_v to_o seek_v his_o face_n and_o to_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o his_o gracious_a promise_n unto_o his_o people_n true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o time_n and_o season_n when_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v be_v unknown_a unto_o they_o neither_o be_v they_o to_o be_v curious_a and_o anxious_a about_o they_o god_n have_v put_v they_o in_o his_o own_o power_n act_v 1._o 7._o but_o yet_o know_v that_o he_o who_o have_v promise_v be_v faithful_a they_o do_v with_o delight_n plead_v they_o in_o their_o prayer_n and_o with_o faith_n embrace_v they_o in_o their_o arm_n three_o such_o promise_n be_v useful_a to_o try_v the_o sincerity_n of_o a_o believer_n affection_n and_o love_n to_o god_n glory_n and_o to_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n promise_v wherein_o man_n present_a interest_n aâ—e_v concern_v self-love_n may_v make_v they_o to_o put_v a_o value_n upon_o they_o and_o quicken_v a_o ardency_n both_o in_o their_o prayer_n and_o desire_n to_o beg_v the_o performance_n of_o they_o as_o judge_v themselves_o to_o be_v most_o happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o blessing_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o they_o and_o sure_o from_o this_o very_a principle_n be_v many_o stir_v up_o to_o plead_v with_o much_o earnestness_n the_o promise_n of_o protection_n when_o they_o be_v under_o some_o imminent_a danger_n the_o promise_n of_o provision_n when_o under_o some_o pinch_a want_n the_o promise_n of_o comfort_n when_o under_o some_o sore_a affliction_n but_o when_o a_o christian_a can_v rejoice_v in_o such_o promise_n which_o speak_v the_o future_a happiness_n of_o the_o church_n when_o he_o be_v dead_a and_o go_v when_o it_o be_v sweet_a to_o he_o to_o think_v that_o christ_n throne_n shall_v hereafter_o be_v more_o exalt_v his_o name_n more_o know_v his_o spirit_n more_o plentiful_o pour_v forth_o that_o the_o church_n shall_v triumph_v over_o its_o enemy_n and_o be_v a_o habitation_n of_o peace_n of_o love_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o noble_a frame_n of_o heart_n and_o of_o a_o spirit_n that_o be_v true_o affect_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n glory_n when_o a_o man_n can_v ruminate_v upon_o such_o promise_n with_o delight_n and_o can_v in_o prayer_n manifest_a that_o it_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o his_o soul_n that_o these_o thing_n wherein_o god_n will_v be_v so_o high_o honour_v may_v be_v effect_v it_o be_v a_o comfortable_a evidence_n that_o the_o white_a at_o which_o he_o level_v and_o the_o end_n which_o he_o propound_v to_o himself_o do_v not_o terminate_v in_o his_o private_a interest_n but_o in_o the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n which_o by_o faith_n he_o be_v persuade_v shall_v be_v magnify_v throughout_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n four_o such_o promise_n be_v useful_a to_o comfort_v believer_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o posterity_n it_o be_v ofttimes_o a_o perplex_v think_v to_o tender_a parent_n especial_o in_o difficult_a time_n to_o think_v what_o will_v become_v of_o their_o child_n if_o they_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n be_v deprive_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o care_n and_o counsel_n which_o while_o they_o live_v they_o constant_o partake_v of_o and_o this_o very_a thing_n do_v beget_v as_o much_o anxiety_n in_o their_o heart_n as_o the_o departure_n of_o christ_n do_v in_o his_o disciple_n it_o be_v a_o evil_a that_o though_o foresee_v they_o scarce_o know_v how_o satisfactory_o to_o provide_v against_o now_o beside_o those_o general_a consideration_n draw_v from_o those_o compassion_n and_o bowel_n that_o be_v in_o god_n and_o his_o faithfulness_n in_o provide_v for_o the_o righteous_a and_o their_o seed_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n all_o which_o may_v help_v to_o allay_v such_o distrustful_a thought_n and_o care_n there_o may_v also_o not_o a_o little_a support_n and_o comfort_n be_v take_v from_o the_o exercise_v of_o faith_n on_o such_o eminent_a promise_n as_o declare_v the_o riches_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o the_o age_n and_o time_n that_o be_v to_o come_v all_o which_o god_n will_n according_a to_o their_o appoint_a season_n fulfil_v until_o that_o grand_a and_o last_o promise_n of_o gather_v all_o his_o elect_a unto_o himself_o in_o glory_n be_v accomplish_v so_o that_o believer_n may_v comfortable_o hope_v that_o what_o promise_v themselves_o do_v fall_v short_a of_o their_o posterity_n shall_v in_o one_o kind_n or_o other_o be_v partaker_n of_o and_o though_o through_o the_o dark_a dispensation_n of_o present_a providence_n the_o church_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o howl_a wilderness_n rather_o than_o near_o the_o border_n of_o a_o canaan_n yet_o sure_o the_o land_n of_o rest_n be_v not_o afar_o off_o though_o it_o may_v to_o we_o be_v out_o of_o sight_n chap._n xv._o wherein_o the_o four_o query_n be_v resolve_v viz._n whether_o believer_n always_o enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o assurance_n in_o death_n the_o four_o query_n be_v whether_o believer_n who_o be_v most_o diligent_a in_o the_o daily_a application_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_n to_o make_v their_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a do_v always_o enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o assurance_n in_o death_n or_o have_v as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o a_o entrance_n abundant_o minister_v unto_o they_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n 2._o pet._n 1._o 11._o the_o answer_n that_o i_o shall_v give_v unto_o this_o question_n will_v consist_v of_o diverse_a branch_n which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o in_o four_o proposition_n the_o first_o be_v that_o a_o believer_n as_o he_o meet_v with_o many_o brunt_n and_o conflict_n in_o his_o life_n so_o he_o may_v and_o often_o do_v meet_v with_o worse_a at_o his_o death_n christ_n his_o agony_n and_o suffering_n be_v sharp_a towards_o the_o close_a and_o end_n of_o his_o life_n and_o then_o though_o he_o complain_v not_o of_o god_n yet_o in_o a_o most_o vehement_a expostulation_n he_o complain_v to_o god_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o for_o saken_a i_o mat._n 27._o 46._o lamblike_a and_o silent_a death_n be_v not_o always_o the_o portion_n of_o god_n dear_a child_n the_o wicked_a may_v have_v no_o pain_n and_o band_n in_o their_o death_n psal_n 73._o 4._o when_o the_o best_a of_o saint_n may_v be_v environ_v with_o terror_n the_o one_o may_v be_v as_o a_o man_n in_o a_o sleep_n who_o may_v have_v pleasant_a and_o golden_a dream_n and_o the_o other_o as_o a_o man_n awake_v that_o be_v afflict_v and_o disquiet_v with_o grievous_a and_o sore_a paroxysm_n thus_o good_a hezekiah_n in_o that_o sickness_n in_o which_o he_o be_v by_o the_o prophet_n summon_v to_o prepare_v for_o death_n through_o the_o sad_a apprehension_n of_o god_n displeasure_n pour_v forth_o his_o soul_n in_o bitter_a complaint_n isay_n 38._o he_o say_v for_o 13._o i_o reckon_v till_o morning_n that_o as_o a_o lion_n so_o will_v he_o break_v all_o my_o bone_n and._n ver_fw-la 14._o like_o a_o crane_n or_o swallow_v so_o do_v i_o chatter_v grief_n and_o pain_n have_v both_o so_o fill_v and_o waste_v he_o as_o that_o he_o can_v only_o make_v a_o indistinct_a and_o confuse_a noise_n as_o those_o bird_n do_v when_o they_o be_v deprive_v of_o their_o young_a one_o and_o therefore_o christian_n be_v not_o to_o be_v discourage_v as_o if_o some_o new_a thing_n have_v befall_v they_o if_o in_o the_o close_a and_o shut_v up_o of_o their_o life_n instead_o of_o comfortable_a gale_n and_o breathe_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o find_v contrary_a to_o their_o expectation_n satan_n to_o assault_v they_o or_o god_n to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o they_o who_o for_o a_o moment_n hide_v his_o face_n but_o with_o everlasting_a kindness_n will_v embrace_v they_o isay_n 54._o 8._o the_o second_o proposition_n be_v that_o our_o diligence_n to_o clear_v up_o our_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_n to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a be_v the_o ordinary_a and_o regular_a way_n to_o obtain_v comfort_n and_o enlargement_n in_o death_n
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
particular_a persuasion_n that_o god_n will_v give_v the_o very_a thing_n itself_o that_o we_o beg_v of_o he_o but_o the_o faith_n of_o submission_n by_o which_o we_o resolve_v our_o prayer_n into_o his_o will_n and_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v do_v whatever_o be_v best_a for_o our_o good_a and_o his_o glory_n we_o then_o distrust_n god_n when_o either_o we_o be_v jealous_a of_o his_o willingness_n to_o perform_v his_o word_n or_o of_o his_o power_n to_o accomplish_v his_o word_n but_o when_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o alsufficiency_n of_o his_o power_n and_o resign_v our_o desire_n to_o his_o will_n we_o do_v then_o pray_v in_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o our_o lord_n christ_n do_v put_v forth_o in_o his_o prayer_n when_o he_o say_v not_o my_o will_n but_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v luk._n 22._o 42._o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o god_n may_v sometime_o assure_v and_o incline_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o child_n that_o be_v importunate_a wrestler_n in_o prayer_n to_o be_v confident_a of_o grant_v the_o temporal_a blessing_n that_o they_o seek_v but_o this_o be_v a_o confidence_n that_o be_v rather_o beget_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o height_n and_o vigour_n of_o prayer_n then_o bring_v with_o we_o unto_o the_o duty_n sometime_o i_o say_v such_o a_o confidence_n may_v be_v but_o it_o be_v neither_o ordinary_a nor_o usual_a second_o temporal_a mercy_n must_v be_v ask_v for_o a_o right_a end_n james_z 4._o 3._o you_o ask_v and_o receive_v not_o because_o you_o ask_v amiss_o that_o you_o may_v consume_v it_o upon_o your_o lust_n carnal_a lust_n may_v make_v man_n eager_a in_o prayer_n but_o not_o successful_a usual_o wrong_a end_n in_o prayer_n be_v accompany_v with_o disappointment_n sinister_a aim_n turn_v duty_n of_o worship_n into_o act_n of_o self-seeking_a they_o change_v the_o voice_n of_o prayer_n into_o a_o brutish_a howl_n hos_fw-la 7._o 14._o the_o execution_n of_o justice_n itself_o into_o murder_n hos_fw-la 1._o 4._o finis_fw-la in_o moralibus_fw-la idem_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la forma_fw-la in_o naturalibus_fw-la the_o end_n in_o moral_a thing_n be_v the_o same_o that_o the_o form_n be_v in_o natural_a thing_n the_o quality_n and_o goodness_n of_o they_o be_v not_o discern_v but_o by_o the_o end_n it_o concern_v therefore_o believer_n that_o will_v in_o prayer_n obtain_v any_o outward_a blessing_n to_o look_v unto_o their_o end_n in_o ask_v of_o it_o though_o the_o mercy_n be_v earthly_a yet_o their_o end_n in_o ask_v of_o it_o must_v be_v heavenly_a god_n glory_n must_v be_v in_o the_o end_n of_o all_o prayer_n as_o his_o name_n must_v be_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o else_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v own_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n by_o he_o the_o five_o assertion_n be_v that_o the_o blessing_n of_o temporal_a promise_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v secondary_o and_o not_o primary_o mat._n 6._o 33._o they_o be_v neither_o to_o be_v the_o chief_a care_n of_o our_o life_n or_o desire_n of_o our_o prayer_n because_o the_o soul_n may_v do_v well_o without_o the_o body_n but_o the_o body_n can_v do_v well_o without_o the_o soul_n and_o yet_o of_o this_o disorder_n the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n may_v be_v find_v guilty_a their_o estate_n they_o careful_o put_v into_o their_o deed_n and_o evidence_n and_o their_o soul_n they_o only_o put_v into_o their_o will_n the_o last_o of_o instrument_n that_o be_v usual_o either_o make_v or_o seal_v for_o the_o one_o they_o think_v it_o enough_o if_o with_o a_o few_o gild_a expression_n of_o piety_n it_o be_v give_v and_o bequeath_v as_o a_o legacy_n unto_o god_n but_o for_o the_o other_o they_o conceive_v no_o pain_n or_o toil_n too_o great_a to_o increase_v it_o or_o cost_v too_o much_o for_o to_o secure_v it_o the_o one_o they_o make_v the_o task_n of_o the_o morning_n and_o day_n of_o their_o life_n the_o other_o the_o by-work_n of_o the_o evening_n and_o the_o approach_a night_n of_o death_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o in_o these_o preposterous_a and_o irregular_a act_n of_o man_n they_o do_v not_o find_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n promise_n upon_o their_o labour_n that_o they_o toil_v as_o in_o the_o fire_n and_o weary_a themselves_o for_o very_a vanity_n hab._n 2._o 13._o that_o they_o sow_v much_o and_o bring_v in_o little_a hag._n 1._o 6._o for_o what_o benefit_n can_v they_o just_o expect_v to_o reap_v from_o the_o promise_n who_o neglect_v to_o walk_v by_o the_o guidance_n of_o that_o rule_n to_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v chap._n xvii_o it_o be_v a_o horrible_a sin_n to_o neglect_v or_o abuse_v the_o promise_n aggravate_v in_o five_o particular_n have_v speak_v enough_o if_o not_o too_o much_o to_o each_o of_o those_o four_o head_n that_o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v propound_v and_o lay_v as_o so_o many_o corner-stone_n for_o this_o small_a structure_n to_o stand_v upon_o the_o last_o head_n which_o now_o remain_v to_o be_v insist_v on_o be_v the_o handle_n of_o such_o useful_a application_n and_o inference_n as_o do_v natural_o flow_v and_o arise_v from_o this_o doctrinal_a truth_n of_o the_o transcendent_a worth_n and_o preciousness_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o first_o application_n which_o i_o shall_v make_v be_v a_o sad_a and_o just_a complaint_n which_o sigh_n and_o tear_n may_v better_o express_v then_o word_n of_o the_o great_a injury_n and_o contempt_n that_o be_v do_v unto_o the_o bless_a promise_n both_o by_o man_n careless_a and_o overly_o seek_v after_o they_o as_o thing_n of_o no_o great_a worth_n and_o by_o their_o sinful_a pervert_n of_o they_o unto_o wrong_a end_n and_o purpose_n while_o they_o turn_v grace_n into_o wantonness_n and_o sin_v the_o more_o free_o because_o of_o the_o redundancy_n of_o divine_a mercy_n which_o be_v manifest_v in_o they_o god_n lay_v it_o as_o a_o heavy_a charge_n against_o israel_n that_o he_o have_v write_v unto_o they_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o his_o law_n but_o they_o be_v count_v as_o a_o strange_a thing_n hos_fw-la 8._o 12._o how_o much_o more_o be_v they_o blame-worthy_a who_o be_v guilty_a of_o despise_v the_o magnalia_fw-la evangelii_n and_o of_o set_v light_n by_o the_o most_o choice_a and_o excellent_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o if_o they_o be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o importance_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n this_o complaint_n if_o it_o have_v no_o circumstance_n to_o aggravate_v it_o but_o be_v only_o lay_v in_o the_o general_a against_o man_n that_o they_o have_v forsake_v the_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n and_o hew_v they_o out_o cistern_n break_a cistern_n that_o can_v hold_v no_o water_n jer._n 2._o 13._o it_o will_v quick_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o black_a a_o indictment_n as_o can_v neither_o admit_v of_o a_o excuse_n to_o lessen_v the_o sin_n nor_o yet_o of_o pity_n to_o mitigate_v the_o punishment_n that_o deserve_v to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o such_o offender_n but_o if_o we_o shall_v consider_v it_o in_o the_o several_a aggravation_n which_o heighten_v it_o we_o may_v then_o at_o this_o sin_n just_o cry_v out_o be_v astonish_v o_o you_o heaven_n at_o this_o and_o be_v horrible_o afraid_a be_v you_o very_o desolate_a there_o be_v five_o particular_n that_o make_v the_o complaint_n more_o sad_a and_o the_o injury_n which_o be_v do_v unto_o the_o promise_v the_o more_o exceed_o sinful_a sect_n 1._o the_o first_o aggravation_n be_v take_v from_o the_o universality_n of_o this_o sin_n they_o who_o be_v transgressor_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v not_o a_o few_o parisiensis_fw-la speak_v of_o david_n psalm_n cry_v out_o eheu_fw-la quot_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d habet_fw-la sanctus_fw-la david_n vel_fw-la potiùs_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sanctus_fw-la ad_fw-la svam_fw-la cytharam_fw-la oh_o how_o many_o dullard_n have_v holy_a david_n or_o rather_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o his_o harp_n who_o be_v little_o affect_v with_o the_o heavenly_a melody_n that_o it_o make_v and_o may_v it_o not_o be_v as_o true_o say_v concern_v the_o precious_a promise_n of_o christ_n oh_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o taste_n little_a or_o nothing_o of_o their_o sweetness_n what_o vast_a number_n of_o man_n be_v there_o who_o see_v no_o more_o worth_a and_o beauty_n in_o they_o then_o blind_a person_n do_v in_o the_o sun_n how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o spend_v and_o blaze_v away_o the_o lamp_n of_o their_o time_n in_o frothy_a study_n and_o curious_a speculation_n but_o seldom_o or_o never_o look_v into_o the_o bible_n to_o read_v and_o understand_v what_o their_o interest_n or_o right_n be_v to_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n by_o the_o promise_n how_o ambitious_a be_v other_o to_o be_v think_v to_o know_v much_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n concern_v his_o decree_n which_o