part_n of_o man_n and_o by_o its_o creation_n fit_v for_o communion_n with_o a_o infinite_a good_a when_o say_v plutarch_n do_v epicurus_n cry_v out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v feed_v with_o so_o much_o joy_n and_o delight_n as_o archimedes_n in_o his_o mathematical_a contemplation_n do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v find_v and_o when_o do_v both_o they_o or_o the_o whole_a sect_n of_o epicure_n and_o philosopher_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o their_o sensual_a and_o intellectual_a pleasure_n cry_v out_o with_o such_o strong_a ravishment_n of_o soul_n they_o have_v either_o feed_v or_o find_v as_o a_o believer_n do_v when_o he_o have_v taste_v and_o find_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o one_o promise_n listen_v but_o a_o little_a and_o you_o shall_v hear_v in_o how_o loud_a and_o pathetical_a a_o tone_n david_n express_v himself_o when_o he_o have_v but_o taste_v these_o divine_a consolation_n who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o and_o there_o be_v none_o upon_o earth_n that_o i_o desire_v beside_o thou_o my_o flesh_n and_o my_o heart_n fail_v but_o god_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o my_o portion_n for_o ever_o psal_n 73._o 25_o 26._o and_o bellarmine_n tell_v of_o a_o pious_a old_a man_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o rise_v from_o prayer_n with_o these_o word_n always_o in_o his_o mouth_n claudimini_fw-la oculi_fw-la mei_fw-la claudimini_fw-la nihil_fw-la enim_fw-la pulchrius_fw-la jam_fw-la videbitis_fw-la be_v shut_v be_v shut_v o_o my_o eye_n for_o now_o you_o shall_v never_o see_v any_o thing_n more_o desirable_a 3._o sure_a three_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v abide_v and_o sure_a mercy_n act._n 13._o 34._o such_o which_o be_v the_o crystal_n stream_n of_o a_o live_a fountain_n and_o not_o the_o impure_a overflowing_n of_o a_o unruly_a torrent_n which_o sometime_o with_o its_o swell_n put_v the_o traveller_n in_o fear_n of_o his_o life_n and_o at_o other_o time_n shame_v his_o expectation_n of_o be_v refresh_v by_o it_o job_n 6._o 15._o geographer_n in_o their_o description_n of_o america_n report_n that_o in_o peru_n there_o be_v a_o river_n call_v the_o diurnal_a or_o day-river_n because_o it_o run_v with_o a_o great_a current_n in_o the_o day_n but_o be_v whole_o dry_a at_o night_n which_o be_v occasion_v as_o they_o say_v by_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n that_o in_o the_o daytime_n melt_v the_o snow_n that_o lie_v on_o the_o mountain_n thereabouts_o but_o when_o the_o sun_n go_v down_o and_o the_o cold_a night_n approach_v the_o snow_n congeal_v which_o only_o feed_v it_o and_o the_o channel_n be_v quite_o dry_v up_o not_o much_o unlike_o this_o river_n be_v all_o worldly_a contentment_n which_o be_v only_a day-comfort_n but_o not_o night-comfort_n in_o the_o sunshine_n of_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n they_o flow_v with_o some_o please_a stream_n but_o in_o the_o night_n season_n of_o affliction_n they_o vanish_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o then_o the_o rich_a man_n as_o cyprian_n say_v vigilat_fw-la in_o plumâ_fw-la suspirat_fw-la licèt_fw-la bibat_fw-la gemmas_fw-la lie_v restless_a upon_o a_o bed_n of_o down_o and_o fetch_v deep_a groan_n though_o he_o drink_v pearl_n and_o saphire_n but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o the_o promise_n who_o stream_n of_o comfort_n in_o the_o time_n of_o trouble_n do_v usual_o run_v most_o plentiful_o and_o refresh_v most_o powerful_o the_o weary_a and_o afflict_a soul_n so_o as_o to_o preserve_v it_o from_o die_v and_o faint_v away_o under_o the_o pressure_n of_o any_o evil_n this_o be_v it_o which_o make_v hezekiah_n under_o a_o sentence_n of_o death_n to_o revive_v and_o to_o cry_v out_o o_o lord_n by_o these_o thing_n man_n live_v and_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o life_n of_o my_o spirit_n isa_n 38._o 16._o but_o if_o at_o any_o time_n these_o divine_a consolation_n do_v run_v in_o a_o more_o shallow_a and_o spare_a channel_n and_o vary_v from_o their_o wont_a fullness_n yet_o do_v they_o never_o prove_v like_o water_n that_o fail_v or_o stream_n that_o be_v quite_o dry_v up_o a_o believer_n may_v at_o sometime_o be_v draw_v low_a but_o he_o can_v never_o be_v draw_v dry_a while_o christ_n be_v a_o full_a fountain_n faith_n will_v never_o be_v a_o empty_a conduit-pipe_n his_o comfort_n may_v be_v like_o the_o widow_n oil_n in_o the_o cruse_a where_o only_o a_o little_a remain_v 1_o king_n 17._o 12._o but_o never_a like_o the_o water_n in_o hagars_n bottle_n that_o be_v quite_o spend_v gen._n 21._o 15._o the_o widow_n think_v her_o store_n of_o meal_n and_o oil_n to_o be_v bring_v to_o so_o low_a a_o ebb_n as_o that_o it_o will_v serve_v but_o for_o one_o cake_n which_o two_o stick_n will_v be_v fuel_n enough_o to_o bake_v and_o then_o both_o she_o and_o her_o son_n must_v expect_v to_o die_v but_o then_o the_o lord_n do_v put_v forth_o his_o power_n though_o not_o in_o make_v the_o oil_n and_o meal_n to_o overflow_v to_o the_o feed_n of_o other_o therewith_o but_o in_o keep_v it_o from_o waste_v so_o as_o to_o be_v a_o constant_a supply_n unto_o she_o and_o the_o prophet_n necessity_n in_o the_o extremity_n of_o the_o famine_n the_o like_a apprehension_n have_v the_o dear_a and_o belove_a one_o of_o god_n frequent_o in_o their_o affliction_n and_o temptation_n which_o befall_v they_o they_o think_v they_o have_v scarce_o faith_n enough_o to_o last_v one_o day_n more_o scarce_a strength_n enough_o for_o one_o prayer_n more_o scarce_a courage_n enough_o for_o one_o conflict_n more_o and_o then_o they_o and_o their_o hope_n must_v die_v and_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n for_o ever_o but_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o these_o fear_n and_o misgiving_n which_o arise_v from_o their_o heart_n there_o issue_v out_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o comfort_n from_o the_o promise_n which_o if_o it_o give_v not_o deliverance_n from_o their_o temptation_n do_v effect_v their_o preservation_n in_o they_o if_o it_o overflow_v not_o to_o make_v they_o glad_a it_o fail_v not_o to_o make_v they_o patient_a and_o to_o wait_v till_o god_n send_v forth_o judgement_n unto_o victory_n mat._n 12._o 20._o 4._o universal_a four_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v universal_a such_o as_o agree_v with_o every_o estate_n and_o suit_n every_o malady_n they_o be_v the_o strong_a man_n meat_n and_o the_o sick_a man_n cordial_a the_o condemn_a sinner_n pardon_v and_o the_o justify_v person_n evidence_n but_o the_o best_a of_o the_o world_n comfort_n be_v only_o applicable_a to_o some_o particular_a condition_n and_o serve_v as_o salve_n for_o some_o few_o sore_n riches_n be_v a_o remedy_n against_o the_o press_a evil_n of_o want_n and_o poverty_n but_o they_o can_v purchase_v ease_n to_o the_o pain_a armour_n of_o proof_n be_v a_o defence_n against_o the_o sword_n and_o bullet_n but_o can_v no_o way_n serve_v to_o keep_v off_o the_o sting_n of_o pierce_a care_n oil_n and_o balsam_n be_v useful_a for_o bruise_n and_o break_a bone_n but_o they_o be_v needless_a to_o a_o hungry_a man_n that_o seek_v not_o after_o medicine_n but_o food_n as_o the_o hurt_a power_n in_o creature_n be_v stint_v and_o bound_v fire_n can_v burn_v but_o not_o drown_v water_n can_v drown_v but_o not_o wound_v serpent_n and_o viper_n can_v put_v forth_o a_o poisonful_a sting_n but_o can_v like_v beast_n of_o prey_n tear_n and_o rend_v in_o piece_n so_o the_o faculty_n of_o do_v good_a which_o be_v in_o any_o creature_n be_v confine_v to_o a_o narrow_a scantling_n and_o reach_v no_o further_a than_o the_o supply_n of_o some_o particular_a defect_n but_o the_o comfort_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v in_o their_o operation_n and_o efficacy_n of_o a_o unlimited_a extent_n they_o flow_v immediate_o from_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o god_n of_o all_o comfort_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 3._o and_o be_v therefore_o meet_a to_o revive_v and_o establish_v how_o disconsolate_a in_o any_o kind_n whatsoever_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o believer_n be_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o my_o thought_n within_o i_o thy_o comfort_n delight_v my_o soul_n say_v holy_a david_n psal_n 94._o 19_o when_o disquiet_v thought_n do_v swarm_v within_o his_o breast_n as_o thick_a as_o mote_n in_o the_o sunbeam_n and_o do_v continual_o ascend_v like_o spark_n from_o a_o flame_a furnace_n which_o the_o crown_n upon_o his_o head_n can_v not_o charm_v which_o the_o sceptre_n in_o his_o hand_n can_v not_o allay_v which_o the_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n of_o his_o court_n can_v not_o sweeten_v then_o do_v the_o comfort_n of_o god_n in_o his_o promise_n as_o so_o many_o fresh_a spring_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o his_o estuation_n both_o glad_a and_o calm_a his_o unquiet_a and_o perplex_a spirit_n one_o sun_n when_o overcast_v with_o thick_a cloud_n which_o threaten_v to_o blot_v it_o out_o of_o
not_o prescribe_v and_o limit_v any_o in_o their_o choice_n but_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o free_a use_n of_o such_o scripture_n and_o promise_n as_o themselves_o by_o experience_n have_v find_v to_o be_v full_a of_o life_n and_o sweetness_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o recommend_v the_o use_n of_o some_o few_o eminent_a promise_n of_o divers_a kind_n out_o of_o the_o full_a store-house_n of_o the_o word_n which_o may_v serve_v as_o so_o many_o meet_a cordial_n to_o revive_v the_o spirit_n of_o droop_a christian_n amid_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o necessity_n that_o may_v afflict_v they_o be_v any_o burden_a with_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n so_o as_o that_o their_o soul_n draw_v nigh_o unto_o the_o pit_n of_o despair_n what_o more_o joyful_a tiding_n can_v ever_o their_o ear_n hear_v than_o a_o proclamation_n of_o free_a mercy_n make_v by_o the_o lord_n himself_o unto_o believe_v and_o repent_v sinner_n what_o more_o glorious_a and_o bless_a sight_n can_v their_o eye_n ever_o behold_v than_o the_o name_n of_o god_n write_v in_o sundry_a of_o his_o choice_a attribute_n as_o in_o so_o many_o golden_a letter_n for_o they_o to_o read_v the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o forgive_a iniquity_n and_o transgression_n and_o sin_n exod._n 34._o 6_o 7._o he_o be_v the_o lord_n who_o only_o have_v jus_o aquavitae_n &_o necis_fw-la the_o absolute_a power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n in_o his_o hand_n but_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a who_o far_o more_o willing_o scatter_v his_o pardon_n in_o forgive_a then_o execute_v his_o justice_n in_o condemn_v like_o the_o bee_n that_o gather_v honey_n with_o delight_n but_o sting_v not_o once_o unless_o she_o be_v much_o provoke_v he_o be_v gracious_a not_o incite_v to_o mercy_n by_o desert_n in_o the_o object_n but_o move_v by_o goodness_n in_o himself_o his_o love_n spring_v not_o from_o delight_n in_o our_o beauty_n but_o from_o pity_n to_o our_o deformity_n he_o be_v long-suffering_a bear_v with_o patience_n renew_a and_o often_o repeat_v injury_n which_o he_o may_v by_o power_n revenge_n upon_o he_o who_o be_v the_o doer_n he_o be_v abundant_a in_o goodness_n grace_n overflow_v more_o in_o he_o then_o sin_n can_v do_v in_o any_o sin_n in_o the_o creature_n be_v but_o a_o vicious_a quality_n but_o goodness_n in_o he_o be_v his_o nature_n he_o be_v abundant_a in_o truth_n as_o he_o be_v good_a in_o make_v the_o promise_n so_o be_v he_o true_a in_o perform_v they_o when_o man_n deal_v unfaithful_o with_o he_o he_o break_v not_o his_o covenant_n with_o they_o he_o keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o former_a age_n have_v not_o exhaust_v the_o treasure_n of_o his_o mercy_n so_o as_o that_o succeed_a generation_n can_v find_v none_o there_o be_v still_o fresh_a reserve_v of_o mercy_n and_o that_o not_o for_o a_o few_o but_o for_o thousand_o he_o forgive_v iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n not_o penny_n but_o talent_n be_v forgive_v by_o he_o not_o sin_n of_o the_o least_o size_n be_v only_o pardon_v but_o sin_n of_o the_o great_a dimension_n and_o as_o this_o promise_n in_o which_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v so_o rich_o describe_v do_v full_o answer_v the_o hesitancy_n doubt_n and_o perplexity_n of_o such_o who_o fear_v their_o iniquity_n for_o number_n to_o be_v so_o many_o for_o aggravation_n to_o be_v so_o great_a as_o that_o sometime_o they_o question_v can_v god_n pardon_v sometime_o will_v he_o ever_o show_v mercy_n to_o such_o a_o wretched_a prodigal_n so_o likewise_o may_v that_o bless_a promise_n make_v unto_o believer_n hos_fw-la 14._o 5_o 6_o 7._o exceed_o support_v such_o who_o mourn_v under_o their_o want_n of_o holiness_n and_o complain_v of_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o grace_n fear_v that_o the_o little_a which_o they_o have_v attain_v unto_o go_v rather_o backward_o then_o forward_o god_n himself_o have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v be_v as_o a_o dew_n unto_o they_o which_o shall_v make_v they_o to_o put_v forth_o in_o all_o kind_n of_o growth_n they_o shall_v grow_v as_o the_o lily_n and_o cast_v forth_o their_o root_n as_o lebanon_n their_o branch_n shall_v spread_v and_o their_o beauty_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o olive-tree_n they_o shall_v revive_v as_o the_o corn_n and_o grow_v as_o the_o vine_n what_o more_o comprehensive_a summary_n can_v there_o be_v either_o of_o god_n goodness_n or_o of_o a_o believer_n desire_n than_o there_o be_v in_o this_o one_o promise_n wherein_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o make_v they_o grow_v in_o beauty_n like_o the_o lily_n in_o stability_n like_o the_o cedar_n in_o usefulness_n like_o the_o olive_n who_o fruit_n serve_v both_o for_o light_n and_o nourishment_n in_o spread_v like_o the_o vine_n and_o in_o their_o increase_n like_o the_o corn_n god_n himself_o be_v both_o the_o plant_a and_o waterer_n of_o all_o their_o grace_n to_o they_o who_o be_v full_a of_o fear_n through_o the_o approach_n of_o danger_n which_o they_o have_v no_o hope_n to_o avoid_v or_o power_n to_o overcome_v how_o full_a of_o encouragement_n and_o comfort_n be_v that_o promise_n of_o protection_n and_o safety_n when_o thou_o pass_v through_o the_o water_n i_o will_v be_v with_o thou_o and_o through_o the_o river_n they_o shall_v not_o overflow_v thou_o when_o thou_o walk_v through_o the_o fire_n thou_o shall_v not_o be_v burn_v neither_o shall_v the_o flame_n kindle_v upon_o thou_o isa_n 43._o 2._o water_n and_o fire_n be_v two_o evil_n in_o which_o none_o can_v be_v with_o their_o near_a friend_n without_o perish_v with_o they_o who_o can_v save_v a_o jonah_n when_o cast_v into_o a_o boisterous_a sea_n but_o god_n and_o who_o can_v walk_v in_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n with_o the_o three_o child_n and_o not_o be_v consume_v but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o prison_n one_o friend_n may_v be_v with_o another_o in_o banishment_n he_o may_v accompany_v he_o in_o the_o battle_n he_o may_v stand_v by_o he_o and_o assist_v he_o but_o in_o the_o swell_a water_n and_o in_o the_o devour_a flame_n none_o can_v be_v a_o relief_n to_o any_o but_o god_n and_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o believer_n to_o be_v with_o they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o both_o these_o that_o so_o in_o the_o great_a extremity_n which_o can_v befall_v they_o they_o may_v full_o rest_v assure_v that_o nothing_o can_v separate_v god_n from_o they_o but_o that_o he_o will_v either_o give_v they_o deliverance_n from_o trouble_n or_o support_v they_o under_o trouble_n martyr_n non_fw-la â—ripuit_fw-la sed_fw-la nunquid_fw-la descruit_v say_v austin_n he_o do_v not_o take_v the_o martyr_n out_o of_o the_o flame_n but_o do_v he_o forsake_v they_o in_o the_o flame_n last_o to_o they_o the_o meanness_n of_o who_o condition_n may_v seem_v to_o expose_v they_o above_o other_o to_o hunger_n cold_a nakedness_n evil_n that_o make_v life_n itself_o far_o more_o bitter_a than_o death_n how_o full_a of_o divine_a sweetness_n be_v that_o bless_a promise_n of_o provision_n the_o young_a lion_n do_v lack_v and_o suffer_v hunger_n but_o they_o that_o seek_v the_o lord_n shall_v not_o lack_v any_o good_a thing_n psal_n 34._o 10._o the_o septuagint_n render_v it_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o great_a wealthy_a man_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o like_a beast_n of_o prey_n live_v upon_o spoil_n and_o rapine_n who_o think_v that_o in_o the_o hard_a time_n that_o can_v come_v they_o shall_v be_v eat_v up_o last_o they_o shall_v be_v bite_v with_o hunger_n and_o perish_v by_o famine_n when_o they_o who_o fear_v the_o lord_n shall_v be_v in_o want_n of_o nothing_o the_o widow_n little_a barrel_n of_o meal_n in_o the_o famine_n yield_v a_o better_a supply_n than_o ahab_n his_o storehouse_n and_o granary_n her_o cruse_n have_v oil_n in_o it_o when_o his_o olive-yard_n have_v none_o oh_o how_o secure_o and_o content_o then_o may_v a_o believer_n who_o act_v his_o faith_n in_o such_o promise_n lay_v himself_o down_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o almighty_a in_o the_o worst_a of_o all_o his_o extremity_n not_o much_o unlike_o the_o infant_n that_o sleep_v in_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o tender_a mother_n with_o the_o breast_n in_o his_o mouth_n from_o which_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o it_o wake_v it_o draw_v a_o fresh_a supply_n that_o satisfy_v its_o hunger_n and_o prevent_v its_o unquietness_n sect_n 3._o rule_n 8._o consider_v of_o the_o example_n to_o who_o promise_n have_v be_v fulfil_v the_o eight_o direction_n be_v in_o the_o make_n use_n of_o any_o promise_n to_o parallel_v our_o condition_n with_o such_o example_n which_o may_v be_v unto_o we_o as_o so_o many_o clear_a instance_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o give_v unto_o other_o the_o same_o or_o
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
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
earth_n of_o which_o it_o make_v a_o concoction_n and_o then_o send_v forth_o a_o digest_v nourishment_n unto_o the_o several_a branch_n and_o fruit_n that_o hang_v upon_o the_o tree_n so_o do_v the_o radical_a grace_n of_o faith_n distribute_v to_o other_o grace_n that_o strength_n and_o life_n which_o it_o be_v partaker_n of_o from_o christ_n and_o his_o promise_n and_o as_o the_o concoction_n that_o faith_n make_v be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a so_o be_v the_o operation_n of_o every_o grace_n the_o more_o or_o less_o vigorous_a faith_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o mediator_n between_o christ_n and_o all_o our_o grace_n as_o christ_n be_v between_o we_o and_o god_n as_o we_o have_v nothing_o from_o god_n but_o we_o receive_v by_o and_o through_o christ_n so_o no_o grace_n be_v partaker_n of_o any_o virtue_n and_o influence_n from_o christ_n but_o by_o the_o mediation_n and_o intervention_n of_o faith_n sect_n 3._o the_o thing_n promise_v precious_a three_o the_o promise_n be_v exceed_o great_a and_o precious_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o remarkable_a worth_n and_o value_n of_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o they_o interest_n believer_n and_o give_v they_o a_o right_n unto_o by_o a_o unquestionable_a claim_n and_o title_n it_o be_v a_o full_a and_o weighty_a observation_n of_o which_o grotius_n have_v afford_v two_o part_n that_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n which_o do_v clear_o demonstrate_v and_o high_o also_o commend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n above_o any_o other_o religion_n whatever_o the_o certainty_n of_o principle_n of_o trust_n the_o sanctity_n of_o precept_n and_o the_o transcendency_n of_o reward_n what_o religion_n be_v there_o among_o that_o multiplicity_n which_o have_v find_v entertainment_n in_o the_o world_n wherein_o god_n be_v represent_v to_o the_o soul_n so_o meet_v and_o fit_a a_o object_n of_o trust_n as_o in_o the_o gospel_n majesty_n be_v there_o make_v accessible_a by_o the_o condescension_n of_o goodness_n and_o god_n and_o man_n who_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n so_o near_o unite_v together_o in_o one_o as_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v determine_v whether_o be_v the_o great_a wonder_n the_o mystery_n or_o the_o mercy_n where_o be_v there_o in_o any_o religion_n such_o exact_a precept_n of_o holiness_n enjoin_v as_o in_o the_o gospel_n which_o lie_v a_o law_n upon_o every_o motion_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o become_v either_o a_o rule_n to_o guide_v it_o or_o a_o judge_n to_o censure_v it_o or_o where_o by_o search_n do_v we_o find_v such_o ample_a and_o full_a reward_n as_o may_v match_v and_o parallel_v the_o reward_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o believer_n there_o we_o read_v of_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n for_o food_n of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n for_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n for_o honour_n of_o a_o inheritance_n in_o life_n for_o riches_n of_o a_o weight_n of_o glory_n for_o clothing_n and_o beauty_n all_o which_o be_v not_o mention_v in_o the_o word_n as_o in_o a_o bare_a and_o naked_a declaratory_a which_o convey_v nothing_o of_o title_n or_o interest_n and_o speak_v rather_o the_o perfection_n of_o heaven_n than_o the_o happiness_n of_o believer_n but_o be_v set_v down_o and_o specify_v in_o the_o promise_n which_o as_o they_o declare_v a_o goodness_n and_o excellency_n in_o thing_n do_v also_o give_v a_o right_n and_o propriety_n unto_o person_n in_o they_o they_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n as_o deed_n and_o evidence_n be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o man_n which_o when_o they_o be_v sign_v seal_v witness_v and_o deliver_v do_v invest_v man_n in_o a_o just_a and_o legal_a right_n of_o whatever_o be_v mention_v and_o contain_v in_o they_o all_o that_o a_o believer_n have_v to_o plead_v or_o to_o show_v for_o that_o estate_n of_o glory_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o heir_n be_v the_o promise_n eternal_a life_n be_v by_o promise_n 1_o john_n 2._o 25._o this_o be_v the_o promise_n that_o he_o have_v promise_v we_o even_o eternal_a life_n the_o crown_n be_v by_o promise_n jam._n 1._o 12._o he_o shall_v receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o the_o kingdom_n where_o for_o love_v all_o shall_v be_v son_n for_o birthright_n heir_n for_o dignity_n king_n be_v only_o by_o promise_n jam._n 2._o 5._o god_n have_v choose_v the_o poor_a of_o this_o world_n rich_a in_o faith_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o the_o bounty_n lay_v up_o and_o the_o bounty_n lay_v out_o the_o good_a that_o a_o believer_n expect_v and_o the_o good_a that_o he_o enjoy_v both_o flow_n from_o the_o promise_n without_o which_o no_o present_a thing_n can_v be_v sweet_a nor_o no_o future_a thing_n will_v be_v certain_a which_o by_o the_o stability_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v now_o make_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gift_n without_o repentance_n rom._n 11._o 29._o or_o as_o austin_n expound_v it_o dona_fw-la sine_fw-la mutatione_n stabiliter_fw-la fixa_fw-la gift_n firm_o fix_v without_o change_n every_o promise_n be_v ratify_v by_o god_n oath_n than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o immutable_a seal_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o precious_a testify_v by_o the_o spirit_n than_o who_o nothing_o be_v more_o true_a deliver_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o mercy_n than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o free_a and_o receive_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o sure_a chap._n iu._n in_o which_o be_v discover_v the_o noble_a effect_n of_o the_o promise_n fourthly_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v exceed_o great_a and_o precious_a in_o regard_n of_o that_o high_a and_o noble_a effect_n which_o they_o work_v in_o believer_n who_o by_o the_o energy_n and_o powerful_a operation_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v raise_v to_o the_o utmost_a pitch_n both_o of_o perfection_n and_o blessedness_n in_o their_o be_v and_o estate_n be_v by_o they_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o not_o by_o have_v a_o share_n and_o partnership_n in_o the_o substance_n and_o essence_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o to_o become_v drop_n beam_n particle_n of_o the_o deity_n as_o some_o have_v most_o fond_o dream_v but_o by_o a_o participation_n of_o divine_a quality_n and_o excellency_n whereby_o believer_n be_v make_v conformable_a unto_o god_n have_v those_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n to_o be_v formal_o or_o secundùm_fw-la modum_fw-la creaturae_fw-la imprint_v and_o stamp_v on_o their_o soul_n so_o far_o as_o the_o image_n of_o his_o infinite_a holiness_n be_v expressible_a in_o a_o limit_a and_o restrain_v be_v as_o the_o wax_n when_o it_o do_v receive_v a_o impression_n from_o the_o seal_n do_v not_o participate_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o seal_n but_o only_o receive_v a_o signature_n and_o stamp_n make_v upon_o it_o so_o when_o god_n leave_v a_o character_n and_o print_n of_o his_o holiness_n or_o other_o excellency_n upon_o the_o soul_n he_o do_v not_o communicate_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o substance_n or_o essence_n but_o effect_v only_o a_o resemblance_n in_o the_o creature_n of_o those_o perfection_n that_o be_v true_o in_o himself_o which_o be_v original_o and_o total_o derive_v from_o he_o may_v in_o some_o sort_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o divine_a nature_n in_o the_o painter_n table_n that_o be_v call_v a_o face_n or_o hand_n which_o be_v only_o the_o lively_a image_n or_o representation_n of_o such_o thing_n to_o the_o eye_n and_o so_o those_o divine_a lineament_n of_o beauty_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v draw_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n may_v be_v call_v the_o divine_a nature_n as_o they_o be_v shadowy_a representation_n of_o his_o own_o glorious_a be_v but_o not_o as_o they_o be_v any_o particle_n or_o traduction_n of_o it_o the_o high_a honour_n that_o any_o creature_n can_v attain_v unto_o be_v to_o be_v a_o live_a picture_n of_o god_n to_o show_v forth_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o pet._n 2._o 9_o the_o virtue_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o he_o that_o raise_v it_o any_o high_a must_v have_v swell_v and_o lofty_a thought_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o low_a and_o dishonourable_a thought_n of_o god_n now_o this_o likeness_n to_o god_n or_o this_o deiformitas_fw-la christiformitas_fw-la as_o the_o pious_a ancient_n be_v wont_a to_o style_v it_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o promise_n sect_n 1._o the_o promise_v the_o word_n of_o life_n first_o as_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o spirit_n and_o life_n john_n 6._o 63._o as_o they_o be_v the_o immortal_a seed_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 23._o whereby_o a_o man_n be_v beget_v again_o and_o make_v partaker_n of_o a_o second_o birth_n in_o
the_o like_a mercy_n which_o we_o seek_v and_o beg_v for_o ourselves_o as_o the_o promise_n be_v useful_a to_o strengthen_v faith_n so_o be_v example_n to_o confirm_v and_o assure_v sense_n which_o be_v continual_o apt_a to_o implead_v what_o faith_n believe_v and_o to_o question_v what_o god_n have_v speak_v god_n have_v promise_v that_o though_o our_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_a they_o shall_v be_v as_o white_a as_o snow_n though_o they_o be_v red_a like_o crimson_a they_o shall_v be_v white_a as_o wool_n isa_n 1._o 18._o but_o sense_n sugge_v what_o possibility_n be_v there_o that_o ever_o such_o a_o change_n shall_v be_v can_v soap_n nitre_n water_n make_v scarlet_a to_o be_v as_o white_a as_o undip_v wool_n no_o more_o can_v it_o be_v that_o the_o ingrained_a spot_n and_o stain_n of_o sin_n so_o often_o reiterated_a so_o long_o persist_v in_o shall_v be_v do_v away_o and_o the_o sinner_n be_v clothe_v with_o the_o white_a robe_n of_o innocency_n god_n say_v he_o will_v heal_v backslide_n and_o love_v free_o hos_fw-la 14._o 4._o he_o will_v love_v free_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n he_o will_v pardon_v free_o without_o respect_n of_o sin_n but_o sense_n that_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o hope_n which_o he_o have_v open_v sometime_o call_v in_o question_n his_o power_n can_v he_o work_v wonder_n among_o the_o dead_a can_v he_o raise_v from_o the_o rottenness_n of_o the_o grave_a such_o as_o have_v lie_v long_a putrefying_a in_o it_o sometime_o dispute_v his_o mercy_n will_v he_o ever_o remember_v the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n will_v he_o be_v gracious_a to_o the_o rebellious_a that_o have_v both_o neglect_v and_o refuse_v the_o tender_n of_o salvation_n which_o have_v be_v often_o make_v now_o when_o a_o believer_n behold_v the_o pregnant_a example_n both_o of_o his_o power_n and_o love_v set_v forth_o in_o the_o scripture_n in_o his_o convert_v a_o stubborn_a maâ—asseh_n in_o his_o translate_n into_o paradise_n a_o bloody_a robber_n in_o his_o cast_n forth_o of_o devil_n out_o of_o mary_n magdalen_n a_o notorious_a harlot_n in_o his_o change_a paul_n a_o persecutor_n into_o a_o apostle_n in_o his_o compassionate_v and_o heal_v peter_n that_o seal_v his_o backslide_n with_o a_o curse_n in_o his_o bring_v salvation_n to_o zaccheus_n a_o hateful_a extortioner_n then_o the_o expostulation_n of_o sense_n and_o carnal_a reason_n be_v put_v to_o silence_n then_o he_o conclude_v with_o confidence_n that_o the_o promise_n be_v a_o sanctuary_n for_o the_o penitent_a and_o lift_v up_o his_o foot_n with_o chearfulnesse_n to_o run_v unto_o they_o then_o he_o plead_v the_o bounty_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n unto_o other_o as_o a_o strong_a argument_n to_o show_v the_o like_a mercy_n unto_o he_o thus_o david_n in_o his_o low_a condition_n strengthen_v his_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o god_n from_o this_o ground_n our_o father_n trust_v in_o thou_o and_o be_v not_o confound_v psal_n 22._o 6_o 7._o this_o direction_n be_v always_o of_o use_n to_o believer_n in_o the_o ordinary_a and_o daily_a application_n which_o they_o make_v of_o the_o promise_n because_o example_n as_o they_o be_v powerful_a in_o persuade_v obedience_n to_o every_o precept_n which_o command_v it_o so_o be_v they_o also_o efficacious_a to_o strengthen_v &_o confirm_v faith_n when_o exercise_v on_o any_o promise_n but_o it_o be_v chief_o useful_a in_o extremity_n when_o danger_n which_o be_v insuperable_a do_v at_o any_o time_n environ_v we_o beside_o the_o promise_n which_o faith_n use_v as_o a_o support_n it_o be_v good_a to_o have_v in_o our_o eye_n some_o such_o example_n as_o daniel_n who_o god_n preserve_v in_o the_o lion_n den_n seal_v up_o their_o mouth_n by_o his_o power_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o hurt_v he_o before_o the_o king_n have_v seal_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o den_n with_o his_o signet_n that_o he_o may_v not_o come_v forth_o when_o sad_a desertion_n and_o temptation_n do_v afflict_v we_o it_o be_v useful_a to_o call_v to_o our_o remembrance_n some_o such_o instance_n as_o heman_n who_o complain_v that_o he_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o low_a pit_n that_o he_o be_v afflict_v with_o all_o god_n wave_n that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v from_o his_o youth_n up_o that_o he_o be_v distract_v while_o he_o suffer_v his_o terror_n psal_n 88_o and_o yet_o afterward_o he_o become_v the_o king_n seer_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o lift_v up_o the_o horn_n 1_o chron._n 25._o 5._o that_o be_v he_o as_o a_o prophet_n be_v especial_o employ_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o mighty_a act_n of_o god_n power_n in_o psalm_n and_o song_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n when_o sore_a affliction_n be_v multiply_v upon_o we_o which_o for_o their_o weight_n be_v more_o heavy_a than_o lead_v for_o their_o bitterness_n more_o bitter_a than_o gall_n and_o wormwood_n it_o be_v good_a to_o have_v in_o our_o thought_n some_o such_o example_n as_o job_n that_o we_o be_v not_o weary_v and_o faint_a in_o our_o mind_n take_v my_o brethren_n the_o prophet_n who_o have_v speak_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o example_n of_o suffer_a affliction_n and_o of_o patience_n say_v the_o apostle_n james_n 5._o 10_o what_o a_o map_n and_o spectacle_n of_o misery_n be_v job_n make_v above_o other_o how_o various_a and_o how_o great_a be_v the_o affliction_n with_o which_o he_o be_v exercise_v sabean_n chaldean_n destroy_v his_o substance_n fire_n from_o heaven_n consume_v his_o servant_n a_o great_a wind_n smite_v the_o four_o corner_n of_o the_o house_n and_o destroy_v all_o his_o child_n ulcer_n boil_v break_v forth_o upon_o his_o body_n keen_a and_o unjust_a censure_n from_o his_o friend_n vex_v his_o soul_n and_o yet_o the_o happy_a close_a and_o end_n that_o the_o lord_n make_v with_o he_o be_v as_o famous_a as_o his_o misery_n be_v his_o riches_n and_o substance_n be_v double_v his_o number_n in_o child_n equal_v his_o body_n heal_v and_o his_o name_n clear_v by_o god_n himself_o these_o and_o such_o like_a instance_n when_o suit_v with_o a_o believer_n condition_n do_v contribute_v much_o to_o the_o suppress_n and_o keep_v of_o that_o despondency_n and_o dejection_n of_o mind_n which_o the_o extremity_n of_o trial_n in_o any_o kind_n be_v apt_a to_o subject_v the_o best_a of_o christian_n unto_o and_o cause_v they_o to_o renew_v their_o confidence_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o in_o hope_n to_o expect_v the_o performance_n of_o they_o because_o that_o other_o in_o the_o same_o or_o not_o unlike_a case_n with_o themselves_o have_v find_v the_o faithfulness_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o support_v they_o under_o their_o burden_n and_o give_v perfect_a deliverance_n from_o they_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n sect_n 4._o rule_n 9_o preserve_v communion_n with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n entire_a the_o nine_o rule_n or_o direction_n be_v to_o keep_v and_o preserve_v entire_a our_o communion_n with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o dependency_n which_o every_o believer_n have_v on_o the_o spirit_n be_v very_o great_a he_o be_v unto_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o soul_n be_v unto_o the_o body_n the_o original_n and_o principle_n of_o all_o spiritual_a life_n and_o motion_n what_o be_v any_o until_o he_o quicken_v they_o and_o by_o his_o power_n fashion_v they_o unto_o holiness_n but_o as_o so_o many_o liveless_a lump_n of_o undigested_a clay_n and_o what_o be_v the_o best_a without_o his_o continual_a breathe_n upon_o they_o but_o as_o so_o many_o disjointed_a and_o weak_a member_n which_o have_v neither_o constancy_n nor_o uniformity_n in_o their_o motion_n or_o action_n grace_n in_o its_o vigour_n and_o strength_n abide_v in_o the_o heart_n as_o light_v in_o the_o house_n by_o way_n of_o emanation_n and_o effusion_n rather_o than_o by_o inherency_n a_o instrument_n when_o it_o have_v a_o edge_n set_v upon_o it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o cut_v any_o thing_n till_o it_o be_v guide_v and_o move_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o artificer_n no_o more_o do_v a_o christian_a when_o he_o have_v a_o habitual_a aptitude_n through_o grace_n to_o work_v yet_o do_v or_o perform_v any_o service_n without_o the_o concurrence_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n quicken_a exciting_a and_o apply_v the_o habitual_a power_n unto_o particular_a duty_n necessary_a therefore_o it_o be_v that_o believer_n be_v circumspect_a in_o maintain_v their_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o not_o to_o provoke_v he_o to_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o they_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n both_o of_o their_o grace_n and_o comfort_n but_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o will_v more_o particular_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v in_o how_o much_o need_n we_o daily_o stand_v of_o the_o constant_a assistance_n and_o powerful_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o make_v the_o application_n of_o all_o
make_v strong_a by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o mighty_a god_n of_o jacob._n gen._n 49._o 23_o 24_o therefore_o when_o believer_n do_v at_o any_o time_n find_v the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n to_o they_o in_o his_o providence_n to_o cross_v rather_o than_o to_o favour_v the_o fulfil_n of_o such_o promise_n as_o he_o have_v make_v to_o they_o in_o his_o word_n and_o which_o they_o in_o their_o prayer_n do_v earnest_o seek_v and_o expect_v yet_o be_v they_o not_o to_o cast_v away_o their_o confidence_n or_o to_o take_v up_o any_o such_o sad_a conclusion_n as_o that_o god_n have_v forget_v his_o promise_n and_o that_o he_o bear_v no_o respect_n to_o they_o or_o their_o sacrifice_n because_o god_n do_v not_o limit_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o promise_n to_o the_o serenity_n and_o success_n of_o his_o providence_n but_o do_v many_o time_n use_v such_o dispensation_n which_o seem_v rather_o to_o frustrate_v and_o make_v void_a his_o purpose_n then_o to_o establsh_fw-mi and_o effect_v it_o jonah_n be_v set_v on_o shore_n by_o a_o whale_n when_o the_o mariner_n arrive_v at_o their_o port_n by_o the_o ship_n the_o blind_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n john_n 9_o 6._o christ_n cure_v by_o clay_n and_o spittle_n and_o not_o by_o balsam_n and_o as_o they_o that_o go_v to_o sea_n do_v not_o obtain_v a_o firm_a and_o unmoved_a state_n of_o body_n by_o the_o steddiness_n of_o the_o vessel_n in_o a_o calm_a but_o by_o the_o accustom_v and_o inure_v of_o themselves_o to_o the_o rolling_n and_o toss_n of_o it_o in_o several_a weather_n so_o neither_o do_v believer_n gain_v a_o settle_a peace_n of_o mind_n by_o the_o calm_a equality_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o they_o but_o by_o acquaintance_n with_o vicissitude_n and_o adverse_a revolution_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o which_o they_o still_o find_v the_o promise_n to_o be_v as_o a_o anchor_n sure_a and_o firm_a and_o therefore_o be_v not_o perplex_v or_o amaze_v at_o all_o other_o change_n that_o befall_v they_o sect_n 2._o cau._n 4._o take_v heed_n of_o curiosity_n in_o select_v promise_n the_o four_o cautionary_a direction_n to_o believer_n be_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o a_o sinful_a and_o affect_a curiosity_n so_o as_o to_o esteem_v only_o those_o promise_n most_o precious_a which_o do_v stand_v in_o the_o scripture_n like_o fruit_n ungathered_a and_o untouched_a by_o the_o hand_n of_o common_a christian_n and_o be_v like_o flower_n as_o they_o imagine_v not_o at_o all_o smell_v and_o blow_v upon_o by_o any_o but_o themselves_o as_o there_o be_v a_o vain_a affectation_n in_o some_o minister_n to_o decline_v and_o wave_v those_o scripture_n that_o have_v in_o they_o the_o great_a pregnancy_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n and_o to_o set_v their_o wit_n on_o work_n and_o the_o text_n many_o time_n upon_o the_o rack_n to_o force_v they_o to_o speak_v to_o their_o purpose_n that_o so_o their_o notion_n and_o conception_n may_v be_v look_v upon_o by_o their_o auditor_n as_o neither_o vulgar_a nor_o common_a so_o be_v there_o a_o lust_n of_o fancy_n in_o many_o christian_n of_o please_a and_o delight_v themselves_o in_o the_o pick_n and_o select_v out_o such_o promise_n as_o have_v not_o come_v under_o the_o observation_n of_o other_o or_o have_v be_v least_o use_v by_o they_o in_o the_o constant_a daily_a recourse_n which_o they_o have_v have_v unto_o they_o now_o this_o vanity_n and_o curiosity_n which_o thus_o prevail_v in_o many_o christian_n do_v not_o only_a spring_n from_o pride_n which_o often_o beget_v a_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n but_o it_o arise_v also_o from_o a_o false_a conceit_n and_o opinion_n take_v up_o by_o they_o that_o such_o promise_n be_v more_o sweet_a when_o ruminate_v upon_o and_z more_o full_a when_o suck_v on_o be_v like_a unto_o breast_n that_o have_v have_v little_a or_o none_o of_o their_o milk_n draw_v and_o take_v from_o they_o first_o they_o conceive_v they_o to_o be_v more_o sweet_a and_o to_o affect_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o great_a of_o delight_n but_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a sweetness_n and_o delight_n the_o one_o arise_v from_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o object_n the_o other_o from_o the_o newness_n of_o the_o object_n the_o newness_n of_o the_o object_n be_v that_o with_o which_o fancy_n be_v chief_o delight_v and_o by_o which_o it_o work_v upon_o the_o will_v to_o close_v with_o it_o as_o a_o convenient_a and_o suitable_a good_a but_o the_o understanding_n propound_v the_o goodness_n &_o truth_n of_o the_o object_n to_o the_o will_n and_o thereby_o draw_v and_o win_v iâ—â—o_o a_o like_n and_o full_a embrace_v of_o it_o now_o that_o which_o shall_v endear_v the_o promise_n unto_o believer_n be_v not_o any_o suggestion_n from_o fancy_n that_o none_o but_o themselves_o have_v either_o observe_v or_o use_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a promise_n &_o upon_o that_o ground_n to_o hug_v it_o in_o their_o bosom_n as_o scholar_n do_v those_o notion_n and_o book_n which_o none_o be_v possess_v of_o but_o themselves_o but_o the_o high_a estimation_n which_o they_o have_v of_o they_o shall_v whole_o arise_v from_o that_o transcendent_a goodness_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v in_o the_o promise_n and_o make_v they_o deserve_o to_o be_v of_o all_o desire_a and_o accept_v thus_o paul_n commend_v the_o gospel_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 15._o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n they_o conceive_v though_o fond_o they_o to_o be_v more_o full_a as_o well_o as_o more_o sweet_a but_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o the_o emanation_n of_o comfort_n which_o flow_v from_o they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o impair_v or_o diminish_v by_o the_o common_a and_o daily_a use_n of_o they_o no_o more_o than_o light_n be_v waste_v in_o the_o sun_n by_o the_o multitude_n of_o generation_n that_o have_v enjoy_v the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o it_o still_o it_o have_v as_o much_o light_n in_o the_o body_n of_o it_o as_o it_o have_v in_o its_o first_o creation_n and_o so_o the_o promise_n which_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o all_o the_o faithful_a descend_v from_o they_o have_v successive_o use_v and_o live_v upon_o do_v still_o retain_v the_o same_o vigour_n and_o abound_v with_o as_o great_a plenty_n of_o support_n and_o comfort_n unto_o present_a believer_n as_o ever_o they_o do_v unto_o they_o as_o the_o bee_n do_v with_o a_o innocent_a theft_n as_o parisiensis_fw-la call_v it_o suck_v honey_n from_o the_o flower_n without_o the_o least_o prejudice_n to_o their_o beautiful_a colour_n which_o delight_v the_o eye_n or_o to_o the_o fragrant_a scent_n which_o affect_v the_o smell_n of_o he_o that_o gather_v they_o so_o do_v believer_n draw_v from_o the_o promise_v a_o grateful_a satiety_n both_o of_o delight_n and_o comfort_n without_o the_o least_o diminution_n either_o of_o their_o fullness_n or_o sweetness_n he_o that_o be_v last_o in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o same_o promise_n may_v find_v it_o as_o rich_a in_o its_o plenty_n as_o effectual_a in_o its_o vigour_n as_o he_o that_o come_v first_o unto_o it_o well_n say_v basil_n be_v the_o better_a and_o more_o pure_a the_o often_o they_o be_v draw_v and_o so_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o well_n of_o salvation_n do_v receive_v a_o improvement_n by_o the_o frequent_a and_o common_a use_n of_o they_o the_o end_n of_o this_o caution_n be_v no_o way_n to_o forbid_v any_o christian_n value_v or_o esteem_n of_o one_o particular_a promise_n above_o other_o which_o god_n by_o the_o powerful_a working_n of_o his_o spirit_n have_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n make_v use_v of_o for_o the_o quiet_v of_o their_o soul_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o great_a perplexity_n and_o the_o fill_n of_o they_o with_o all_o joy_n &_o peace_n in_o believe_v as_o if_o thereby_o they_o do_v derogate_v aught_o from_o the_o just_a worth_n of_o other_o promise_n for_o it_o be_v god_n manner_n not_o to_o seal_v and_o manifest_v his_o love_n unto_o believer_n by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o promise_n but_o to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o promise_n to_o one_o and_o of_o a_o differ_a promise_n to_o another_o who_o both_o lie_n under_o the_o same_o distress_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o have_v in_o a_o peculiar_a remembrance_n that_o promise_n and_o scripture_n above_o other_o by_o which_o god_n be_v please_v first_o to_o speak_v peace_n to_o their_o soul_n but_o the_o aim_n of_o the_o caution_n be_v to_o keep_v believer_n from_o put_v any_o disrespect_n upon_o the_o precious_a promise_n by_o their_o esteem_v of_o they_o to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o less_o worth_a by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o common_a and_o ordinary_a they_o have_v be_v in_o their_o use_n do_v manna_n nourish_v the_o israelite_n the_o less_o because_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
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
its_o orb_n do_v then_o enlighten_v the_o earth_n far_o more_o than_o multitude_n of_o star_n that_o shine_v bright_a in_o the_o clear_a night_n and_o so_o one_o promise_v in_o army_n of_o change_n that_o befall_v believer_n fill_v their_o soul_n with_o more_o serenity_n and_o peace_n than_o the_o confluence_n of_o all_o outward_a contentment_n can_v produce_v under_o one_o small_a and_o petty_a cross_n a_o christian_a many_o time_n walk_v more_o cheerful_o under_o sore_a fiery_a trial_n than_o other_o in_o the_o sunshine_n of_o worldly_a prosperity_n the_o three_o child_n walk_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o more_o joy_n in_o the_o furnace_n than_o nabuchadnezzar_n in_o his_o stately_a palace_n chap._n vi_o contain_v positive_a rule_n direct_v to_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o promise_n have_v show_v what_o a_o promise_n be_v and_o the_o sundry_a respect_n wherein_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v precious_a by_o way_n of_o eminency_n and_o excess_n i_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o three_o general_a head_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o several_a rule_n and_o direction_n that_o concern_v the_o due_a application_n of_o they_o which_o be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o necessary_a by_o how_o much_o the_o promise_n above_o all_o other_o part_n of_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n of_o god_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o be_v deep_o injure_v by_o the_o two_o sinful_a extreme_n of_o distrust_n and_o presumption_n the_o infirm_a believer_n who_o jealousy_n and_o misgiving_n be_v too_o strong_a for_o his_o faith_n put_v away_o from_o he_o the_o consolation_n of_o the_o promise_n as_o small_a and_o look_n upon_o they_o as_o cordial_n not_o strong_a enough_o to_o heal_v and_o remove_v his_o distemper_n the_o over-secure_a and_o self-confident_a person_n place_v his_o fond_a presumption_n in_o the_o room_n of_o god_n promise_n and_o thereby_o draw_v as_o certain_a a_o ruin_n upon_o himself_o as_o he_o who_o venture_v to_o go_v over_o a_o deep_a river_n without_o any_o other_o bridge_n then_o what_o his_o shadow_n make_v i_o shall_v therefore_o branch_v the_o rule_n which_o concern_v the_o right_a use_n of_o they_o into_o rule_n positive_a and_o cautionary_a the_o one_o point_v out_o several_a duty_n which_o every_o one_o must_v exercise_v himself_o in_o that_o will_v willing_o reap_v any_o real_a fruit_n and_o advantage_n from_o the_o promise_n the_o other_o forewarn_v the_o many_o error_n and_o mistake_n which_o be_v as_o stone_n of_o stumble_v to_o weak_a christian_n or_o as_o stone_n that_o lie_v upon_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o well_n of_o salvation_n which_o must_v be_v remove_v before_o the_o water_n of_o comfort_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o they_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o positive_a rule_n which_o be_v many_o sect_n 1._o eye_n god_n in_o the_o promise_n first_o in_o the_o apply_v of_o any_o promise_n fix_v the_o eye_n of_o your_o faith_n upon_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o it_o promise_n be_v not_o the_o primary_n object_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o secondary_a or_o they_o be_v rather_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o believe_v than_o the_o thing_n on_o which_o we_o be_v to_o rest_v as_o in_o the_o sacrament_n the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n serve_v as_o outward_a sign_n to_o bring_v christ_n and_o a_o believer_n together_o but_o that_o which_o faith_n close_v with_o and_o feed_v upon_o be_v christ_n in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o not_o the_o naked_a element_n themselves_o so_o the_o promise_n be_v instrumental_a in_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n together_o they_o be_v the_o warrant_n by_o which_o faith_n be_v embolden_v to_o come_v to_o he_o and_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o he_o but_o the_o union_n which_o faith_n make_v be_v not_o between_o a_o believer_n and_o the_o promise_n but_o between_o a_o believer_n and_o christ_n and_o therefore_o those_o divine_n who_o in_o their_o catechetical_a system_n have_v make_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o promise_n rather_o than_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n have_v fail_v in_o their_o expression_n if_o not_o in_o their_o intention_n and_o have_v speak_v rather_o popular_o then_o accurate_o for_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o ens_fw-la complexum_fw-la a_o evangelical_n maxim_n or_o proposition_n but_o ens_fw-la incomplexum_fw-la the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o whole_a current_n of_o scripture-expression_n do_v abundant_o testify_v wherein_o faith_n be_v describe_v by_o receive_v of_o christ_n joh._n 1._o 12._o by_o believe_v on_o he_o joh._n 3._o 16._o by_o come_v to_o he_o joh._n 6._o 36._o as_o we_o can_v come_v to_o christ_n without_o the_o aid_n of_o a_o promise_n so_o may_v we_o not_o rest_v in_o the_o promise_n without_o close_v with_o christ_n the_o promise_n they_o be_v but_o as_o the_o field_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o hide_a pearl_n which_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v in_o they_o they_o be_v as_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o he_o be_v both_o as_o the_o olive-tree_n which_o drop_v fatness_n into_o they_o and_o as_o the_o light_n which_o shine_v in_o they_o they_o be_v as_o the_o alabaster-box_n and_o he_o be_v as_o the_o precious_a spicknard_n which_o send_v forth_o the_o delightful_a savour_n they_o be_v as_o the_o the_o golden_a pot_n and_o he_o be_v the_o mannah_n which_o be_v treasure_v and_o lay_v up_o in_o they_o they_o be_v as_o the_o glass_n and_o he_o be_v the_o beautiful_a face_n which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o they_o we_o 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 be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 3._o 18._o but_o in_o look_v unto_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o the_o promise_n let_v the_o eye_n of_o faith_n be_v direct_v especial_o to_o these_o four_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n the_o freeness_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o make_v they_o the_o absoluteness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o effect_v they_o the_o unhangeablenesse_n of_o his_o counsel_n not_o to_o revoke_v or_o disannul_v the_o least_o iota_fw-la of_o they_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o wisdom_n to_o perform_v all_o which_o he_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o best_a season_n and_o joint_n of_o time_n these_o be_v four_o such_o pillar_n upon_o which_v faith_n may_v safe_o lean_v and_o which_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o most_o violent_a temptation_n can_v never_o shake_v much_o less_o overturn_v as_o samson_n do_v the_o pillar_n of_o the_o house_n against_o which_o he_o lean_v judg._n 16._o 30._o sect_n 2._o eye_n free_a grace_n first_o view_v with_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n the_o freeness_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o make_v so_o many_o rich_a promise_n they_o be_v all_o patent_n of_o grace_n not_o bill_n of_o debt_n expression_n of_o love_n not_o reward_n of_o service_n gift_n not_o wage_n he_o that_o make_v many_o out_o of_o mercy_n may_v without_o the_o least_o umbrage_n of_o injustice_n have_v make_v none_o though_o his_o truth_n do_v tie_v he_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o yet_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n only_o do_v move_v he_o to_o the_o make_n of_o they_o his_o promise_n have_v make_v he_o a_o debtor_n but_o free_a grace_n make_v he_o a_o promiser_n and_o here_o the_o assertion_n of_o the_o school_n may_v be_v judge_v sound_n divina_fw-la voluntas_fw-la licèt_fw-la simpiciter_fw-la libera_fw-la sit_fw-la ad_fw-la extra_fw-la ex_fw-la suppositione_n tamen_fw-la unius_fw-la actus_fw-la liberi_fw-la potest_fw-la necessitari_fw-la ad_fw-la alterum_fw-la though_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v most_o entire_o free_v in_o all_o his_o manifestation_n towards_o the_o creature_n yet_o upon_o the_o voluntary_a and_o free_a precedency_n of_o one_o suppose_a act_n we_o may_v just_o conceive_v he_o to_o be_v necessary_o oblige_v to_o a_o second_o thus_o god_n be_v most_o absolute_o free_v in_o the_o make_n of_o his_o promise_n but_o have_v make_v they_o he_o be_v necessitate_v to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o they_o by_o his_o truth_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n tit._n 1._o 2._o god_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v before_o the_o world_n begin_v and_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n thou_o will_v perform_v the_o truth_n to_o jacob_n and_o the_o mercy_n to_o abraham_n mich._n 7._o 20._o the_o make_n of_o the_o promise_n unto_o abraham_n be_v free_a mercy_n the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o to_o jacob_n be_v justice_n and_o truth_n this_o direction_n touch_v the_o freeness_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o the_o promise_n be_v exceed_v useful_a to_o succour_v and_o relieve_v the_o perplex_v fear_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o tempt_v christian_a who_o though_o he_o have_v eye_n to_o see_v the_o unspeakable_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o promise_n yet_o have_v not_o the_o confidence_n to_o put_v forth_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o his_o necessity_n he_o want_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n but_o doubt_v the_o promise_n