Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n believe_v christian_a faith_n 3,911 5 5.5853 4 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
B03501 The mystery of faith opened up: or Some sermons concerning faith (two where of were not formerly printed.) Wherein the nature, excellency, and usefulness of that noble grace is much cleared, and the practice thereof most powerfully pressed. Whereunto are added other three sermons, two concerning the great salvation, one of these not formerly printed, and a third concerning death. / By that pious and worthy servant of Jesus Christ, Mr. Andrew Gray, late minister of the Gospel in Glasgow. All these sermons being now carefully revised, and much corrected. Gray, Andrew, 1633-1656.; Traill, Robert, 1642-1716.; Stirling, John, b. 1621? 1668 (1668) Wing G1616; ESTC R177630 121,416 225

There are 7 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

there_o be_v these_o seven_o advantage_n which_o attend_v those_o who_o live_v within_o the_o continual_a sight_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o they_o must_v die_v first_o the_o faith_n of_o approach_a death_n will_v make_v a_o soul_n exceed_v diligent_a in_o duty_n this_o be_v our_o bless_a lord_n divinity_n john_n 9.4_o i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o while_o it_o be_v day_n the_o night_n sm_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v that_o i●_n death_n be_v approach_v therefore_o i_o must_v work_v it_o be_v clear_a also_o 2_o pet._n 1.12_o compare_v with_o verse_n 14._o in_o the_o 12._o verse_n peter_n be_v exceed_o diligent_a in_o his_o duty_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o diligence_n be_v in_o the_o 14._o verse_n know_v that_o short_o i_o must_v put_v off_o this_o my_o tabernacle_n etc._n etc._n yea_o it_o be_v even_o the_o epicure_n argument_n let_v we_o eat_v and_o drink_v for_o to_o morrow_n we_o shall_v die_v and_o shall_v not_o the_o christian_a much_o more_o cry_v out_o let_v i_o watch_v and_o pray_v for_o to_o morrow_n i_o may_v die_v i_o say_v if_o the_o epicure_n do_v make_v use_n of_o that_o notion_n to_o make_v they_o vigorous_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o their_o pleasure_n o_o how_o much_o more_o shall_v a_o christian_a improve_v it_o for_o make_v he_o vigorous_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o his_o duty_n therefore_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o all_o o_o be_v diligent_a for_o your_o night_n be_v draw_v near_o o_o christian_n and_o expectant_n of_o heaven_n be_v you_o not_o afraid_a lest_o you_o be_v nighted_a before_o you_o have_v walk_v the_o half_a of_o your_o journey_n for_o if_o you_o be_v nighted_a on_o your_o journey_n to_o heaven_n before_o you_o come_v to_o the_o end_n of_o your_o race_n there_o be_v no_o retire_a place_n whereunto_o you_o may_v turn_v aside_o to_o lodge_v therefore_o o_o work_n work_n work_n while_o it_o be_v day_n for_o behold_v death_n be_v approach_v and_o then_o shall_v we_o all_o be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n 2._o the_o faith_n of_o approach_a death_n will_v make_v a_o christian_a exceed_v active_a in_o his_o duty_n he_o will_v not_o only_o be_v diligent_a but_o also_o exceed_o serious_a and_o zealous_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o duty_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o that_o notable_a exhortation_n eccles_n 9.10_o whatsoever_o thy_o hand_n find_v to_o do_v do_v it_o with_o thy_o might_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v for_o there_o be_v no_o work_n nor_o device_n nor_o knowledge_n nor_o wisdom_n in_o the_o grave_n whither_o thou_o go_v wherefore_o o_o be_v active_a while_o you_o be_v alive_a for_o you_o shall_v never_o work_v any_o more_o after_o you_o be_v dead_a and_o if_o you_o leave_v but_o one_o work_n undo_v there_o be_v no_o do_v of_o it_o after_o death_n there_o be_v no_o work_n say_v solomon_n in_o the_o grave_n therefore_o o_o be_v active_a 3._o the_o faith_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o we_o must_v all_o die_v will_v help_v a_o christian_n to_o be_v exceed_v mortify_v to_o the_o thing_n of_o a_o present_a world_n oh_o covetous_a man_n and_o woman_n will_v you_o shake_v hand_n with_o cold_a death_n but_o once_o every_o morning_n i_o shall_v defy_v you_o to_o pursue_v the_o world_n so_o much_o as_o you_o do_v paul_n be_v much_o in_o the_o meditation_n of_o his_o change_n which_o make_v he_o 2_o cor._n 4.18_o to_o overlook_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v temporary_a while_o we_o look_v not_o say_v he_o to_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v see_v which_o be_v temporal_a but_o to_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v which_o be_v eternal_a therefore_o chap._n 5.1_o know_v that_o if_o our_o earthly_a house_n of_o this_o tabernacle_n be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o build_n of_o god_n a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n therefore_o in_o this_o we_o groan_v earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v clothe_v upon_o with_o our_o house_n which_o be_v from_o heaven_n what_o ail_v you_o paul_n may_v one_o have_v lay_v may_v you_o not_o take_v a_o look_n of_o the_o world_n no_o say_v he_o for_o i_o know_v that_o if_o this_o earthly_a house_n of_o this_o tabernacle_n be_v dissolve_v i_o have_v a_o house_n with_o god_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n but_o eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n that_o be_v i_o know_v that_o ere_o long_o the_o pin_n of_o my_o tabernacle_n will_v be_v loose_v and_o it_o will_v fall_v down_o about_o my_o ear_n therefore_o i_o must_v look_v for_o another_o dwell_a house_n and_o 1_o cor._n 7.24_o the_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n pass_v away_o therefore_o say_v he_o verse_n 32._o i_o will_v have_v you_o without_o carefulness_n care_v to_o please_v the_o lord_n and_o phil._n 4.2_o let_v your_o moderation_n be_v know_v to_o all_o man_n the_o lord_n be_v at_o hand_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v death_n be_v approach_v and_o at_o hand_n therefore_o i_o entreat_v you_o be_v sober_a but_o i_o think_v many_o of_o we_o will_v be_v find_v like_o saul_n hide_v among_o the_o stuff_n that_o be_v we_o will_v be_v lie_v among_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o pass_a world_n but_o i_o say_v to_o thou_o who_o be_v such_o a_o one_o that_o death_n will_v break_v the_o string_n of_o thy_o harp_n and_o thy_o music_n will_v quick_o cease_v o_o but_o death_n will_v make_v thou_o have_v a_o low_a esteem_n of_o the_o world_n o_o blessed_a be_v the_o person_n who_o have_v those_o thought_n of_o the_o world_n all_o along_o his_o way_n which_o he_o shall_v have_v of_o it_o at_o his_o death_n have_v not_o the_o most_o curse_a wretch_n be_v force_v to_o cry_v out_o oh_o i_o will_v give_v ten_o thousand_o world_n for_o christ_n have_v not_o some_o person_n who_o have_v have_v the_o moon_n upon_o their_o head_n and_o that_o have_v make_v their_o belly_n their_o god_n be_v force_v to_o cry_v forth_o at_o death_n o_o curse_a person_n that_o i_o be_o that_o ever_o i_o make_v the_o world_n my_o god_n alace_o that_o i_o content_v myself_o with_o the_o world_n therefore_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o who_o be_v such_o a_o one_o o_o stay_v thy_o pursuit_n after_o the_o world_n for_o death_n be_v approach_v that_o will_v cause_v all_o thy_o worldly_a comfort_n to_o evanish_v 4._o when_o a_o christian_a believe_v this_o truth_n that_o he_o must_v die_v it_o will_v be_v a_o exceed_o great_a restraint_n to_o keep_v he_o from_o sin_v as_o be_v clear_a job_n 31.13_o compare_v with_o verse_n 14._o where_n job_n reckon_v over_o many_o good_a deed_n do_v by_o himself_o say_v what_o then_o shall_v i_o do_v when_o god_n rise_v up_o and_o when_o he_o visit_v what_o shall_v i_o answer_v he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v sir_n mistake_v i_o not_o i_o be_o not_o boast_v much_o of_o myself_o for_o i_o can_v not_o have_v do_v otherwise_o else_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v when_o god_n rise_v up_o how_o can_v i_o answer_v to_o god_n if_o i_o have_v do_v otherwise_o i_o think_v it_o be_v a_o notable_a practice_n for_o each_o of_o you_o when_o temptation_n begin_v to_o assault_v you_o to_o say_v o_o temptation_n what_o shall_v i_o answer_v to_o god_n when_o he_o rise_v up_o to_o reprove_v i_o if_o i_o shall_v yield_v unto_o thou_o likewise_o eccles_n 11.9_o where_o solomon_n dissuade_v young_a man_n to_o pursue_v after_o vanity_n bring_v this_o as_o a_o reason_n know_v thou_o that_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n god_n will_v bring_v thou_o to_o judgement_n therefore_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o who_o be_v often_o tempt_v to_o sin_n let_v death_n and_o reckon_n with_o god_n be_v still_o in_o thy_o sight_n and_o i_o defy_v thou_o then_o to_o embrace_v half_a so_o many_o temptation_n as_o now_o thou_o do_v i_o entreat_v you_o to_o answer_v all_o your_o temptation_n with_o that_o one_o word_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v when_o he_o rise_v up_o and_o what_o shall_v i_o answer_v when_o he_o visit_v i_o 5._o when_o a_o christian_a live_v within_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o he_o shall_v once_o see_v death_n it_o shall_v make_v he_o exceed_o patient_a under_o every_o cross_n wherewith_o he_o meet_v such_o a_o christian_a will_v hardly_o meet_v with_o a_o cross_n but_o he_o will_v quiet_v himself_o with_o this_o death_n will_v put_v i_o beyond_o this_o cross_n this_o be_v but_o a_o cloud_n that_o will_v quick_o pass_v away_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n do_v david_n so_o composed_o put_v up_o that_o desire_n psalm_n 39.4_o lord_n make_v i_o to_o know_v my_o end_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o my_o day_n he_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o end_n will_v put_v he_o in_o a_o sober_a and_o patient_a frame_n the_o six_o advantage_n be_v this_o the_o faith_n of_o approach_a death_n will_v teach_v the_o person_n that_o have_v
it_o to_o study_v save_v wisdom_n this_o be_v clear_a psalm_n 90.12_o where_o david_n put_v up_o this_o request_n so_o teach_v we_o to_o number_v our_o day_n that_o we_o may_v apply_v our_o heart_n unto_o wisdom_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v never_o think_v myself_o wise_a till_o i_o know_v that_o bless_a piece_n of_o arithmetic_n how_o to_o number_v my_o day_n i_o will_v desire_v every_o one_o of_o you_o all_o to_o think_v with_o yourselves_o every_o morning_n when_o you_o arise_v now_o we_o be_v a_o hour_n near_o unto_o eternity_n than_o we_o be_v before_o and_o at_o the_o end_n of_o every_o hour_n now_o we_o be_v a_o day_n near_o unto_o eternity_n than_o we_o be_v before_o i_o say_v think_v often_o yea_o always_o thus_o we_o be_v never_o so_o near_a death_n as_o we_o be_v now_o for_o oh_o be_v we_o not_o all_o near_o to_o eternity_n to_o day_n than_o we_o be_v you_o sterday_o the_o seven_o advantage_n attend_v the_o faith_n of_o approach_a death_n be_v this_o that_o it_o will_v make_v a_o christian_a very_o careful_a in_o prepare_v for_o death_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o one_o to_o believe_v real_o that_o death_n be_v approach_v and_o not_o prepare_v for_o it_o say_v what_o you_o will_v if_o you_o be_v not_o careful_a in_o prepare_v for_o death_n you_o have_v not_o the_o solid_a faith_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o you_o shall_v die_v believe_v i_o it_o be_v not_o every_o one_o that_o think_v he_o believe_v this_o truth_n that_o believe_v it_o indeed_o and_o o_o how_o dreadful_a be_v it_o for_o a_o unprepared_a man_n to_o meet_v with_o death_n he_o desire_v not_o to_o die_v yea_o he_o will_v give_v a_o world_n for_o his_o life_n but_o die_v he_o must_v whether_o he_o will_v or_o not_o for_o death_n will_v not_o be_v request_v to_o spare_v a_o little_a when_o he_o come_v and_o therefore_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o set_v your_o house_n in_o order_n for_o you_o shall_v sure_o die_v old_a man_n and_o woman_n set_v your_o house_n in_o order_n for_o sure_o you_o must_v die_v young_a man_n and_o woman_n set_v your_o house_n in_o order_n for_o to_o morrow_n you_o may_v die_v and_o be_v cut_v off_o in_o the_o flower_n of_o your_o age_n think_v not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o who_o can_v sell_v time_n for_o i_o say_v you_o shall_v never_o get_v time_n sell_v unto_o you_o alace_o i_o feat_n the_o most_o part_n of_o person_n that_o die_v now_o death_n find_v they_o at_o unaware_o for_o indeed_o the_o person_n that_o die_v among_o we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o visit_v they_o we_o may_v give_v you_o a_o full_a account_n of_o they_o for_o we_o think_v they_o be_v all_o comprehend_v under_o these_o four_o sort_n first_o when_o we_o go_v to_o visit_v some_o person_n on_o their_o death_n bed_n they_o be_v like_a unto_o nabal_n their_o heart_n be_v die_v and_o sink_v like_a unto_o a_o stone_n within_o they_o they_o be_v no_o more_o affect_v with_o death_n then_o if_o it_o be_v a_o fancy_n alace_o for_o the_o great_a stupidity_n that_o have_v overtake_v many_o therefore_o i_o entreat_v you_o delay_v not_o your_o repentance_n till_o death_n lest_o the_o lord_n take_v away_o your_o wit_n so_o that_o you_o can_v then_o repent_v for_o your_o senslesness_n and_o stupid_a frame_n of_o spirit_n a_o second_o sort_n we_o find_v in_o a_o presumptuous_a frame_n say_v they_o have_v have_v a_o good_a hope_n all_o their_o day_n and_o they_o will_v not_o quit_v it_o now_o they_o will_v go_v down_o to_o the_o grave_n with_o their_o hope_n in_o their_o right_a hand_n or_o rather_o they_o will_v go_v down_o to_o the_o grave_n with_o a_o lie_n in_o their_o right_a hand_n they_o live_v in_o a_o persumptuous_a frame_n and_o they_o die_v in_o the_o same_o delusion_n for_o when_o we_o tell_v they_o that_o by_o all_o probability_n they_o be_v go_v down_o to_o hell_n they_o answer_v god_n forbid_v i_o be_v all_o my_o time_n a_o very_a honest_a man_n or_o woman_n but_o i_o love_v not_o that_o confession_n for_o there_o be_v many_o such_o honest_a man_n and_o woman_n in_o hell_n this_o day_n the_o three_o sort_n we_o find_v have_v some_o conviction_n that_o they_o have_v be_v play_v the_o fool_n all_o their_o day_n but_o we_o can_v get_v they_o no_o further_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v to_o such_o to_o go_v down_o to_o the_o grave_a with_o conviction_n in_o their_o breast_n not_o make_v use_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o go_v down_o to_o hell_n with_o a_o candle_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o let_v they_o see_v the_o way_n and_o true_o the_o great_a part_n that_o die_v die_v in_o this_o manner_n four_o there_o be_v some_o who_o we_o find_v in_o a_o self-righteous_a frame_n trust_v upon_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o their_o own_o merit_n and_o trust_v by_o these_o to_o go_v to_o heaven_n yet_o neglect_v the_o offer_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n but_o alace_o we_o find_v not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o in_o this_o frame_n i_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n that_o be_v best_a of_o all_o and_o scarce_o do_v we_o find_v any_o in_o such_o a_o frame_n o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n therefore_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o who_o be_v all_o here_o o_o will_v you_o mind_n death_n before_o it_o take_v hold_v on_o you_o oh_o mind_n your_o work_n now_o for_o you_o will_v find_v that_o death_n shall_v be_v work_n enough_o for_o itself_o though_o you_o leave_v no_o work_n till_o then_o the_o eight_o advantage_n that_o attend_v the_o christian_a believe_v this_o truth_n that_o once_o he_o must_v die_v be_v this_o death_n will_v not_o be_v so_o terrible_a to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v to_o many_o when_o it_o come_v what_o think_v you_o make_v death_n a_o king_n of_o terror_n what_o make_v many_o to_o shake_v like_o the_o leaf_n of_o a_o tree_n when_o they_o be_v summon_v to_o appear_v before_o god_n tribunal_n it_o be_v even_o because_o of_o this_o they_o have_v not_o be_v think_v on_o death_n before_o it_o come_v so_o as_o to_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o i_o fear_v many_o in_o this_o place_n may_v be_v fear_v for_o death_n and_o that_o when_o it_o come_v to_o they_o they_o will_v say_v unto_o death_n as_o achab_n say_v to_o elijah_n have_v thou_o find_v i_o o_o my_o enemy_n sure_o death_n will_v take_v you_o and_o bring_v you_o to_o the_o judgement-seat_n of_o christ_n therefore_o study_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o think_v ofren_n upon_o it_o and_o make_v ready_a for_o it_o for_o believe_v i_o death_n be_v a_o very_a big_a word_n for_o it_o will_v once_o make_v you_o stand_v with_o horror_n in_o your_o soul_n if_o your_o peace_n be_v not_o make_v up_o with_o god_n i_o know_v not_o a_o more_o dreadful_a dispensation_n than_o death_n and_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n meet_v together_o the_o second_o thing_n that_o i_o shall_v speak_v unto_o from_o the_o first_o observation_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a and_o infallible_a truth_n that_o all_o person_n shall_v once_o see_v death_n shall_v be_v to_o give_v some_o good_a consideration_n for_o press_v you_o to_o prepare_v for_o death_n the_o first_o consideration_n be_v this_o that_o to_o die_v well_o and_o in_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o most_o difficult_a work_n therefore_o i_o entreat_v you_o prepare_v for_o death_n it_o be_v a_o difficult_a work_n to_o communicate_v aright_o it_o be_v a_o difficult_a work_n to_o pray_v aright_o and_o it_o be_v a_o difficult_a work_n to_o confer_v aright_o but_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o it_o be_v a_o more_o difficult_a work_n to_o die_v aright_o than_o any_o of_o these_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v more_o difficult_a to_o communicate_v aright_o then_o to_o pray_v aright_o yet_o it_o be_v much_o more_o difficult_a to_o die_v aright_o then_o to_o communicate_v aright_o for_o it_o be_v a_o most_o difficult_a work_n to_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n death_n will_v put_v the_o most_o accurate_a christian_a that_o be_v here_o to_o a_o wonderful_a search_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o nine_o thing_n that_o death_n will_v try_v in_o thou_o 1._o death_n will_v try_v both_o the_o reality_n and_o strength_n of_o thy_o faith_n it_o may_v be_v easy_a for_o thou_o to_o keep_v up_o faith_n under_o many_o difficulty_n but_o death_n shall_v put_v thy_o faith_n to_o the_o great_a stress_n that_o ever_o it_o do_v meet_v with_o yea_o know_v this_o that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o strong_a believer_n may_v get_v and_o ordinary_o do_v get_v a_o set_v at_o death_n the_o like_a whereof_o it_o never_o get_v before_o therefore_o prepare_v for_o death_n 2._o death_n will_v try_v thy_o love_n to_o god_n some_o person_n pretend_v much_o love_n to_o
bond_n of_o love_n and_o respect_n than_o our_o faith_n will_v increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n our_o entertainment_n of_o a_o bosom_n idol_n be_v ordinary_o punish_v with_o the_o want_n of_o the_o sensible_a intimation_n of_o his_o peace_n and_o of_o our_o interest_n in_o he_o so_o that_o sometime_o his_o own_o be_v constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o god_n have_v depart_v from_o i_o and_o he_o answer_v i_o not_o neither_o by_o dream_n nor_o vision_n 4._o there_o be_v that_o likewise_o that_o have_v influence_n upon_o it_o our_o not_o close_v absolute_o with_o jesus_n christ_n but_o upon_o condition_n and_o supposition_n we_o make_v not_o a_o absolute_a and_o blank_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o over_o to_o christ_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o covenant_n notwithstanding_o he_o shall_v dispense_v both_o bitter_a and_o sad_a thing_n to_o we_o but_o we_o conceive_v that_o christ_n covenant_n with_o believer_n be_v like_o that_o covenant_n that_o god_n make_v with_o noah_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v summer_n and_o winter_n seed_n time_n and_o harvest_n night_n and_o day_n unto_o a_o christian_a a_o christian_a must_v have_v his_o night_n as_o well_o as_o his_o day_n he_o must_v once_o sow_v in_o tear_n before_o he_o reap_v in_o joy_n he_o must_v once_o go_v forth_o bear_v his_o precious_a seed_n before_o he_o can_v return_v bear_v his_o sheaf_n in_o his_o bosom_n and_o that_o this_o have_v influence_n upon_o our_o instability_n may_v be_v see_v from_o this_o that_o often_o a_o christian_a after_o his_o first_o close_v with_o christ_n he_o meet_v with_o desertion_n in_o point_n of_o tenderness_n in_o point_n of_o joy_n and_o in_o point_n of_o strength_n so_o that_o his_o corruption_n seem_v now_o to_o be_v awake_v more_o than_o former_o that_o he_o want_v those_o seem_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o which_o former_o he_o have_v and_o that_o much_o of_o his_o softness_n of_o his_o heart_n have_v now_o evanished_a which_o be_v clear_a somewhat_o from_o heb._n 10.32_o and_o after_o they_o be_v enlighten_v they_o endure_v a_o great_a fight_n of_o affliction_n for_o the_o word_n that_o be_v there_o render_v affliction_n signify_v inward_a trouble_n through_o the_o motion_n of_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o outward_a affliction_n gal._n 5.24_o and_o god_n use_v to_o dispense_v this_o way_n to_o his_o own_o not_o only_o to_o take_v trial_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o your_o close_n with_o he_o but_o to_o make_v our_o faith_n more_o steadfast_a and_o sure_a and_o no_o doubt_n if_o we_o close_v not_o absolute_o with_o christ_n when_o under_o these_o temptation_n and_o trial_n we_o will_v reject_v our_o confidence_n as_o a_o delusion_n and_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v but_o a_o morning_n dream_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o noble_a and_o divine_a practice_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o close_o with_o christ_n without_o reservation_n see_v he_o do_v dispense_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o may_v tend_v to_o our_o advantage_n and_o we_o will_v say_v to_o such_o as_o be_v under_o these_o temptation_n that_o if_o you_o endeavour_v to_o resist_v they_o it_o be_v the_o most_o compendious_a and_o excellent_a way_n to_o make_v your_o heart_n which_o now_o be_v die_v as_o a_o stone_n to_o be_v as_o a_o water_a garden_n &_o spring_n of_o water_n who_o water_n fail_v not_o and_o to_o make_v you_o strong_a as_o a_o lion_n so_o that_o no_o temptation_n can_v rouse_v you_o up_o but_o you_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o tread_v upon_o the_o high_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o sing_v song_n of_o triumph_n over_o our_o idol_n 5._o there_o be_v this_o likewise_o which_o have_v influence_n on_o it_o our_o building_n of_o our_o faith_n more_o upon_o sense_n then_o upon_o christ_n or_o his_o word_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o faith_n be_v so_o unconstant_a and_o changeable_a as_o the_o moon_n we_o not_o know_v what_o such_o a_o thing_n mean_n to_o hope_v against_o hope_n and_o to_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o we_o will_v only_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o erect_v your_o confidence_n upon_o so_o sandy_a a_o foundation_n that_o when_o the_o wind_n and_o storm_n of_o temptation_n shall_v blow_v that_o house_n shall_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n as_o likewise_o build_v of_o your_o faith_n upon_o sense_n do_v not_o abate_v much_o of_o your_o joy_n and_o much_o of_o your_o precious_a esteem_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v faith_n exercise_v itself_o upon_o a_o invisible_a object_n that_o make_v the_o christian_n to_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n 1_o pet._n 1.8_o 6._o there_o be_v this_o last_o that_o have_v influence_n upon_o it_o even_o our_o sloathfulness_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o spiritual_a duty_n by_o which_o faith_n shall_v be_v entertain_v faith_n be_v a_o tender_a grace_n and_o a_o plant_n that_o must_v not_o be_v ruffle_v but_o nourish_v through_o the_o sap_n of_o other_o precious_a grace_n but_o we_o grow_v remiss_a in_o our_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o do_v turn_v ourselves_o upon_o the_o bed_n of_o security_n as_o the_o door_n upon_o the_o hinge_n and_o do_v not_o our_o drowsiness_n clothe_v we_o with_o rag_n and_o make_v we_o fall_v into_o a_o deep_a sleep_n while_z as_o if_o we_o be_v diligent_a our_o soul_n shall_v be_v make_v fat_a and_o rich_a yea_o sloathfulness_n do_v not_o only_o imp_v assurance_n of_o this_o that_o it_o hinder_v the_o divine_a communication_n of_o his_o love_n and_o respect_n by_o which_o assurance_n may_v be_v keep_v in_o life_n cant._n 5.2_o but_o also_o it_o make_v our_o poverty_n come_v on_o we_o as_o a_o arm_a man_n and_o our_o want_n as_o one_o that_o travel_v and_o withal_o it_o let_v loose_v the_o chain_n by_o which_o our_o corruption_n be_v tie_v and_o make_v they_o to_o lift_v up_o their_o head_n by_o which_o our_o assurance_n be_v much_o darken_v and_o impair_v and_o our_o hope_n be_v much_o convert_v into_o diffidence_n and_o despair_n and_o we_o will_v only_o say_v this_o it_o be_v the_o diligent_a christian_n that_o be_v the_o believe_a christian_a and_o it_o be_v the_o believe_v christian_n that_o be_v the_o diligent_a christian_a there_o be_v such_o a_o sweet_a reciprocation_n betwixt_o these_o two_o precious_a grace_n that_o they_o die_v and_o live_v together_o now_o three_o we_o shall_v shut_v up_o our_o discourse_n with_o this_o in_o point_v out_o a_o little_a what_o be_v those_o thing_n that_o do_v obstruct_v a_o christian_n close_v with_o christ_n and_o believe_v in_o his_o precious_a name_n i._o we_o conceive_v that_o this_o woeful_a evil_n do_v spring_n and_o rise_v from_o that_o fundamental_a ignorance_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o heb._n 11.6_o where_o that_o be_v require_v as_o a_o qualification_n of_o a_o comer_n that_o he_o shall_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o assure_o till_o once_o this_o precious_a truth_n be_v imprint_v upon_o our_o soul_n as_o with_o a_o pen_n of_o iron_n and_o point_n of_o a_o diamond_n we_o will_v look_v upon_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o utopian_a fancy_n and_o a_o delude_a notion_n to_o teach_v unstable_a soul_n who_o know_v not_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v unto_o real_a blessedness_n and_o true_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n of_o many_o that_o they_o begin_v to_o dispute_v their_o be_v in_o christ_n before_o they_o know_v there_o be_v a_o christ_n and_o do_v dispute_v their_o interest_n in_o he_o before_o they_o believe_v his_o be_v and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v call_v christ_n ii_o our_o come_a unto_o christ_n be_v obstruct_v from_o the_o want_n of_o the_o real_a and_o spiritual_a conviction_n of_o our_o desperate_a and_o lose_a estate_n without_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o our_o unspeakable_a misery_n be_v the_o want_n of_o he_o which_o be_v clear_a from_o jer._n 2.31_o we_o be_v lord_n we_o will_v come_v no_o more_o to_o thou_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o revel_n 3.16.18_o that_o such_o a_o delusion_n as_o this_o do_v overtake_v many_o that_o they_o can_v reign_v as_o king_n without_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o they_o can_v build_v their_o happiness_n and_o establish_v their_o carnal_a felicity_n upon_o another_o foundation_n but_o o_o that_o we_o can_v once_o win_v to_o this_o to_o believe_v what_o we_o be_v without_o christ_n and_o to_o believe_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o with_o the_o one_o eye_n to_o descend_v and_o look_v upon_o these_o deep_a draught_n that_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n have_v imprint_v upon_o our_o immortal_a soul_n and_o withal_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v death_n and_o be_v constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o woe_n be_v i_o for_o i_o be_o undo_v and_o with_o the_o other_o eye_n to_o ascend_v and_o look_v to_o that_o help_n that_o be_v lay_v
we_o will_v not_o delight_v ourselves_o in_o love_v of_o he_o and_o i_o will_v say_v this_o to_o you_o that_o though_o you_o shall_v weep_v the_o one_o half_a of_o your_o day_n and_o pray_v the_o other_o half_a yet_o if_o you_o want_v this_o noble_a grace_n of_o faith_n your_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v but_o like_o a_o monstruous_a cloth_n and_o filthy_a rag_n before_o he_o for_o what_o be_v pray_v without_o believe_v but_o a_o take_n of_o his_o bless_a name_n in_o vain_a what_o be_v our_o confer_v upon_o the_o most_o divine_a and_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n without_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o a_o lie_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o a_o flatter_a of_o god_n with_o our_o mouth_n and_o we_o will_v have_v you_o know_v this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o sweet_a harmony_n that_o be_v now_o make_v up_o betwixt_o moses_n and_o christ_n betwixt_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o law_n bring_v we_o to_o christ_n as_o a_o saviour_n and_o christ_n bring_v we_o back_o again_o to_o the_o law_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o our_o walk_n to_o which_o we_o must_v subject_v ourselves_o so_o then_o will_v you_o know_v the_o compend_n of_o a_o christian_n walk_v it_o be_v a_o sweet_a travel_v betwixt_o mount_n sinai_n and_o mount_v zion_n betwixt_o moses_n and_o christ_n betwixt_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o we_o conceive_v that_o the_o more_o deep_a that_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o law_n be_v in_o a_o christian_n conscience_n before_o his_o close_n with_o christ_n there_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o precious_a and_o excellent_a advantage_n wait_v for_o he_o i._o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n that_o wait_v on_o the_o deep_a exercise_n of_o the_o law_n that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o win_v to_o much_o establishment_n in_o faith_n when_o once_o we_o begin_v to_o close_v with_o christ_n o_o christian_n will_v you_o know_v that_o which_o make_v the_o superstructure_n and_o build_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v within_o you_o as_o a_o bowing_z wall_n and_o as_o a_o totter_a sense_n of_o that_o oftentimes_o you_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o raze_v the_o foundation_n it_o be_v this_o you_o be_v not_o under_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o law_n before_o your_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v some_o who_o do_v not_o abide_v three_o day_n at_o mount_n sinai_n and_o these_o shall_v not_o dwell_v many_o day_n at_o mount_n zion_n ii_o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n that_o wait_v on_o the_o deep_a exercise_n of_o the_o law_n it_o make_v christ_n precious_a to_o a_o man_n soul_n what_o be_v that_o which_o fill_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a with_o many_o high_a and_o excellent_a thought_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o not_o this_o to_o have_v the_o law_n registrate_v our_o bond_n and_o put_v we_o as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o horn_n that_o be_v to_o have_v the_o law_n curse_v we_o and_o use_v the_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n against_o we_o that_o which_o make_v we_o have_v such_o low_a and_o undervalue_a thought_n of_o precious_a christ_n be_v because_o the_o most_o part_n of_o we_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o deep_a and_o serious_a exercise_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v a_o mystery_n to_o the_o most_o part_n of_o a_o christian_n practice_n you_o know_v that_o there_o be_v four_o stream_n which_o go_v out_o from_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n into_o which_o man_n be_v first_o place_v and_o so_o may_v we_o say_v that_o there_o be_v four_o golden_a stream_n by_o which_o lose_v and_o destroy_v man_n be_v bring_v back_o again_o to_o this_o eden_n and_o paradise_n of_o everlasting_a delight_n first_o there_o be_v the_o precious_a stream_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v justify_v and_o second_o there_o be_v that_o stream_n of_o his_o sanctification_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v purify_v three_o there_o be_v that_o stream_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v conduct_v through_o this_o wilderness_n wherein_o we_o have_v lose_v our_o way_n and_o fourthly_a there_o be_v that_o stream_n of_o christ_n redemption_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o power_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o must_v turn_v the_o battle_n in_o the_o gate_n it_o be_v by_o the_o redemption_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o shall_v once_o sing_v that_o triumphant_a song_n o_o death_n where_o be_v thy_o sting_n o_o grave_a where_o be_v thy_o victory_n o_o but_o all_o these_o stream_n will_v be_v sweet_a and_o refresh_n to_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v hot_o pursue_v by_o the_o law_n so_o long_o as_o we_o see_v not_o the_o ugliness_n of_o our_o leprosy_n in_o that_o glass_n of_o the_o law_n we_o have_v our_o own_o abana_n and_o parpher_n that_o we_o think_v may_v do_v our_o turn_n but_o when_o once_o our_o case_n be_v true_o lay_v open_a to_o we_o then_o will_v we_o be_v content_a to_o wash_v ourselves_o in_o jordan_n seven_o time_n iii_o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n that_o wait_v on_o the_o deep_a exercise_n of_o the_o law_n that_o it_o make_v a_o christian_a live_v constant_o under_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o sin_n what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v sin_n exceed_v sinful_a to_o a_o christian_a be_v it_o not_o this_o he_o have_v be_v forty_o day_n in_o moses_n school_n and_o we_o conceive_v that_o the_o ground_n why_o such_o fool_n as_o we_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o sin_n be_v because_o we_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o indignation_n of_o god_n but_o now_o to_o come_v to_o that_o which_o we_o intend_v to_o speak_v of_o we_o tell_v you_o at_o the_o first_o occasion_n that_o we_o speak_v upon_o these_o word_n that_o there_o be_v many_o excellent_a thing_n concern_v the_o grace_n of_o faith_n hold_v forth_o in_o they_o the_o first_o thing_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o concern_v this_o radical_a grace_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o infinite_a advantage_n that_o redound_v to_o a_o christian_a through_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o give_v obedience_n to_o this_o command_n which_o we_o clear_v to_o be_v hold_v forth_o not_o only_o from_o the_o scope_n but_o also_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o command_n and_o now_o to_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o the_o point_n we_o shall_v propose_v these_o cosideration_n that_o may_v abundant_o show_v how_o advantageous_a a_o thing_n this_o excellent_a grace_n of_o faith_n be_v i._o the_o first_o consideration_n that_o speak_v it_o be_v this_o that_o faith_n make_v christ_n precious_a to_o a_o soul_n according_a to_o that_o word_n 1_o pet._n 2.7_o to_o you_o that_o believe_v christ_n be_v precious_a and_o we_o will_v have_v you_o know_v this_o that_o faith_n make_v christ_n more_o precious_a to_o a_o soul_n than_o sense_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n can_v make_v he_o and_o first_o faith_n make_v christ_n more_o precious_a than_o sense_n because_o the_o estimation_n which_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n have_v of_o christ_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o person_n but_o the_o estimation_n of_o sense_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o act_n so_o that_o because_o he_o be_v such_o to_o they_o therefore_o they_o love_v and_o esteem_v he_o but_o that_o heroic_a grace_n of_o faith_n it_o take_v up_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n person_n and_o that_o make_v he_o precious_a to_o they_o second_o faith_n make_v christ_n more_o precious_a than_o sense_n because_o sense_n look_v to_o that_o love_n which_o christ_n manife_v in_o his_o face_n and_o in_o his_o hand_n and_o in_o his_o foot_n but_o faith_n look_v to_o that_o love_n which_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n sense_n will_v cry_v forth_o who_o be_v like_a to_o thou_o who_o countenance_n be_v like_o lebanon_n excellent_a as_o the_o cedar_n who_o hand_n be_v as_o gold_n ring_v set_v with_o beril_n and_o who_o leg_n be_v like_o pillar_n of_o marble_n set_v in_o socket_n of_o gold_n sense_n will_v look_v to_o the_o smile_n of_o christ_n and_o will_v wonder_v it_o will_v look_v to_o his_o dispensation_n and_o act_n and_o will_v be_v constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o who_o be_v like_a unto_o thou_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n solace_v itself_o in_o the_o fountain_n from_o whence_o all_o these_o spring_n and_o sweet_a inundation_n of_o love_n do_v flow_v three_o faith_n make_v christ_n more_o precious_a than_o sense_n because_o faith_n look_v not_o only_o to_o what_o christ_n be_v present_o but_o unto_o what_o christ_n be_v from_o eternity_n before_o time_n and_o what_o christ_n shall_v be_v unto_o eternity_n after_o time_n but_o sense_n only_o do_v look_v to_o what_o christ_n be_v present_o and_o you_o must_v conceive_v that_o the_o sweet_a travel_v of_o faith_n betwixt_o infinite_a love_n from_o eternity_n before_o
betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o believer_n faith_n be_v indeed_o a_o unite_n grace_n and_o that_o which_o knit_v the_o member_n to_o the_o head_n and_o to_o make_v this_o more_o full_o appear_v we_o will_v point_v out_o a_o little_a what_o a_o sweet_a harmony_n and_o correspondency_n there_o be_v betwixt_o these_o two_o sister-grace_n to_o wit_n faith_n and_o love_n faith_n be_v that_o nail_n which_o fasten_v the_o soul_n to_o christ_n and_o love_n be_v that_o grace_n which_o drive_v that_o nail_n to_o the_o head_n faith_n at_o first_o take_v but_o a_o tender_a grip_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o love_n come_v in_o and_o make_v the_o soul_n take_v a_o more_o sure_a grip_n of_o he_o second_o you_o may_v see_v their_o harmony_n in_o this_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n which_o take_v hold_v as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o garment_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o word_n but_o love_n that_o ambitious_a grace_n it_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o heart_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o it_o be_v his_o heart_n do_v melt_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o love_n three_o it_o may_v be_v see_v in_o this_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n which_o draw_v the_o first_o draught_n of_o the_o likeness_n and_o image_n of_o christ_n upon_o a_o soul_n but_o that_o accomplish_v grace_n of_o love_n it_o do_v complete_a these_o first_o draught_n and_o these_o imperfect_a lineament_n of_o christ_n image_n which_o be_v first_o draw_v on_o the_o soul_n four_o by_o faith_n and_o love_n the_o heart_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o believer_n be_v so_o unite_v that_o they_o be_v no_o more_o two_o but_o one_o spirit_n 2._o there_o be_v this_o second_o act_n that_o faith_n exercise_v on_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v in_o discover_v the_o matchless_a excellency_n and_o the_o transcendent_a property_n of_o jesus_n christ_n o_o what_o large_a and_o precious_a commentary_n do_v faith_n make_v upon_o christ_n it_o be_v indeed_o that_o faithful_a spy_n which_o do_v always_o bring_v up_o a_o good_a report_n of_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o faith_n be_v call_v understanding_n coloss_n 2.2_o because_o it_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o reveal_v much_o of_o the_o precious_a truth_n of_o that_o noble_a object_n 3._o and_o there_o be_v this_o three_o noble_a act_n of_o faith_n exercise_v itself_o upon_o christ_n viz._n it_o make_v christ_n precious_a to_o the_o soul_n according_a to_o that_o word_n 1._o pet._n 2.7_o unto_o you_o which_o believe_v he_o be_v precious_a and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o thing_n to_o speak_v forth_o its_o worth_n but_o that_o it_o be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a for_o no_o doubt_n this_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o high_a house_n to_o be_v dwell_v on_o the_o contemplation_n of_o christ_n beauty_n and_o to_o have_v their_o soul_n transport_v with_o love_n towards_o he_o and_o with_o joy_n in_o he_o reason_n and_o amazement_n be_v seldom_o companion_n but_o here_o they_o do_v sweet_o join_v together_o first_o a_o christian_n love_v christ_n because_o of_o christ_n act_n and_o then_o he_o love_v all_o these_o act_n because_o they_o come_v from_o christ_n 2._o now_o second_o this_o point_v out_o the_o precious_a excellency_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o be_v most_o my_o sterious_a and_o sublime_a in_o its_o act_n it_o have_v a_o more_o divine_a and_o sublime_a way_n of_o act_v then_o any_o other_o grace_n hence_o it_o be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n which_o speak_v this_o that_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v mystery_n to_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o i_o shall_v only_o point_v at_o these_o thing_n which_o may_v speak_v out_o the_o mysterious_a act_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n 1._o faith_n can_v believe_v and_o fix_v itself_o on_o a_o word_n of_o promise_n although_o sense_n reason_n and_o probability_n seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o promise_n i'faith_o it_o walk_v not_o by_o the_o low_a dictate_v of_o sense_n and_o reason_n but_o by_o a_o high_a rule_n to_o wit_n the_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n which_o be_v clear_a from_o rom._n 4.19_o where_o abraham_n believe_v the_o promise_n notwithstanding_o that_o sense_n and_o reason_n seem_v to_o contradict_v it_o he_o consider_v not_o the_o deadness_n of_o his_o own_o body_n neither_o the_o barrenness_n of_o sarahs_n womb_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o it_o be_v cle●…_n from_o heb._n 11.29.30_o where_o faith_n believe_v their_o pass_n through_o the_o red_a sea_n upon_o dry_a ground_n which_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n i'faith_o be_v lieve_v the_o fall_n down_o of_o the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n b●_n the_o blow_n of_o ram_n horn_n which_o thing_n be_v most_o impossible_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n for_o sense_n will_v of_o ten-times_o cry_v out_o all_o man_n be_v liar_n and_o reaso●_n will_v say_v how_o can_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v and_o yet_o that_o he_o roick_a grace_n of_o faith_n cry_v out_o have_v he_o spoke●_n it_o he_o will_v also_o do_v it_o have_v he_o say_v it_o then_o 〈◊〉_d shall_v come_v to_o pass_v 2._o faith_n can_v believe_v a_o word_n of_o promise_n notwithstanding_o that_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o contradict_v it_o as_o be_v clear_a in_o job_n who_o profess_v he_o will_v trust_v in_o god_n though_o he_o shall_v ki●…_n he_o and_o no_o doubt_n but_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n o●_n believe_v jacob_n he_o trust_v that_o that_o promise_n shall_v be_v accomplish_v that_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a though_o all_o the_o dispensation_n of_o go●_n which_o he_o do_v meet_v with_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o promise_n shall_v not_o be_v accomplish_v 3._o faith_n can_v believe_v a_o word_n of_o promise_n even_o when_o the_o command_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o promise_n this_o be_v clea●_n in_o that_o singular_a instance_n of_o abraham_n faith_n that_o notwithstanding_o he_o be_v command_v to_o kill_v his_o promise_a seed_n upon_o who_o do_v depend_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n yet_o he_o believe_v that_o the_o promise_n shall_v be_v perform_v and_o though_o there_o be_v indeed_o extrordinary_a and_o strange_a trial_n of_o his_o faith_n as_o he_o have_v natural_a affection_n to_o wrestle_v with_o yet_o over_o the_o belly_n of_o all_o these_o believe_v abraham_n he_o give_v faith_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o bring_v his_o son_n isaac_n to_o the_o altar_n though_o he_o do_v receive_v he_o back_o again_o this_o be_v clear_a from_o heb._n 11.17.18.19_o 4._o faith_n can_v exercise_v itself_o upon_o the_o promise_n notwithstanding_o that_o callenge_v and_o conviction_n of_o unworthiness_n and_o guilt_n do_v wait_v on_o the_o christian_a this_o be_v clear_a 2_o sam._n 23.5_o that_o although_o his_o house_n be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n as_o do_v become_v yet_o he_o believe_v the_o promise_n as_o likewise_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o psal_n 65.3_o iniquity_n prevail_v against_o i_o and_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o interrupt_v his_o faith_n but_o he_o say_v as_o for_o our_o transgression_n thou_o shall_v purge_v they_o away_o and_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o noble_a and_o precious_a act_n of_o faith_n to_o believe_v notwithstanding_o of_o unanswerable_a challenge_n of_o guilt_n the_o best_a way_n both_o to_o crucify_v our_o idol_n and_o to_o answer_v those_o challenge_n be_v believe_v and_o hope_v against_o hope_n and_o close_v with_o christ_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o isa_n 64.6.7_o compare_v with_o ver_fw-la 8._o where_o after_o strange_a challenge_n the_o prophet_n have_v a_o strange_a word_n but_o now_o o_o lord_n thou_o be_v our_o father_n there_o be_v a_o emphasis_n in_o the_o word_n now_o for_o all_o this_o yet_o thou_o be_v now_o our_o father_n 5._o and_o last_o this_o point_v out_o the_o mysterious_a act_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n that_o it_o exercise_v itself_o upon_o a_o invisible_a object_n even_o upon_o christ_n not_o yet_o see_v according_a to_o that_o word_n 1_o pet._n 5.8_o who_o have_v not_o see_v yet_o you_o love_v in_o who_o though_o now_o you_o see_v he_o not_o yet_o believe_v 〈◊〉_d i_o pose_v the_o great_a part_n of_o you_o who_o be_v here_o wh●ther_n or_o not_o these_o be_v two_o of_o the_o great_a parado●…_n and_o mystery_n unto_o you_o for_o be_v not_o this_o a_o m●stery_n to_o love_v he_o who_o we_o never_o see_v who_o have_v not_o see_v yet_o you_o love_v to_o love_v a_o absent_a a●…_n unseen_a christ_n be_v a_o mystery_n to_o the_o most_o part_n of_o th●_n world_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o mystery_n to_o believe_v on_o his_o who_o we_o never_o see_v in_o who_o though_o you_o see_v hi●_n not_o yet_o believe_v and_o i_o shall_v add_v this_o that_o fai●…_n can_v hold_v fast_o its_o interest_n with_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o most_o
they_o all_o if_o we_o make_v conscience_n serious_o to_o obey_v this_o command_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o sweet_a compend_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o these_o thing_n do_v most_o clear_o appear_v i●_n that_o believe_v here_o be_v call_v his_o commandment_n by_o way_n of_o excellency_n as_o if_o this_o be_v his_o only_a commandment_n but_o that_o we_o may_v yet_o a_o little_a more_o particular_o point_v out_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v these_o thing_n that_o speak_v it_o forth_o to_o the_o full_a 1._o that_o though_o river_n of_o tear_n shall_v run_v down_o our_o eye_n because_o we_o keep_v not_o his_o law_n though_o we_o shall_v never_o rise_v off_o our_o knee_n from_o prayer●_n and_o shall_v all_o our_o life-time_n speak_v to_o god_n with_o the_o tongue_n of_o angel_n and_o though_o we_o shall_v constant_o obey_v his_o command_n yet_o without_o faith_n we_o shall_v never_o escape_v that_o eternal_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v no_o action_n that_o do_v proceed_v from_o 〈◊〉_d which_o can_v please_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o lord_n unless_o it_o have_v its_o rise_n from_o this_o principle_n of_o faith_n as_o i●_n clear_a from_o heb._n 11.6_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o though_o we_o shall_v offer_v ●nto_o he_o ten_o thousand_o river_n of_o oil_n and_o thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o shall_v offer_v up_o in_o a_o burn_a sacrifice_n all_o the_o beast_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o mountain_n and_o the_o tree_n that_o be_v upon_o many_o hill_n this_o shall_v ●e_v the_o answer_n that_o god_n shall_v return_v to_o we_o who_o ●…th_v require_v these_o thing_n at_o your_o hand_n i_o take_v no_o cleasure_n in_o these_o solemn_a sacrifice_n because_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o attain_v peace_n with_o god_n but_o through_o ●he_n exercise_n of_o faith_n make_v use_n of_o the_o spotless_a ●ighteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o let_v we_o do_v our_o utmost_a by_o all_o the_o invention_n we_o can_v to_o bring_v ●own_v our_o body_n and_o let_v we_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o ●ll_a the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n yet_o all_o our_o idol_n shall_v ●eign_v without_o much_o contradiction_n except_o we_o do_v ●nce_o attain_v unto_o this_o grace_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v that_o ●ictory_n whereby_o we_o must_v overcome_v the_o world_n and_o the_o hand_n that_o make_v use_v of_o infinite_a strength_n for_o ●bduing_a of_o coruption_n make_v the_o christian_n sweet_o to_o take_v up_o that_o song_n strong_a be_v he_o that_o be_v with_o we_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n form_v all_o this_o that_o we_o have_v say_v both_o of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o necessity_n thereof_o we_o will_v propose_v these_o few_o consideration_n to_o two_o or_o three_o sort_n of_o person_n 1._o there_o be_v some_o who_o live_v in_o that_o vain_a imaginary_a delusion_n of_o attain_v to_o heaven_n through_o a_o ●ovenant_n of_o work_n and_o do_v neglect_v to_o seek_v salvation_n by_o faith_n in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o ●o_o those_o who_o build_v upon_o this_o sandy_a foundation_n i_o ●hal_v say_v but_o these_o two_o word_n first_o how_o long_o shall_v ●e_v labour_n in_o the_o fire_n for_o very_a vanity_n do_v you_o ever_o think_v to_o put_v on_o the_o cap-stone_n know_v you_o 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o day_n be_v approach_v when_o your_o house_n shall_v fall_v about_o your_o ear_n your_o confidence_n shall_v be_v reject_v and_o your_o hope_n shall_v evanish_v as_o a_o dream_n and_o flee_v away_o as_o a_o vision_n in_o the_o night_n second_o what_o a_o monstruous_a blindness_n and_o what_o a_o unspeakable_a act_n of_o folly_n must_v it_o be_v to_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v crucify_v in_o vain_a which_o yet_o you_o do_v practical_o assert_v when_o you_o go_v about_o to_o purchase_v a_o righteousness_n through_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n 2._o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v secure_a in_o their_o own_o thought_n concern_v their_o faith_n they_o never_o question_v the_o reality_n of_o it_o they_o never_o examine_v it_o o_o you_o who_o faith_n be_v as_o old_a as_o yourselves_o you_o say_v y●_n never_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o dispute_v and_o i_o may_v say_v you_o never_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v thou_o profane_a hypocrite_n let_v i_o tell_v thou_o a_o strong_a faith_n and_o yet_o strong_a idol_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o strong_a delusion_n thou_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o lord_n thou_o will_v no●_n pray_v thou_o will_v not_o believe_v a_o threaten_n in_o all_o the_o word_n thou_o will_v count_v all_o religion_n madness_n and_o foolishness_n and_o yet_o thou_o will_v persuade_v thyself_o thou_o believe_v in_o christ_n oh_o be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v and_o why_o will_v you_o mock_v yourselves_o 〈◊〉_d shall_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o reprobat_n have_v a_o sad_a religion_n one_o day_n they_o must_v believe_v and_o obey_v and_o pray_v and_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o godliness_n but_o alace_o too_o late_a and_o little_a to_o their_o advantage_n shall_v no●_n he_o who_o all_o the_o minister_n on_o earth_n can_v scarce_o ever_o persuade_v to_o believe_v so_o much_o as_o a_o heaven_n o●_n hell_n or_o one_o threaten_v in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o god_n at_o last_o be_v force_v to_o believe_v their_o own_o sense_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o ancient_n of_o day_n upon_o the_o throne_n and_o shall_v hear_v the_o cry_n of_o so_o many_o thou●and_o live_a witness_n come_v out_o both_o from_o heaven_n and_o hell_n bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o threaten_n and_o promise_n that_o not_o one_o jot_n of_o they_o ●s_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o he_o will_v never_o be_v persuade_v to_o bow_v a_o knee_n to_o god_n in_o earnest_a all_o his_o ●…fe_n shall_v he_o not_o then_o pray_v with_o great_a fervency_n that_o hill_n and_o mountain_n may_v fall_v upon_o he_o ●o_o cover_v he_o from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o he_o that_o will_v never_o submit_v to_o a_o command_n of_o god_n must_v he_o not_o at_o last_o obey_v that_o dreadful_a command_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a torment_n etc._n etc._n yea_o he_o who_o be_v the_o great_a mocker_n ●n_o the_o world_n shall_v then_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v blessed_v who_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o the_o lord_n as_o they_o be_v excellent_o bring_v in_o though_o in_o a_o apocryphal_a ●ook_n wisd_v chap._n 5.4_o cry_v out_o with_o great_a ter●or_n while_o they_o behold_v that_o unexpected_a sight_n of_o ●he_n glorious_a condition_n of_o the_o godly_a o_o here_o be_v the_o man_n say_v they_o who_o we_o mock_v who_o life_n we_o account_v madness_n and_o their_o end_n dishonourable_a be_v wise_a therefore_o in_o time_n and_o do_v that_o willing_o which_o you_o must_v do_v by_o constraint_n and_o do_v that_o with_o sweetness_n and_o advantage_n that_o you_o must_v do_v at_o last_o with_o loss_n and_o sorrow_n three_o there_o be_v some_o who_o certain_o have_v some_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o assurance_n &_o these_o i_o will_v befeech_v that_o you_o will_v be_v more_o endeavour_v to_o make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a and_o will_v be_v endeavour_v to_o see_v your_o name_n write_v in_o the_o ancient_a record_n of_o heaven_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v press_v upon_o you_o by_o several_a argument_n 1._o those_o strong_a and_o subtle_a and_o soul-destroying_a delusion_n that_o be_v among_o many_o who_o conceive_v they_o do_v believe_v as_o we_o be_v say_v and_o be_v pure_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o purge_v from_o their_o iniquity_n o_o be_v there_o not_o many_o of_o we_o that_o be_v in_o a_o golden_a dream_n that_o suppose_v we_o be_v eat_v but_o when_o we_o awake_v our_o soul_n be_v empty_a who_o faith_n be_v a_o metaphysic_n notion_n that_o have_v no_o foundation_n but_o man_n apprehension_n and_o this_o shall_v never_o bear_v we_o through_o the_o gate_n of_o death_n nor_o convey_v we_o in_o unto_o eternity_n of_o joy_n 2._o may_v not_o this_o press_v you_o to_o follow_v after_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v the_o compendious_a way_n to_o sweeten_v all_o your_o cross_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o hab._n 3.17.18_o where_o the_o conviction_n of_o this_o make_v habakkuk_n to_o rejoyice_n in_o the_o god_n of_o his_o salvation_n though_o the_o fig_n tree_n do_v not_o bear_v fruit_n and_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o olive_n do_v fail_v and_o there_o be_v no_o sweetness_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o vine_n and_o from_o heb._n 10.34_o when_o they_o take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n know_v within_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v a_o better_a and_o a_o endure_a substance_n this_o be_v
indeed_o that_o tree_n which_o if_o we_o cast_v into_o the_o water_n of_o mar●h_n they_o will_v present_o become_v sweet_a for_o be_v it_o not_o below_o the_o child_n of_o hope_n to_o be_v much_o anxious_a about_o these_o thing_n that_o he_o meet_v with_o here_o when_o he_o sincere_o know_v that_o commandment_n shall_v come_v forth_o lift_v up_o your_o head_n for_o the_o day_n of_o your_o eternal_a redemption_n draw_v near_o even_o the_o day_n when_o all_o the_o river_n of_o his_o sorrow_n shall_v sweet_o run_v into_o the_o ocean_n of_o everlasting_a delight_n 3._o a_o christian_n that_o be_v much_o in_o assurance_n he_o be_v much_o in_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o song_n 1.13.14_o and_o song_n 2.3_o where_o when_o once_o she_o come_v to_o that_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o christ_n be_v she_o belove_v than_o she_o sit_v down_o under_o his_o shadow_n and_o his_o fruit_n be_v pleasant_a unto_o here_o taste_v for_o the_o assure_a christian_n do_v taste_v of_o these_o crumb_n that_o fall_v from_o that_o high_a table_n and_o no_o doubt_n those_o that_o have_v taste_v of_o that_o old_a wine_n will_v not_o straightway_o desire_v the_o new_a because_o the_o old_a be_v better_a and_o then_o fourthly_a it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o keep_v you_o from_o apostasy_n and_o make_v defection_n from_o god_n faith_n be_v that_o grace_n that_o will_v make_v you_o continue_v with_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o temptation_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o 2._o pet._n 1_o 10._o where_o this_o be_v set_v down_o as_o a_o fruit_n of_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a that_o if_o we_o do_v these_o thing_n we_o shall_v never_o fail_v faith_n make_v a_o christian_n to_o live_v a_o dependent_a life_n for_o will_v you_o know_v the_o motto_n of_o a_o christian_a it_o be_v this_o self_n diffidence_n and_o christ-dependence_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o that_o word_n in_o the_o song_n 8.5_o that_o while_o we_o be_v walk_v through_o this_o wilderness_n we_o be_v lean_v upon_o our_o well-beloved_a 5._o this_o assurance_n will_v help_v a_o christian_n to_o overcome_v many_o temptation_n there_o be_v four_o sort_n of_o temptation_n that_o assault_v the_o christian_a there_o be_v temptation_n of_o desire_n temptation_n of_o love_n temptation_n of_o hope_n and_o temptation_n of_o anxiety_n all_o which_o a_o christian_a through_o this_o noble_a grace_n of_o assurance_n may_v sweet_o overcome_v he_o that_o have_v once_o make_v christ_n his_o own_o what_o can_v he_o desire_v but_o he_o as_o psal_n 17.4_o one_o thing_n have_v i_o desire_v of_o the_o lord_n what_o can_v he_o love_v more_o than_o christ_n or_o love_n beside_o christ_n all_o his_o love_n be_v drown_v as_o it_o be_v in_o that_o ocean_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o a_o sweet_a complacency_n find_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o as_o to_o hope_v will_v not_o assurance_n make_v a_o christian_a cry_n forth_o now_o lord_n what_o wait_v i_o for_o 〈◊〉_d my_o hope_n be_v in_o thou_o and_o when_o the_o heart_n be_v anxious_a do_v not_o assurance_n make_v the_o christian_n to_o hear_v the_o indignation_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o partient_o submit_v unto_o the_o cross_n since_o there_o be_v a_o sweet_a connexion_n between_o his_o cross_n and_o his_o crown_n rom._n 8.35.36_o if_o he_o suffer_v with_o he_o he_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o and_o last_o there_o be_v this_o argument_n to_o press_v you_o to_o assurance_n that_o it_o sweeten_v the_o thought_n of_o death_n it_o make_v death_n unto_o a_o christian_a not_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n but_o the_o king_n of_o desire_n and_o it_o be_v upon_o these_o ground_n that_o assurance_n make_v death_n refreshful_a unto_o a_o christian_a 1._o he_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o funeral_n of_o all_o his_o misery_n and_o the_o birthday_n of_o all_o his_o bless_a and_o eternal_a enjoyment_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v the_o coronation_n day_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o the_o day_n when_o he_o shall_v have_v that_o marriage_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o he_o sweet_o solemnize_v and_o that_o when_o he_o be_v to_o step_v that_o last_o step_n he_o know_v that_o death_n will_v make_v he_o change_v his_o place_n but_o not_o his_o company_n and_o o_o that_o we_o can_v once_o win_v unto_o this_o to_o seal_v that_o conclusion_n without_o presumption_n my_o beloved_n be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o he_o we_o may_v without_o presumption_n sing_v one_o of_o the_o song_n of_o zion_n even_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o strange_a land_n and_o take_v christ_n in_o our_o arm_n may_v sweet_o cry_v forth_o now_o let_v ●hou_a thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v thy_o salvation_n comfort_v yourselves_o in_o this_o '_o that_n all_o your_o cloud_n shall_v once_o pass_v away_o and_o that_o that_o truth_n shall_v once_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o a_o angel_n with_o his_o hand_n lift_v up_o towards_o heaven_n that_o time_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o time_n shall_v once_o sweet_o die_v out_o in_o eternity_n and_o you_o may_v be_v look_v after_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n wherein_o dwell_v righteousness_n o_o long_a to_o be_v with_o he_o for_o christ_n long_v to_o have_v you_o with_o he_o sermon_n iii_o john_n 3.23_o this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o you_o shall_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v three_o most_o precious_a and_o cardinal_a grace_n which_o a_o christian_a ought_v main_o to_o pursue_v there_o be_v that_o exalt_v grace_n of_o faith_n that_o comfort_a grace_n of_o hope_n and_o that_o aspire_a grace_n of_o love_n and_o if_o once_o a_o christian_n do_v take_v up_o that_o heavenly_a difference_n that_o be_v betwixt_o these_o sister-grace_n he_o may_v be_v provoke_v to_o move_v after_o they_o most_o swift_o as_o the_o chariot_n of_o aminadab_n and_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n between_o these_o grace_n faith_n be_v a_o sober_a and_o silent_a grace_n hope_n be_v a_o patient_a and_o submissive_a grace_n love_n be_v a_o ambitious_a and_o impatient_a grace_n faith_n cry_v out_o o_o my_o soul_n be_v silent_a unto_o god_n hope_n cry_v out_o i_o will_v wait_v patient_o for_o the_o lord_n until_o the_o vision_n shall_v speak_v but_o love_n it_o cry_v out_o how_o long_o be_v thou_o a_o come_n and_o it_o be_v wait_v to_o hear_v the_o sound_n of_o his_o foot_n come_v over_o the_o mountain_n of_o separation_n that_o be_v the_o motto_n of_o hope_n quod_fw-la defertur_fw-la non_fw-la aufertur_fw-la that_o which_o be_v delay_v say_v hope_n be_v not_o altogether_o take_v away_o and_o make_v void_a and_o that_o may_v be_v the_o divine_a emblem_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o love_n it_o be_v sight_n infolding_a desire_n in_o 〈◊〉_d arm_n and_o it_o be_v desire_v clothe_v with_o wing_n tread_v upon_o delay_n and_o impediment_n there_o be_v this_o second_o difference_n between_o these_o grace_n the_o grace_n of_o faith_n it_o embrace_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o grace_n of_o hope_n it_o embrace_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v promise_v but_o that_o exalt_v grace_n of_o love_n it_o embrace_v the_o promiser_n faith_n cry_v out_o have_v he_o speak_v it_o he_o will_v also_o do_v it_o hope_n cry_v out_o good_a be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v it_o unto_o thy_o servant_n according_a to_o thy_o promise_n and_o love_v it_o cry_v out_o in_o a_o high_a note_n as_o be_v the_o apple_n tree_n among_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o wood_n so_o be_v my_o wellbeloved_a among_o the_o son_n three_o there_o be_v that_o difference_n between_o these_o grace_n faith_n it_o overcome_v temptation_n hope_v it_o overcome_v difficulty_n but_o love_n stay_v at_o home_n and_o divide_v the_o spoil_n there_o be_v a_o sweet_a correspondence_n between_o those_o grace_n in_o this_o faith_n it_o fight_v and_o conquer_v and_o hope_v it_o fight_v and_o conquer_v but_o love_n it_o do_v enjoy_v the_o trophy_n of_o the_o victory_n and_o fourthly_a there_o be_v this_o difference_n the_o noble_a grace_n of_o faith_n it_o shall_v once_o evanish_v into_o sight_n that_o noble_a grace_n of_o hope_n it_o shall_v once_o vanish_v into_o possession_n and_o enjoyment_n but_o that_o constant_a grace_n of_o love_n it_o shall_v be_v the_o et_a 〈◊〉_d companion_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o shall_v walk_v in_o with_o he_o unto_o the_o street_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o i_o will_v ask_v you_o that_o question_n what_o a_o day_n shall_v it_o be_v when_o faith_n shall_v cede_fw-la to_o sight_n what_o a_o day_n shall_v it_o be_v when_o hope_n shall_v yield_v its_o place_n to_o love_n and_o love_n and_o sight_n shall_v eternal_o fit_v down_o and_o solace_v themselves_o in_o these_o bless_a mystery_n these_o everlasting_a consolation_n of_o heaven_n