we_o have_v conflict_n with_o pleasure_n and_o plenty_n sometime_o with_o affliction_n and_o penury_n with_o sin_n and_o temptation_n with_o pain_n and_o sickness_n and_o with_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n all_o which_o for_o a_o time_n may_v hinder_v the_o freedom_n of_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o can_v compose_v our_o thought_n nor_o settle_v our_o heart_n for_o holy_a meditation_n but_o we_o shall_v recover_v ourselves_o again_o by_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n who_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a to_o hold_v we_o up_o against_o all_o opposition_n whatsoever_o and_o to_o set_v our_o heart_n in_o such_o a_o frame_n as_o be_v fit_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o holy_a duty_n wherefore_o 12._o wherefore_o eph._n 6._o 11_o 12._o see_v we_o wrestle_v not_o against_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o against_o principality_n against_o power_n against_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n and_o against_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n we_o must_v put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n 4._o devil_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 3_o 4._o though_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o flesh_n we_o do_v not_o war_n after_o the_o flesh_n for_o the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o mighty_a through_o god_n to_o the_o pull_v down_o of_o strong_a hold_n cast_v down_o imagination_n and_o every_o high_a thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o power_n that_o pull_v down_o the_o strong_a hold_n of_o sin_n in_o we_o and_o the_o sinful_a imagination_n of_o our_o mind_n will_v also_o raise_v up_o the_o affection_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o devout_a and_o pious_a meditation_n of_o the_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n the_o more_o free_a we_o keep_v our_o heart_n from_o worldly_a care_n and_o our_o mind_n from_o sinful_a thought_n the_o fit_a we_o shall_v be_v for_o this_o holy_a duty_n the_o better_a we_o shall_v perform_v it_o and_o we_o shall_v reap_v the_o more_o comfort_n by_o it_o but_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o this_o spiritual_a armour_n they_o have_v no_o power_n against_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n they_o have_v no_o weapon_n fit_a for_o this_o warfare_n for_o until_o they_o be_v bring_v out_o of_o their_o natural_a condition_n into_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n &_o have_v interest_n in_o christ_n by_o faith_n they_o be_v so_o clog_v with_o their_o worldly_a affair_n so_o wed_v to_o earthly_a vanity_n and_o so_o entangle_v with_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n that_o there_o be_v no_o room_n in_o their_o heart_n for_o any_o holy_a contemplation_n and_o they_o have_v no_o grace_n that_o can_v give_v they_o strength_n to_o fight_v against_o the_o allurement_n of_o the_o world_n the_o enticement_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o cunning_a stratagem_n of_o the_o devil_n how_o dreadful_a it_o be_v to_o meditate_v on_o god_n now_o prepare_v thy_o heart_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o thy_o soul_n by_o those_o former_a direction_n and_o by_o prayer_n to_o meditate_v on_o 4._o on_o neh._n 1._o 5._o psal_n 47._o 2._o dan._n 9_o 4._o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a god_n who_o in_o himself_o be_v infinite_a in_o majesty_n and_o eternal_a in_o glory_n and_o the_o great_a creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o earth_n who_o essence_n and_o be_v be_v incomprehensible_a for_o thou_o can_v not_o but_o stand_v confound_v at_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o greatness_n which_o the_o bless_a angel_n be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v wherefore_o empty_a thy_o heart_n of_o all_o sinful_a cogitation_n and_o lay_v aside_o all_o thy_o worldly_a care_n that_o thou_o may_v free_o set_v thy_o mind_n upon_o god_n to_o contemplate_v with_o all_o fear_n &_o due_a reverence_n something_o of_o his_o excellency_n and_o greatness_n so_o far_o as_o god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o and_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o that_o heavenly_a knowledge_n which_o he_o have_v give_v thou_o let_v thy_o meditation_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v guide_v with_o good_a understanding_n and_o let_v they_o be_v bound_v with_o christian_a sobriety_n lest_o thou_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o this_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a ocean_n let_v thy_o faith_n regulate_v thou_o in_o thy_o meditation_n for_o what_o thou_o can_v not_o comprehend_v thou_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v because_o thou_o do_v deal_v with_o the_o hide_a thing_n of_o god_n 6._o god_n joh._n 5._o 6._o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o thus_o meditate_v with_o dreadful_a reverence_n on_o the_o high_a and_o mighty_a god_n for_o as_o he_o be_v infinite_a in_o his_o essence_n so_o he_o be_v also_o infinite_a in_o all_o his_o divine_a attribute_n wherefore_o content_n thyself_o with_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v in_o his_o word_n and_o by_o his_o work_n and_o do_v not_o curious_o search_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o to_o be_v know_v but_o be_v seal_v up_o in_o his_o own_o secret_a counsel_n until_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v hereafter_o to_o reveal_v they_o 19_o they_o 1_o sam._n 6._o 19_o the_o lord_n smite_v the_o man_n of_o bethshemesh_n with_o a_o very_a great_a slaughter_n because_o they_o look_v into_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o any_o save_v only_o to_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n beware_v then_o that_o he_o smite_v not_o thou_o if_o thou_o presume_v to_o look_v further_o into_o his_o secret_a counsel_n than_o christ_n have_v reveal_v if_o we_o due_o consider_v the_o transcendent_a majesty_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n it_o will_v cast_v great_a dreadfullnesse_n into_o our_o meditation_n for_o it_o will_v dazzle_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n far_o more_o than_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o sun_n beam_n can_v dazzle_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o body_n which_o may_v strong_o move_v we_o to_o a_o dreadful_a fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o he_o 22_o he_o job_n 37._o 22_o for_o as_o elihu_n say_v to_o job_n with_o god_n be_v terrible_a majesty_n also_o job_n speak_v thus_o of_o god_n to_o his_o three_o friend_n 11._o friend_n job_n 13._o 11._o shall_v not_o his_o his_o excellency_n make_v you_o afraid_a and_o his_o dreadfall_n upon_o you_o 17._o you_o gen._n 28._o 17._o how_o dreadful_a say_v jacob_n be_v this_o place_n and_o it_o be_v because_o god_n be_v there_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n by_o his_o prophet_n 14._o prophet_n mal._n 1._o 14._o i_o be_o a_o great_a king_n and_o my_o name_n be_v dreadful_a among_o the_o heathen_a 21._o heathen_a heb._n 12._o 21._o when_o god_n give_v the_o law_n at_o mount_n sinai_n the_o sight_n be_v so_o terrible_a that_o moses_n himself_o say_v i_o exceed_o fear_v and_o quake_v 34._o quake_v exod._n 34._o moses_n do_v earnest_o desire_v to_o see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n to_o who_o he_o give_v this_o answer_n that_o no_o man_n can_v see_v he_o and_o live_v but_o yet_o to_o satisfy_v his_o request_n and_o to_o show_v he_o in_o part_n what_o a_o terrible_a and_o glorious_a god_n he_o be_v he_o tell_v moses_n that_o he_o shall_v see_v some_o piece_n of_o his_o glory_n but_o he_o add_v that_o it_o be_v needful_a he_o shall_v hide_v himself_o in_o the_o hole_n of_o a_o rock_n and_o be_v cover_v with_o god_n own_o hand_n for_o his_o defence_n while_o god_n in_o some_o measure_n of_o his_o majesty_n do_v pass_v by_o in_o his_o glory_n and_o when_o he_o be_v past_a god_n take_v away_o his_o hand_n and_o suffer_v he_o to_o see_v his_o hinder_a part_n only_o which_o be_v notwithstanding_o most_o terrible_a to_o behold_v 7._o behold_v dan._n 7._o daniel_n also_o do_v see_v in_o a_o vision_n the_o majesty_n of_o this_o great_a and_o terrible_a god_n which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n to_o teach_v we_o thereby_o what_o a_o prince_n of_o majesty_n be_v and_o how_o dreadful_a in_o his_o judgement_n when_o he_o be_v offend_v now_o consider_v what_o make_v it_o so_o dreadful_a to_o meditate_v on_o god_n it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o incomprehensible_a and_o divine_a essence_n or_o the_o transcendent_a glory_n of_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n or_o his_o infinite_a power_n whereby_o all_o creature_n all_o principality_n and_o power_n be_v under_o his_o subjection_n but_o also_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o frailty_n and_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o vileness_n of_o our_o condition_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o many_o sin_n wherewith_o we_o have_v offend_v he_o and_o just_o incur_v his_o high_a displeasure_n and_o have_v deserve_v his_o wrath_n and_o fury_n to_o be_v pour_v out_o upon_o we_o whereby_o we_o stand_v in_o continual_a fear_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o of_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o justice_n for_o
iniquity_n of_o our_o sin_n unto_o christ_n our_o saviour_n and_o of_o his_o free_a grace_n to_o account_v we_o just_a by_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n to_o we_o through_o faith_n so_o likewise_o hereby_o we_o have_v the_o adoption_n of_o son_n and_o all_o the_o privilege_n that_o do_v belong_v unto_o son_n these_o be_v such_o benefit_n and_o such_o comfort_n as_o none_o can_v conceive_v but_o such_o as_o do_v enjoy_v they_o and_o none_o can_v enjoy_v they_o but_o by_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o have_v they_o by_o christ_n but_o only_o by_o a_o true_a and_o a_o lively_a faith_n in_o he_o second_o by_o faith_n we_o be_v invest_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o all_o the_o gracious_a promise_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o do_v belong_v unto_o we_o also_o by_o faith_n we_o have_v great_a comfort_n and_o hope_n in_o all_o other_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n whether_o they_o concern_v this_o life_n or_o the_o life_n to_o come_v for_o we_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n and_o his_o ready_a will_n to_o perform_v what_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o though_o his_o promise_n be_v sometime_o impossible_a to_o nature_n and_o above_o humane_a reason_n yet_o faith_n give_v we_o ability_n to_o rest_v upon_o they_o because_o we_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v and_o able_a to_o perform_v his_o word_n thus_o say_v solomon_n bless_a 50._o â—_o 1_o king_n â—_o 50._o be_v the_o lord_n that_o have_v give_v rest_n unto_o his_o people_n israel_n according_a to_o all_o that_o he_o have_v promise_v there_o have_v not_o fail_v one_o word_n of_o all_o his_o good_a promise_n which_o he_o promise_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n his_o servant_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v limit_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o though_o they_o be_v above_o our_o capacity_n yet_o we_o may_v confide_v in_o they_o for_o he_o will_v perform_v they_o in_o his_o due_a time_n 20._o time_n rom._n 4_o 18_o 19_o 20._o god_n make_v a_o promise_n to_o abraham_n that_o his_o seed_n shall_v be_v as_o numerous_a as_o the_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n when_o he_o be_v about_o a_o hundred_o year_n old_a and_o yet_o betâ—g_v not_o weak_a in_o faith_n he_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n through_o unbelief_n but_o against_o hope_n he_o believe_v in_o hope_n that_o he_o may_v become_v the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n and_o he_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o what_o god_n have_v promise_v he_o be_v able_a also_o to_o perform_v 11_o perform_v heb._n 11._o 11_o sarah_n through_o faith_n receive_v strength_n to_o conceive_v seed_n though_o she_o be_v barren_a and_o past_a age_n and_o she_o be_v deliver_v of_o a_o child_n because_o she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v if_o we_o do_v thus_o rest_v upon_o the_o promise_v god_n in_o all_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o in_o all_o the_o chance_n and_o change_n that_o can_v happen_v to_o we_o it_o will_v fit_v and_o prepare_v we_o to_o receive_v they_o content_o at_o god_n hand_n but_o the_o special_a servant_n of_o god_n may_v be_v so_o over-pressed_n with_o the_o extremity_n of_o affliction_n that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o distrust_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n and_o to_o waver_v in_o their_o assiance_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o if_o he_o delay_v to_o perform_v his_o promise_n and_o to_o help_v they_o this_o be_v asaph_n case_n who_o thus_o complain_v 10._o complain_v psal_n 74._o 8_o 10._o be_v his_o mercy_n clean_o go_v for_o ever_o do_v his_o promise_n fail_v for_o evermore_o but_o he_o do_v present_o check_v himself_o and_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v his_o infirmity_n thus_o to_o distrust_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n thus_o say_v peter_n 9_o peter_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n for_o he_o will_v remember_v to_o perform_v it_o when_o his_o time_n be_v come_v that_o it_o will_v make_v most_o for_o his_o glory_n and_o for_o our_o good_a wherefore_o 12._o wherefore_o heb._n 6._o 12._o we_o must_v wait_v patient_o upon_o god_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v inherit_v the_o promise_n 13._o promise_n eph._n 1._o 13._o for_o by_o faith_n we_o be_v seal_v with_o that_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n that_o we_o may_v confident_o rest_v upon_o god_n and_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n wherefore_o if_o we_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v find_v many_o promise_n of_o grace_n to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n when_o we_o be_v under_o any_o temptation_n to_o comfort_v our_o soul_n when_o we_o be_v in_o any_o anguish_n of_o spirit_n or_o under_o the_o pressure_n of_o any_o cross_n or_o calamity_n and_o when_o we_o have_v find_v a_o promise_n that_o will_v suit_n with_o our_o present_a condition_n then_o to_o make_v use_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o it_o to_o apply_v it_o to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o rest_v firm_o upon_o it_o though_o it_o be_v above_o hope_n for_o god_n can_v and_o will_v assure_o perform_v it_o to_o our_o great_a consolation_n if_o god_n do_v defer_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o long_o than_o we_o expect_v yet_o we_o must_v patient_o wait_v upon_o he_o for_o when_o he_o have_v wrought_v his_o own_o work_n in_o we_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o our_o good_a he_o will_v not_o then_o delay_v to_o perform_v it_o a_o moment_n long_o three_o by_o faith_n we_o shall_v receive_v much_o profit_n and_o comfort_n by_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n without_o which_o our_o service_n to_o god_n can_v be_v perform_v according_a to_o his_o will_n the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o profitable_a â—earing_n of_o the_o sacred_a word_n of_o god_n be_v by_o faith_n 9_o faith_n act._n 15._o 9_o because_o hereby_o our_o heart_n be_v purify_v and_o cleanse_v from_o all_o sin_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o no_o guilt_n of_o sin_n may_v cleave_v to_o our_o soul_n and_o conscience_n to_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o grace_n to_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o hinder_v the_o free_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o affection_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n that_o it_o can_v take_v root_n in_o we_o for_o our_o edification_n and_o instruction_n to_o convince_v we_o of_o our_o error_n to_o reprove_v we_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o comfort_v we_o in_o all_o sorrow_n and_o sadness_n of_o heart_n it_o be_v faith_n that_o make_v our_o heart_n good_a ground_n fit_a to_o receive_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n word_n that_o it_o may_v take_v deep_a root_n in_o we_o to_o fructify_v and_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n what_o comfort_n can_v we_o have_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o we_o do_v not_o hear_v it_o with_o heart_n purify_v from_o our_o corruption_n by_o faith_n how_o can_v it_o profit_v we_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o holy_a preparation_n to_o receive_v it_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v imprint_v it_o in_o our_o heart_n to_o be_v a_o word_n of_o power_n in_o we_o unto_o salvation_n and_o to_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v fruitful_a in_o we_o to_o the_o reformation_n of_o our_o life_n if_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o season_v with_o faith_n 17._o faith_n rom._n 10._o 17._o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o then_o it_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n use_v to_o convey_v spiritual_a knowledge_n to_o the_o understanding_n holy_a desire_n to_o the_o will_n to_o study_v and_o endeavour_v to_o a_o godly_a life_n and_o also_o true_a consolation_n to_o the_o soul_n so_o likewise_o our_o heart_n be_v prepare_v by_o faith_n to_o the_o worthy_a receive_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o as_o we_o do_v refresh_v our_o body_n with_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n so_o our_o soul_n be_v refresh_v and_o comfort_v by_o our_o spiritual_a feed_n on_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o faith_n also_o faith_n will_v put_v a_o holy_a zeal_n into_o our_o prayer_n to_o make_v they_o fervent_a and_o effectual_a to_o prevail_v with_o god_n to_o send_v we_o a_o gracious_a answer_n in_o his_o good_a time_n thus_o say_v our_o saviour_n christ_n 24._o christ_n mar._n 11._o 24._o what_o thing_n soever_o you_o desire_v when_o you_o pray_v believe_v that_o you_o receive_v they_o and_o you_o shall_v have_v they_o o_o what_o comfort_n may_v we_o find_v in_o our_o prayer_n when_o we_o be_v in_o want_n sorrow_n or_o in_o any_o necessity_n if_o we_o do_v pray_v with_o zealous_a affection_n and_o do_v faithful_o believe_v that_o our_o petition_n be_v grant_v before_o we_o receive_v they_o then_o we_o will_v wait_v upon_o god_n until_o he_o be_v
conscience_n with_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o burden_n heavy_a than_o we_o can_v bear_v thus_o say_v the_o wise_a man_n 14_o man_n prov._n 18._o 14_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v we_o can_v have_v no_o true_a comfort_n in_o these_o or_o the_o like_a affliction_n but_o what_o come_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o no_o hope_n of_o succour_n or_o relief_n in_o our_o distress_n without_o he_o if_o our_o spirit_n be_v wound_v he_o only_o can_v apply_v the_o true_a balm_n of_o gilead_n to_o cure_v they_o this_o balm_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o universal_a remedy_n to_o cure_v all_o the_o spiritual_a disease_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o none_o but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v apply_v it_o to_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n also_o if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o refresh_v we_o with_o the_o comfort_n of_o grace_n and_o with_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o sink_v under_o the_o great_a weight_n of_o our_o calamity_n and_o misery_n but_o we_o may_v draw_v comfort_n enough_o from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o what_o sad_a condition_n soever_o we_o be_v for_o he_o will_v sweeten_v the_o bitterness_n of_o all_o our_o suffering_n with_o true_a peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n he_o will_v sanctify_v all_o our_o affliction_n and_o sorrow_n with_o save_a grace_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v for_o our_o good_a and_o will_v witness_v to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v in_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n also_o he_o will_v give_v we_o strength_n and_o courage_n to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o christ_n and_o for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o likewise_o heavenly_a wisdom_n right_o to_o use_v every_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n to_o defend_v ourselves_o from_o all_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o to_o beat_v back_o or_o quench_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o his_o temptation_n and_o evil_a suggestion_n may_v not_o wound_v our_o soul_n to_o the_o death_n last_o he_o will_v perfect_v all_o with_o the_o gift_n of_o perseverance_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n and_o we_o shall_v have_v assure_v hope_n of_o conquest_n and_o victory_n in_o all_o our_o conflict_n and_o combat_n here_o and_o to_o be_v crown_v with_o immortal_a glory_n hereafter_o now_o let_v this_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o meditation_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o draw_v comfort_n from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o we_o be_v afflict_v trouble_a or_o any_o way_n perplex_v with_o grief_n of_o heart_n sorrow_n of_o spirit_n or_o anguish_n of_o soul_n which_o we_o may_v do_v if_o we_o know_v that_o no_o outward_a comfort_n can_v support_v we_o without_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o rest_v and_o rely_v upon_o they_o but_o do_v seek_v to_o the_o true_a comforter_n by_o earnest_n and_o faithful_a prayer_n in_o all_o our_o necessity_n which_o be_v a_o sure_a mean_n to_o draw_v comfort_n from_o he_o when_o we_o want_v it_o also_o if_o we_o be_v true_o sensible_a that_o we_o do_v want_v his_o gracious_a assistance_n to_o carry_v we_o on_o cheerful_o through_o all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n that_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o in_o this_o world_n upon_o our_o humble_a supplication_n to_o he_o he_o will_v return_v we_o a_o comfortable_a answer_n as_o shall_v be_v best_a for_o we_o so_o likewise_o if_o the_o guilt_n of_o our_o sin_n do_v stick_v close_o unto_o we_o or_o if_o we_o possess_v our_o former_a iniquity_n by_o a_o sinful_a remembrance_n of_o they_o so_o that_o we_o be_v true_o humble_v in_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o they_o and_o that_o our_o heart_n be_v touch_v with_o a_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v then_o come_v with_o spiritual_a consolation_n to_o comfort_v our_o poor_a soul_n with_o a_o holy_a assurance_n that_o all_o our_o sin_n be_v wash_v away_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o faith_n last_o we_o may_v draw_v comfort_n from_o this_o spiritual_a fountain_n by_o our_o pious_a and_o devout_a meditation_n of_o he_o for_o than_o he_o will_v give_v we_o a_o sweet_a taste_n of_o his_o heavenly_a grace_n to_o comfort_v we_o in_o all_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o he_o will_v give_v we_o spiritual_a joy_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o our_o affliction_n also_o he_o will_v unite_v we_o unto_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o will_v seal_v our_o redemption_n to_o we_o by_o his_o blood_n whereby_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v eternal_a felicity_n for_o ever_o o_o what_o sweet_a meditation_n may_v we_o draw_v from_o this_o heavenly_a comforter_n in_o all_o the_o sadness_n of_o our_o heart_n thus_o we_o may_v meditate_v on_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o he_o be_v the_o true_a comforter_n of_o our_o soul_n we_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v of_o his_o divine_a operation_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v also_o draw_v much_o profitable_a and_o comfortable_a matter_n for_o our_o holy_a meditation_n and_o for_o our_o better_a understanding_n herein_o this_o eternal_a spirit_n of_o life_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o several_a resemblance_n to_o show_v in_o what_o manner_n and_o how_o various_o he_o work_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o our_o meditation_n may_v be_v order_v according_o first_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v resemble_v to_o a_o dove_n for_o when_o christ_n be_v baptize_v 16_o baptize_v mat._n 3._o 16_o he_o descend_v in_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o dove_n and_o rest_v upon_o he_o which_o be_v to_o show_v his_o spiritual_a anoint_v to_o his_o office_n of_o mediatorship_n and_o to_o set_v forth_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o christ_n how_o humble_a and_o and_o meek_a he_o be_v how_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a how_o love_v and_o how_o ready_a and_o willing_a he_o be_v to_o do_v good_a to_o all_o these_o dovelike_a quality_n be_v pour_v upon_o christ_n above_o measure_n that_o we_o his_o member_n may_v receive_v the_o same_o in_o some_o measure_n from_o he_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o he_o will_v put_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n all_o the_o affection_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o our_o body_n into_o a_o new_a frame_n he_o will_v change_v the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n into_o a_o holy_a temper_n of_o proud_a and_o haughty_a mind_v he_o will_v make_v we_o lowly_a and_o meek_a of_o hateful_a and_o malicious_a he_o will_v make_v we_o love_v and_o courteous_a to_o all_o he_o will_v so_o season_v we_o with_o sanctify_a grace_n throughout_o that_o our_o evil_a disposition_n shall_v be_v change_v into_o a_o gracious_a condition_n this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n will_v bring_v we_o a_o olive_n leaf_n 11_o leaf_n gen._n 8._o 11_o like_o noah_n dove_n to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o though_o we_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o trouble_n danger_n or_o distress_n yet_o we_o shall_v be_v preserve_v and_o deliver_v and_o though_o we_o be_v trouble_v disquiet_v or_o perplex_v in_o our_o mind_n yet_o at_o the_o last_o we_o shall_v have_v peace_n tranquillity_n spiritual_a joy_n and_o comfort_v now_o by_o this_o resemblance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o may_v examine_v ourselves_o what_o purity_n and_o holiness_n he_o have_v wrought_v in_o we_o what_o meekness_n of_o spirit_n what_o patience_n under_o the_o cross_n what_o love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o how_o far_o we_o be_v sanctify_v in_o all_o the_o affection_n of_o our_o heart_n &_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o our_o body_n also_o how_o much_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v weaken_v in_o we_o and_o how_o far_o we_o be_v change_v from_o that_o which_o be_v sinful_a to_o newness_n of_o life_n if_o we_o can_v find_v these_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o we_o they_o will_v afford_v we_o profitable_a matter_n for_o our_o heart_n to_o meditate_v upon_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n second_o some_o of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v set_v forth_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o resemblance_n of_o that_o 21_o that_o exod._n 13_o 21_o pillar_n of_o a_o cloud_n which_o go_v before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n by_o day_n when_o they_o march_v out_o of_o egypt_n to_o guide_v they_o the_o right_a way_n that_o god_n will_v have_v they_o go_v towards_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n this_o pillar_n do_v also_o protect_v and_o defend_v they_o from_o their_o enemy_n it_o keep_v the_o scorch_a heat_n of_o the_o sun_n from_o they_o and_o it_o cool_v and_o moisten_v the_o earth_n with_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a dew_n which_o be_v a_o great_a refresh_n
enemy_n and_o to_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o all_o danger_n and_o they_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o pillar_n to_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n to_o they_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o leave_v they_o nor_o forsake_v they_o but_o will_v constant_o abide_v with_o they_o until_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o past_o all_o danger_n and_o have_v deliver_v they_o out_o of_o all_o their_o trouble_n and_o until_o he_o have_v give_v they_o rest_n from_o all_o their_o enemy_n 12._o enemy_n act._n 12._o thus_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n deliver_v peter_n out_o of_o prison_n and_o will_v not_o leave_v he_o until_o he_o have_v bring_v he_o past_o the_o first_o and_o second_o ward_n and_o through_o the_o iron_n gate_n into_o the_o city_n where_o he_o may_v secure_v himself_o from_o herod_n who_o seek_v his_o life_n these_o pillar_n be_v also_o a_o witness_n to_o they_o of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v to_o their_o father_n that_o he_o will_v give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o their_o inheritance_n and_o that_o the_o people_n shall_v always_o remember_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n their_o miraculous_a deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o the_o wonderful_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o they_o all_o the_o time_n they_o travel_v through_o the_o vast_a wilderness_n for_o they_o have_v still_o a_o pillar_n to_o conduct_v they_o and_o god_n will_v have_v a_o memorial_n keep_v of_o all_o his_o wonderful_a work_n thus_o 24_o thus_o josh_n 24_o the_o lord_n command_v joshua_n to_o take_v twelve_o stone_n out_o of_o jordan_n and_o to_o leave_v they_o in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o shall_v lodge_v that_o night_n to_o be_v a_o perpetual_a memorial_n that_o the_o water_n of_o jerdan_n be_v out_o off_o before_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o it_o pass_v over_o jordan_n in_o nehemiahs_n time_n 19_o time_n neh._n 9_o 12_o 19_o the_o levite_n in_o their_o confession_n of_o god_n goodness_n do_v remember_v how_o god_n bring_v his_o people_n out_o of_o egypt_n &_o lead_v they_o by_o those_o two_o pillar_n &_o though_o they_o do_v high_o provoke_v god_n by_o their_o melt_a calf_n yet_o he_o forsake_v they_o not_o in_o the_o wilderness_n the_o pillar_n of_o the_o cloud_n depart_v not_o from_o they_o by_o day_n neither_o the_o pillar_n of_o fire_n by_o night_n 26._o night_n gen._n 19_o 26._o lot_n wife_n become_v a_o pillar_n of_o salt_n because_o against_o god_n commandment_n she_o look_v back_o towards_o sodom_n 32_o sodom_n luk._n 17._o 32_o which_o great_a judgement_n christ_n will_v have_v to_o be_v perpetual_o remember_v 52._o remember_v gen._n 31._o 45_o 52._o jacob_n set_v up_o a_o stone_n for_o a_o pillar_n as_o a_o memorial_n of_o his_o integrity_n to_o laban_n and_o for_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v between_o they_o also_o 20_o also_o gen._n 35._o 20_o he_o set_v a_o pillar_n upon_o rachel_n grave_n for_o a_o perpetual_a memorial_n of_o she_o 8._o she_o 2_o sam._n 18._o 8._o absalon_n rear_v up_o for_o himself_o a_o pillar_n in_o the_o king_n dale_n for_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o his_o name_n for_o he_o say_v i_o have_v no_o son_n to_o keep_v my_o name_n in_o remembrance_n and_o therefore_o he_o call_v the_o pillar_n after_o his_o own_o name_n if_o we_o do_v well_o ruminate_v upon_o these_o thing_n and_o imprint_v they_o in_o our_o heart_n it_o will_v make_v much_o for_o our_o spiritual_a consolation_n for_o where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v settle_v his_o abode_n it_o be_v to_o abide_v there_o for_o ever_o and_o if_o we_o enjoy_v his_o bless_a presence_n it_o be_v the_o great_a comfort_n of_o our_o soul_n he_o will_v be_v as_o a_o strong_a pillar_n for_o we_o to_o rest_v upon_o when_o we_o be_v assault_v with_o strong_a temptation_n or_o beset_v with_o peril_n and_o danger_n or_o any_o way_n visit_v with_o sorrow_n and_o affliction_n he_o be_v also_o such_o a_o pillar_n of_o true_a comfort_n as_o will_v not_o leave_v we_o in_o any_o sad_a condition_n or_o misery_n but_o will_v still_o continue_v with_o we_o until_o he_o have_v bring_v we_o out_o of_o all_o our_o trouble_n danger_n and_o distress_n this_o similitude_n of_o a_o pillar_n do_v so_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o god_n that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o this_o be_v also_o great_a consolation_n to_o we_o that_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n though_o the_o outward_a man_n be_v miserable_o afflict_v perplex_a and_o torment_v this_o consideration_n will_v appease_v the_o clamour_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o accusation_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o though_o we_o be_v in_o our_o own_o apprehension_n as_o quite_o forsake_v of_o god_n yet_o we_o shall_v hereby_o be_v preserve_v from_o sink_v under_o so_o great_a a_o pressure_n of_o temptation_n and_o though_o the_o devil_n do_v aggravate_v our_o sin_n to_o make_v we_o cast_v off_o all_o hope_n of_o pardon_n yet_o this_o bless_a spirit_n will_v make_v we_o look_v up_o to_o christ_n by_o faith_n as_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v the_o guilt_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n nail_v to_o the_o same_o cross_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o which_o will_v frustrate_v the_o malicious_a design_n of_o the_o devil_n against_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n here_o also_o we_o may_v find_v profitable_a matter_n for_o our_o instruction_n and_o edification_n for_o it_o do_v teach_v we_o to_o rest_v firm_o upon_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o this_o bless_a spirit_n in_o all_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o in_o all_o the_o calamity_n and_o tribulation_n that_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o in_o this_o present_a world_n it_o do_v also_o bind_v we_o to_o a_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o all_o the_o benefit_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o of_o all_o the_o heavenly_a endowment_n which_o he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o and_o of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n which_o he_o have_v wrought_v in_o we_o that_o we_o may_v employ_v they_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o good_a of_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o grieve_v the_o holy_a ghost_n nor_o quench_v his_o gracious_a motion_n but_o to_o yield_v all_o willing_a and_o ready_a obedience_n to_o his_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n this_o do_v also_o teach_v we_o to_o rest_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n both_o for_o provision_n for_o succour_v in_o time_n of_o need_n and_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o he_o that_o have_v promise_v be_v faithful_a and_o true_a and_o if_o we_o wait_v his_o appoint_a time_n he_o will_v assure_o perform_v it_o last_o we_o must_v mark_v and_o observe_v what_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o have_v find_v in_o our_o heart_n either_o for_o the_o illumination_n of_o our_o understanding_n in_o heavenly_a thing_n or_o work_v our_o perverse_a will_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o sanctify_v of_o our_o affection_n to_o newness_n of_o life_n that_o we_o may_v glorify_v god_n by_o our_o thankfulness_n for_o they_o four_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v resemble_v to_o a_o seal_n for_o 14._o for_o eph._n 13_o 14._o we_o be_v seal_v with_o this_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n until_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o purchase_a possession_n unto_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glory_n also_o paul_n say_v 12_o say_v 2_o cor._n 1._o 12_o that_o god_n have_v seal_v we_o and_o give_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n also_o again_o he_o say_v 13._o say_v eph._n 4._o 13._o grieve_v not_o the_o holy_a sptrit_a of_o god_n whereby_o you_o be_v seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n whatsoever_o god_n have_v decree_v for_o our_o preservation_n and_o salvation_n be_v seal_v with_o this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o can_v be_v reverse_v but_o be_v more_o firm_a 8._o firm_a esth_n 8._o 8._o than_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n 19_o persian_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o for_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o in_o time_n of_o common_a calamity_n god_n will_v set_v 〈◊〉_d seal_n of_o preservation_n upon_o his_o own_o servant_n that_o thâ—â—_n shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v 19_o hurt_v the_o angel_n that_o ascend_v f_o 〈…〉_o east_n have_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o live_a god_n cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n to_o the_o four_o angel_n to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v to_o hurt_v the_o earth_n and_o the_o sea_n say_v hurt_v not_o the_o earth_n neither_o the_o sea_n nor_o the_o
christ_n be_v above_o all_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o therefore_o 2._o therefore_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 1_o 2._o paul_n come_v not_o to_o the_o corinthian_n with_o excellency_n of_o speech_n or_o of_o wisdom_n to_o declare_v unto_o they_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n for_o he_o determine_v not_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n among_o they_o save_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v wherefore_o if_o we_o can_v gain_v this_o heavenly_a knowledge_n by_o our_o study_n and_o meditation_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v enough_o to_o make_v our_o soul_n gracious_a here_o and_o eternal_o bless_v hereafter_o of_o christ_n prophetical_a office_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o several_a office_n of_o christ_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v draw_v some_o profitable_a matter_n for_o our_o instruction_n and_o for_o our_o comfort_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n god_n ordain_v he_o to_o be_v a_o prophet_n according_a as_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o moses_n 18._o moses_n deut._n 18._o 18._o i_o will_v raise_v they_o up_o a_o prophet_n from_o among_o their_o brethren_n like_v unto_o thou_o and_o will_v put_v my_o word_n in_o his_o mouth_n and_o he_o shall_v speak_v unto_o they_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v command_v he_o this_o be_v that_o great_a prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n jesus_n who_o have_v not_o his_o prophetical_a gift_n by_o divine_a revelation_n as_o all_o the_o prophet_n have_v but_o it_o be_v inherent_a in_o he_o and_o he_o have_v it_o from_o his_o own_o divine_a nature_n and_o by_o his_o own_o power_n and_o therefore_o he_o need_v not_o that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v reveal_v unto_o he_o christ_n give_v some_o manifestation_n of_o this_o his_o office_n by_o way_n of_o pprophecy_n 21._o pprophecy_n luc._n 21._o for_o he_o foretell_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n 44._o temple_n luke_n 19_o 43_o 44._o the_o great_a desolation_n that_o shall_v short_o come_v upon_o jerusalem_n 25_o jerusalem_n lu._n 21._o 25_o and_o also_o the_o sign_n which_o shall_v be_v before_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n likewise_o he_o foretell_v 19_o foretell_v mat._n 20._o 18_o 19_o what_o shall_v be_v do_v to_o himself_o in_o his_o passion_n 34_o passion_n mat._n 26._o 34_o and_o how_o shameful_o peter_n shall_v deny_v he_o and_o not_o a_o word_n that_o proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n can_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o must_v be_v fulfil_v in_o due_a time_n because_o 5_o because_o joh._n 14._o 5_o he_o that_o be_v the_o truth_n do_v speak_v it_o he_o 25._o he_o joh._n 2._o 24_o 25._o do_v know_v the_o secret_n of_o every_o man_n heart_n he_o know_v who_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o who_o do_v not_o and_o also_o what_o mischief_n his_o enemy_n intend_v against_o he_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v hide_v from_o he_o christ_n have_v give_v some_o glimpse_n of_o his_o prophetical_a gift_n to_o his_o minister_n to_o foresee_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o will_v fall_v upon_o a_o nation_n or_o people_n if_o they_o be_v above_o measure_n sinful_a and_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v nor_o bring_v to_o repentance_n but_o christ_n by_o his_o own_o preach_n have_v now_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n ordinary_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o every_o word_n which_o christ_n have_v speak_v must_v be_v fulfil_v how_o ought_v we_o to_o fear_n and_o tremble_v at_o his_o threaten_n how_o careful_a shall_v we_o be_v to_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o he_o by_o sound_a repentance_n and_o turn_n unto_o god_n before_o he_o put_v in_o execution_n what_o he_o have_v threaten_v also_o how_o comfortable_a be_v his_o promise_n which_o in_o their_o time_n shall_v be_v perform_v if_o we_o rest_v upon_o they_o by_o faith_n how_o can_v any_o affliction_n or_o sorrow_n tire_v if_o we_o rest_v upon_o a_o promise_n of_o succour_n from_o christ_n and_o how_o can_v we_o despair_v of_o our_o salvation_n if_o we_o do_v believe_v that_o christ_n have_v perfect_o wrought_v our_o redemption_n and_o have_v make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n his_o father_n also_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o christ_n do_v see_v by_o his_o divine_a nature_n into_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v vigilant_a and_o careful_a to_o keep_v our_o heart_n cleanse_v and_o purify_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n into_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o daily_a renew_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o true_a repentance_n that_o no_o darling_n sin_n may_v be_v cherish_v there_o for_o he_o can_v see_v it_o and_o find_v it_o out_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o chief_a end_n that_o christ_n do_v intend_v in_o this_o his_o office_n for_o he_o be_v anoint_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o his_o baptism_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n according_a to_o this_o pprophecy_n of_o he_o 18._o he_o isa_n 61._o luc._n 4._o 18._o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v good_a tiding_n unto_o the_o meek_a he_o have_v send_v i_o to_o bind_v up_o the_o break_a heart_a to_o proclaim_v liberty_n to_o the_o captive_n and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o prison_n to_o they_o that_o be_v bind_v to_o proclaim_v the_o acceptable_a year_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n christ_n do_v execute_v the_o part_n of_o his_o prophetical_a office_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o 29._o and_o mat._n 7._o 28_o 29._o the_o people_n be_v astonish_v at_o his_o doctrine_n for_o 32_o for_o luc._n 4._o 32_o his_o word_n be_v with_o power_n and_o he_o teach_v they_o as_o one_o have_v authority_n his_o whole_a doctrine_n be_v pure_a and_o divine_a it_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n will_n and_o to_o the_o regulate_v of_o our_o sinful_a life_n according_a to_o god_n commandment_n which_o he_o comprehend_v in_o this_o short_a sum_n 39_o sum_n mat._n 22_o 37._o 39_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lâ—rd_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n and_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o christ_n do_v right_o interpret_v the_o moral_a law_n and_o free_v it_o from_o the_o false_a gloss_n of_o the_o pharisee_n for_o whereas_o that_o command_v only_o external_a obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n according_a to_o their_o interpretation_n of_o they_o as_o not_o to_o kill_v not_o to_o commit_v actual_a adultery_n and_o the_o like_a 5._o like_a mat._n 5._o his_o doctrine_n add_v internal_a observation_n as_o not_o to_o speak_v angry_a word_n to_o our_o neighbour_n hurt_n not_o to_o lust_n and_o the_o like_a and_o whereas_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n command_v to_o offer_v up_o a_o sheep_n or_o a_o ox_n for_o our_o sin_n the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v instruct_v we_o to_o offer_v up_o a_o break_a and_o a_o contrite_a heart_n that_o our_o sin_n may_v be_v wash_v away_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o to_o purpose_n and_o resolve_v the_o reformation_n of_o our_o sinful_a life_n christ_n doctrine_n tend_v whole_o to_o the_o perfect_a service_n of_o god_n to_o draw_v our_o mind_n from_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n and_o to_o set_v our_o affection_n upon_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n also_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o depression_n of_o our_o spiritual_a pride_n to_o the_o mortification_n of_o our_o sinful_a appetite_n and_o to_o the_o stir_v up_o of_o our_o heavenly_a cogitation_n to_o peace_n of_o conscience_n tranquillity_n of_o mind_n purity_n of_o body_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o brief_a his_o doctrine_n do_v contain_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o he_o do_v reveal_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v divine_a and_o heavenly_a so_o his_o whole_a life_n and_o conversation_n be_v exact_o suitable_a thereunto_o for_o it_o be_v most_o upright_o and_o holy_a and_o a_o lively_a table_n wherein_o be_v express_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o doctrine_n this_o may_v teach_v all_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o word_n to_o frame_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n that_o their_o good_a example_n may_v confirm_v their_o doctrine_n and_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o other_o to_o follow_v christ_n do_v still_o execute_v this_o part_n of_o his_o prophetical_a office_n in_o his_o minister_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o his_o word_n and_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n do_v also_o join_v with_o their_o continual_a preach_n to_o make_v it_o powerful_a for_o edification_n and_o instruction_n and_o effectual_a to_o salvation_n wherefore_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n must_v be_v sanctify_v and_o season_v with_o grace_n and_o our_o ear_n must_v be_v spiritual_o bore_v when_o we_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v and_o we_o must_v faithful_o pray_v that_o his_o spirit_n will_v accompany_v the_o
make_v thou_o out_o of_o hope_n of_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n but_o thou_o will_v resolve_v still_o to_o be_v faithful_a to_o thy_o saviour_n and_o to_o keep_v thy_o heart_n sincere_a and_o upright_a towards_o god_n and_o than_o christ_n will_v restore_v thou_o if_o thou_o fall_v he_o will_v heal_v thou_o by_o repentance_n as_o he_o do_v peter_n if_o thou_o be_v wound_v and_o whatsoever_o thou_o fear_v shall_v not_o dismay_v thou_o christ_n will_v be_v thy_o comfort_n in_o all_o thy_o sorrow_n thy_o hide_v place_n in_o all_o danger_n and_o he_o will_v be_v thy_o defence_n against_o all_o thy_o spiritual_a enemy_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o overthrow_v the_o salvation_n of_o thy_o soul_n christ_n suffering_n under_o pilate_n now_o we_o come_v to_o consider_v what_o christ_n suffer_v under_o pilate_n and_o how_o the_o immaculate_a lamb_n of_o god_n be_v hurry_v from_o the_o wolf_n to_o the_o lion_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o bear_n and_o back_o again_o to_o the_o lion_n and_o so_o to_o the_o shambles_n where_o he_o must_v be_v slay_v for_o the_o more_o his_o divine_a grace_n do_v shine_v forth_o in_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n the_o more_o do_v the_o devil_n rage_n and_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o jew_n increase_v against_o he_o he_o be_v now_o bring_v before_o pilate_n 23._o pilate_n luk_n 23._o and_o thither_o do_v the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n come_v with_o their_o false_a accusation_n against_o he_o they_o likewise_o follow_v he_o from_o pilate_n to_o herod_n before_o who_o also_o they_o false_o accuse_v he_o with_o much_o vehemency_n yet_o they_o rest_v not_o there_o but_o they_o return_v again_o to_o pilate_n with_o their_o heart_n full_a of_o envy_n and_o malice_n and_o their_o mouth_n full_a of_o opprobrious_a speech_n and_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o innocent_a lamb_n of_o god_n to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n thus_o they_o persecute_v the_o lord_n of_o glory_n our_o gracious_a redeemer_n and_o yet_o these_o wicked_a dissemble_a ruler_n do_v hide_v and_o cover_v their_o gross_a hypocrisy_n and_o their_o devilish_a malice_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o sanctity_n and_o holiness_n 28_o holiness_n joh_n 18._o 28_o for_o they_o refuse_v to_o go_v into_o pilate_n judgement-hall_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v defile_v but_o that_o they_o may_v eat_v the_o passeover_n for_o this_o be_v the_o preparation_n day_n what_o holiness_n can_v there_o be_v in_o a_o malicious_a heart_n how_o can_v the_o heart_n be_v prepare_v to_o serve_v god_n aright_o when_o the_o conscience_n be_v stain_v with_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o how_o dare_v they_o eat_v the_o passover_n when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o sour_a leaven_n of_o hateful_a malice_n in_o they_o but_o they_o do_v stand_v more_o upon_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o godliness_n then_o to_o perform_v it_o with_o pure_a affection_n and_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n now_o we_o may_v easy_o see_v what_o satan_n drift_n be_v against_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n for_o if_o he_o do_v stir_v up_o all_o his_o instrument_n to_o persecute_v christ_n jesus_n our_o head_n with_o deadly_a hatred_n he_o will_v not_o spare_v we_o that_o be_v his_o member_n and_o he_o will_v set_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v most_o eminent_a in_o grace_n with_o his_o strong_a assault_n thus_o he_o assault_v job_n with_o many_o and_o great_a affliction_n one_o upon_o the_o neck_n of_o another_o to_o overthrow_v his_o patience_n 1._o patience_n 1_o chro._n 21._o 1._o thus_o he_o strong_o tempt_v david_n to_o number_v the_o people_n to_o make_v he_o trust_v in_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n and_o to_o weaken_v his_o confidence_n in_o god_n 7._o god_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 7._o and_o thus_o he_o buffet_v paul_n with_o his_o temptation_n and_o many_o sore_a affliction_n but_o this_o be_v our_o comfort_n that_o he_o can_v do_v no_o more_o than_o god_n do_v permit_v he_o he_o can_v exercise_v his_o power_n according_a to_o his_o malice_n for_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o assault_v his_o weak_a servant_n with_o strong_a temptation_n and_o though_o he_o do_v sometime_o permit_v he_o violent_o to_o set_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o grace_n and_o strong_a in_o faith_n yet_o he_o will_v order_v and_o dispose_v his_o attempt_n for_o their_o good_a and_o not_o for_o their_o destruction_n as_o the_o devil_n do_v malicious_o intend_v god_n will_v make_v they_o serve_v for_o the_o trial_n and_o manifestation_n of_o their_o grace_n for_o the_o prevent_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o affiance_n in_o god_n by_o that_o experience_n of_o his_o assistance_n and_o gracious_a deliverance_n which_o hereby_o they_o have_v gain_v from_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v how_o to_o be_v prepare_v when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n to_o eat_v of_o his_o holy_a supper_n how_o to_o come_v to_o the_o hear_n of_o his_o word_n and_o how_o to_o address_v ourselves_o unto_o prayer_n and_o to_o pious_a meditation_n if_o we_o come_v to_o these_o holy_a ordinance_n with_o pollute_a hand_n and_o with_o heart_n defile_v with_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n as_o these_o ruler_n do_v to_o eat_v the_o passover_n what_o holiness_n soever_o we_o pretend_v we_o do_v but_o dissemble_v with_o god_n we_o delude_v our_o own_o soul_n and_o god_n will_v neither_o hear_v we_o nor_o accept_v we_o wherefore_o we_o must_v cast_v out_o the_o leaven_n of_o sin_n and_o purge_v our_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n by_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n before_o we_o come_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n that_o our_o affection_n may_v be_v quicken_v and_o raise_v up_o to_o these_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a ordinance_n of_o god_n but_o if_o our_o sin_n do_v stick_v close_o to_o our_o soul_n by_o our_o delight_n in_o they_o they_o will_v bind_v we_o over_o to_o judgement_n and_o to_o condemnation_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o seek_v to_o hide_v they_o or_o to_o colour_v they_o over_o with_o fair_a pretence_n as_o if_o god_n can_v not_o see_v they_o but_o we_o must_v confess_v they_o and_o lay_v they_o open_v before_o god_n from_o a_o true_o humble_v and_o penitent_a heart_n that_o so_o we_o may_v come_v before_o he_o in_o sincerity_n and_o in_o truth_n for_o 21._o for_o psal_n 44._o 21._o god_n know_v the_o secret_n of_o our_o heart_n but_o if_o we_o will_v hide_v our_o sin_n quite_o out_o of_o god_n sight_n we_o must_v hide_v they_o under_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o hide_v place_n for_o sin_n but_o under_o this_o robe_n thus_o the_o guilt_n of_o our_o sin_n may_v be_v hide_v from_o god_n if_o we_o can_v apply_v to_o our_o soul_n christ_n crucify_v and_o his_o righteousness_n by_o faith_n also_o if_o we_o have_v a_o true_a assurance_n by_o our_o repentance_n that_o our_o iniquity_n be_v forgive_v we_o may_v then_o and_o not_o before_o draw_v near_o unto_o god_n with_o comfort_n and_o we_o may_v partake_v of_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n with_o much_o profit_n for_o they_o be_v appoint_v for_o we_o if_o we_o be_v thus_o prepare_v for_o they_o and_o bestow_v only_o upon_o such_o as_o have_v interest_n in_o christ_n by_o faith_n we_o come_v now_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o innocency_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n who_o be_v without_o spot_n or_o stain_v of_o sin_n both_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n otherwise_o he_o can_v not_o have_v save_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n thus_o say_v god_n himself_o of_o he_o 5._o he_o luk._n 17._o 5._o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v 46_o please_v john_n 8._o 46_o which_o of_o you_o say_v christ_n to_o the_o pharisee_n convince_v i_o of_o sin_n pilate_n and_o herod_n do_v strict_o examine_v he_o and_o yet_o they_o can_v find_v no_o fault_n in_o he_o 14._o he_o luk._n 23._o 14._o pilate_n himself_o do_v free_o confess_v that_o christ_n be_v blameless_a and_o therefore_o he_o seek_v mean_n how_o to_o release_v he_o also_o 19_o also_o mat._n 27._o 19_o his_o wife_n send_v to_o he_o say_v have_v thou_o nothing_o to_o do_v with_o that_o just_a man_n for_o she_o be_v much_o trouble_v that_o night_n by_o some_o revelation_n concern_v he_o though_o christ_n be_v accuse_v of_o many_o thing_n yet_o nothing_o can_v be_v prove_v against_o he_o notwithstanding_o christ_n be_v willing_a in_o obedience_n to_o his_o father_n will_n to_o suffer_v the_o utmost_a that_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o man_n redemption_n for_o if_o any_o part_n of_o this_o great_a work_n have_v be_v leave_v unfinished_a he_o can_v never_o have_v procure_v our_o atonement_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n wherefore_o here_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a comfort_n for_o our_o heart_n to_o meditate_v upon_o for_o
prophecy_n be_v then_o fulfil_v that_o be_v speak_v of_o he_o in_o his_o life_n 46._o life_n luk._n 23._o 46._o then_o he_o commend_v his_o spirit_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o father_n and_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n as_o this_o lamb_n of_o god_n live_v in_o perfect_a innocency_n so_o he_o die_v in_o perfect_a meekness_n then_o present_o after_o 34_o after_o joh._n 19_o 34_o one_o of_o the_o soldier_n pierce_v his_o side_n with_o a_o spear_n to_o his_o very_a heart_n and_o forthwith_o câ—me_v thereout_o blood_n and_o water_n that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v fulfil_v 10._o fulfil_v zech._n 12_o 10._o they_o shall_v look_v on_o he_o who_o they_o pierce_v this_o be_v also_o do_v that_o we_o may_v faithful_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o death_n this_o be_v a_o special_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o we_o must_v steadfast_o believe_v if_o we_o will_v have_v comfort_n in_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o redemption_n for_o if_o christ_n have_v not_o true_o dye_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n have_v not_o be_v full_o satisfy_v for_o our_o sin_n we_o can_v have_v have_v no_o power_n to_o die_v unto_o sin_n or_o to_o mortify_v our_o corruption_n and_o sinful_a lust_n and_o death_n will_v be_v most_o bitter_a fearful_a and_o terrible_a to_o we_o if_o christ_n have_v not_o dye_v and_o rise_v again_o how_o can_v death_n have_v be_v destroy_v how_o can_v the_o sting_n of_o death_n be_v take_v out_o who_o shall_v have_v sanctify_v death_n unto_o we_o and_o how_o can_v we_o be_v willing_a to_o embrace_v it_o wherefore_o if_o we_o do_v true_o believe_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o he_o die_v for_o we_o it_o will_v minister_v much_o matter_n of_o exceed_v great_a consolation_n to_o our_o soul_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o our_o dissolution_n from_o the_o former_a consideration_n we_o may_v draw_v much_o comfortable_a matter_n for_o our_o heart_n to_o meditate_v upon_o first_o it_o do_v evident_o appear_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n do_v assume_v to_o his_o deity_n our_o whole_a nature_n soul_n and_o body_n which_o do_v still_o retain_v all_o the_o property_n of_o humane_a nature_n unconfound_v with_o his_o deity_n 17_o deity_n heb._n 2._o 17_o he_o be_v like_a unto_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n 25._o thing_n heb_fw-mi 4._o 25._o sin_n only_o except_v his_o soul_n be_v sensible_a of_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n his_o body_n do_v feel_v the_o smart_n of_o pain_n he_o be_v subject_a to_o all_o our_o natural_a passion_n and_o infirmity_n which_o may_v be_v without_o sin_n he_o be_v sensible_a of_o hunger_n thirst_n weariness_n and_o the_o like_a he_o be_v also_o subject_a to_o mortality_n though_o not_o to_o corruption_n for_o 10_o for_o psal_n 16._o 10_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o holy_a one_o to_o see_v corruption_n because_o he_o have_v no_o spot_n or_o stain_v of_o sin_n in_o he_o and_o there_o be_v a_o true_a dissolution_n of_o his_o soul_n from_o his_o body_n when_o he_o die_v if_o christ_n have_v not_o assume_v our_o whole_a nature_n he_o can_v not_o have_v perfect_o save_v and_o redeem_v we_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o then_o the_o work_n which_o god_n send_v he_o to_o do_v have_v not_o be_v finish_v but_o we_o have_v still_o remain_v in_o our_o sin_n 10_o heb._n 10._o 10_o but_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v full_o wrought_v by_o that_o which_o he_o suffer_v both_o in_o his_o soul_n and_o in_o his_o body_n to_o give_v we_o a_o holy_a assurance_n that_o we_o be_v free_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n here_o and_o save_v from_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o sin_n hereafter_o second_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o thence_o this_o instruction_n so_o to_o regulate_v our_o thirsty_a desire_n that_o they_o may_v be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o not_o for_o own_o sinful_a end_n if_o we_o thirst_v after_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n for_o any_o other_o end_n than_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n our_o thirst_n be_v sinful_a and_o it_o will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o vinegar_n or_o gall_n and_o if_o we_o thirst_v after_o blood_n rapine_n or_o revenge_n the_o end_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a thirsty_a desire_n will_v be_v the_o death_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o if_o our_o thirst_n be_v holy_a and_o heavenly_a we_o shall_v then_o have_v thirsty_a desire_n and_o holy_a endeavour_n 613._o endeavour_n isal_n 613._o how_o to_o enjoy_v god_n and_o to_o do_v his_o will_n how_o to_o preserve_v our_o neighbour_n safety_n and_o how_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o undefiled_a and_o if_o we_o can_v say_v as_o david_n do_v 6._o do_v psal_n 143._o 6._o my_o soul_n thirst_v after_o thou_o o_o lord_n as_o a_o thirsty_a land_n then_o our_o thirst_n shall_v be_v quench_v and_o our_o soul_n shall_v be_v refresh_v with_o the_o sweet_a comfort_n of_o god_n also_o if_o we_o thirst_v after_o christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a honour_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o after_o grace_n and_o godliness_n which_o be_v the_o true_a riches_n of_o the_o soul_n then_o christ_n will_v be_v a_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n to_o we_o which_o only_o can_v quench_v our_o spiritual_a 10._o o_o joh._n 4._o 10._o thirst_n and_o refresh_v our_o pant_a soul_n and_o it_o shall_v spring_v up_o in_o we_o to_o everlasting_a life_n christ_n call_v every_o one_o to_o drink_v of_o this_o water_n 37_o water_n john_n 7._o 37_o be_v any_o man_n thirst_n let_v he_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o drink_n thus_o say_v the_o prophet_n 1._o prophet_n isa_n 55._o 1._o ho_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n and_o you_o that_o have_v no_o silver_n come_v buy_v and_o eat_v come_v i_o say_v buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n without_o silver_n and_o without_o money_n here_o christ_n offer_v himself_o and_o his_o grace_n free_o but_o to_o who_o it_o be_v only_o to_o such_o as_o have_v a_o spiritual_a thirst_n after_o he_o wherefore_o if_o this_o be_v the_o thirst_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o enjoy_v christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v we_o shall_v see_v such_o a_o fountain_n of_o water_n of_o life_n flow_v out_o of_o his_o bless_a fide_fw-la as_o will_v purify_v our_o heart_n from_o all_o sin_n and_o cleanse_v our_o conscience_n from_o all_o iniquity_n whereby_o our_o thirsty_a soul_n will_v be_v more_o comfort_v and_o refresh_v than_o our_o body_n can_v be_v by_o any_o fountain_n of_o water_n in_o our_o natural_a thirst_n 42._o thirst_n psal_n 42._o this_o holy_a thirst_n make_v david_n soul_n pant_v more_o after_o god_n than_o the_o hart_n pant_v after_o the_o water-brook_n three_o from_o this_o consideration_n that_o christ_n have_v vinegar_n give_v he_o in_o a_o sponge_n we_o may_v learn_v this_o profitable_a doctrine_n that_o there_o be_v no_o content_n nor_o stability_n in_o any_o earthly_a thing_n for_o though_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v all_o the_o contentment_n that_o the_o world_n can_v give_v we_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o satisfy_v our_o desire_n something_o will_v be_v want_v and_o we_o shall_v still_o thirst_v after_o more_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v soureness_n and_o bitterness_n in_o the_o best_a of_o earthly_a thing_n also_o that_o which_o we_o do_v possess_v we_o have_v it_o but_o in_o a_o sponge_n a_o sudden_a casualty_n by_o fire_n or_o water_n a_o word_n speak_v against_o king_n or_o state_n will_v wring_v it_o out_o a_o little_a pain_n or_o sickness_n a_o little_a trouble_n or_o sorrow_n will_v soon_o blast_n the_o comfort_n of_o of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o like_o vinegar_n to_o our_o taste_n if_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o nothing_o to_o embitter_v or_o blast_v our_o earthly_a joy_n yet_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n they_o be_v transitory_a and_o unstable_a 1._o unstable_a eccl._n 12._o 1._o and_o when_o old_a age_n come_v we_o shall_v take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o they_o and_o death_n will_v quite_o bereave_v we_o of_o they_o all_o now_o than_o if_o we_o put_v our_o trust_n in_o these_o vain_a thing_n they_o will_v deceive_v and_o will_v give_v we_o no_o solid_a comfort_n except_o we_o do_v enjoy_v they_o in_o christ_n for_o without_o he_o the_o best_a of_o all_o earthly_a blessing_n be_v but_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n wherefore_o let_v this_o be_v our_o great_a care_n our_o chief_a joy_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o enjoy_v christ_n to_o be_v join_v unto_o he_o with_o the_o bond_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o than_o whatsoever_o our_o estate_n or_o condition_n be_v we_o shall_v find_v comfort_n in_o it_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v it_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n we_o shall_v glorify_v god_n with_o it_o and_o if_o we_o do_v casual_o lose_v it_o we_o shall_v lose_v nothing_o by_o it_o for_o we_o shall_v still_o enjoy_v christ_n who_o will_v abundant_o recompense_v our_o earthly_a loss_n with_o spiritual_a comfort_n here_o and_o with_o a_o eternal_a
duty_n or_o fall_v through_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n 4._o infirmity_n hos_fw-la 14._o 4._o god_n in_o mercy_n will_v heal_v our_o backslide_n and_o will_v accept_v of_o our_o imperfect_a performance_n because_o we_o have_v relation_n un_fw-fr to_o christ_n by_o faith_n now_o than_o if_o we_o will_v strict_o examine_v the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n by_o those_o former_a direction_n we_o shall_v easy_o find_v whether_o our_o work_n and_o service_n to_o god_n have_v be_v such_o as_o he_o require_v and_o perform_v according_a to_o his_o will_n that_o we_o may_v have_v peace_n of_o conscience_n in_o they_o here_o and_o eternal_a comfort_n by_o they_o hereafter_o if_o we_o can_v find_v by_o this_o inquiry_n that_o our_o work_n have_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o we_o have_v do_v our_o duty_n to_o the_o best_a of_o our_o power_n with_o a_o faithful_a heart_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o not_o out_o of_o pride_n or_o vainglory_n to_o get_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n as_o the_o hypocrite_n do_v or_o to_o any_o other_o by-end_n than_o our_o faith_n will_v shine_v forth_o in_o our_o work_n and_o god_n will_v gracious_o accept_v they_o but_o if_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n have_v be_v evil_a they_o will_v follow_v we_o for_o evil_a when_o we_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o we_o rise_v up_o and_o whithersoever_o we_o go_v if_o we_o sleep_v or_o wake_v they_o will_v molest_v and_o trouble_v we_o they_o will_v aggravate_v our_o sorrow_n in_o our_o affliction_n and_o our_o pain_n in_o sickness_n they_o will_v embitter_v all_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o life_n and_o increase_v the_o fear_n and_o terror_n of_o death_n for_o they_o will_v come_v into_o our_o remembrance_n when_o we_o lie_v upon_o our_o deathbed_n to_o vex_v and_o terrify_v our_o very_a soul_n and_o to_o make_v we_o uncapable_a of_o any_o heavenly_a consolation_n until_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n that_o cleave_v to_o they_o be_v take_v away_o by_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n also_o 13_o also_o rev._n 14._o 13_o our_o evil_a work_n will_v follow_v we_o unto_o judgement_n to_o accuse_v we_o before_o the_o great_a and_o dreadful_a judge_n 13_o judge_n rev._n 20._o 13_o and_o then_o god_n will_v judge_v we_o according_a to_o they_o if_o they_o be_v find_v wicked_a and_o sinful_a we_o can_v but_o expect_v the_o dreadful_a sentence_n of_o condemnation_n to_o be_v pronounce_v against_o we_o also_o after_o judgement_n they_o will_v increase_v our_o torment_n in_o hell_n if_o we_o do_v not_o prevent_v it_o in_o time_n by_o our_o true_a repentance_n while_o we_o live_v here_o in_o this_o life_n last_o faith_n will_v fit_v and_o prepare_v we_o for_o a_o bless_a and_o a_o comfortable_a death_n for_o by_o it_o we_o shall_v steer_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o 10._o of_o col._n 1._o 10._o god_n &_o it_o will_v make_v we_o fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n that_o they_o may_v be_v right_o do_v both_o for_o the_o matter_n and_o for_o the_o manner_n and_o also_o to_o the_o right_a end_n as_o god_n have_v appoint_v they_o we_o can_v then_o but_o live_v virtuous_o and_o pious_o in_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o he_o will_v reward_v we_o of_o his_o free_a bounty_n and_o goodness_n though_o not_o of_o merit_n god_n will_v remember_v our_o work_n if_o they_o be_v do_v in_o sincerity_n and_o in_o truth_n to_o comfort_v we_o in_o the_o sadness_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o ease_v we_o in_o the_o extremity_n of_o pain_n and_o sickness_n and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o peaceable_a and_o a_o quiet_a conscience_n in_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n before_o the_o hour_n of_o our_o dissolution_n shall_v come_v upon_o we_o such_o good_a work_n will_v adorn_v our_o profession_n and_o make_v our_o life_n comfortable_a to_o we_o and_o our_o conversation_n suitable_a to_o our_o profession_n and_o they_o will_v follow_v we_o for_o our_o good_a whithersoever_o we_o go_v for_o there_o be_v no_o guilt_n of_o sin_n that_o cleave_v to_o they_o because_o christ_n have_v take_v it_o a_o way_n whereof_o we_o be_v full_o persuade_v by_o faith_n 14._o faith_n neh._n 13._o 14._o if_o we_o can_v with_o good_a nehemiah_n put_v god_n in_o remembrance_n of_o our_o good_a deed_n how_o will_v it_o strengthen_v our_o hope_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n for_o his_o protection_n in_o all_o danger_n for_o his_o help_n and_o succour_v in_o all_o our_o distress_n and_o for_o his_o assistance_n when_o we_o undertake_v any_o special_a business_n what_o sweet_a consolation_n will_v it_o be_v to_o we_o when_o we_o be_v upon_o our_o deathbed_n if_o with_o a_o clear_a conscience_n we_o can_v put_v god_n in_o mind_n 3._o mind_n isa_n 38._o 3._o as_o king_n hezekiah_n do_v that_o we_o have_v walk_v before_o he_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o his_o sight_n if_o we_o thus_o live_v and_o thus_o die_v we_o may_v then_o say_v with_o paul_n 8._o paul_n rom._n 14_o 8._o whether_o we_o live_v we_o live_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o whether_o we_o die_v we_o die_v unto_o the_o lord_n whether_o we_o live_v therefore_o or_o die_v we_o be_v the_o lord_n 13._o lord_n rev._n 14._o 13._o john_n hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v unto_o he_o bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o yea_o say_v the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n do_v follow_v they_o we_o may_v confident_o believe_v that_o their_o condition_n be_v most_o bless_a because_o it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n that_o do_v affirm_v it_o we_o have_v also_o great_a encouragement_n to_o be_v fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n because_o they_o will_v go_v with_o we_o even_o to_o the_o tribunal_n seat_n of_o god_n for_o christ_n have_v fasten_v they_o to_o our_o soul_n that_o god_n may_v then_o look_v upon_o they_o and_o remember_v they_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o our_o joy_n and_o happiness_n hereafter_o if_o we_o do_v now_o ruminate_v well_o upon_o all_o these_o several_a excellent_a benefit_n and_o comfort_n that_o come_v by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n in_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n we_o may_v draw_v sweet_a and_o heavenly_a meditation_n from_o thence_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o soul_n against_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o against_o eternal_a condemnation_n for_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o hereby_o we_o be_v ingraft_v into_o christ_n who_o have_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o from_o whatsoever_o our_o sin_n have_v make_v we_o liable_a unto_o and_o have_v cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o the_o pollution_n and_o defilement_n of_o sin_n he_o have_v make_v we_o the_o adopt_a son_n of_o god_n and_o have_v give_v we_o all_o the_o privilege_n that_o do_v belong_v unto_o son_n also_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o by_o christ_n we_o be_v invest_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v right_a to_o all_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o god_n which_o will_v sweet_o refresh_v our_o soul_n in_o all_o fear_n and_o doubt_n in_o all_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n in_o all_o extremity_n and_o distress_n if_o we_o can_v apply_v they_o to_o our_o soul_n by_o faith_n and_o rest_n upon_o they_o with_o steadfast_a hope_n wherefore_o let_v this_o be_v the_o meditation_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o have_v a_o near_a communion_n with_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v say_v with_o the_o spouse_n 16_o spouse_n cant._n 2._o 16_o my_o belove_a be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o he_o or_o to_o say_v thus_o with_o paul_n 20._o paul_n gal._n 2._o 20._o i_o be_o crucify_v with_o christ_n nevertheless_o i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o and_o the_o life_n which_o i_o now_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o live_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o this_o particular_a application_n of_o christ_n to_o ourselves_o will_v draw_v from_o he_o the_o rich_a jewel_n that_o be_v in_o his_o treasury_n the_o rich_a robe_n and_o the_o best_a garment_n that_o be_v in_o his_o wardrobe_n and_o his_o very_a heartblood_n for_o our_o redemption_n if_o we_o look_v a_o little_a low_o and_o fix_v our_o meditation_n upon_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o which_o will_v sweet_o comfort_v and_o delight_v our_o heart_n if_o we_o have_v faith_n to_o understand_v and_o believe_v what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v to_o we_o in_o they_o for_o our_o instruction_n and_o consolation_n it_o be_v
write_v 11._o write_v rom._n 3._o 10_o 11._o there_o be_v none_o righteous_a no_o not_o one_o there_o be_v none_o that_o understand_v there_o be_v none_o that_o seek_v after_o god_n there_o be_v none_o that_o do_v good_a no_o not_o one_o most_o man_n fix_v their_o â—aith_n upon_o wrong_a object_n which_o will_v deceive_v they_o in_o the_o end_n some_o upon_o false_a god_n as_o upon_o ashteroth_n chemosh_fw-mi dagon_n belzebub_n and_o the_o like_a other_o put_v their_o confidence_n &_o trust_n in_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n in_o strong_a tower_n or_o in_o the_o creature_n as_o senacherib_n nabuchadnezzar_n and_o other_o some_o again_o ground_n their_o faith_n upon_o their_o work_n all_o which_o delude_v themselves_o with_o vain_a hope_n think_v to_o find_v help_n and_o comfort_n in_o these_o false_a object_n where_o none_o can_v be_v expect_v but_o the_o true_a object_n of_o this_o divine_a grace_n be_v god_n himself_o upon_o who_o only_o we_o must_v fix_v our_o faith_n for_o if_o we_o trust_v in_o he_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v confound_v many_o have_v the_o notion_n of_o faith_n in_o their_o brain_n but_o not_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o many_o have_v the_o outward_a profession_n of_o faith_n but_o not_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o it_o to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v he_o their_o only_a trust_n and_o confidence_n the_o soldier_n faith_n be_v in_o his_o valour_n for_o he_o believe_v not_o that_o 1._o that_o ps_n 144._o 1._o god_n teach_v his_o hand_n to_o war_n and_o his_o finger_n to_o fight_v and_o that_o he_o give_v victory_n to_o who_o and_o when_o he_o please_v if_o the_o magistrate_n do_v believe_v â—_o believe_v rom._n 13._o â—_o that_o he_o have_v his_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o god_n to_o use_v it_o in_o justice_n and_o in_o truth_n to_o who_o he_o must_v give_v a_o account_n how_o he_o have_v relieve_v the_o oppress_v and_o how_o he_o have_v judge_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n he_o will_v not_o then_o strain_v the_o law_n beyond_o their_o true_a meaning_n nor_o pervert_v judgement_n for_o anjust_a end_n the_o rich_a man_n confidence_n be_v in_o his_o wealth_n and_o good_n not_o believe_v 20_o believe_v lu._n 12._o 20_o that_o this_o night_n they_o may_v be_v take_v from_o he_o or_o he_o from_o they_o all_o these_o and_o many_o more_o come_v short_a of_o true_a justify_v faith_n and_o therefore_o they_o know_v not_o the_o singular_a worth_n and_o esteem_n of_o it_o wherefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o heavenly_a grace_n be_v peculiar_a only_o to_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n such_o as_o be_v true_a christian_n and_o such_o as_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n and_o humble_v mind_v that_o know_v the_o worth_n of_o this_o precious_a jewel_n that_o do_v earnest_o seek_v for_o it_o and_o use_v the_o right_a mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o these_o only_o be_v willing_a and_o ready_a to_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o work_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n that_o it_o may_v be_v firm_o ground_v upon_o christ_n that_o only_o he_o may_v be_v the_o object_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o who_o dwell_v all_o fullness_n and_o who_o only_o be_v able_a to_o support_v help_n and_o comfort_v they_o in_o all_o their_o necessity_n both_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a and_o as_o he_o be_v able_a so_o he_o be_v as_o willing_a to_o do_v it_o wherefore_o they_o do_v renounce_v all_o other_o confidence_n and_o they_o stick_v close_o unto_o christ_n they_o rest_v and_o depend_v upon_o he_o use_v the_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v to_o make_v their_o life_n comfortable_a here_o and_o eternal_o bless_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v last_o the_o great_a estimation_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o faith_n will_v appear_v by_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o devil_n do_v most_o oppose_v it_o and_o seek_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o hinder_v the_o work_n and_o the_o growth_n of_o it_o in_o our_o heart_n because_o it_o be_v the_o only_a instrument_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o christ_n we_o can_v conceive_v what_o stratagem_n he_o will_v cunning_o use_v to_o deceive_v we_o and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o overthrow_v our_o faith_n first_o he_o will_v assault_v we_o with_o temptation_n and_o evil_a suggestion_n as_o he_o do_v david_n when_o he_o number_v the_o people_n to_o make_v he_o trust_v more_o in_o his_o own_o strength_n than_o in_o god_n second_o he_o will_v labour_v by_o his_o subtle_a persuasion_n to_o keep_v we_o still_o in_o unbelief_n or_o else_o to_o make_v we_o presume_v of_o salvation_n by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n without_o faith_n in_o christ_n three_o he_o will_v delude_v we_o with_o a_o temporary_a faith_n which_o will_v not_o bear_v we_o out_o in_o strong_a trial_n and_o temptation_n and_o so_o to_o lose_v the_o time_n and_o opportunity_n that_o god_n do_v give_v we_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o true_a save_a faith_n four_o he_o â—oth_v bewitch_v we_o with_o the_o sinful_a delight_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n to_o steal_v away_o our_o heart_n from_o god_n and_o to_o keep_v we_o from_o a_o firm_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o or_o else_o to_o keep_v we_o under_o the_o slavery_n and_o bondage_n of_o some_o sin_n which_o will_v nip_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o keep_v it_o from_o increase_n last_o to_o further_a his_o wicked_a design_n he_o will_v labour_v to_o hold_v we_o in_o ignorance_n and_o blindness_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o see_v our_o own_o miserable_a condition_n nor_o know_v how_o to_o get_v out_o of_o it_o thus_o the_o devil_n do_v set_v himself_o against_o faith_n because_o upon_o it_o depend_v our_o hope_n of_o salvation_n and_o because_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a piece_n of_o our_o spiritual_a armour_n to_o resist_v and_o conquer_v he_o and_o it_o be_v a_o shield_n so_o strong_a that_o his_o fiery_a dart_n can_v pierce_v it_o to_o wound_v or_o hurt_v our_o soul_n wherefore_o we_o must_v look_v well_o to_o our_o faith_n that_o the_o devil_n do_v not_o undermine_v it_o for_o than_o he_o will_v rob_v we_o of_o these_o bless_a fruit_n that_o come_v thereby_o but_o our_o hope_n be_v in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o sure_a anchor_n to_o uphold_v and_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n that_o it_o fail_v not_o though_o it_o be_v assault_v with_o much_o malice_n and_o violence_n in_o all_o age_n the_o devil_n have_v have_v his_o wicked_a instrument_n which_o have_v turn_v many_o away_o from_o the_o faith_n and_o have_v oppose_v the_o prophet_n and_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o have_v persecute_v those_o that_o do_v profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o make_v they_o forsake_v the_o faith_n 3._o faith_n gen._n 3._o thus_o he_o make_v the_o serpent_n his_o instrument_n to_o deceive_v eve_n 22._o eve_n 1_o kin._n 22._o thus_o he_o make_v zâ—dâ—kiah_n to_o withstand_v good_a michaiah_n and_o to_o seduce_v king_n ahab_n from_o follow_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n 10._o lord_n act_n 13._o 8_o 10._o thus_o also_o elimas_n the_o forcerer_n withstand_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n seek_v to_o turn_v away_o sergius_n paulus_n the_o deputy_n from_o the_o faith_n to_o who_o paul_n say_v o_o full_a of_o all_o subtlety_n and_o all_o mischief_n thou_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n thou_o enemy_n of_o all_o righteousness_n will_v thou_o not_o cease_v to_o pervert_v the_o right_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n thus_o also_o the_o devil_n do_v sometime_o prevail_v against_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n 13._o god_n 1_o kin._n 13._o he_o make_v the_o old_a prophet_n to_o seduce_v the_o man_n of_o god_n that_o be_v send_v to_o bethel_n and_o to_o transgress_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n this_o shall_v teach_v we_o the_o more_o high_o to_o love_n and_o prize_n faith_n because_o the_o devil_n so_o much_o hate_v it_o and_o to_o stick_v the_o close_o to_o it_o because_o he_o do_v so_o much_o oppose_v it_o this_o shall_v also_o teach_v we_o to_o love_v those_o that_o wicked_a man_n hate_v and_o to_o hate_v those_o that_o they_o love_v if_o we_o observe_v what_o they_o do_v most_o delight_n in_o we_o shall_v hate_v their_o vice_n and_o love_v the_o contrary_a virtue_n if_o they_o delight_v in_o gluttony_n or_o riot_n we_o shall_v hate_v that_o and_o love_v temperance_n and_o sobriety_n if_o they_o take_v pleasure_n in_o uncleanness_n than_o we_o shall_v love_v chastity_n if_o they_o delight_v in_o pride_n we_o shall_v delight_v in_o humility_n and_o lowliness_n of_o spirit_n they_o have_v so_o much_o of_o the_o devil_n nature_n in_o they_o that_o they_o can_v true_o love_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v pious_a and_o holy_a because_o it_o be_v that_o which_o god_n love_v neither_o
can_v they_o hate_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v wicked_a and_o sinful_a because_o it_o be_v so_o agreeable_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o they_o have_v no_o grace_n to_o check_v their_o corrupt_a nature_n for_o love_v that_o which_o god_n hate_v and_o have_v forbid_v whereas_o a_o regenerate_a man_n will_v find_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o he_o will_v give_v he_o a_o secret_a check_n if_o his_o unregenerate_a part_n do_v take_v pleasure_n and_o delight_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v sinful_a for_o he_o must_v not_o conform_v himself_o to_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n the_o sense_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v lose_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n we_o enjoy_v the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n and_o his_o assist_a grace_n which_o be_v our_o great_a comfort_n in_o all_o misery_n and_o distress_n and_o so_o long_o as_o we_o do_v enjoy_v that_o we_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o faith_n and_o we_o feel_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o but_o when_o god_n do_v hide_v his_o face_n from_o we_o and_o withdraw_v his_o assist_a grace_n it_o be_v the_o great_a trouble_n that_o can_v betide_v we_o it_o take_v away_o the_o comfort_n of_o faith_n from_o our_o soul_n and_o leave_v we_o in_o a_o sad_a and_o sorrowful_a condition_n in_o our_o apprehension_n because_o the_o support_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v cloud_v from_o we_o god_n do_v sometime_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o his_o dear_a servant_n and_o do_v suffer_v they_o to_o loose_v the_o sense_n of_o their_o faith_n for_o a_o time_n to_o make_v they_o prize_v it_o the_o more_o and_o to_o be_v the_o more_o careful_a of_o it_o this_o god_n will_v also_o do_v by_o lay_v his_o rod_n of_o correction_n heavy_a upon_o we_o if_o he_o see_v that_o we_o watch_v not_o careful_o over_o our_o faith_n that_o we_o be_v careless_a in_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o it_o that_o we_o sleep_v in_o security_n or_o lie_v dead_a in_o our_o sin_n without_o repentance_n or_o if_o we_o abuse_v his_o love_n and_o goodness_n to_o we_o for_o than_o he_o will_v leave_v we_o to_o ourselves_o to_o let_v we_o see_v our_o own_o weakness_n without_o his_o assist_a grace_n upon_o these_o and_o the_o like_a occasion_n the_o devil_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o take_v his_o advantage_n to_o assault_v we_o with_o his_o temptation_n to_o make_v we_o doubt_v of_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n when_o affliction_n press_v sore_o upon_o we_o also_o to_o aggravate_v our_o sin_n or_o else_o to_o hide_v they_o out_o of_o our_o sight_n as_o he_o do_v david_n sin_n of_o adultery_n if_o by_o any_o mean_n he_o can_v to_o keep_v we_o in_o unbelief_n or_o without_o repentance_n that_o we_o may_v not_o recover_v the_o sense_n and_o comfort_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o his_o main_a drift_n be_v at_o last_o to_o drive_v we_o into_o despair_n it_o be_v a_o cunning_a policy_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o full_a of_o danger_n if_o he_o can_v keep_v we_o from_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o our_o sin_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o confess_v they_o and_o lay_v they_o open_v before_o god_n with_o a_o true_o humble_v &_o penitent_a heart_n that_o so_o by_o ouâ—_n repentance_n we_o may_v have_v a_o holy_a assurance_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o for_o then_o will_v our_o faith_n break_v forth_o as_o thâ—_n sun_n out_o of_o a_o cloud_n to_o warm_v and_o refresh_v our_o soul_n with_o spiritual_a consolation_n for_o we_o can_v lose_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n though_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o may_v be_v take_v from_o we_o for_o a_o time_n sometime_o god_n himself_o will_v sift_v and_o winnow_v we_o as_o wheat_n to_o cleanse_v we_o from_o our_o chaff_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o to_o humble_v we_o for_o our_o sin_n thus_o he_o sift_v the_o house_n of_o israel_n as_o he_o say_v by_o his_o prophet_n 9_o prophet_n amâ—s_fw-la 9_o 9_o for_o lo_o i_o will_v command_v and_o i_o will_v sift_v the_o house_n of_o israel_n among_o the_o nation_n like_v as_o corn_n be_v sift_v in_o a_o five_o yet_o shall_v not_o the_o least_o grain_n fall_v upon_o the_o earth_n though_o god_n do_v sometime_o deal_v thus_o rigorous_o with_o we_o and_o do_v leave_v we_o no_o hope_n to_o support_v our_o faith_n yet_o not_o the_o least_o grain_n of_o his_o corn_n shall_v fall_v upon_o the_o earth_n but_o our_o faith_n shall_v recover_v her_o strength_n again_o it_o be_v only_a sin_n that_o make_v a_o separation_n between_o god_n and_o we_o according_a to_o this_o of_o the_o prophet_n 2._o prophet_n isai_n 59_o 2._o but_o your_o iniquity_n have_v separate_v between_o you_o and_o your_o god_n and_o your_o sin_n have_v hide_v his_o face_n from_o you_o that_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v 5._o hear_v cant._n 5._o it_o be_v sin_n that_o cause_v christ_n withdraw_v himself_o from_o his_o spouse_n because_o she_o will_v not_o open_v to_o he_o when_o he_o knock_v but_o when_o he_o be_v go_v and_o pass_v she_o be_v in_o a_o woeful_a and_o comfortless_a condition_n nothing_o can_v so_o much_o afflict_v we_o as_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n love_n and_o nothing_o can_v shake_v our_o faith_n so_o much_o as_o when_o our_o soul_n be_v perplex_v because_o in_o our_o own_o apprehension_n god_n be_v either_o become_v our_o enemy_n or_o else_o he_o have_v quite_o forsake_v we_o how_o do_v job_n complain_v in_o his_o great_a affliction_n 28._o affliction_n job_n 30._o 27_o 28._o my_o bowel_n boil_v and_o rest_v not_o i_o go_v mourn_v without_o the_o sun_n my_o skin_n be_v black_a upon_o i_o and_o my_o bone_n be_v burn_v with_o heat_n my_o harp_n also_o be_v turn_v to_o mourning_n and_o my_o organ_n into_o the_o voice_n of_o they_o that_o weep_v holy_a david_n faith_n be_v bring_v to_o so_o low_a a_o degree_n by_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o burden_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o by_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n for_o it_o that_o he_o cry_v to_o the_o lord_n say_v 23._o say_v psal_n 38._o 4_o 6_o 21_o 23._o forsake_v i_o not_o o_o lord_n o_o my_o god_n be_v not_o far_o from_o i_o make_v haste_n to_o help_v i_o o_o lord_n my_o salvation_n and_o again_o he_o thus_o cry_v unto_o god_n in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o his_o soul_n 143._o soul_n psal_n 143._o hear_v i_o speedy_o o_o lord_n my_o spirit_n fail_v hide_v not_o thy_o face_n from_o i_o lest_o i_o be_v like_a unto_o they_o that_o go_v down_o into_o the_o pit_n 2._o pit_n psal_n 13._o â—_o 2._o how_o long_o will_v thou_o forget_v i_o o_o lord_n for_o ever_o how_o long_o will_v thou_o hide_v thy_o face_n from_o i_o how_o long_o shall_v i_o take_v counsel_n in_o my_o soul_n have_v sorrow_n in_o my_o heart_n daily_o how_o long_o shall_v my_o enemy_n be_v exalt_v over_o i_o sure_o david_n have_v at_o this_o time_n little_a or_o noâ—_n sense_n of_o faith_n to_o trust_v and_o depend_v upon_o god_n these_o and_o the_o like_a be_v the_o doleful_a complaint_n of_o god_n child_n when_o they_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o sorrow_n or_o feel_v any_o spiritual_a desertion_n in_o so_o much_o as_o they_o can_v receive_v comfort_n until_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v the_o true_a comforter_n do_v give_v they_o some_o assurance_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n wherefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o faith_n may_v be_v so_o strong_o assault_v with_o sorrow_n and_o grief_n of_o heart_n that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o hold_v out_o but_o be_v ready_a to_o sink_v under_o the_o pressure_n of_o our_o misery_n because_o it_o will_v take_v away_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o must_v uphold_v we_o but_o special_o when_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n lie_v upon_o the_o conscience_n for_o that_o will_v bring_v we_o to_o such_o a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o spiritual_a desertion_n that_o we_o can_v feel_v no_o comfort_n in_o god_n for_o the_o time_n for_o it_o will_v stop_v the_o current_n of_o all_o true_a consolation_n to_o our_o afflict_a spirit_n which_o we_o can_v have_v but_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o nothing_o will_v take_v impression_n in_o we_o to_o comfort_v we_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n but_o these_o or_o the_o like_a uncomfortable_a complaint_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o be_v utter_v that_o god_n have_v quite_o forsake_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n for_o we_o in_o christ_n and_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o salvation_n for_o we_o because_o our_o sin_n be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o grievous_a if_o we_o be_v thus_o afflict_v and_o perplex_v in_o mind_n that_o fear_n and_o doubt_n of_o salvation_n trouble_v we_o because_o our_o faith_n be_v so_o weak_a that_o we_o can_v discern_v it_o this_o will_v give_v we_o great_a satisfaction_n and_o
comfort_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o our_o salvation_n depend_v not_o upon_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o the_o weak_a faith_n if_o it_o be_v true_a be_v effectual_a to_o salvation_n as_o well_o as_o the_o strong_a also_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o faith_n be_v a_o grace_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o sure_a rock_n even_o upon_o christ_n jesus_n against_o who_o no_o create_v power_n can_v prevail_v and_o that_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o faith_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o our_o hold_n upon_o christ_n for_o then_o every_o temptation_n or_o gust_n of_o affliction_n will_v make_v we_o let_v go_v our_o hold_n and_o so_o lose_v it_o but_o it_o consist_v in_o that_o firm_a and_o strong_a hold_n that_o christ_n have_v of_o we_o who_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o to_o pluck_v we_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n according_a to_o this_o of_o the_o psalmist_n â—â—â—_o psalmist_n â—â—_o 23_o 23._o â—â—â—_o i_o be_o continual_o with_o thou_o thou_o have_v hâ—lden_v i_o by_o my_o right_a hand_n thou_o shall_v guide_v i_o with_o thy_o counsel_n and_o afterward_o receive_v i_o to_o glory_n wherefore_o though_o we_o be_v bring_v to_o so_o low_a a_o â—bb_n that_o we_o have_v lose_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o faith_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a evidence_n that_o once_o we_o do_v enjoy_v it_o and_o that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o spiritual_a life_n in_o we_o which_o can_v be_v but_o by_o â—aith_n and_o this_o spiritual_a life_n be_v not_o quite_o extinct_a in_o we_o because_o we_o have_v still_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n though_o it_o be_v of_o loss_n the_o sense_n of_o a_o temporal_a loss_n be_v a_o manifest_a sign_n of_o a_o temporal_a life_n for_o a_o dead_a man_n have_v no_o sense_n either_o of_o loss_n or_o of_o gain_n so_o likewise_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o spiritual_a loss_n of_o that_o which_o former_o we_o do_v true_o enjoy_v be_v as_o well_o a_o evident_a sign_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n as_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o spiritual_a gain_n from_o hence_o a_o poor_a languish_a soul_n may_v draw_v much_o comfort_n if_o he_o do_v fear_v a_o spiritual_a desertion_n because_o he_o have_v no_o comfortable_a sense_n of_o his_o faith_n for_o his_o faith_n be_v but_o cloud_v the_o habit_n of_o it_o still_o remain_v though_o he_o can_v discern_v it_o as_o the_o herb_n in_o winter_n be_v hide_v under_o ground_n for_o a_o time_n because_o they_o be_v nip_v in_o with_o the_o cold_a frost_n and_o the_o warmth_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v go_v from_o they_o but_o the_o sun_n will_v return_v again_o in_o his_o strength_n and_o will_v disperse_v the_o cold_a and_o bring_v they_o again_o out_o of_o the_o earth_n by_o the_o virtue_n and_o strength_n of_o his_o comfortable_a beam_n to_o make_v they_o flourish_v and_o to_o be_v as_o fruitful_a as_o before_o so_o it_o be_v with_o faith_n it_o may_v be_v keep_v out_o of_o sight_n for_o a_o time_n if_o it_o be_v nip_v with_o the_o cold_a frost_n of_o affliction_n or_o if_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n have_v withdraw_v his_o comfortable_a beam_n from_o it_o but_o here_o be_v our_o hope_n and_o comfort_n 2._o comfort_n mal_fw-fr 4._o 2._o that_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n will_v return_v again_o with_o heal_v in_o his_o wing_n to_o dispel_v all_o affliction_n and_o sorrow_n to_o heal_v all_o our_o spiritual_a wound_n and_o baksliding_n from_o god_n and_o to_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o stability_n of_o true_a faith_n we_o be_v come_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n through_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n good_a spirit_n to_o the_o stability_n of_o faith_n which_o will_v satisfy_v and_o comfort_v every_o distress_a soul_n that_o be_v doubtful_a of_o his_o salvation_n weak_a in_o faith_n and_o afraid_a of_o death_n and_o of_o the_o last_o judgement_n through_o the_o wicked_a suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o by_o the_o aggravation_n of_o their_o sin_n though_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n anger_n will_v cloud_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o faith_n though_o affliction_n will_v sift_v it_o and_o winnow_v it_o as_o wheat_n though_o sin_n will_v wound_v it_o and_o the_o devil_n sometime_o foil_v it_o yet_o nothing_o can_v kill_v it_o and_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o overthrow_v it_o not_o the_o least_o grain_n of_o god_n corn_n shall_v fall_v upon_o the_o earth_n the_o habit_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v lose_v though_o we_o may_v loose_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o for_o a_o time_n for_o god_n have_v give_v the_o gift_n of_o perseverance_n to_o this_o faith_n and_o to_o no_o other_o so_o long_o as_o we_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n we_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o temptation_n and_o backslide_n from_o god_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o fall_v into_o many_o gross_a and_o dangerous_a sin_n which_o will_v bereave_v we_o of_o all_o spiritual_a comfort_n for_o the_o time_n yet_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n will_v appear_v again_o and_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n will_v shine_v upon_o we_o for_o christ_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o total_o and_o final_o to_o fall_v away_o from_o he_o for_o our_o faith_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o sure_a foundation_n against_o which_o no_o violence_n of_o temptation_n and_o no_o storm_n of_o persecution_n can_v prevail_v 48._o prevail_v lu._n 6._o 48._o christ_n do_v compare_v a_o righteous_a man_n to_o he_o that_o build_v a_o house_n and_o dig_v deep_a and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n on_o a_o rock_n and_o when_o the_o flood_n arise_v the_o stream_n beat_v vehement_o upon_o that_o house_n and_o can_v not_o shake_v it_o for_o it_o be_v found_v on_o a_o rock_n christ_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n he_o be_v the_o rock_n of_o our_o salvation_n 30_o salvation_n pro._n 10._o 30_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v we_o shall_v never_o be_v remove_v thus_o david_n show_v the_o stability_n of_o the_o faithful_a 22_o faithful_a psal_n 34._o 22_o the_o lord_n redeem_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o none_o of_o they_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o shall_v be_v desolate_a also_o thus_o say_v the_o psalmist_n 1_o psalmist_n psa_fw-la 125._o 1_o they_o that_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v as_o mount_n zion_n which_o can_v be_v remove_v but_o abide_v for_o ever_o and_o to_o make_v this_o truth_n undeniable_a thus_o say_v christ_n himself_o 16_o himself_o john_n 3._o 16_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n why_o then_o shall_v we_o faint_v under_o any_o temptation_n why_o shall_v we_o let_v go_v the_o anchor_n of_o our_o hope_n if_o we_o hold_v fast_o to_o our_o faith_n it_o will_v not_o deceive_v we_o christ_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o depart_v from_o he_o for_o ever_o if_o we_o sin_v god_n will_v chastise_v we_o and_o he_o will_v hide_v his_o face_n from_o we_o but_o if_o we_o repent_v amend_v and_o turn_v unto_o he_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o we_o he_o will_v pity_v we_o he_o will_v heal_v the_o bone_n which_o he_o have_v break_v and_o will_v restore_v we_o again_o to_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o salvation_n there_o be_v divers_a sound_a reason_n to_o prove_v the_o stability_n of_o faith_n in_o those_o that_o belong_v unto_o christ_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o total_o and_o final_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n but_o they_o shall_v be_v raise_v up_o again_o by_o repentance_n though_o they_o do_v sometime_o fall_v into_o fearful_a and_o dangerous_a sin_n the_o first_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o god_n free_a election_n which_o ever_o remain_v sure_a and_o unchangeable_a for_o what_o he_o have_v decree_v in_o his_o secret_a counsel_n must_v stand_v firm_a and_o can_v be_v alter_v thus_o say_v the_o apostle_n 34._o apostle_n rom._n 8._o 29_o 33_o 34._o god_n do_v foreknow_v some_o from_o eternity_n who_o he_o do_v elect_v and_o predestinate_a to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n who_o also_o he_o do_v effectual_o call_v and_o they_o he_o justify_v in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v glorify_v for_o who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_v who_o he_o have_v justify_v who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v see_v christ_n die_v for_o we_o and_o be_v rise_v again_o and_o be_v now_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o therefore_o he_o conclude_v that_o nothing_o can_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n also_o the_o same_o apostle_n say_v in_o another_o place_n 19_o place_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o seal_n