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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n faith_n grace_n spirit_n 4,029 5 5.0239 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A93724 The wels of salvation opened or, a treatise discovering the nature, preciousnesse, usefulness of Gospel-promises, and rules for the right application of them. By William Spurstowe, D.D. pastor of Hackney near London. Imprimatur, Edm. Calamy. Spurstowe, William, 1605?-1666. 1655 (1655) Wing S5100; Thomason E1463_3; ESTC R203641 126,003 320

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which_o he_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o second_o adam_n the_o lord_n from_o heaven_n as_o in_o the_o other_o he_o do_v bear_v the_o similitude_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n who_o be_v of_o the_o earth_n earthy_a 1_o cor._n 15._o 47._o the_o promise_n they_o have_v in_o they_o a_o vim_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o formative_a virtue_n and_o power_n to_o mould_n and_o fashion_v the_o heart_n to_o holiness_n and_o to_o introduce_v the_o image_n of_o christ_n into_o it_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o native_a purity_n which_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o be_v above_o gold_n that_o have_v be_v seven_o time_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n psal_n 12._o 6._o therefore_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o be_v clean_o through_o the_o word_n that_o he_o have_v speak_v unto_o they_o john_n 15._o 3._o and_o when_o he_o pray_v unto_o god_n to_o sanctify_v they_o his_o prayer_n be_v sanctify_v they_o through_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n joh._n 17._o 17._o second_o believer_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o the_o promise_n as_o they_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n both_o which_o be_v grace_n that_o have_v in_o they_o a_o wonderful_a aptitude_n to_o cleanse_v and_o purify_v the_o subject_n in_o which_o they_o dwell_v and_o to_o introduce_v true_a holiness_n in_o which_o the_o lively_a image_n and_o resemblance_n of_o god_n do_v chief_o consist_v first_o faith_n it_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o apprehend_v also_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o thereby_o it_o be_v make_v firm_a and_o constant_a in_o its_o adherence_n vigorous_a and_o active_a in_o its_o endeavour_n to_o use_v all_o mean_n for_o the_o obtain_v a_o conformity_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o escape_n of_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n for_o till_o a_o man_n come_v to_o be_v a_o believer_n he_o be_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o specious_a promise_n with_o which_o they_o usual_o come_v attend_v draw_v aside_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o sin_n in_o which_o though_o he_o weary_v himself_o to_o find_v what_o first_o be_v seem_o promise_v yet_o he_o meet_v with_o nothing_o but_o delusion_n and_o disappointment_n of_o his_o expectation_n balaam_n have_v a_o edge_n set_v upon_o his_o spirit_n to_o curse_v the_o people_n of_o god_n by_o a_o promise_n of_o preferment_n make_v unto_o he_o and_o he_o tire_v himself_o in_o go_v from_o place_n to_o place_n to_o effect_v it_o but_o god_n hinder_v he_o from_o do_v of_o the_o one_o and_o balack_n deny_v the_o give_v unto_o he_o the_o other_o so_o judas_n by_o a_o bait_n that_o suit_v his_o covetousness_n undertake_v to_o sell_v his_o lord_n but_o when_o he_o have_v accomplish_v his_o wickedness_n and_o receive_v his_o wage_n he_o throw_v it_o away_o and_o dare_v not_o keep_v what_o before_o he_o so_o earnest_o thirst_v after_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o master_n make_v every_o piece_n of_o the_o silver_n look_v ghastly_a so_o that_o now_o he_o see_v another_o image_n upon_o it_o then_o caesar_n and_o cry_v out_o that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o betray_v innocent_a blood_n now_o faith_n it_o enable_v a_o believer_n to_o discern_v a_o snare_n a_o defilement_n under_o all_o the_o gild_a aldurement_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o he_o reject_v with_o scorn_n those_o temptation_n with_o which_o other_o be_v miserable_o captivate_v &_o resist_v with_o resolution_n all_o the_o court_n and_o solicitation_n of_o the_o flesh_n to_o which_o other_o yield_v behold_v only_o a_o stability_n and_o preciousness_n in_o those_o promise_n which_o have_v the_o oath_n of_o god_n to_o make_v they_o sure_o and_o his_o love_n to_o make_v they_o sweet_a and_o these_o only_o have_v a_o prevail_a power_n with_o he_o to_o cause_v he_o so_o to_o order_v his_o conversation_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o holiness_n that_o he_o may_v walk_v as_o it_o become_v a_o heir_n of_o heaven_n and_o a_o adopt_a son_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n to_o walk_v second_o as_o faith_n by_o believe_v the_o promise_n do_v purify_v the_o heart_n so_o also_o do_v hope_n which_o expect_v the_o performance_n of_o what_o faith_n believe_v work_n and_o produce_v the_o same_o effect_n he_o that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o god_n be_v pure_a 1_o joh._n 3._o 3_o the_o expectation_n which_o believer_n have_v by_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o a_o supine_n oscitancy_n whereby_o they_o look_v to_o be_v possess_v of_o life_n and_o glory_n without_o any_o care_n or_o endeavour_n of_o they_o for_o to_o obtain_v it_o like_a to_o callow_v and_o unfeathered_a bird_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o nest_n and_o have_v all_o their_o food_n bring_v to_o they_o gape_v only_o for_o to_o receive_v it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o expectation_n accompany_v with_o diligence_n and_o industry_n for_o the_o fruition_n of_o what_o they_o do_v expect_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n say_v paul_n teach_v we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n tit._n 2._o 11_o 12._o and_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o he_o subjoin_v verse_n 13._o look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n he_o that_o true_o expect_v glory_n earnest_o pursue_v grace_n heb._n 12._o 14._o he_o that_o hope_v to_o be_v with_o god_n in_o heaven_n use_v all_o mean_n to_o be_v like_o god_n on_o earth_n a_o heavenly_a conversation_n be_v the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o a_o heavenly_a expectation_n phil._n 3._o 20._o our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n from_o whence_o also_o we_o look_v for_o the_o saviour_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o heathen_a can_v say_v that_o labour_n be_v the_o husband_n of_o hope_n there_o be_v hope_v the_o harlot_n and_o hope_v the_o wife_n hope_v the_o marry_a woman_n be_v know_v from_o hope_n the_o harlot_n by_o this_o that_o she_o always_o accompany_v with_o her_o husband_n labour_n true_a hope_n look_v to_o enjoy_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v get_v by_o travel_n and_o pain_n and_o therefore_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o obtain_v that_o good_a which_o faith_n apprehend_v in_o the_o promise_n it_o seek_v glory_n by_o grace_n it_o endeavour_n after_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o heaven_n by_o work_v a_o conformity_n to_o god_n in_o a_o believer_n while_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n three_o believer_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o the_o promise_n as_o they_o be_v the_o irreversible_a obsignation_n and_o declaration_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v free_o make_v unto_o they_o of_o his_o take_v they_o unto_o himself_o in_o a_o everlasting_a communion_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n heaven_n be_v as_o prosper_n call_v it_o regio_fw-la beatitudinis_fw-la the_o only_a climate_n where_o blessedness_n dwell_v in_o its_o perfection_n while_o we_o be_v here_o below_o we_o be_v but_o as_o king_n in_o the_o cradle_n the_o throne_n on_o which_o we_o must_v sit_v the_o robe_n with_o which_o we_o must_v be_v clothe_v the_o crown_n which_o must_v be_v set_v upon_o our_o head_n be_v all_o reserve_v for_o heaven_n in_o this_o life_n there_o be_v only_o a_o taste_n of_o celestial_a delight_n and_o in_o the_o other_o there_o be_v a_o perpetual_a feast_n here_o we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o then_o face_n to_o face_n 1_o cor._n 13._o 12._o grace_n do_v as_o cameron_n express_v it_o adsignificare_fw-la infirmitatem_fw-la connotate_fw-la a_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n and_o glory_n that_o signify_v a_o abolition_n and_o do_v away_o whatsoever_o be_v weak_a or_o imperfect_a but_o all_o this_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o happiness_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o heaven_n for_o believer_n be_v ratify_v and_o make_v sure_o unto_o they_o in_o the_o promise_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v heir_n of_o the_o promise_n heb._n 6._o 17._o yea_o by_o the_o promise_n they_o have_v the_o pledge_n and_o first-fruit_n of_o all_o that_o happiness_n which_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v in_o heaven_n give_v unto_o they_o in_o this_o life_n we_o be_v now_o the_o son_n of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n though_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v 1_o john_n 3._o 2._o that_o be_v we_o now_o bear_v his_o image_n and_o likeness_n though_o in_o a_o more_o dark_a and_o imperfect_a character_n our_o knowledge_n our_o grace_n our_o comfort_n be_v all_o incomplete_a but_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o that_o be_v when_o christ_n shall_v come_v to_o receive_v we_o unto_o himself_o we_o shall_v bear_v upon_o we_o his_o
its_o orb_n do_v then_o enlighten_v the_o earth_n far_o more_o than_o multitude_n of_o star_n that_o shine_v bright_a in_o the_o clear_a night_n and_o so_o one_o promise_v in_o army_n of_o change_n that_o befall_v believer_n fill_v their_o soul_n with_o more_o serenity_n and_o peace_n than_o the_o confluence_n of_o all_o outward_a contentment_n can_v produce_v under_o one_o small_a and_o petty_a cross_n a_o christian_a many_o time_n walk_v more_o cheerful_o under_o sore_a fiery_a trial_n than_o other_o in_o the_o sunshine_n of_o worldly_a prosperity_n the_o three_o child_n walk_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o more_o joy_n in_o the_o furnace_n than_o nabuchadnezzar_n in_o his_o stately_a palace_n chap._n vi_o contain_v positive_a rule_n direct_v to_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o promise_n have_v show_v what_o a_o promise_n be_v and_o the_o sundry_a respect_n wherein_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v precious_a by_o way_n of_o eminency_n and_o excess_n i_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o three_o general_a head_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o several_a rule_n and_o direction_n that_o concern_v the_o due_a application_n of_o they_o which_o be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o necessary_a by_o how_o much_o the_o promise_n above_o all_o other_o part_n of_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n of_o god_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o be_v deep_o injure_v by_o the_o two_o sinful_a extreme_n of_o distrust_n and_o presumption_n the_o infirm_a believer_n who_o jealousy_n and_o misgiving_n be_v too_o strong_a for_o his_o faith_n put_v away_o from_o he_o the_o consolation_n of_o the_o promise_n as_o small_a and_o look_n upon_o they_o as_o cordial_n not_o strong_a enough_o to_o heal_v and_o remove_v his_o distemper_n the_o over-secure_a and_o self-confident_a person_n place_v his_o fond_a presumption_n in_o the_o room_n of_o god_n promise_n and_o thereby_o draw_v as_o certain_a a_o ruin_n upon_o himself_o as_o he_o who_o venture_v to_o go_v over_o a_o deep_a river_n without_o any_o other_o bridge_n then_o what_o his_o shadow_n make_v i_o shall_v therefore_o branch_v the_o rule_n which_o concern_v the_o right_a use_n of_o they_o into_o rule_n positive_a and_o cautionary_a the_o one_o point_v out_o several_a duty_n which_o every_o one_o must_v exercise_v himself_o in_o that_o will_v willing_o reap_v any_o real_a fruit_n and_o advantage_n from_o the_o promise_n the_o other_o forewarn_v the_o many_o error_n and_o mistake_n which_o be_v as_o stone_n of_o stumble_v to_o weak_a christian_n or_o as_o stone_n that_o lie_v upon_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o well_n of_o salvation_n which_o must_v be_v remove_v before_o the_o water_n of_o comfort_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o they_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o positive_a rule_n which_o be_v many_o sect_n 1._o eye_n god_n in_o the_o promise_n first_o in_o the_o apply_v of_o any_o promise_n fix_v the_o eye_n of_o your_o faith_n upon_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o it_o promise_n be_v not_o the_o primary_n object_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o secondary_a or_o they_o be_v rather_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o believe_v than_o the_o thing_n on_o which_o we_o be_v to_o rest_v as_o in_o the_o sacrament_n the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n serve_v as_o outward_a sign_n to_o bring_v christ_n and_o a_o believer_n together_o but_o that_o which_o faith_n close_v with_o and_o feed_v upon_o be_v christ_n in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o not_o the_o naked_a element_n themselves_o so_o the_o promise_n be_v instrumental_a in_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n together_o they_o be_v the_o warrant_n by_o which_o faith_n be_v embolden_v to_o come_v to_o he_o and_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o he_o but_o the_o union_n which_o faith_n make_v be_v not_o between_o a_o believer_n and_o the_o promise_n but_o between_o a_o believer_n and_o christ_n and_o therefore_o those_o divine_n who_o in_o their_o catechetical_a system_n have_v make_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o promise_n rather_o than_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n have_v fail_v in_o their_o expression_n if_o not_o in_o their_o intention_n and_o have_v speak_v rather_o popular_o then_o accurate_o for_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o ens_fw-la complexum_fw-la a_o evangelical_n maxim_n or_o proposition_n but_o ens_fw-la incomplexum_fw-la the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o whole_a current_n of_o scripture-expression_n do_v abundant_o testify_v wherein_o faith_n be_v describe_v by_o receive_v of_o christ_n joh._n 1._o 12._o by_o believe_v on_o he_o joh._n 3._o 16._o by_o come_v to_o he_o joh._n 6._o 36._o as_o we_o can_v come_v to_o christ_n without_o the_o aid_n of_o a_o promise_n so_o may_v we_o not_o rest_v in_o the_o promise_n without_o close_v with_o christ_n the_o promise_n they_o be_v but_o as_o the_o field_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o hide_a pearl_n which_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v in_o they_o they_o be_v as_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o he_o be_v both_o as_o the_o olive-tree_n which_o drop_v fatness_n into_o they_o and_o as_o the_o light_n which_o shine_v in_o they_o they_o be_v as_o the_o alabaster-box_n and_o he_o be_v as_o the_o precious_a spicknard_n which_o send_v forth_o the_o delightful_a savour_n they_o be_v as_o the_o the_o golden_a pot_n and_o he_o be_v the_o mannah_n which_o be_v treasure_v and_o lay_v up_o in_o they_o they_o be_v as_o the_o glass_n and_o he_o be_v the_o beautiful_a face_n which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o they_o we_o all_o behold_v with_o open_a face_n as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 3._o 18._o but_o in_o look_v unto_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o the_o promise_n let_v the_o eye_n of_o faith_n be_v direct_v especial_o to_o these_o four_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n the_o freeness_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o make_v they_o the_o absoluteness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o effect_v they_o the_o unhangeablenesse_n of_o his_o counsel_n not_o to_o revoke_v or_o disannul_v the_o least_o iota_fw-la of_o they_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o wisdom_n to_o perform_v all_o which_o he_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o best_a season_n and_o joint_n of_o time_n these_o be_v four_o such_o pillar_n upon_o which_v faith_n may_v safe_o lean_v and_o which_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o most_o violent_a temptation_n can_v never_o shake_v much_o less_o overturn_v as_o samson_n do_v the_o pillar_n of_o the_o house_n against_o which_o he_o lean_v judg._n 16._o 30._o sect_n 2._o eye_n free_a grace_n first_o view_v with_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n the_o freeness_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o make_v so_o many_o rich_a promise_n they_o be_v all_o patent_n of_o grace_n not_o bill_n of_o debt_n expression_n of_o love_n not_o reward_n of_o service_n gift_n not_o wage_n he_o that_o make_v many_o out_o of_o mercy_n may_v without_o the_o least_o umbrage_n of_o injustice_n have_v make_v none_o though_o his_o truth_n do_v tie_v he_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o yet_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n only_o do_v move_v he_o to_o the_o make_n of_o they_o his_o promise_n have_v make_v he_o a_o debtor_n but_o free_a grace_n make_v he_o a_o promiser_n and_o here_o the_o assertion_n of_o the_o school_n may_v be_v judge_v sound_n divina_fw-la voluntas_fw-la licèt_fw-la simpiciter_fw-la libera_fw-la sit_fw-la ad_fw-la extra_fw-la ex_fw-la suppositione_n tamen_fw-la unius_fw-la actus_fw-la liberi_fw-la potest_fw-la necessitari_fw-la ad_fw-la alterum_fw-la though_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v most_o entire_o free_v in_o all_o his_o manifestation_n towards_o the_o creature_n yet_o upon_o the_o voluntary_a and_o free_a precedency_n of_o one_o suppose_a act_n we_o may_v just_o conceive_v he_o to_o be_v necessary_o oblige_v to_o a_o second_o thus_o god_n be_v most_o absolute_o free_v in_o the_o make_n of_o his_o promise_n but_o have_v make_v they_o he_o be_v necessitate_v to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o they_o by_o his_o truth_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n tit._n 1._o 2._o god_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v before_o the_o world_n begin_v and_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n thou_o will_v perform_v the_o truth_n to_o jacob_n and_o the_o mercy_n to_o abraham_n mich._n 7._o 20._o the_o make_n of_o the_o promise_n unto_o abraham_n be_v free_a mercy_n the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o to_o jacob_n be_v justice_n and_o truth_n this_o direction_n touch_v the_o freeness_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o the_o promise_n be_v exceed_v useful_a to_o succour_v and_o relieve_v the_o perplex_v fear_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o tempt_v christian_a who_o though_o he_o have_v eye_n to_o see_v the_o unspeakable_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o promise_n yet_o have_v not_o the_o confidence_n to_o put_v forth_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o his_o necessity_n he_o want_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n but_o doubt_v the_o promise_n
well_o for_o common_a sore_n but_o their_o malady_n be_v such_o that_o unless_o christ_n touch_v they_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n the_o virtue_n that_o come_v from_o these_o thing_n as_o from_o his_o garment_n can_v never_o heal_v they_o unless_o god_n do_v from_o heaven_n confirm_v his_o promise_n by_o extraordinary_a sign_n and_o miracle_n their_o breach_n and_o rupture_n will_v never_o be_v heal_v their_o comfort_n and_o peace_n will_v never_o prevail_v against_o their_o fear_n and_o darkness_n it_o be_v not_o the_o prophet_n staff_n lay_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o dead_a child_n that_o will_v bring_v life_n again_o into_o it_o 2_o king_n 4._o 32._o he_o must_v come_v and_o stretch_v himself_o upon_o the_o child_n ere_o the_o flesh_n of_o it_o will_v wax_v warm_a this_o caution_n be_v the_o more_o necessary_a to_o be_v heed_v upon_o a_o double_a ground_n first_o because_o of_o the_o aptness_n that_o be_v in_o trouble_a christian_n to_o affect_v new_a mean_n above_o the_o right_n mean_n and_o to_o build_v their_o confidence_n upon_o something_o that_o be_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o word_n rather_o than_o upon_o the_o word_n itself_o second_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a danger_n and_o deceit_n that_o be_v in_o those_o extraordinary_a way_n by_o which_o many_o do_v pretend_v to_o have_v their_o comfort_n &_o assurance_n to_o be_v confirm_v unto_o they_o which_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o other_o mean_v they_o can_v never_o find_v to_o be_v full_o and_o satisfy_o evidence_v unto_o they_o first_o there_o be_v a_o pronity_n in_o christian_n especial_o when_o exercise_v with_o fear_n and_o doubt_n concern_v their_o condition_n to_o grow_v weary_a of_o use_v such_o mean_n in_o which_o they_o find_v not_o their_o expectation_n speedy_o answer_v &_o through_o a_o overhasty_a desire_n of_o comfort_n to_o try_v the_o gain_n of_o it_o in_o a_o new_a way_n rather_o than_o to_o persevere_v in_o the_o old_a be_v in_o this_o not_o much_o unlike_a to_o many_o weak_a and_o crazy_a patient_n that_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o fancy_v every_o new_a medicine_n they_o hear_v off_o and_o to_o tamper_v with_o it_o then_o to_o expect_v a_o recovery_n by_o go_v through_o a_o course_n of_o physic_n prescribe_v by_o the_o physician_n gregory_n tell_v of_o a_o religious_a lady_n of_o the_o empress_n bedchamber_n who_o name_n be_v gregoria_n that_o be_v much_o trouble_v about_o her_o salvation_n do_v write_v unto_o he_o that_o she_o will_v never_o cease_v importune_v he_o till_o he_o have_v send_v her_o word_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v a_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n that_o she_o be_v save_v to_o who_o he_o return_v this_o answer_n rem_fw-la difficilem_fw-la postulas_fw-la &_o inutilem_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a and_o altogether_o useless_a matter_n which_o she_o require_v of_o he_o it_o be_v difficult_a for_o he_o to_o obtain_v as_o be_v unworthy_a to_o have_v the_o secret_a counsel_n of_o god_n to_o be_v impart_v unto_o he_o and_o it_o be_v unprofitable_a for_o she_o to_o know_v not_o only_o for_o the_o reason_n which_o he_o assign_v that_o such_o a_o revelation_n may_v make_v she_o too_o secure_a but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o demonstrate_v and_o make_v know_v unto_o she_o or_o any_o other_o the_o truth_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o revelation_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v to_o be_v from_o god_n so_o that_o have_v she_o afterward_o call_v into_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o as_o well_o she_o may_v her_o trouble_n and_o doubt_n concern_v her_o salvation_n will_v have_v be_v as_o great_a as_o they_o be_v before_o o_o therefore_o let_v believer_n that_o will_v be_v confirm_v in_o the_o peace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n take_v heed_n of_o relinquish_a that_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n which_o shine_v as_o a_o light_n in_o a_o dark_a place_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o and_o of_o fly_v unto_o vision_n revelation_n voice_n from_o heaven_n to_o assure_v and_o evidence_n unto_o they_o their_o salvation_n and_o to_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o comfort_n and_o joy_n which_o they_o be_v fill_v with_o these_o be_v way_n that_o have_v more_o external_a glory_n and_o pomp_n in_o they_o but_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n on_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o adhere_n of_o the_o soul_n unto_o those_o truth_n declare_v in_o they_o be_v the_o unquestionable_a way_n of_o obtain_v a_o full_a establishment_n of_o heart_n in_o all_o sound_a joy_n and_o peace_n and_o therefore_o luther_n though_o as_o he_o confess_v he_o be_v often_o tempt_v to_o ask_v for_o sign_n apparition_n revelation_n from_o heaven_n to_o confirm_v he_o in_o his_o way_n yet_o tell_v how_o strong_o he_o do_v withstand_v they_o pactum_fw-la feci_fw-la cum_fw-la domino_fw-la deo_fw-la meo_fw-la ne_fw-la mihi_fw-la mittat_fw-la vel_fw-la visiones_fw-la vel_fw-la somnia_fw-la vel_fw-la e●iam_fw-la angelos_n contentus_fw-la enim_fw-la sum_fw-la hoc_fw-la dono_fw-la quòd_fw-la habeo_fw-la scripturam_fw-la sanctam_fw-la quae_fw-la abundè_fw-la docet_fw-la ac_fw-la suppeditat_fw-la omne_fw-la quae_fw-la necessaria_fw-la sunt_fw-la tum_fw-la ad_fw-la hanc_fw-la vitam_fw-la tum_fw-la ad_fw-la futuram_fw-la i_o have_v say_v he_o indent_v with_o the_o lord_n my_o god_n that_o he_o will_v never_o send_v i_o dream_n vision_n angel_n for_o i_o be_o well_o content_a with_o this_o gift_n that_o i_o have_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o do_v abundant_o teach_v and_o supply_v all_o necessary_n for_o this_o life_n and_o that_o also_o which_o be_v to_o come_v second_o as_o there_o be_v a_o aptness_n in_o christian_n to_o affect_v such_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o comfort_n so_o be_v there_o also_o no_o little_a danger_n and_o deceit_n in_o the_o way_n themselves_o first_o they_o be_v dangerous_a in_o regard_n that_o they_o make_v the_o word_n and_o promise_n to_o be_v as_o thing_n of_o little_a value_n and_o esteem_v which_o shall_v be_v as_o the_o only_a sacred_a oracle_n of_o truth_n for_o believer_n to_o have_v their_o recourse_n unto_o such_o who_o cry_v up_o revelation_n make_v it_o their_o practice_n to_o cry_v down_o the_o word_n and_o look_v upon_o those_o that_o adhere_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v they_o the_o touchstone_n to_o try_v every_o spirit_n by_o as_o vocalistas_n et_fw-fr literatistas_n vowalist_n and_o letterist_n have_v little_a or_o no_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n such_o who_o affirm_v assurance_n to_o be_v the_o immediate_a voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n speak_v in_o they_o &_o say_v unto_o they_o that_o their_o sin_n be_v forgive_v they_o how_o disdainful_o do_v they_o speak_v of_o the_o certainty_n and_o persuasion_n which_o believer_n have_v from_o the_o gracious_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o holiness_n wrought_v by_o he_o in_o their_o soul_n which_o by_o his_o enlighten_v they_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v &_o thereby_o to_o be_v confident_o persuade_v of_o god_n love_n unto_o they_o and_o of_o their_o interest_n in_o all_o the_o promise_n this_o they_o dignify_v with_o no_o better_a or_o high_a title_n than_o a_o humane_a faith_n than_o a_o conjectural_a knowledge_n though_o the_o testimony_n be_v true_o supernatural_a both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o efficient_a cause_n and_o also_o of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o come_v to_o be_v thus_o persuade_v yea_o though_o it_o be_v the_o only_a safe_a way_n which_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o for_o believer_n to_o try_v their_o estate_n by_o to_o look_v unto_o the_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o not_o to_o any_o immediate_a voice_n or_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n as_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n love_n unto_o they_o yet_o do_v such_o vilify_v this_o kind_n of_o evidence_n as_o low_a and_o carnal_a and_o altogether_o unmeet_a for_o evangelical_n christian_n to_o make_v use_n of_o what_o shall_v they_o need_v to_o have_v a_o rush-light_n to_o see_v by_o when_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o sun_n which_o be_v the_o light_n of_o light_n second_o as_o they_o be_v dangerous_a so_o be_v they_o full_a of_o deceit_n and_o illusion_n young_a samuel_n not_o acquaint_v with_o any_o extraordinary_a manifestation_n of_o the_o presence_n &_o power_n of_o god_n take_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n from_o heaven_n to_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o old_a eli_n 1_o sam_n 3._o 5._o and_o so_o do_v many_o take_v the_o irregular_a motion_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n to_o be_v the_o divine_a breathe_n and_o the_o powerful_a impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o the_o undertake_n of_o sundry_a action_n which_o the_o word_n in_o the_o least_o measure_n countenance_v not_o how_o frequent_o in_o these_o time_n do_v fanatic_a person_n baptize_v the_o violent_a working_n of_o their_o own_o distemper_a fancy_n with_o the_o name_n of_o
worth_n do_v vie_v with_o each_o other_o everlasting_a life_n be_v as_o sweet_a as_o long_o heaven_n be_v as_o glorious_a in_o its_o beauty_n as_o vast_a in_o its_o dimension_n the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v lay_v up_o be_v as_o rich_a as_o weighty_a there_o be_v no_o one_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o be_v of_o that_o extent_n for_o its_o latitude_n and_o of_o that_o value_n for_o its_o preciousness_n that_o he_o deserve_v to_o be_v eternal_o poor_a who_o have_v that_o for_o his_o subsistence_n look_v upon_o any_o man_n who_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o none_o great_a or_o rich_a than_o himself_o though_o the_o gravel_n of_o the_o river_n be_v turn_v into_o pearl_n and_o every_o shower_n of_o rain_n from_o the_o cloud_n into_o a_o shower_n of_o silver_n and_o gold_n for_o to_o supply_v his_o want_n the_o four_o particular_a be_v the_o high_a and_o noble_a end_n of_o the_o donation_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n etc._n etc._n painter_n when_o they_o picture_n angel_n do_v not_o intend_v similitude_n but_o beauty_n nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o expression_n aim_v at_o any_o essential_a change_n and_o conversion_n of_o our_o substance_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n but_o only_o at_o the_o elevation_n and_o dignify_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o christ_n our_o near_a union_n with_o he_o do_v restore_v we_o to_o a_o high_a similitude_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n then_o ever_o we_o attain_v in_o our_o primitive_a perfection_n but_o it_o do_v not_o introduce_v any_o real_a transmutation_n either_o of_o our_o body_n or_o soul_n into_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o if_o that_o stupendous_a union_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n in_o one_o person_n the_o lord_n christ_n do_v not_o effect_v a_o essential_a change_n in_o either_o but_o that_o both_o nature_n do_v conserve_v and_o retain_v their_o distinct_a property_n without_o mixture_n or_o confusion_n much_o less_o can_v the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n which_o be_v not_o a_o personal_a union_n but_o a_o union_n of_o person_n make_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o faith_n cause_n any_o such_o alteration_n as_o that_o our_o nature_n lose_v its_o own_o subsistence_n shall_v whole_o pass_v into_o the_o divine_a and_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o abyss_n of_o it_o as_o a_o drop_n when_o it_o fall_v into_o the_o wide_a ocean_n pithy_o do_v cyprian_n express_v this_o truth_n when_o he_o affirm_v nostra_fw-la &_o ipsius_fw-la conjunctio_fw-la nec_fw-la miscet_fw-la personas_fw-la nec_fw-la unit_fw-la substantias_fw-la sed_fw-la affectus_fw-la consociat_fw-la &_o confoedérat_fw-la voluntates_fw-la our_o and_o christ_n conjunction_n do_v neither_o mingle_v person_n nor_o unite_v substance_n but_o do_v conjoin_v our_o affection_n and_o bring_v into_o a_o league_n of_o amity_n our_o will_n suitable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 17._o they_o that_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v make_v one_o spirit_n chap._n ii_o in_o which_o be_v declare_v what_o a_o promise_n be_v it_o be_v not_o design_v by_o i_o as_o the_o subject_n of_o my_o present_a task_n to_o undertake_v a_o distinct_a and_o full_a prosecution_n of_o all_o these_o four_o particular_n in_o the_o text_n every_o one_o of_o which_o like_a gold_n in_o the_o beat_n will_v easy_o diffuse_v and_o spread_v themselves_o into_o a_o large_a compass_n but_o occasional_o to_o glance_v at_o they_o as_o they_o conduce_v to_o the_o illustration_n of_o that_o head_n and_o branch_n which_o i_o shall_v single_a and_o cull_v out_o from_o the_o rest_n as_o the_o present_a subject_n upon_o which_o i_o shall_v pitch_v and_o fix_v my_o thought_n and_o that_o be_v the_o matchless_a worth_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o truth_n it_o be_v of_o much_o weight_n and_o sweetness_n to_o every_o believer_n but_o yet_o as_o it_o lie_v contract_v in_o a_o proposition_n discover_v not_o so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o when_o draw_v forth_o into_o a_o full_a explication_n like_v to_o colour_n that_o be_v less_o beautiful_a and_o please_a while_o they_o lie_v on_o the_o palate_n of_o the_o painter_n then_o when_o place_v and_o spread_v on_o the_o picture_n by_o the_o pencil_n of_o the_o artificer_n i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o unfolding_n of_o it_o endeavour_v these_o five_o thing_n first_o to_o show_v what_o a_o promise_n be_v second_o in_o what_o respect_v they_o be_v great_a and_o precious_a three_o give_v rule_n about_o the_o due_a application_n of_o they_o four_o resolve_v some_o useful_a query_n and_o case_n concern_v they_o five_o close_a and_o shut_v up_o all_o with_o some_o practical_a inference_n and_o genuine_a application_n such_o as_o flow_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o honey_n which_o drop_v from_o the_o comb_n be_v of_o all_o the_o best_a and_o sweet_a first_o what_o a_o promise_n be_v it_o be_v a_o declaration_n of_o god_n will_n wherein_o he_o signify_v what_o particular_a good_a thing_n he_o will_v free_o bestow_v and_o the_o evil_n that_o he_o will_v remove_v this_o description_n like_o the_o box_n of_o spiknard_n in_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v more_o useful_a when_o it_o be_v break_v then_o whole_a i_o shall_v therefore_o take_v it_o into_o piece_n and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o in_o the_o several_a parcel_n first_o a_o promise_n be_v a_o declaration_n of_o god_n will_v it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o middle_a thing_n between_o his_o purpose_n and_o performance_n his_o intendment_n of_o good_a and_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o upon_o those_o who_o he_o love_v and_o as_o wicked_a jezabel_n 1_o king_n 19_o 2._o can_v not_o satisfy_v her_o hatred_n of_o elijah_n the_o prophet_n in_o intend_v evil_a unto_o he_o and_o effect_v it_o upon_o he_o in_o time_n as_o she_o can_v but_o withal_o she_o let_v fall_v a_o heavy_a threaten_n against_o he_o strengthen_v with_o a_o bitter_a imprecation_n upon_o herself_o as_o a_o oblige_a tie_n to_o put_v in_o execution_n the_o design_a evil_n so_o let_v the_o god_n do_v to_o i_o and_o more_o also_o if_o i_o make_v not_o thy_o life_n as_o the_o life_n of_o one_o of_o they_o by_o to_o morrow_n about_o this_o time_n so_o much_o less_o can_v the_o love_n of_o god_n satisfy_v itself_o in_o a_o gracious_a decree_n and_o purpose_n of_o good_a towards_o his_o elect_a shut_v up_o in_o his_o own_o breast_n and_o the_o actual_a performance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n unless_o withal_o he_o discover_v it_o unto_o they_o beforehand_o both_o as_o a_o ground_n of_o present_a comfort_n in_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o and_o of_o hope_n and_o expectation_n in_o the_o certain_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n promise_v hereafter_o god_n also_o confirm_v the_o word_n of_o his_o truth_n by_o a_o oath_n not_o for_o any_o necessity_n or_o weakness_n in_o its_o self_n but_o out_o of_o superabundant_a love_n unto_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v they_o may_v have_v a_o strong_a consolation_n heb._n 6._o 18._o second_o it_o be_v a_o declaration_n concern_v good_a and_o thereby_o a_o promise_n be_v difference_v from_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n which_o in_o divers_a respect_n have_v a_o near_a affinity_n with_o his_o promise_n for_o they_o as_o thing_n of_o a_o middle_a nature_n do_v intervene_v between_o the_o decree_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o they_o be_v let_v fall_v in_o the_o word_n as_o so_o many_o discovery_n of_o god_n anger_n against_o sin_n and_o set_v as_o powerful_a stop_n to_o check_v and_o bound_v the_o lust_n of_o sinner_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o dash_v themselves_o against_o the_o rock_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n they_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o same_o oath_n of_o god_n with_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v ratify_v that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v as_o full_a of_o dread_a to_o sinner_n in_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o fulfil_n of_o they_o as_o the_o promise_n be_v of_o comfort_n to_o believer_n three_o it_o be_v concern_v good_a thing_n free_o bestow_v and_o thereby_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o command_n which_o be_v also_o signification_n of_o god_n will_v concern_v good_a but_o it_o be_v of_o the_o good_a of_o duty_n enjoin_v to_o be_v do_v not_o of_o the_o good_a of_o mercy_n to_o be_v receive_v the_o precept_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n they_o always_o go_v together_o in_o the_o word_n as_o the_o vein_n and_o the_o artery_n do_v in_o the_o body_n wherever_o there_o go_v a_o vein_n that_o carry_v blood_n there_o also_o accompany_v it_o a_o artery_n that_o carry_v spirit_n so_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o precept_n in_o the_o word_n that_o enjoin_v duty_n there_o also_o be_v a_o
thankful_a for_o a_o spark_n for_o a_o beam_n of_o light_n thou_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v and_o fill_v with_o the_o fountain_n of_o light_n itself_o do_v thou_o bless_v god_n for_o crumb_n that_o fall_v from_o his_o table_n thou_o shall_v be_v feast_v with_o the_o marrow_n and_o fat_a thing_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n ingrato_fw-la nihil_fw-la augetur_fw-la sed_fw-la quod_fw-la acceperat_fw-la vertitur_fw-la ei_fw-la in_o perniciem_fw-la fidelis_n autem_fw-la in_o modico_fw-la censetur_fw-la dignus_fw-la munere_fw-la ampliori_fw-la say_v bernard_n the_o ungrateful_a person_n receive_v no_o increase_n but_o what_o he_o have_v former_o receive_v turn_n to_o his_o ruin_n but_o the_o grateful_a person_n be_v always_o think_v worthy_a of_o more_o ample_a reward_n this_o direction_n i_o glad_o will_v that_o those_o christian_n shall_v often_o have_v in_o their_o thought_n who_o be_v so_o much_o in_o complain_v what_o they_o want_v as_o that_o they_o never_o bless_v god_n for_o what_o they_o enjoy_v when_o any_o come_v into_o their_o company_n their_o ear_n be_v continual_o afflict_v with_o their_o mournful_a note_n how_o few_o their_o comfort_n be_v how_o little_a the_o benefit_n be_v which_o they_o reap_v by_o the_o promise_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v never_o quicken_v to_o bless_v god_n on_o their_o behalf_n by_o their_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o least_o mercy_n that_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v they_o when_o as_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o temper_n most_o befit_v a_o christian_n not_o to_o let_v the_o small_a of_o his_o favour_n to_o pass_v unobserved_a or_o unacknowledged_a the_o swine_n eat_v the_o fruit_n that_o fall_v from_o the_o tree_n but_o never_o look_v up_o from_o whence_o it_o come_v but_o the_o dove_n pick_v not_o up_o a_o grain_n without_o cast_v up_o its_o eye_n to_o heaven_n it_o eat_v and_o then_o look_v up_o then_o pick_v again_o and_o then_o look_v up_o again_o and_o so_o shall_v a_o believer_n lift_v up_o a_o eye_n of_o thankfulness_n unto_o god_n for_o every_o beam_n of_o light_n and_o hope_v which_o he_o behold_v in_o his_o word_n though_o it_o shine_v only_o through_o a_o narrow_a cranny_n i_o thank_v god_n in_o christ_n say_v holy_a baines_n sustentation_n i_o have_v but_o spiritual_a suavity_n i_o taste_v none_o when_o we_o do_v not_o lie_v rejoice_v in_o the_o arm_n and_o bosom_n of_o god_n as_o a_o father_n it_o be_v a_o mercy_n worthy_a of_o our_o thankfulness_n that_o we_o may_v lodge_v safe_o in_o his_o house_n when_o we_o do_v not_o behold_v the_o smile_n of_o his_o face_n it_o be_v a_o mercy_n that_o we_o may_v hear_v his_o voice_n in_o his_o word_n when_o we_o have_v not_o the_o ring_n put_v on_o as_o a_o ornament_n it_o be_v a_o favour_n that_o we_o have_v any_o piece_n of_o a_o break_a ring_n leave_v with_o we_o as_o a_o pledge_n and_o token_n that_o in_o our_o extremity_n he_o will_v not_o forsake_v we_o to_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o these_o positive_a rule_n be_v a_o task_n not_o in_o itself_o difficult_a nor_o yet_o happy_o to_o many_o weak_a one_o altogether_o unnecessary_a but_o because_o it_o be_v far_o easy_a for_o a_o physician_n to_o write_v recipe_n then_o for_o a_o patient_n to_o take_v the_o many_o repeat_v and_o continue_v potion_n i_o shall_v forbear_v to_o add_v more_o as_o fear_v i_o have_v be_v already_o too_o burdensome_a and_o prolix_a in_o these_o and_o shall_v only_o recommend_v what_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o the_o serious_a practice_n of_o believer_n without_o the_o least_o infringe_v of_o their_o liberty_n to_o use_v other_o which_o either_o their_o own_o or_o other_o experience_n may_v suggest_v as_o profitable_a and_o so_o i_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o rule_n which_o be_v cautionary_a the_o end_n of_o which_o chief_o serve_v to_o discover_v sundry_a error_n and_o mistake_n which_o in_o the_o application_n and_o use_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v as_o dangerous_a to_o believer_n as_o unseen_a rock_n and_o unfounded_a shallows_o be_v to_o mariner_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v careful_o heed_v and_o to_o be_v avoid_v by_o they_o chap._n ix_o cautionary_a rule_n for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o promise_n sect_n 1._o rest_v not_o in_o a_o general_a faith_n the_o first_o cautionary_a rule_n be_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o rest_v in_o a_o general_a faith_n which_o go_v no_o further_o then_o to_o give_v a_o naked_a assent_n unto_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o true_a but_o do_v not_o put_v forth_o itself_o to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v they_o as_o good_a true_a faith_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n only_o but_o a_o work_n of_o the_o heart_n also_o rom._n 10._o 10._o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n as_o it_o yield_v a_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n so_o it_o exercise_v fiducial_a application_n of_o it_o unto_o its_o self_n and_o thereby_o draw_v near_o unto_o christ_n whole_o throw_v and_o cast_v itself_o upon_o he_o for_o life_n and_o happiness_n not_o at_o all_o look_v after_o any_o other_o help_n maldonate_fw-it be_v please_v to_o make_v himself_o and_o his_o reader_n merry_a with_o that_o usual_a distinction_n of_o our_o divine_n by_o which_o faith_n be_v distinguish_v into_o a_o historical_a miraculous_a temporary_a and_o save_a faith_n and_o play_v upon_o the_o word_n fides_n say_v that_o the_o protestant_n have_v tota_n fides_fw-la quot_fw-la in_o lyrâ_fw-la as_o many_o faith_n as_o there_o be_v string_n upon_o a_o fiddle_n but_o it_o be_v not_o his_o scoff_n and_o sarcasme_n that_o can_v elude_v either_o the_o truth_n or_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o distinction_n when_o as_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o of_o many_o that_o believe_v and_o yet_o do_v never_o embrace_v christ_n with_o their_o heart_n as_o their_o only_a saviour_n or_o confident_o rely_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o mercy_n simon_n magus_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o believer_n act._n 8._o 13._o and_o yet_o saint_n peter_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n ver_fw-la 23._o the_o multitude_n believe_v in_o christ_n name_n but_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o commit_v himself_o unto_o they_o for_o he_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n john_n 2._o 23._o he_o do_v not_o own_v they_o as_o those_o to_o who_o he_o will_v impart_v the_o save_a mystery_n of_o his_o gospel_n or_o join_v himself_o unto_o they_o in_o the_o same_o bond_n of_o love_n and_o friendship_n as_o he_o do_v with_o those_o who_o with_o a_o entire_a and_o sincere_a heart_n believe_v on_o he_o the_o five_o foolish_a virgin_n go_v far_o in_o their_o wait_n for_o the_o bridegroom_n they_o take_v lamp_n with_o they_o to_o meet_v he_o and_o keep_v their_o light_n for_o a_o season_n burn_v but_o yet_o at_o his_o come_v the_o door_n be_v shut_v against_o they_o mat._n 25._o 11._o and_o shall_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n lect_n and_o sanctify_a one_o be_v of_o no_o better_a alloy_n than_o the_o faith_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o other_o wicked_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n yea_o shall_v the_o confession_n of_o peter_n concern_v christ_n mat._n 16._o 16._o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n be_v no_o whit_n better_o than_o that_o of_o the_o devil_n mat._n 8._o 29._o who_o with_o a_o loud_a voice_n cry_v out_o jesus_n thou_o son_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n shall_v it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o it_o no_o more_o in_o its_o worth_n than_o it_o be_v in_o its_o word_n but_o as_o the_o pale_a gold_n do_v much_o exceed_v the_o most_o glitter_a alchemy_n which_o though_o it_o seem_v to_o outvie_v the_o gold_n in_o its_o lustre_n yet_o have_v it_o not_o the_o least_o affinity_n with_o it_o in_o its_o real_a virtue_n and_o worth_n so_o the_o small_a grain_n of_o save_a faith_n by_o which_o a_o believer_n close_v with_o christ_n in_o the_o promise_n be_v more_o precious_a and_o excellent_a than_o a_o mere_a assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n which_o rest_v in_o the_o understanding_n but_o have_v no_o quicken_a influence_n upon_o the_o will_n and_o desire_n the_o one_o be_v only_o a_o bare_a credence_n and_o the_o other_o a_o divine_a affiance_n this_o be_v it_o which_o put_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o peter_n confession_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o devil_n acknowledgement_n of_o he_o as_o austin_n well_o observe_v hoc_fw-la dicebat_fw-la petrus_n ut_fw-la christum_fw-la fide_fw-la amplecteretur_fw-la hoc_fw-la dicebant_fw-la daemon_n ut_fw-la christus_fw-la ab_fw-la cis_fw-la recederet_fw-la this_o speak_v peter_n that_o he_o may_v embrace_v christ_n this_o say_v the_o devil_n that_o christ_n may_v depart_v from_o they_o and_o this_o fiducial_a application_n be_v the_o distinguish_a character_n which_o the_o scripture_n make_v between_o the_o faith_n of_o true_a believer_n and_o other_o it_o be_v sometime_o describe_v
by_o a_o roll_a and_o stay_v of_o its_o self_n upon_o god_n isa_n 50._o 10._o sometime_o by_o a_o trust_n in_o he_o isa_n 26._o 4._o sometime_o by_o receive_v of_o christ_n colos_n 2._o 6._o sometime_o by_o a_o come_n unto_o he_o joh._n 6._o 36._o all_o which_o expression_n do_v speak_v the_o spiritual_a motion_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n towards_o christ_n in_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v unto_o he_o which_o believer_n only_o exercise_v and_o not_o hypocrite_n or_o castawaye_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v say_v not_o to_o rely_v on_o god_n or_o to_o look_v towards_o he_o isa_n 31._o 1._o not_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o psal_n 78._o 22._o not_o to_o receive_v christ_n john_n 1._o 11._o not_o to_o come_v unto_o he_o john_n 5._o 40._o their_o faith_n be_v a_o form_n of_o faith_n but_o it_o want_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n which_o accompany_v save_v faith_n this_o cautionary_a rule_n be_v with_o the_o more_o circumspection_n to_o be_v heed_v in_o regard_n that_o multitude_n of_o professor_n do_v rest_v themselves_o content_v in_o that_o general_a acknowledgement_n and_o assent_n which_o they_o yield_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o haply_o the_o chief_a enducement_n by_o which_o they_o be_v lead_v unto_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o custom_n education_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n they_o think_v that_o the_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o die_v for_o sinner_n be_v faith_n enough_o to_o carry_v they_o out_o of_o the_o wilderness_n into_o canaan_n out_o of_o the_o world_n into_o heaven_n but_o alas_o this_o and_o much_o more_o may_v be_v believe_v and_o yet_o no_o benefit_n at_o all_o accrue_v unto_o they_o who_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o these_o supernatural_a verity_n here_o the_o logician_n rule_n hold_v true_a medicina_fw-la curate_n socratem_n non_fw-la hominem_fw-la physic_n be_v not_o give_v to_o man_n nature_n to_o cure_v the_o species_n but_o to_o every_o man_n in_o individu●_fw-la to_o heal_v his_o person_n christ_n and_o his_o promise_n be_v not_o beneficial_a unto_o any_o but_o unto_o they_o who_o make_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o both_o unto_o themselves_o what_o comfort_n be_v it_o to_o a_o insolvent_a debtor_n to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v rich_a mine_n of_o gold_n in_o that_o land_n into_o which_o he_o be_v flee_v to_o shelter_v himself_o from_o his_o creditor_n what_o relief_n be_v it_o to_o a_o thirsty_a man_n that_o there_o be_v a_o full_a vintage_n of_o cordial_a and_o refresh_a wine_n grow_v not_o far_o from_o he_o if_o he_o have_v no_o hope_n that_o he_o shall_v taste_v the_o least_o drop_n of_o it_o what_o satisfaction_n be_v it_o to_o a_o condemn_a person_n to_o be_v assure_v that_o there_o be_v a_o pardon_n grant_v and_o seal_v for_o many_o if_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o he_o to_o conceive_v that_o his_o name_n be_v include_v in_o it_o no_o more_o can_v it_o advantage_v any_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n die_v to_o reconcile_v sinner_n to_o god_n and_o that_o by_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n from_o the_o grave_n he_o have_v ascend_v the_o throne_n of_o majesty_n and_o life_n for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o unless_o with_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o bless_a truth_n there_o be_v conjoin_v a_o particular_a reliance_n upon_o christ_n for_o salvation_n and_o a_o cast_n of_o a_o man_n self_n into_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o free_a mercy_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o justify_n of_o his_o person_n at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n do_v not_o the_o devil_n believe_v a_o god_n and_o tremble_v james_n 1._o 19_o do_v they_o not_o acknowledge_v christ_n his_o son_n luk._n 4._o 34._o and_o bow_v the_o knee_n unto_o he_o phil._n 2._o 10._o do_v not_o they_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o christ_n die_v in_o general_a for_o sinner_n and_o that_o they_o which_o fix_v their_o confidence_n in_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o he_o what_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n be_v it_o which_o they_o yield_v not_o a_o assent_n unto_o and_o shall_v the_o faith_n whereby_o believer_n be_v justify_v not_o exceed_v the_o faith_n of_o these_o infernal_a spirit_n but_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o assent_n which_o the_o devil_n yield_v be_v full_a of_o force_n and_o coaction_n and_o be_v command_v by_o the_o evidence_n and_o majesty_n of_o those_o infallible_a truth_n which_o they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o love_n or_o affect_v but_o the_o general_a belief_n which_o christian_n have_v of_o the_o reveal_v truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v altogether_o free_a and_o voluntary_a and_o be_v thereby_o distinguish_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o devil_n this_o difference_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v at_o first_o blush_v somewhat_o specious_a yet_o be_v it_o both_o insufficient_a and_o impertinent_a for_o that_o end_n to_o which_o it_o be_v assign_v in_o regard_n that_o the_o distinction_n which_o it_o make_v of_o the_o one_o assent_n from_o the_o other_o be_v from_o what_o be_v mere_o accidental_a and_o not_o from_o what_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o faith_n for_o they_o who_o make_v faith_n to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n only_o and_o to_o consist_v in_o a_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v can_v proper_o fetch_v the_o essential_a difference_n which_o be_v between_o the_o faith_n of_o devil_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n from_o the_o voluntarinesse_n or_o involuntarinesse_n of_o the_o assent_n from_o the_o like_n or_o dislike_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o believe_v because_o those_o be_v act_n of_o another_o faculty_n in_o which_o by_o they_o faith_n be_v not_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v seat_v beside_o the_o assent_n which_o the_o good_a angel_n give_v unto_o the_o glorious_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o with_o diligence_n they_o look_v into_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 12._o be_v both_o voluntary_a and_o delightful_a and_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o distinct_a and_o differ_v from_o the_o credence_n and_o assent_n which_o believer_n do_v give_v unto_o the_o same_o truth_n it_o not_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o particular_a application_n and_o reliance_n for_o life_n and_o salvation_n as_o it_o always_o be_v in_o believer_n who_o do_v with_o a_o justify_v faith_n embrace_v and_o apply_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o themselves_o a_o man_n may_v be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n to_o a_o will_v to_o aver_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o though_o he_o have_v no_o legacy_n give_v unto_o he_o in_o it_o so_o the_o angel_n as_o so_o many_o heavenly_a witness_n do_v affirm_v and_o assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v declare_v in_o his_o gospel_n as_o in_o his_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n but_o believer_n be_v as_o so_o many_o legatee_n which_o have_v particular_a blessing_n therein_o bequeath_v unto_o they_o &_o therefore_o must_v not_o rest_v in_o a_o general_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o must_v claim_v their_o propriety_n and_o interest_n in_o they_o before_o they_o can_v ever_o have_v any_o benefit_n or_o comfort_n from_o they_o but_o if_o it_o be_v further_o object_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v in_o many_o place_n attribute_v salvation_n to_o a_o general_a faith_n and_o that_o the_o centurion_n faith_n which_o our_o saviour_n so_o much_o commend_v mat._n 8._o 10._o seem_v to_o imply_v no_o more_o than_o a_o historical_a belief_n of_o christ_n power_n and_o divinity_n that_o peter_n confession_n of_o christ_n mat._n 16._o 16._o be_v but_o general_a that_o martha_n faith_n john_n 11._o 27._o be_v of_o the_o same_o stamp_n that_o saint_n john_n character_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o a_o general_a faith_n whosoever_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n 1._o joh._n 5._o to_o the_o solving_a of_o this_o doubt_n a_o double_a answer_n may_v be_v give_v first_o that_o in_o those_o time_n the_o difficulty_n lie_v rather_o upon_o the_o assent_n then_o upon_o the_o affiance_n and_o the_o question_n than_o be_v more_o about_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n than_o the_o office_n of_o christ_n now_o because_o it_o be_v a_o great_a matter_n in_o the_o first_o dawning_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n who_o outward_a appearance_n be_v so_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n therefore_o do_v the_o scripture_n much_o magnify_v and_o heighten_v this_o act_n second_o though_o the_o scripture-expression_n do_v lay_v much_o upon_o this_o one_o act_n of_o faith_n yet_o do_v they_o not_o exclude_v but_o suppose_v the_o other_o act_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v join_v with_o it_o to_o a_o true_a believe_v
there_o be_v three_o act_n necessary_a knowledgr_n assent_n fiducial_a application_n but_o yet_o the_o scripture_n do_v oftentimes_o describe_v faith_n by_o one_o of_o these_o act_n joh._n 17._o 3._o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o they_o may_v know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v in_o knowledge_n there_o be_v couch_v and_o include_v the_o other_o two_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o the_o powerful_a reception_n and_o embrace_v of_o christ_n for_o salvation_n do_v chief_o consist_v so_o when_o it_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o a_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v employ_v not_o only_o a_o bare_a persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o a_o affectionate_a cleave_v and_o adherence_n of_o the_o heart_n unto_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v in_o christ_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o believer_n be_v fortify_v against_o despair_n which_o the_o historical_a belief_n of_o they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o measure_n expel_v or_o overcome_v and_o therefore_o though_o the_o papist_n do_v deride_v this_o special_a apprehension_n and_o application_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o mere_a conceit_n and_o unwarrant_v fancy_n though_o formal_a professor_n do_v careless_o neglect_v it_o and_o take_v all_o to_o be_v well_o enough_o with_o they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o do_v not_o question_v what_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v yet_o must_v not_o any_o that_o look_v after_o the_o real_a enjoyment_n of_o comfort_n and_o peace_n from_o the_o promise_n please_v themselves_o in_o a_o general_a assent_n which_o be_v little_a worth_n but_o must_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v and_o evidence_n their_o peculiar_a interest_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o promise_n by_o a_o fiducial_a application_n of_o they_o unto_o themselves_o sect_n 2._o rule_n 2._o poor_a not_o on_o the_o measure_n of_o humiliation_n the_o second_o cautionary_a rule_n be_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o pore_v too_o much_o upon_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o humiliation_n as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o certain_a and_o regular_a standard_n by_o which_o all_o humiliation_n must_v be_v measure_v before_o ever_o we_o may_v just_o claim_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n or_o so_o much_o as_o put_v forth_o a_o hand_n to_o touch_v the_o hem_n of_o christ_n garment_n that_o our_o bloody_a issue_n may_v be_v heal_v true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o invitation_n which_o christ_n make_v mat._n 11._o 28._o be_v only_o to_o they_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy-laden_a to_o come_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o may_v give_v they_o rest_n because_o they_o do_v best_a taste_v the_o sweetness_n and_o prize_v the_o happy_a enjoyment_n of_o a_o heavenly_a rest_n and_o peace_n but_o yet_o all_o who_o christ_n invite_v to_o come_v to_o he_o be_v not_o alike_o burden_a with_o the_o weight_n and_o pressure_n of_o their_o sin_n or_o do_v equal_o labour_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o displeasure_n some_o be_v not_o only_o heavy-laden_a with_o their_o sin_n but_o have_v their_o bone_n break_v with_o the_o weight_n of_o they_o so_o as_o that_o they_o roar_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o continual_a disquietness_n of_o their_o heart_n other_o though_o they_o walk_v mournful_o under_o their_o sin_n yet_o be_v not_o bow_v down_o under_o so_o great_a a_o weight_n nor_o express_v themselves_o in_o such_o loud_a and_o passionate_a complaint_n true_a it_o be_v that_o christ_n as_o a_o physician_n go_v only_o to_o the_o sick_a and_o not_o to_o the_o whole_a luk._n 5._o 31._o but_o yet_o all_o be_v not_o afflict_v with_o the_o same_o violence_n though_o all_o be_v sick_a of_o the_o same_o disease_n some_o be_v so_o affect_v as_o that_o for_o a_o season_n they_o seem_v to_o lie_v under_o the_o calenture_n and_o rage_n of_o despair_n itself_o other_o again_o be_v sick_a of_o their_o sin_n after_o a_o more_o mild_a and_o gentle_a manner_n like_v to_o a_o overcharge_a stomach_n they_o loathe_v what_o before_o they_o love_v the_o iniquity_n that_o before_o they_o swallow_v down_o with_o delight_n they_o vomit_v up_o in_o their_o confession_n to_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v full_a of_o nothing_o but_o bitterness_n but_o yet_o wearisome_a night_n through_o the_o grind_a pain_n of_o a_o guilty_a and_o sting_a conscience_n be_v not_o appoint_v unto_o they_o they_o lie_v down_o upon_o the_o bed_n of_o sorrow_n but_o not_o upon_o the_o rack_n of_o horror_n now_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o wide_a difference_n that_o be_v between_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o their_o first_o conversion_n and_o turn_n unto_o himself_o do_v chief_o arise_v from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o liberty_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o take_v unto_o himself_o in_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o counsel_n and_o purpose_n for_o god_n be_v a_o most_o voluntary_a agent_n do_v not_o tie_v himself_o to_o a_o like_a certain_a and_o unaltered_a constancy_n in_o the_o time_n measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o his_o work_n upon_o his_o child_n but_o be_v free_a and_o wise_a without_o limit_n and_o above_o measure_n do_v much_o diversify_v sometime_o the_o duration_n and_o continuance_n of_o their_o humiliation_n and_o sorrow_n by_o make_v the_o darkness_n in_o some_o to_o be_v short_a &_o in_o other_o to_o be_v long_o sometime_o he_o difference_v the_o measure_n make_v the_o pang_n and_o throw_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n to_o be_v in_o some_o both_o few_o and_o easy_a in_o other_o to_o be_v many_o and_o full_a of_o extremity_n sometime_o he_o alter_v the_o most_o usual_a manner_n of_o his_o work_n in_o proportion_v sin_n and_o sorrow_n to_o each_o other_o and_o do_v not_o make_v the_o terror_n and_o affrightment_n for_o sin_n to_o be_v parallel_n to_o the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o rebellion_n that_o have_v be_v persist_v in_o against_o himself_o paul_n a_o persecutor_n be_v from_o heaven_n smite_v with_o tremble_a and_o astonishment_n so_o as_o that_o for_o three_o day_n he_o see_v neither_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n nor_o taste_v aught_o of_o any_o food_n act._n 9_o 9_o but_o zaccheus_n a_o publican_n &_o extortioner_n be_v not_o strike_v from_o the_o tree_n upon_o which_o he_o climb_v to_o behold_v christ_n by_o any_o ray_n of_o majesty_n and_o dread_a shine_a from_o his_o face_n upon_o he_o but_o be_v like_o ripe_a fruit_n gather_v by_o the_o hand_n not_o shake_v off_o by_o a_o tempestuous_a wind_n by_o a_o soft_a and_o mild_a voice_n that_o may_v allure_v and_o not_o affright_v he_o be_v call_v to_o come_v down_o to_o entertain_v he_o who_o bring_v salvation_n unto_o his_o house_n luke_n 19_o 5._o but_o yet_o both_o these_o though_o by_o much_o differ_a mean_n be_v effectual_o bring_v home_o to_o christ_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o life_n and_o happiness_n by_o he_o this_o cautionary_a direction_n be_v give_v not_o as_o a_o encouragement_n to_o any_o to_o slight_v the_o necessity_n of_o humiliation_n as_o if_o they_o may_v without_o all_o remorse_n and_o brokennesse_n of_o heart_n for_o their_o sin_n interest_n themselves_o in_o christ_n and_o his_o precious_a promise_n and_o in_o one_o moment_n leap_v out_o of_o the_o dregs_o and_o lees_n of_o their_o natural_a corruption_n on_o which_o they_o have_v be_v long_o settle_v into_o a_o estate_n of_o purity_n and_o blessedness_n but_o it_o be_v chief_o for_o these_o three_o end_n first_o to_o direct_v such_o as_o mourn_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n that_o be_v of_o a_o deep_a and_o double_o die_v to_o look_v more_o to_o the_o quality_n of_o their_o humiliation_n then_o to_o the_o quantity_n and_o to_o try_v it_o rather_o by_o the_o touchstone_n then_o to_o weigh_v it_o by_o the_o balance_n because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o measure_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o make_v it_o save_v the_o mariner_n in_o a_o calm_a may_v sometime_o apprehend_v as_o certain_a ruin_n to_o befall_v he_o as_o in_o a_o storm_n and_o so_o a_o sinner_n may_v see_v himself_o in_o a_o lose_a and_o forlorn_a condition_n out_o of_o christ_n though_o he_o be_v not_o break_v with_o the_o fierce_a tempest_n of_o god_n displeasure_n but_o by_o more_o gentle_a yet_o powerful_a conviction_n of_o the_o spirit_n make_v apprehensive_a of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o saviour_n to_o free_v he_o from_o the_o malediction_n of_o the_o law_n and_o to_o restore_v he_o to_o a_o estate_n of_o happiness_n humiliation_n as_o it_o be_v god_n work_n so_o the_o measure_n of_o it_o be_v of_o his_o order_n and_o appoint_v and_o in_o it_o deal_v as_o a_o wise_a physician_n who_o do_v not_o give_v the_o like_a dosis_n or_o quantity_n of_o physic_n to_o every_o patient_n but_o what_o may_v best_o fit_v the_o strength_n and_o constitution_n of_o he_o that_o be_v to_o receive_v it_o or_o like_o the_o prudent_a husbandman_n who_o god_n have_v instruct_v to_o discretion_n who_o
believer_n that_o look_v unto_o it_o and_o seek_v a_o establishment_n of_o their_o way_n from_o it_o the_o promise_n be_v write_v in_o fair_a and_o capital_a letter_n which_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o low_a rank_n in_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n may_v easy_o read_v and_o discern_v it_o make_v wise_a the_o simple_a and_o be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n psal_n 19_o 7_o 8._o but_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v write_v in_o dark_a and_o unlegible_a character_n which_o though_o they_o may_v soon_o be_v discern_v to_o be_v his_o hand_n yet_o to_o decipher_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o be_v a_o task_n that_o oft_o time_n exceed_v the_o line_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n they_o be_v like_o the_o hand-writing_n upon_o the_o wall_n dan._n 5._o 5._o where_o part_n of_o the_o hand_n that_o write_v it_o belshazzar_n see_v but_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o neither_o he_o nor_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o his_o chaldaean_n can_v find_v out_o to_o interpret_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n require_v the_o skill_n and_o wisdom_n of_o a_o daniel_n who_o be_v fill_v with_o a_o excellent_a spirit_n of_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n but_o to_o know_v his_o will_n in_o his_o promise_n it_o be_v enough_o if_o a_o man_n be_v a_o nathanael_n a_o israelite_n in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o guile_n the_o path_n of_o they_o be_v plain_a and_o wayfaring_a man_n though_o fool_n shall_v not_o err_v therein_o isa_n 35._o 8._o providence_n god_n use_v as_o his_o cipher_n many_o time_n to_o hide_v his_o secret_a and_o his_o counsel_n from_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n but_o the_o promise_n be_v always_o as_o his_o letter_n of_o love_n in_o which_o he_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o believer_n and_o acquaint_v they_o both_o of_o his_o peculiar_a love_n and_o care_n to_o they_o and_o of_o their_o duty_n and_o obligation_n unto_o himself_o second_o the_o promise_n do_v exceed_v in_o certainty_n the_o most_o constant_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n the_o tenure_n by_o which_o any_o blessing_n be_v give_v and_o to_o which_o we_o be_v entitle_v only_o by_o providence_n be_v not_o so_o firm_a and_o sure_a as_o that_o which_o be_v derive_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o promise_n by_o the_o one_o we_o be_v make_v no_o better_a than_o tenant_n at_o will_n and_o at_o the_o discretion_n of_o their_o lord_n who_o though_o he_o let_v they_o enjoy_v rich_a possession_n and_o revenue_n may_v yet_o at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n resume_v they_o and_o take_v all_o into_o his_o own_o hand_n by_o the_o other_o we_o be_v make_v heir_n of_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o and_o so_o may_v plead_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n as_o our_o right_n they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o portion_n which_o he_o as_o a_o father_n be_v please_v to_o bestow_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o more_o comfortable_a subsisstance_n in_o our_o present_a pilgrimage_n oh_o how_o slippery_a then_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o those_o man_n comfort_n which_o be_v only_o build_v upon_o the_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o stability_n of_o the_o promise_n how_o unsound_a be_v their_o evidence_n which_o altogether_o stand_v in_o the_o success_n of_o their_o achievement_n &_o in_o the_o prosperity_n that_o have_v follow_v they_o in_o all_o their_o path_n which_o may_v in_o one_o moment_n be_v turn_v into_o a_o sad_a change_n have_v the_o same_o hand_n of_o providence_n which_o be_v wide_o open_v in_o its_o bounty_n to_o they_o lift_v up_o in_o its_o displeasure_n against_o they_o 3_o the_o promise_n exceed_v providence_n in_o the_o purity_n and_o sweetness_n that_o it_o derive_v and_o convey_v to_o every_o external_a mercy_n which_o without_o it_o be_v not_o free_v from_o that_o vexation_n and_o vanity_n which_o sin_n have_v subject_v every_o creature_n unto_o providence_n dispense_v blessing_n but_o the_o promise_n only_o sanctify_v they_o the_o one_o give_v the_o possession_n of_o they_o &_o the_o other_o the_o true_a fruition_n of_o they_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o the_o temporal_a mercy_n which_o believer_n enjoy_v and_o those_o which_o wicked_a man_n do_v ofttimes_o partake_v of_o in_o great_a abundance_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n a_o little_a that_o a_o righteous_a man_n have_v be_v better_a than_o the_o riches_n of_o many_o wicked_a psal_n 37._o 16._o his_o dry_a morsel_n be_v sweet_a than_o their_o dainty_n his_o small_a pittance_n be_v more_o satisfactory_a than_o their_o plenty_n for_o the_o wicked_a have_v all_o these_o outward_a and_o inferior_a thing_n only_a ex_fw-la largitate_fw-la donantis_fw-la from_o the_o mere_a general_a bounty_n of_o god_n which_o do_v not_o remove_v the_o encumbrance_n the_o vacuity_n and_o vexation_n that_o be_v entail_v upon_o they_o by_o sin_n but_o the_o righteous_a have_v the_o same_o thing_n give_v unto_o he_o virtute_fw-la promise_n by_o the_o right_n of_o a_o promise_n which_o sanctifi_v the_o gift_n of_o common_a providence_n and_o take_v away_o from_o the_o creature_n that_o curse_n wherein_o it_o be_v wrap_v through_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n while_o therefore_o man_n please_v themselves_o in_o the_o single_a interest_n and_o right_n of_o providence_n to_o their_o earthly_a comfort_n &_o look_v not_o unto_o the_o conveyance_n of_o they_o by_o the_o promise_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o become_v snare_n toil_n and_o thorn_n unto_o they_o and_o that_o they_o complain_v that_o the_o stream_n of_o their_o abundance_n be_v like_o the_o water_n of_o marah_n exod._n 15._o 23._o so_o bitter_a as_o that_o they_o can_v drink_v of_o they_o see_v that_o they_o want_v christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a tree_n of_o life_n for_o to_o heal_v they_o and_o to_o change_v their_o unpleasing_a bitterness_n into_o a_o delicious_a sweetness_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o word_n second_o believer_n be_v to_o be_v cautious_a that_o they_o weaken_v not_o the_o expectation_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o good_a which_o the_o promise_n do_v hold_v forth_o unto_o they_o by_o make_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n that_o seem_v to_o cross_v the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o to_o be_v move_a argument_n to_o incline_v they_o to_o doubt_v or_o diffidence_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o when_o jacob_n understand_v that_o his_o brother_n esau_n be_v come_v against_o he_o with_o four_o hundred_o man_n gen._n 32_o 6._o he_o do_v not_o distrust_v the_o promise_n that_o god_n have_v make_v unto_o he_o gen._n 28._o 15._o but_o he_o strong_o plead_v it_o as_o a_o ground_n for_o his_o deliverance_n thou_o say_v i_o will_n sure_o do_v thou_o good_a and_o make_v thy_o seed_n as_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n which_o can_v be_v number_v for_o multitude_n gen._n 32._o 12._o when_o god_n by_o a_o dream_n that_o be_v double_v on_o purpose_n to_o confirm_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n have_v reveal_v unto_o joseph_n the_o future_a honour_n and_o greatness_n which_o he_o will_v exalt_v he_o unto_o above_o his_o brethren_n cause_v their_o sheaf_n to_o bow_v to_o his_o sheaf_n and_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o the_o eleven_o star_n to_o make_v obeisance_n unto_o he_o gen._n 37._o 7_o 9_o the_o mean_n that_o god_n use_v for_o the_o effect_n and_o bring_v to_o pass_v his_o decree_n not_o the_o concurrence_n of_o successful_a and_o smile_a providence_n but_o of_o such_o only_a which_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n seem_v rather_o to_o destroy_v the_o promise_n then_o to_o accomplish_v it_o who_o can_v ever_o have_v conceive_v that_o the_o cast_n of_o he_o into_o a_o dry_a pit_n the_o sell_v of_o he_o to_o the_o ishmaelite_n merchant_n the_o put_n of_o he_o into_o prison_n and_o fetter_n by_o potiphar_n as_o a_o shameful_a offendor_n shall_v lead_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o joseph_n &_o not_o to_o his_o ruin_n can_v light_a spring_n out_o of_o darkness_n glory_n out_o of_o ignomy_n liberty_n out_o of_o thraldom_n and_o yet_o by_o such_o stop_v as_o these_o do_v god_n raise_v up_o joseph_n into_o the_o throne_n of_o honour_n until_o the_o time_n that_o his_o word_n come_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n try_v he_o say_v david_n psal_n 105._o 19_o that_o be_v until_o the_o very_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n he_o be_v try_v in_o the_o expectation_n of_o it_o by_o many_o and_o sore_a affliction_n in_o all_o which_o he_o exercise_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n as_o not_o to_o murmur_v or_o repine_v at_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o or_o faint_v in_o his_o wait_a quiet_o for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v unto_o he_o the_o archer_n sore_o grieve_v he_o and_o shoot_v at_o he_o and_o hate_v he_o but_o his_o bow_n abode_n in_o strength_n and_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o hand_n be_v
it_o be_v their_o usual_a food_n in_o the_o wilderness_n or_o quail_n the_o more_o because_o they_o be_v a_o new_a kind_n of_o meat_n the_o one_o indeed_o please_v their_o appetite_n and_o palate_n more_o but_o the_o other_o supply_v their_o necessity_n as_o well_o and_o so_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v most_o obvious_a and_o common_a in_o their_o use_n do_v yield_v to_o christian_n as_o much_o real_a and_o solid_a comfort_n when_o right_o apply_v though_o other_o which_o they_o conceive_v to_o have_v be_v less_o observe_v or_o by_o themselves_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o may_v more_o affect_v and_o please_v the_o curiosity_n of_o a_o lustful_a fancy_n sect_n 3._o cau._n 5._o take_v heed_n of_o carnal_a reason_n the_o five_o cautionary_a direction_n be_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o carnal_a reason_n which_o be_v restless_a in_o their_o enmity_n to_o all_o matter_n that_o appertain_v to_o faith_n or_o at_o the_o best_a full_a of_o impotency_n and_o unable_a to_o yield_v any_o assistance_n to_o believer_n in_o they_o first_o carnal_a reason_n be_v unwearied_a in_o its_o oppose_a and_o contradict_v of_o faith_n which_o of_o all_o grace_n have_v the_o most_o immediate_a relation_n unto_o the_o promise_n and_o be_v of_o great_a use_n in_o the_o application_n of_o they_o it_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o first_o implantation_n of_o it_o and_o hinder_v man_n from_o submit_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n by_o possess_v their_o mind_n with_o unjust_a prejudices_fw-la and_o cavil_n against_o his_o word_n god_n say_v that_o his_o word_n do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o walk_v upright_o mich._n 2._o 7._o but_o the_o language_n of_o carnal_a man_n be_v it_o be_v vain_a to_o serve_v god_n and_o what_o profit_n be_v it_o that_o we_o have_v keep_v his_o ordinance_n mal._n 3._o 14._o christ_n say_v that_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n mat._n 11._o 30._o but_o his_o carnal_a disciple_n cry_v out_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n and_o who_o can_v hear_v it_o joh._n 6._o 60._o god_n say_v his_o wave_n be_v just_a and_o equal_a but_o the_o carnal_a israelite_n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o censure_v his_o as_o crooked_a and_o their_o own_o as_o straight_o ezek_n 33._o 17._o and_o as_o by_o the_o disguise_n and_o artifices_fw-la of_o carnal_a reason_n man_n be_v keep_v from_o a_o happy_a change_n of_o their_o natural_a estate_n by_o believe_v so_o when_o faith_n be_v wrought_v they_o be_v by_o the_o enmity_n of_o the_o same_o principle_n continual_o disquiet_v and_o interrupt_v in_o the_o comfortable_a enjoyment_n of_o those_o many_o bless_a privilege_n which_o they_o be_v interest_v in_o by_o faith_n sometime_o it_o call_v into_o question_n their_o title_n to_o what_o they_o possess_v and_o suggest_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o be_v rather_o presumptuous_a intruder_n then_o just_a proprietary_n that_o the_o evidence_n upon_o which_o they_o build_v their_o hope_n be_v the_o delusion_n and_o self-flattery_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o not_o the_o unerring_a testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n sometime_o it_o raise_v jealousy_n concern_v the_o promise_n themselves_o that_o they_o be_v thing_n as_o easy_o revoke_v as_o they_o be_v make_v which_o though_o they_o yield_v present_a comfort_n yet_o do_v not_o ascertain_v any_o future_a security_n that_o though_o god_n turn_v not_o away_o from_o they_o nor_o repent_v he_o of_o his_o love_n yet_o they_o may_v turn_v from_o he_o and_o so_o nullify_v the_o promise_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o his_o mercy_n unto_o themselves_o it_o be_v therefore_o of_o great_a concernment_n unto_o believer_n in_o the_o make_n use_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o be_v cautious_a in_o admit_v the_o plea_n and_o argument_n of_o carnal_a reason_n which_o be_v never_o so_o often_o answer_v will_v never_o be_v silent_a but_o peremptory_o to_o resolve_v to_o believe_v notwithstanding_o all_o that_o sense_n and_o reason_n can_v suggest_v to_o the_o contrary_n to_o wink_v and_o believe_v to_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o all_o difficulty_n and_o when_o they_o be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o pose_v their_o reason_n not_o to_o let_v they_o to_o pose_v their_o faith_n excellent_a be_v that_o say_n of_o luther_n aperuit_fw-la nobis_fw-la in_o paradiso_n oculos_fw-la satan_n nunc_fw-la omnis_fw-la labour_n in_fw-la eo_fw-la nobis_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la eos_fw-la iterum_fw-la claudamus_fw-la &_o obturemus_fw-la in_o paradise_n satan_n first_o open_v our_o eye_n and_o now_o it_o be_v our_o chief_a labour_n to_o shut_v and_o fast_o close_v they_o again_o that_o so_o we_o may_v no_o more_o be_v betray_v by_o they_o sense_n and_o reason_n be_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o faith_n noxiabestia_fw-la a_o harmful_a beast_n as_o he_o call_v it_o to_o overturn_v and_o destroy_v whatever_o faith_n use_v as_o a_o prop_n to_o rest_v itself_o upon_o second_o as_o carnal_a reason_n be_v a_o enemy_n unto_o faith_n so_o at_o the_o best_a it_o be_v full_a of_o impotency_n and_o unable_a to_o give_v the_o least_o assistance_n to_o believer_n in_o their_o make_n use_v of_o the_o promise_n or_o dijudication_n of_o spiritual_a object_n as_o may_v appear_v in_o three_o particular_n first_o it_o be_v dim-sighted_n and_o want_v a_o perceptive_a faculty_n busy_n and_o curious_a it_o be_v in_o pry_v &_o look_v into_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n but_o altogether_o weak_a and_o unskilful_a in_o make_v any_o true_a judgement_n concern_v they_o reason_n be_v like_o the_o crocodile_n which_o be_v report_v to_o be_v of_o quick-sight_n on_o the_o land_n but_o of_o dull_a sight_n on_o the_o water_n it_o be_v sagacious_a in_o earthly_a thing_n but_o have_v no_o insight_n in_o spiritual_a object_n asaph_z attempt_v by_o the_o discussion_n of_o reason_n to_o have_v find_v out_o the_o ground_n of_o god_n differ_v administration_n towards_o his_o people_n and_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n who_o belly_n be_v fill_v which_o hide_a treasure_n but_o he_o be_v by_o his_o own_o confession_n soon_o at_o a_o loss_n when_o i_o think_v to_o know_v this_o it_o be_v too_o painful_a for_o i_o ps_n 73._o 16._o and_o when_o he_o do_v go_v that_o way_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o how_o opposite_a be_v the_o inference_n and_o conclusion_n to_o that_o which_o he_o make_v upon_o a_o second_o view_n and_o look_n upon_o the_o same_o thing_n by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lamp_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n when_o he_o behold_v god_n dispensation_n with_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o reason_n only_o what_o a_o wild_a and_o erroneous_a conclusion_n do_v he_o take_v up_o very_o i_o have_v cleanse_v my_o heart_n in_o vain_a and_o wash_v my_o hand_n ininnocency_n ver_fw-la 13._o but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o read_v they_o over_o again_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n than_o he_o draw_v a_o right_a inference_n from_o the_o premise_n it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n verse_n 28._o and_o as_o reason_n be_v blind_a in_o discern_v spiritual_a object_n so_o be_v it_o also_o unskilful_a in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n by_o which_o faith_n be_v enable_v to_o make_v a_o full_a &_o perfect_a discovery_n of_o they_o reason_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o man_n that_o take_v the_o wrong_a end_n of_o the_o perspective_n glass_n to_o see_v with_o which_o lessen_v the_o magnitude_n of_o the_o object_n and_o increase_v the_o distance_n it_o look_v upon_o the_o promise_n by_o unapt_a medium_n which_o do_v not_o make_v a_o just_a representation_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o discern_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o their_o reality_n and_o existence_n but_o faith_n that_o look_v at_o the_o right_a end_n of_o the_o glass_n which_o be_v more_o full_a of_o light_n do_v multiply_v the_o species_n and_o thereby_o take_v away_o the_o remoteness_n of_o the_o object_n and_o present_v they_o as_o close_v unto_o the_o eye_n thus_o abraham_n see_v christ_n day_n and_o rejoice_v to_o see_v it_o joh._n 8._o 56._o great_a be_v the_o space_n of_o time_n between_o the_o make_n of_o that_o promise_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o unto_o abraham_n that_o in_o he_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v gen._n 12._o 3._o but_o yet_o his_o faith_n eye_v the_o power_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o make_v it_o look_n upon_o the_o long_a interval_n of_o many_o age_n that_o be_v between_o he_o and_o his_o promise_a seed_n as_o upon_o a_o very_a small_a and_o inconsiderable_a distance_n thus_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n do_v not_o only_o see_v the_o promise_n afar_o off_o but_o they_o also_o salute_v and_o embrace_v they_o as_o near_o they_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o their_o own_o existence_n afar_o off_o but_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o be_v hard_o at_o hand_n heb._n 11._o 13._o 2_o carnal_a reason_n as_o it_o be_v blind_a so_o be_v it_o also_o full_a of_o impatience_n and_o therefore_o unmeet_a to_o be_v a_o assistance_n unto_o
the_o vision_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o rapture_n of_o the_o spirit_n how_o often_o do_v satan_n by_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n endeavour_v the_o seducement_n and_o ruin_n of_o many_o christian_n against_o who_o as_o a_o angel_n of_o darkness_n he_o can_v not_o prevail_v be_v in_o every_o thing_n god_n ape_n to_o imitate_v those_o extraordinary_a way_n by_o which_o god_n have_v sometime_o make_v know_v himself_o unto_o his_o people_n gerson_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr probatione_fw-la spirituum_fw-la of_o the_o trial_n of_o spirit_n tell_v a_o remarkable_a story_n of_o satan_n appear_v to_o a_o holy_a man_n in_o a_o most_o glorious_a and_o beautiful_a manner_n profess_v himself_o to_o be_v christ_n and_o because_o he_o for_o his_o exemplary_a holiness_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v honour_v above_o other_o therefore_o he_o appear_v unto_o he_o but_o the_o old_a man_n ready_o answer_v he_o that_o he_o desire_v not_o to_o see_v his_o saviour_n in_o this_o wilderness_n it_o shall_v suffice_v he_o to_o see_v he_o hereafter_o in_o heaven_n and_o with_o all_o add_v this_o pithy_a prayer_n sit_v in_o alio_fw-la seculo_fw-la non_fw-la in_o hoc_fw-la visio_fw-la tua_fw-la merces_fw-la mea_fw-la o_o let_v thy_o sight_n be_v my_o reward_n lord_n in_o another_o life_n and_o not_o in_o this_o life_n this_o direction_n therefore_o be_v of_o no_o little_a importance_n unto_o believer_n that_o will_v not_o loose_v and_o wild_a themselves_o in_o uncertainty_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o duty_n and_o comfort_n to_o take_v heed_n how_o they_o leave_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o word_n and_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o revelation_n for_o rhe_n guidance_n of_o their_o way_n or_o how_o they_o neglect_v the_o application_n of_o the_o promise_n by_o faith_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o their_o heart_n in_o the_o peace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o expect_v their_o assurance_n to_o flow_v from_o a_o immediate_a voice_n or_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n as_o if_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n have_v no_o activity_n and_o light_n in_o they_o to_o evidence_n and_o declare_v the_o certainty_n and_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n unto_o their_o soul_n such_o way_n though_o the_o novelty_n of_o they_o may_v render_v they_o please_v to_o many_o yet_o it_o can_v as_o we_o see_v make_v they_o safe_a to_o any_o that_o tread_v or_o walk_v in_o they_o and_o therefore_o let_v that_o of_o austin_n be_v every_o christian_n practice_n and_o prayer_n sint_fw-la sacrae_fw-la scripturae_fw-la tu●_n deliciae_fw-la meae_fw-la in_fw-la quibus_fw-la nec_fw-la possim_fw-la fallere_fw-la nec_fw-la falli_fw-la lord_n let_v thy_o holy_a scripture_n be_v my_o pure_a delight_n in_o which_o i_o can_v neither_o deceive_v or_o ever_o be_v deceive_v sect_n 2._o cau._n 7._o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n out_o on_o earthly_a object_n the_o seven_o and_o last_o cautionary_a direction_n be_v to_o take_v beed_o of_o have_v the_o heart_n let_v out_o to_o earthly_a object_n either_o in_o earnest_a desire_n after_o they_o or_o in_o long_a and_o frequent_a muse_n of_o the_o mind_n upon_o they_o the_o application_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v then_o most_o powerful_a and_o operative_a when_o they_o lie_v near_o and_o close_a unto_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o comfort_n that_o distil_v from_o they_o be_v then_o most_o sweet_a when_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o most_o inward_a part_n of_o the_o hide_a man_n the_o soft_a garment_n man_n usual_o wear_v next_o their_o skin_n and_o the_o best_a jewel_n they_o lie_v up_o in_o the_o most_o inward_a cell_n of_o their_o cabinet_n and_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n be_v the_o promise_n and_o invitation_n of_o mercy_n in_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v thing_n of_o the_o great_a delicacy_n and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v apply_v next_o unto_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v of_o all_o part_n the_o most_o tender_a they_o be_v of_o the_o high_a worth_n and_o value_n and_o therefore_o shall_v high_o be_v lodge_v in_o the_o most_o retire_a and_o inward_a receptacle_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o their_o most_o due_a and_o proper_a seat_n all_o interposition_n of_o earthly_a thing_n do_v not_o only_o hinder_v the_o conveyance_n both_o of_o grace_n and_o comfort_n from_o the_o promise_n but_o do_v also_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n &_o predominancy_n of_o it_o make_v the_o heart_n as_o a_o unmeet_a vessel_n to_o receive_v such_o heavenly_a treasure_n in_o diverse_a respect_n first_o earthly_a thing_n do_v fill_v the_o heart_n &_o thereby_o put_v it_o into_o a_o incapacity_n of_o receive_v either_o divine_a counsel_n or_o comfort_n from_o the_o word_n or_o promise_n they_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o crowd_n of_o business_n so_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o word_n find_v no_o more_o place_n in_o it_o than_o he_o and_o his_o mother_n do_v room_n in_o the_o inn_n where_o the_o manger_n be_v fain_o to_o be_v his_o cradle_n luk._n 2._o 7._o they_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o diversity_n of_o care_n and_o solicitude_n so_o that_o it_o can_v have_v any_o freedom_n to_o attend_v heavenly_a duty_n martha_n who_o be_v trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n do_v not_o with_o mary_n her_o sister_n sit_v at_o christ_n foot_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n she_o cumber_v about_o much_o serve_v make_v she_o to_o neglect_v the_o one_o thing_n that_o be_v needful_a luke_n 10._o 41._o they_o many_o time_n fill_v the_o heart_n with_o pride_n and_o scorn_n so_o as_o that_o the_o choice_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o better_a than_o foolishness_n the_o pharisee_n hear_v christ_n preach_v against_o earthly_a affection_n but_o they_o deride_v he_o luke_n 16._o 14._o the_o full_a soul_n loathe_v the_o honeycomb_n pro._n 27._o 7._o and_o so_o do_v a_o earthly_a mind_n reject_v the_o word_n which_o be_v more_o sweet_a than_o the_o drop_a honey_n second_o earthly_a thing_n defile_v the_o heart_n with_o many_o vile_a and_o corrupt_a affection_n which_o do_v unqualifie_v it_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o holy_a and_o precious_a promise_n they_o stain_v the_o heart_n with_o a_o adulterous_a and_o impure_a love_n which_o be_v enmity_n unto_o god_n james_n 4._o 4._o and_o make_v it_o apt_a to_o prefer_v carnal_a satisfaction_n before_o communion_n with_o christ_n they_o defile_v the_o heart_n with_o a_o false_a and_o unsound_a confidence_n turn_v it_o from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o trust_n unto_o the_o mutable_a and_o unstable_a creature_n and_o therefore_o paul_n enjoin_v timothy_n to_o charge_v they_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o trust_v not_o in_o uncertain_a riches_n but_o in_o the_o live_a god_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 17._o they_o pollute_v the_o heart_n with_o sensual_a joy_n with_o unhallowed_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n so_o that_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o corn_n wine_n and_o oil_n increase_v do_v extinguish_v that_o complacency_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n that_o flow_v from_o the_o presence_n and_o fruition_n of_o spiritual_a object_n as_o in_o luxurious_a person_n strange_a love_n do_v eat_v out_o and_o obliterate_v that_o which_o be_v conjugal_a how_o then_o can_v any_o man_n expect_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n shall_v be_v both_o a_o counsellor_n and_o comforter_n unto_o such_o a_o one_o who_o love_n confidence_n joy_n be_v adulterate_a and_o sinful_a sure_o he_o who_o have_v the_o purity_n of_o a_o dove_n will_v never_o take_v up_o the_o lodging_n of_o a_o crow_n he_o who_o dwell_v in_o the_o soul_n when_o it_o be_v a_o temple_n of_o holiness_n will_v never_o afford_v his_o presence_n when_o it_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o cage_n of_o unclean_a bird_n three_o earthly_a object_n divide_v the_o heart_n hosea_n 2._o 10._o and_o make_v it_o uncertain_a in_o its_o motion_n towards_o god_n as_o the_o balance_n have_v no_o steadfastness_n in_o itself_o but_o do_v by_o every_o breath_n and_o touch_n fluctuate_v sometime_o to_o the_o one_o hand_n sometime_o to_o the_o other_o so_o the_o earthly_a mind_n be_v various_a and_o inconstant_a in_o its_o desire_n to_o heavenly_a thing_n sometime_o for_o a_o short_a and_o sudden_a fit_n it_o seem_v to_o affect_v they_o and_o by_o and_o by_o grow_v cold_a and_o heartless_a again_o like_a to_o the_o grasshopper_n which_o as_o gregory_n observe_v give_v a_o flirt_n up_o and_o make_v a_o faint_a essay_n of_o fly_v towards_o heaven_n and_o then_o present_o fall_v on_o the_o earth_n again_o thus_o the_o young_a man_n mark_v 10._o 17._o come_v run_v to_o christ_n to_o show_v his_o fervour_n and_o zeal_n kneel_v to_o he_o to_o testify_v his_o observance_n pray_v to_o he_o to_o direct_v he_o in_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n to_o evidence_n his_o care_n and_o solicitude_n about_o it_o but_o when_o christ_n bid_v he_o to_o sell_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a that_o so_o he_o may_v have_v treasure_n in_o heaven_n how_o soon_o do_v he_o who_o
run_v and_o kneel_v and_o pray_v to_o christ_n turn_v his_o back_n upon_o he_o &_o go_v from_o he_o how_o quick_o be_v his_o desire_n turn_v into_o sorrow_n and_o his_o prayer_n into_o a_o fearful_a apostasy_n now_o then_o if_o earthly_a thing_n do_v make_v the_o heart_n thus_o unsteadfast_a and_o unfaithful_a to_o god_n how_o exceed_o must_v they_o needs_o indispose_v it_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o grace_n and_o comfort_n from_o god_n in_o all_o his_o promise_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o requisite_a than_o a_o evenness_n and_o constancy_n of_o the_o desire_n in_o seek_v after_o they_o and_o a_o entireness_n and_o oneness_n of_o heart_n in_o lay_v hold_n on_o they_o for_o as_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v one_o in_o christ_n and_o can_v be_v sever_v or_o part_v no_o more_o than_o line_n in_o their_o common_a centre_n so_o neither_o must_v the_o heart_n by_o which_o they_o be_v embrace_v be_v divide_v whole_a christ_n and_o all_o his_o promise_n be_v give_v to_o every_o believer_n and_o be_v no_o otherwise_o diversify_v then_o according_a to_o the_o exigence_n of_o man_n present_a condition_n which_o sometime_o require_v the_o application_n of_o one_o promise_n and_o sometime_o of_o another_o and_o therefore_o must_v the_o whole_a heart_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o again_o or_o else_o we_o can_v ever_o expect_v to_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o he_o or_o his_o bless_a promise_n true_a it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o best_a of_o christian_n there_o be_v find_v a_o unstedfastnesse_n of_o heart_n and_o affection_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o unstedfastnesse_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n but_o only_o in_o degree_n it_o be_v not_o such_o as_o distract_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v it_o to_o float_v between_o two_o different_a object_n but_o only_o make_v it_o unequal_a in_o its_o motion_n towards_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o the_o bowl_n when_o it_o be_v first_o throw_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n run_v more_o swift_o towards_o the_o mark_n than_o it_o do_v afterward_o but_o yet_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o motion_n be_v the_o same_o though_o the_o vigour_n and_o strength_n of_o it_o be_v not_o alike_o so_o believer_n when_o partaker_n of_o some_o fresh_a gale_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v then_o move_v towards_o christ_n with_o more_o quick_a and_o lively_a affection_n then_o at_o other_o time_n but_o yet_o by_o that_o inward_a principle_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v within_o they_o they_o be_v always_o carry_v towards_o he_o in_o their_o desire_n though_o not_o after_o one_o equal_a and_o uniform_a manner_n this_o caution_n therefore_o though_o it_o be_v the_o last_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o the_o least_o which_o believer_n be_v with_o much_o diligence_n and_o circumspection_n to_o observe_v that_o will_v glad_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o spiritual_a riches_n and_o treasure_n which_o be_v in_o the_o promise_n but_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v abandon_v all_o care_n and_o industry_n in_o our_o calling_n or_o that_o we_o shall_v affect_v a_o voluntary_a and_o monkish_a poverty_n as_o if_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a inconsistency_n between_o the_o have_v the_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o other_o life_n we_o may_v possess_v earthly_a comfort_n but_o we_o must_v not_o be_v possess_v by_o they_o we_o may_v use_v they_o as_o flower_n to_o smell_v on_o but_o not_o as_o garland_n to_o crown_v ourselves_o with_o they_o we_o may_v in_o our_o pilgrimage_n walk_v with_o they_o as_o staff_n in_o our_o hand_n seek_v a_o country_n which_o be_v above_o but_o we_o may_v not_o load_v ourselves_o with_o they_o and_o bear_v they_o as_o burden_n upon_o our_o back_n we_o may_v make_v they_o our_o encouragement_n but_o not_o our_o confidence_n we_o may_v mind_v they_o as_o our_o accessory_n but_o we_o may_v not_o love_v they_o as_o our_o principal_a happiness_n as_o bee_n though_o they_o live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o cell_n of_o honey_n and_o wax_n yet_o have_v not_o their_o wing_n touch_v with_o any_o viscuous_a matter_n that_o may_v hinder_v their_o delightful_a flight_n abroad_o and_o their_o nimble_a pass_v from_o one_o flower_n to_o another_o so_o shall_v christian_n that_o live_v in_o the_o abundance_n of_o earthly_a comfort_n as_o in_o a_o hive_n of_o sweetness_n be_v exceed_o careful_a that_o nothing_o of_o the_o world_n do_v cleave_v to_o their_o affection_n which_o be_v the_o wing_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o may_v hinder_v the_o lift_n and_o raise_v up_o of_o their_o he_o art_n towards_o heavenly_a object_n or_o abate_v the_o activity_n of_o their_o thought_n in_o their_o frequent_a muse_n on_o the_o promise_n and_o other_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n on_o which_o the_o mind_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v most_o exercise_v and_o delight_v i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o three_o particular_a that_o in_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o task_n be_v propound_v to_o be_v handle_v and_o have_v insist_v long_o upon_o every_o direction_n both_o positue_a and_o cautionary_a than_o i_o first_o intend_v but_o my_o end_n be_v not_o to_o offend_v any_o by_o prolixity_n but_o to_o render_v they_o more_o useful_a and_o necessary_a unto_o all_o then_o otherwise_o they_o may_v have_v be_v if_o contract_v into_o a_o less_o and_o narrow_a compass_n and_o make_v like_a unto_o the_o description_n of_o a_o pitch_a field_n or_o battle_n wherein_o there_o be_v many_o head_n and_o spear_n paint_v but_o few_o or_o no_o complete_a and_o entire_a body_n chap._n xii_o in_o which_o divers_a query_n be_v resolve_v i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o four_o particular_a which_o do_v consist_v of_o divers_a query_n together_o with_o their_o resolution_n the_o clear_a answer_v of_o which_o will_v much_o facilitate_v the_o use_n and_o application_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o first_o quere_z be_v whether_o the_o essence_n of_o save_v and_o justify_v faith_n do_v lie_v in_o a_o prevail_a assurance_n so_o as_o that_o he_o who_o true_o believe_v do_v certain_o know_v himself_o to_o have_v faith_n and_o to_o believe_v on_o christ_n sect_n 1._o faith_n be_v not_o a_o full_a assurauce_n this_o question_n i_o do_v the_o rather_o choose_v to_o speak_v somewhat_o unto_o in_o regard_n that_o many_o of_o our_o divine_n have_v in_o their_o writing_n not_o distinguish_v between_o fides_n fiducia_n and_o certituda_n faith_n affiance_n and_o assurance_n but_o have_v promiscuous_o treat_v of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n yea_o sundry_a pious_a and_o learned_a man_n have_v define_v faith_n to_o be_v a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o heart_n ground_v on_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n now_o that_o which_o chief_o lead_v they_o to_o give_v this_o definition_n of_o faith_n be_v their_o zeal_n to_o maintain_v the_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n of_o faith_n against_o popish_a doubt_n but_o a_o good_a intention_n will_v no_o more_o make_v a_o truth_n than_o a_o fair_a mark_n will_v make_v a_o good_a shoot_n for_o while_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v faith_n from_o that_o languor_n and_o uncertainty_n unto_o which_o the_o papist_n have_v subject_v it_o they_o have_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n occasion_v great_a fear_n and_o perplexity_n to_o arise_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o tender_a and_o weak_a christian_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o use_v this_o as_o a_o argument_n against_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o because_o they_o have_v no_o assurance_n at_o all_o to_o keep_v therefore_o such_o bruise_a reed_n from_o be_v break_v and_o the_o smoke_a flax_n from_o be_v quench_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o want_n of_o assurance_n i_o shall_v by_o sundry_a demonstration_n clear_o show_v that_o the_o essence_n of_o save_a faith_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o a_o prevail_a assurance_n that_o a_o believer_n may_v have_v the_o one_o and_o yet_o want_v the_o other_o the_o first_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o that_o estate_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n who_o christ_n the_o great_a judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n do_v pronounce_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v bless_v and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v believer_n because_o all_o blessedness_n under_o the_o gospel_n come_v only_o by_o faith_n and_o this_o blessedness_n stand_v in_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n rom._n 4._o 6_o 7._o yet_o their_o present_a condition_n speak_v nothing_o less_o than_o assurance_n bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n say_v our_o saviour_n math._n 5._o 3._o so_o again_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o mourn_v ver_fw-la 4._o and_o again_o bless_a be_v they_o which_o do_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n ver_fw-la 6._o but_o spiritual_a poverty_n mourning_n hunger_n though_o they_o be_v gospel-grace_n which_o do_v arise_v from_o faith_n be_v all_o together_o
distinct_a from_o assurance_n as_o may_v appear_v in_o their_o different_a effect_n assurance_n be_v riches_n and_o not_o poverty_n coloss_n 2._o 2._o joy_n and_o not_o mournng_a 1_o john_n 1._o 4._o satisfaction_n and_o not_o hunger_n of_o want_n and_o emptiness_n psal_n 90._o 14._o so_o in_o that_o parable_n of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o the_o publican_n go_v up_o into_o the_o temple_n to_o pray_v luke_n 18._o 10_o 11._o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi be_v full_a of_o presumption_n and_o false_a confidence_n but_o the_o publican_n through_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o unworthiness_n be_v almost_o overwhelm_v with_o fear_n and_o misgiving_n of_o heart_n he_o stand_v afar_o off_o and_o dare_v not_o draw_v near_o he_o be_v so_o full_a of_o shame_n as_o that_o he_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n to_o heaven_n he_o smite_v his_o breast_n as_o point_v out_o the_o fountain_n from_o whence_o all_o his_o misery_n and_o sin_n do_v flow_v he_o accuse_v himself_o in_o his_o prayer_n as_o a_o great_a sinner_n in_o all_o his_o action_n gesture_n word_n there_o be_v no_o expression_n of_o his_o assurance_n of_o pardon_n and_o yet_o he_o go_v away_o justify_v and_o not_o the_o other_o which_o without_o faith_n he_o can_v not_o have_v be_v a_o second_o demonstration_n be_v from_o the_o state_n of_o desertion_n into_o which_o a_o believer_n may_v fall_v a_o child_n of_o light_n may_v walk_v in_o darkness_n isa_n 50._o 10_o and_o neither_o behold_v the_o sun-light_n of_o god_n countenance_n nor_o the_o starlight_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n for_o many_o day_n he_o may_v be_v as_o a_o tree_n in_o winter_n who_o sap_n be_v whole_o retire_v to_o the_o root_n and_o have_v neither_o fruit_n nor_o leaf_n hang_v on_o it_o to_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v not_o dead_a as_o in_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n there_o be_v for_o a_o time_n subtractio_fw-la visionis_fw-la a_o withdraw_a of_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n but_o not_o dissolutio_fw-la unionis_fw-la any_o break_n or_o dissolution_n of_o the_o union_n so_o in_o the_o dereliction_n that_o a_o believer_n be_v subject_a unto_o there_o may_v be_v a_o separation_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o comfortable_a manifestation_n and_o shine_v forth_o of_o the_o beam_n of_o god_n love_n but_o no_o interruption_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o david_n psal_n 51._o 12._o who_o beg_v the_o restoration_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o god_n salvation_n and_o the_o establishment_n of_o his_o free_a spirit_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o heman_n psal_n 88_o who_o in_o his_o own_o apprehension_n be_v as_o one_o free_a among_o the_o dead_a ver_fw-la 5._o thus_o it_o be_v with_o jonah_n when_o lie_v in_o the_o belly_n of_o the_o whale_n as_o in_o a_o grave_n he_o say_v i_o be_o cast_v out_o of_o thy_o sight_n jonah_n 2._o 4._o but_o yet_o still_o they_o be_v believer_n and_o their_o faith_n be_v alive_a at_o the_o root_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o intercision_n of_o their_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n now_o if_o faith_n when_o assurance_n be_v lose_v do_v continue_v as_o believer_n union_n with_o christ_n it_o will_v also_o begin_v his_o union_n with_o christ_n though_o it_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o assurance_n or_o if_o a_o believer_n may_v lose_v his_o assurance_n and_o yet_o not_o whole_o lose_v his_o say_v then_o may_v he_o also_o have_v faith_n before_o it_o do_v grow_v up_o into_o assurance_n a_o three_o demonstration_n be_v take_v from_o the_o differ_a stature_n and_o condition_n of_o believer_n as_o in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v not_o only_o age_v man_n who_o multitude_n of_o year_n do_v teach_v wi●dom_n and_o young_a man_n who_o bone_n be_v moisten_v with_o marrow_n be_v full_a of_o strength_n but_o there_o be_v also_o infant_n which_o hang_v upon_o the_o breast_n of_o their_o mother_n who_o though_o they_o enjoy_v life_n yet_o do_v not_o know_v that_o they_o have_v life_n or_o be_v able_a to_o reflect_v upon_o any_o action_n which_o they_o do_v so_o in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v not_o only_a monson_n that_o be_v old_a disciple_n experience_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o young_a timothy_n that_o be_v train_v up_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v also_o new_o bear_v babe_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 2._o who_o be_v partaker_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o able_a to_o apprehend_v that_o they_o have_v eternal_a life_n give_v unto_o they_o there_o be_v in_o the_o fold_n of_o christ_n not_o only_a sheep_n which_o he_o lead_v forth_o into_o green_a pasture_n but_o there_o be_v also_o lamb_n which_o he_o gather_v with_o his_o arm_n and_o carry_v in_o his_o bosom_n a_o place_n both_o of_o safety_n and_o of_o warmth_n isa_n 40._o 11._o now_o if_o the_o essence_n of_o faith_n do_v lie_v in_o assurance_n and_o that_o none_o do_v believe_v but_o they_o that_o do_v know_v they_o do_v believe_v this_o distinction_n and_o difference_n between_o christian_n will_v be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o use_n if_o all_o that_o be_v believer_n do_v exercise_v the_o reflex_n act_v of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o the_o direct_a in_o what_o shall_v the_o babe_n in_o christ_n differ_v from_o the_o grow_a man_n where_o in_o shall_v the_o bruise_a reed_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o establish_a cedar_n how_o shall_v the_o thirsty_a and_o weary_a soul_n that_o dare_v not_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v his_o and_o yet_o can_v say_v that_o certain_o he_o be_v he_o be_v comfort_v how_o shall_v the_o sink_a and_o well_o nigh_o despair_v christian_n that_o cry_v out_o he_o have_v no_o save_v faith_n because_o no_o assurance_n have_v doubt_n and_o objection_n comfortable_o answer_v what_o use_n will_v there_o be_v of_o sign_n and_o mark_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v as_o a_o staff_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o weak_a one_o to_o support_v and_o stay_v they_o up_o if_o faith_n do_v stand_v in_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n to_o a_o man_n self_n in_o particular_a st._n john_n whole_a epistle_n which_o be_v write_v for_o this_o end_n that_o believer_n may_v know_v that_o they_o have_v eternal_a life_n 1._o john_n 5._o 13._o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n if_o faith_n itself_o do_v consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o have_v it_o a_o four_o demonstration_n be_v take_v from_o the_o object_n of_o save_v and_o justify_v faith_n which_o be_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o any_o maxim_n or_o proposition_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o assurance_n that_o on_o which_o the_o chief_a act_n of_o justify_v faith_n be_v exercise_v that_o be_v the_o primarie_a object_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o main_a act_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o unite_v christ_n and_o a_o believer_n together_o for_o by_o be_v one_o with_o he_o we_o come_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o he_o and_o not_o otherwise_o now_o that_o which_o make_v this_o union_n on_o the_o believer_n part_n be_v the_o adherence_n and_o cleave_v of_o the_o soul_n unto_o christ_n as_o the_o great_a and_o chief_a good_a as_o the_o lustful_a and_o evil_a eye_n by_o look_v upon_o a_o woman_n do_v make_v such_o a_o union_n with_o she_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o affection_n as_o that_o thereby_o he_o be_v judge_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o adultery_n mat._n 5._o 28._o so_o the_o see_v of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o true_a desire_n of_o enjoy_v he_o be_v such_o a_o marriageglance_n as_o make_v a_o tie_n and_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n that_o thus_o look_v towards_o he_o for_o life_n and_o salvation_n but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v if_o faith_n be_v not_o assurance_n and_o a_o persuasion_n in_o particular_a that_o christ_n be_v i_o wherein_o lie_v the_o application_n of_o faith_n which_o divine_n do_v so_o much_o urgeand_v contend_v for_o against_o the_o papist_n to_o answer_v this_o objection_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o popish_a faith_n which_o stand_v in_o a_o bare_a general_a assent_n unto_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v whole_o insufficient_a to_o salvation_n and_o that_o there_o be_v necessary_o require_v to_o a_o effectual_a and_o save_a faith_n a_o special_a and_o particular_a application_n as_o have_v be_v former_o show_v but_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a application_n the_o one_o be_v axiomaticall_a and_o the_o other_o be_v real_a the_o axiomaticall_a application_n be_v that_o which_o assurance_n make_v whereby_o a_o believer_n be_v enable_v to_o say_v christ_n be_v i_o the_o real_a application_n faith_n make_v in_o which_o though_o a_o believer_n can_v say_v that_o christ_n be_v he_o yet_o he_o do_v by_o a_o act_n of_o recumbency_n cast_v himself_o upon_o christ_n for_o
scandalous_a and_o vile_a pollution_n ought_v so_o far_o to_o judge_v himself_o and_o to_o charge_v the_o guilt_n of_o they_o upon_o his_o soul_n as_o not_o to_o lay_v hold_v immediate_o upon_o the_o promise_n of_o forgiveness_n until_o he_o first_o renew_v his_o repentance_n and_o be_v thorough_o ashamed_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o do_n when_o moses_n intercede_v for_o miriam_n who_o god_n have_v smite_v with_o aleprosie_n if_o her_o father_n say_v the_o lord_n have_v but_o spit_v in_o her_o face_n shall_v she_o not_o have_v be_v ashamed_a seven_o day_n numb_a 12._o 44._o that_o be_v if_o her_o earthly_a father_n provoke_v to_o anger_n have_v express_v his_o displeasure_n by_o spit_v upon_o she_o shall_v she_o not_o for_o a_o season_n have_v be_v sorrowful_a and_o pensive_a how_o much_o more_o than_o when_o her_o heavenly_a father_n be_v displease_v by_o her_o sin_n shall_v she_o for_o a_o time_n be_v ashamed_a and_o shut_v out_o from_o the_o privilege_n and_o society_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a sin_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n without_o remorse_n and_o grief_n of_o heart_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n be_v not_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o presumption_n because_o faith_n always_o proceed_v according_a to_o god_n method_n in_o the_o obtain_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n now_o the_o way_n by_o which_o god_n speak_v peace_n and_o make_v good_a the_o promise_n of_o forgiveness_n be_v by_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o till_o that_o be_v renew_v the_o comfort_n of_o pardon_n be_v suspend_v first_o god_n hear_v ephraim_n bemoan_v himself_o jer._n 31._o 18._o and_o then_o he_o remember_v he_o then_o he_o manifest_v the_o bowel_n of_o a_o tender_a father_n and_o say_v i_o will_v sure_o have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o vers_n 20._o four_o a_o believer_n fall_v into_o gross_a and_o peace-destroying_a sin_n be_v so_o far_o to_o charge_v the_o guilt_n of_o they_o upon_o his_o soul_n as_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o those_o temporal_a affliction_n and_o chastisement_n which_o god_n as_o a_o father_n provoke_v to_o anger_n do_v lay_v upon_o he_o be_v by_o his_o sin_n just_o deserve_v and_o by_o god_n righteous_o inflict_v ●hat_n god_n do_v make_v his_o own_o child_n to_o feel_v the_o smart_n of_o his_o displeasure_n in_o heavy_a and_o sore_a affliction_n occasion_v by_o their_o iniquity_n be_v a_o truth_n which_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o with_o so_o much_o evidence_n that_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v it_o they_o rebel_v and_o vex_v his_o holy_a spirit_n therefore_o he_o be_v turn_v to_o be_v their_o enemy_n and_o he_o fight_v against_o they_o isa_n 63._o 10._o so_o again_o for_o the_o iniquity_n of_o his_o covetousness_n be_v i_o wroth_a and_o smite_v he_o i_o hide_v i_o and_o be_v wroth_a isa_n 57_o 17._o what_o pregnant_a instance_n also_o be_v old_a eli_n upon_o who_o person_n and_o posterity_n god_n bring_v a_o most_o severe_a and_o dreadful_a judgement_n i_o sam._n 2._o 31_o 32_o 33._o david_n who_o complain_v that_o his_o sin_n be_v a_o burden_n too_o heavy_a for_o he_o psal_n 38._o 4._o that_o his_o wound_n stink_v and_o be_v corrupt_v because_o of_o his_o foolishness_n ver_fw-la 5._o that_o he_o be_v feeble_a and_o sore_o break_v v._o 8._o jonah_n who_o cry_v out_o of_o the_o belly_n of_o the_o whale_n as_o out_o of_o the_o belly_n of_o hell_n that_o he_o be_v forsake_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o god_n sight_n jonah_n 2._o 2_o 3._o how_o easy_a be_v it_o by_o a_o addition_n of_o example_n in_o this_o kind_n to_o make_v the_o number_n to_o swell_v into_o a_o catalogue_n but_o a_o taste_n be_v enough_o now_o what_o their_o carriage_n and_o behaviour_n towards_o god_n be_v in_o this_o condition_n see_v it_o in_o their_o expression_n old_a eli_n when_o he_o hear_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n denounce_v against_o he_o say_v it_o be_v the_o lord_n let_v he_o do_v what_o seem_v he_o good_a 1_o sam._n 3._o 18._o david_n under_o all_o his_o pressure_n acknowledge_v that_o in_o faithfulness_n he_o have_v afflict_v he_o psal_n 119._o 75._o so_o jonah_n who_o have_v flee_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o prayer_n that_o he_o pour_v out_o before_o he_o in_o his_o extremity_n confess_v the_o sin_n and_o vanity_n of_o all_o other_o dependency_n save_v on_o god_n alone_o they_o that_o observe_v lie_v vanity_n forsake_v their_o own_o mercy_n jonah_n 2._o 8._o but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v how_o can_v it_o stand_v with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v sin_n in_o his_o child_n with_o any_o such_o kind_n of_o affliction_n christ_n have_v make_v a_o absolute_a and_o plenary_a satisfaction_n for_o they_o to_o this_o the_o answer_n be_v easy_a that_o these_o temporal_a punishment_n though_o they_o have_v displeasure_n mix_v with_o they_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o slow_a from_o the_o vindictive_a justice_n of_o god_n as_o a_o irreconcile_a enemy_n but_o be_v the_o correction_n of_o a_o provoke_v father_n and_o do_v whole_o differ_v in_o the_o end_n from_o the_o vindictive_a which_o be_v not_o medicinal_a but_o destructive_a the_o judge_n who_o sentence_v the_o hand_n of_o a_o malefactor_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o have_v not_o the_o same_o end_n with_o the_o physician_n that_o cut_v of_o a_o hand_n when_o it_o be_v incurable_o fester_v the_o one_o command_v it_o as_o a_o satisfaction_n due_a to_o justice_n the_o other_o enjoin_v it_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o safety_n of_o the_o other_o part_n so_o when_o god_n afflict_v the_o wicked_a and_o believer_n with_o the_o same_o temporal_a evil_n though_o the_o smart_n and_o pain_n may_v be_v in_o both_o alike_o yet_o he_o do_v it_o not_o with_o the_o same_o mind_n nor_o to_o the_o same_o end_n the_o one_o he_o punish_v in_o order_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o justice_n the_o other_o as_o a_o father_n he_o correct_v in_o order_n to_o their_o amendment_n to_o the_o one_o therefore_o it_o be_v proper_o a_o punishment_n and_o to_o the_o other_o true_o a_o medicine_n sect_n 2._o how_o far_o a_o believer_n ought_v not_o to_o charge_v himself_o with_o atrocious_a sin_n the_o second_o head_n that_o i_o be_o to_o speak_v unto_o be_v to_o show_v how_o far_o believer_n be_v not_o to_o charge_v the_o guilt_n of_o their_o great_a and_o most_o heinous_a sin_n upon_o themselves_o and_o this_o also_o take_v in_o the_o four_o follow_v particular_n first_o believer_n be_v not_o to_o charge_v the_o guilt_n of_o such_o sin_n upon_o themselves_o as_o from_o thence_o to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a fall_n from_o the_o state_n of_o justification_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o adoption_n so_o as_o that_o now_o they_o be_v no_o long_a son_n nor_o have_v any_o right_n to_o the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v a_o endless_a and_o unchangeable_a love_n john_n 13._o 1._o and_o have_v its_o perpetuity_n found_v not_o upon_o any_o thing_n in_o we_o but_o upon_o the_o firm_a rock_n of_o his_o will_n and_o counsel_n his_o covenant_n be_v everlasting_a order_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o sure_a although_o we_o be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n 1_o sam._n 23._o 5._o true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o fall_n and_o lapse_n of_o a_o justify_v person_n do_v so_o far_o make_v a_o breach_n upon_o his_o state_n of_o justification_n and_o adoption_n as_o that_o the_o comfort_n and_o privilege_n of_o it_o be_v thereby_o withhold_v and_o suspend_v but_o his_o right_n thereunto_o be_v not_o make_v thursday_n or_o extinguish_v he_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o interdiction_n but_o not_o under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o ejection_n he_o may_v not_o like_o absalon_n see_v the_o king_n face_n 1_o sam._n 14._o 24._o but_o he_o be_v not_o a_o exile_n and_o in_o this_o condition_n he_o do_v abide_v until_o he_o renew_v his_o repentance_n and_o thereby_o recover_v a_o fitness_n and_o aptitude_n to_o enjoy_v what_o before_o he_o have_v a_o right_a unto_o being_n like_o a_o cleanse_a leper_n who_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o return_v unto_o his_o house_n from_o which_o his_o defilement_n have_v separate_v he_o and_o shut_v he_o out_o now_o if_o any_o think_v the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o this_o spiritual_a sequestration_n do_v import_v little_a and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o antidote_n strong_a enough_o to_o check_v the_o presumption_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v in_o believer_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o play_v the_o wanton_n with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o such_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v be_v that_o to_o i_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v as_o blind_a man_n that_o understaud_v little_a or_o nothing_o the_o wide_a difference_n between_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o night_n and_o to_o
dark_a and_o obscure_a than_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o the_o recompense_n of_o our_o service_n under_o the_o gospel_n but_o yet_o both_o do_v centre_n &_o terminate_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o end_n the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o law_n be_v represent_v say_v bright-man_n by_o mare_fw-la aereum_fw-la a_o sea_n of_o brass_n which_o be_v of_o a_o more_o thick_a and_o dark_a substance_n but_o under_o the_o gospel_n by_o mare_fw-la vitreum_fw-la a_o sea_n of_o glass_n which_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o transparent_a rev._n 4._o 6._o sect_n 2._o four_o benefit_n come_v to_o believer_n by_o look_v to_o temporal_a promise_n the_o second_o particular_a be_v to_o show_v the_o several_a benefit_n that_o redound_v to_o believer_n by_o look_v unto_o temporal_a promise_n with_o a_o eye_n of_o faith_n and_o here_o many_o may_v be_v insistedon_n but_o i_o shall_v insist_v only_o on_o four_o first_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n do_v much_o help_n to_o the_o mortification_n of_o inordinate_a desire_n and_o of_o distract_n and_o anxious_a care_n both_o which_o be_v the_o genuine_a fruit_n and_o offspring_n of_o unbelief_n every_o man_n be_v conscious_a unto_o himself_o both_o of_o his_o own_o want_n and_o of_o the_o fade_a condition_n of_o every_o creature_n and_o thereby_o he_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o seek_v in_o a_o restless_a manner_n a_o supply_n of_o present_a necessity_n and_o a_o solicitous_a provision_n for_o all_o future_a contingency_n ask_v many_o a_o man_n why_o he_o toil_v so_o incessant_o to_o the_o break_n of_o his_o head_n with_o care_n and_o his_o body_n with_o labour_n and_o he_o will_v quick_o tell_v you_o that_o he_o have_v none_o to_o trust_v unto_o but_o himself_o that_o he_o know_v not_o what_o hard_a time_n and_o change_n may_v come_v sickness_n may_v befall_v he_o and_o waste_v what_o he_o have_v get_v age_n may_v overtake_v he_o and_o render_v he_o unapt_a for_o labour_n charge_n may_v multiply_v in_o his_o family_n and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o air_n that_o will_v feed_v they_o he_o have_v need_v therefore_o to_o do_v what_o he_o do_v if_o not_o he_o and_o he_o may_v starve_v but_o now_o when_o a_o believer_n can_v look_v unto_o the_o promise_n how_o soon_o be_v all_o these_o tempestuous_a thought_n and_o fear_n calm_v how_o sweet_o be_v the_o heart_n quiet_v by_o cast_v all_o its_o care_n upon_o god_n who_o care_v for_o we_o 1_o pet._n 5_o 7._o how_o quick_o can_v be_v spy_n in_o the_o promise_v god_n obligation_n for_o clothing_n to_o cover_v his_o nakedness_n for_o meat_n to_o satisfy_v his_o hunger_n for_o physic_n to_o cure_v his_o disease_n for_o armour_n to_o safeguard_n his_o person_n for_o treasure_n to_o provide_v for_o his_o family_n &_o posterity_n how_o full_o can_v he_o rest_v content_v in_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v because_o god_n have_v say_v i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o heb._n 13._o 5._o second_o faith_n exercise_v on_o the_o temporal_a promise_n will_v much_o help_v to_o strengthen_v our_o adherence_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o better_a life_n and_o cause_v we_o to_o trust_v more_o perfect_o in_o god_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n matth._n 6._o 26._o that_o if_o god_n feed_v the_o fowl_n and_o clothe_v the_o lily_n he_o will_v much_o more_o provide_v for_o they_o which_o be_v better_a than_o they_o and_o so_o may_v a_o believer_n argue_v with_o himself_o if_o god_n have_v make_v so_o many_o rich_a promise_n of_o provision_n for_o the_o body_n he_o will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o he_o be_v so_o careful_a of_o the_o casket_n he_o will_v not_o be_v unmindful_a of_o the_o jewel_n if_o he_o give_v daily_a bread_n to_o the_o one_o he_o will_v sure_o give_v manna_n to_o the_o other_o if_o he_o make_v our_o pilgrimage_n delightful_a and_o make_v the_o path_n of_o our_o foot_n to_o drop_v fatness_n he_o will_v make_v our_o rest_n and_o habitation_n with_o himself_o to_o be_v glorious_a if_o the_o foot_n tread_v on_o rose_n here_o and_o on_o the_o moon_n and_o star_n hereafter_o how_o orient_a and_o beautiful_a will_v be_v that_o crown_n of_o life_n that_o shall_v be_v set_v upon_o our_o head_n such_o kind_n of_o argumentation_n be_v very_o helpful_a to_o a_o believer_n who_o own_v all_o his_o outward_a comfort_n to_o arise_v from_o god_n faithfulness_n in_o his_o promise_n though_o in_o the_o mere_a and_o naked_a have_v of_o they_o no_o man_n can_v know_v love_n or_o hatred_n eccl._n 9_o 1._o three_o faith_n exercise_v on_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n sweeten_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o every_o blessing_n be_v it_o little_a or_o much_o there_o be_v two_o source_n from_o whence_o all_o outward_a mercy_n flow_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n the_o one_o be_v as_o the_o nether-spring_n from_o which_o every_o creature_n receive_v its_o preservation_n and_o continuance_n he_o open_v his_o hand_n and_o satisfi_v the_o desire_n of_o every_o live_a thing_n psal_n 145._o 16._o the_o other_o be_v as_o the_o upper-spring_n from_o which_o after_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n the_o goodness_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n be_v convey_v unto_o believer_n godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v 1_o tim._n 4._o 8._o now_o the_o stream_n that_o flow_v from_o this_o fountain_n be_v more_o pure_a and_o free_a from_o that_o vexation_n and_o vanity_n which_o the_o abundance_n that_o the_o wicked_a have_v be_v subject_a unto_o because_o they_o be_v sanctify_v by_o christ_n in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o when_o therefore_o a_o believer_n can_v look_v upon_o all_o his_o outward_a enjoyment_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o god_n especial_a love_n and_o can_v say_v as_o jacob_n do_v these_o be_v the_o blessing_n which_o god_n have_v gracious_o give_v his_o servant_n gen._n 33._o 5._o then_o they_o become_v in_o their_o use_n more_o delightful_a and_o in_o their_o taste_n more_o sweet_a a_o small_a portion_n of_o meat_n give_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o great_a personage_n be_v more_o set_v by_o and_o esteem_v than_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o his_o full_a table_n upon_o which_o his_o other_o guest_n do_v feed_v and_o carve_v themselves_o because_o it_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o particular_a character_n and_o mark_n of_o favour_n to_o he_o on_o who_o it_o be_v bestow_v and_o so_o a_o little_a give_v by_o god_n as_o a_o testimony_n of_o his_o peculiar_a love_n and_o care_n towards_o believer_n be_v more_o desirable_a and_o satisfactory_a then_o great_a revenue_n that_o flow_v only_o from_o a_o common_a bounty_n four_o faith_n exercise_v on_o the_o temporal_a promise_n be_v a_o powerful_a antidote_n to_o preserve_v believer_n from_o the_o use_n of_o unlawful_a mean_n both_o in_o the_o seek_n and_o in_o the_o obtain_n of_o all_o earthly_a comfort_n the_o inordinacy_n of_o the_o desire_n put_v man_n ofttimes_o upon_o dangerous_a precipice_n he_o that_o make_v haste_n to_o he_o rich_a shall_v not_o be_v innocent_a prov._n 28._o 20._o so_o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o many_o hurtful_a lust_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 9_o now_o faith_n though_o it_o do_v not_o take_v off_o the_o edge_n of_o man_n industry_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o all_o lawful_a and_o just_a mean_n or_o make_v they_o to_o expect_v to_o be_v feed_v as_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n that_o neither_o sow_n nor_o reap_v or_o to_o be_v clothe_v as_o the_o lily_n of_o the_o field_n that_o neither_o spin_v nor_o labour_v yet_o it_o do_v so_o correct_v and_o allay_v the_o vehemency_n of_o all_o desire_n towards_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n as_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o take_v any_o way_n to_o gain_v they_o which_o the_o word_n do_v not_o warrant_n or_o the_o promise_n sanctify_v faith_n sugge_v to_o they_o that_o it_o be_v not_o their_o labour_n and_o care_n that_o make_v rich_a but_o god_n blessing_n who_o give_v no_o sorrow_n with_o it_o prov._n 10._o 22._o that_o it_o be_v not_o their_o wisdom_n that_o make_v their_o endeavour_n in_o their_o calling_n to_o be_v successful_a but_o god_n fidelity_n and_o truth_n that_o crown_v they_o with_o prosperity_n that_o it_o be_v not_o their_o sweat_n that_o feed_v the_o lamp_n of_o their_o comfort_n and_o make_v it_o to_o shine_v but_o the_o constant_a dropping_n and_o distillation_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o thereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o depend_v upon_o his_o promise_n and_o to_o believe_v that_o such_o a_o dimensum_fw-la and_o portion_n of_o outward_a blessing_n shall_v be_v give_v unto_o they_o as_o that_o they_o may_v true_o say_v with_o the_o
on_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n for_o as_o faith_n be_v true_o the_o life_n and_o guide_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o the_o word_n be_v the_o ground_n life_n and_o guide_n of_o our_o faith_n now_o the_o argument_n that_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o be_v brief_o three_o first_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v that_o life_n which_o above_o all_o other_o god_n will_v have_v believer_n to_o live_v and_o this_o appear_v by_o the_o distance_n that_o god_n have_v put_v between_o his_o promise_n and_o his_o performance_n make_v their_o whole_a life_n to_o be_v rather_o a_o life_n of_o hope_n then_o of_o enjoyment_n and_o the_o good_a thing_n that_o he_o give_v to_o relate_v more_o to_o the_o future_a then_o to_o the_o present_a time_n god_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o open_v a_o door_n of_o hope_n to_o fall_v man_n in_o that_o first_o gospel-promise_n which_o he_o himself_o proclaim_v gen._n 3._o 15._o that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n but_o how_o many_o generation_n pass_v away_o before_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n come_v in_o which_o he_o send_v forth_o his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n he_o have_v promise_v to_o believer_n that_o they_o shall_v tread_v down_o the_o wicked_a and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v ash_n under_o the_o sole_n of_o their_o foot_n mal._n 4._o 3._o but_o yet_o he_o have_v make_v their_o warfare_n to_o be_v as_o long_o as_o their_o life_n he_o have_v promise_v a_o glorious_a resurrection_n of_o their_o body_n out_o of_o the_o grave_n and_o yet_o for_o how_o many_o thousand_o year_n have_v his_o saint_n lie_v dissolve_v in_o their_o dust_n as_o if_o they_o do_v seem_v to_o be_v altogether_o forget_v by_o he_o now_o to_o what_o end_n have_v god_n set_v such_o long_a period_n of_o time_n between_o the_o make_n and_o the_o accomplish_n of_o his_o promise_n but_o only_o that_o he_o will_v have_v the_o heir_n of_o they_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n yea_o and_o to_o die_v in_o faith_n by_o rest_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o every_o mercy_n which_o he_o have_v undertake_v for_o in_o his_o promise_n and_o indeed_o this_o glory_n which_o believer_n give_v to_o god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o faith_n upon_o his_o word_n be_v far_o great_a and_o more_o noble_a than_o all_o that_o glory_n which_o the_o whole_a universe_n of_o creature_n do_v yield_v unto_o he_o they_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o goodness_n in_o their_o be_v and_o in_o the_o comfort_n of_o it_o derive_v unto_o they_o by_o he_o but_o who_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n in_o his_o promise_n but_o a_o believer_n who_o be_v it_o that_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n rom._n 5._o 2._o but_o a_o believer_n who_o glory_v in_o tribulation_n but_o a_o believer_n who_o be_v it_o that_o let_v not_o his_o confidence_n die_v when_o his_o life_n expire_v but_o a_o believer_n my_o flesh_n and_o my_o heart_n fail_v say_v david_n but_o god_n be_v the_o rock_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o my_o portion_n for_o ever_o psal_n 73._o 26._o second_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v of_o all_o estate_n the_o most_o content_a and_o of_o all_o live_v the_o full_a of_o real_a sweetness_n and_o delight_n first_o it_o be_v the_o most_o content_a life_n true_a contentment_n be_v the_o inseparable_a companion_n of_o true_a faith_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 6._o a_o believer_n be_v the_o only_a person_n that_o be_v instruct_v in_o this_o sacred_a mystery_n phil._n 4._o 13._o the_o thing_n that_o other_o want_v he_o desire_v not_o riches_n which_o other_o covet_v with_o the_o strain_n of_o their_o conscience_n he_o throw_v away_o as_o snare_n pleasure_n which_o other_o drink_v down_o with_o a_o thirst_n unsatisfied_a he_o out_o of_o choice_n spare_o sip_v of_o or_o else_o refuse_v so_o much_o as_o to_o taste_v honour_n that_o other_o value_v themselves_o by_o he_o look_v upon_o as_o fancy_n and_o not_o reality_n as_o plato_n tell_v the_o musician_n that_o a_o philosopher_n can_v dine_v and_o eat_v his_o meat_n without_o they_o so_o a_o believer_n can_v live_v happy_o without_o the_o have_v of_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o this_o be_v because_o by_o faith_n he_o live_v above_o they_o and_o enjoy_v more_o high_a and_o noble_a delight_n in_o the_o very_a expectation_n and_o hope_n of_o that_o blessedness_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v than_o any_o other_o can_v have_v from_o the_o fruition_n of_o a_o earthly_a paradise_n or_o of_o the_o whole_a world_n itself_o if_o turn_v and_o change_v into_o a_o eden_n second_o of_o all_o life_n the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o sweet_a the_o delicacy_n that_o faith_n feed_v upon_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o any_o stagnant_a and_o impure_a pit_n or_o cistern_n but_o from_o the_o fountain_n and_o well_o of_o life_n it_o suck_v the_o breast_n of_o consolation_n isay_n 66._o 11._o it_o live_v upon_o the_o free_a favour_n of_o god_n which_o be_v better_o than_o life_n itself_o psal_n 63._o 3._o it_o have_v christ_n himself_o for_o nutriment_n who_o flesh_n be_v meat_n indeed_o who_o blood_n be_v drink_v indeed_o john_n 6._o 55._o all_o which_o be_v food_n the_o world_n know_v not_o of_o it_o never_o understand_v their_o preciousness_n or_o taste_v their_o sweetness_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o repast_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o refreshment_n of_o the_o world_n than_o there_o be_v between_o the_o physic_n of_o the_o galenist_n &_o paracelsian_n the_o one_o give_v it_o in_o the_o drug_n and_o the_o other_o as_o they_o boast_v in_o the_o quintessence_n and_o spirit_n extract_v from_o that_o phlegm_n and_o earthymatter_v that_o dead_v &_o allay_v their_o efficacy_n all_o the_o comfort_n of_o faith_n have_v in_o they_o a_o native_a purity_n and_o spiritualnesse_n and_o need_v not_o the_o help_n of_o artist_n to_o refine_v they_o such_o they_o be_v as_o that_o angel_n themselves_o have_v neither_o better_o nor_o high_o to_o live_v upon_o how_o injurious_a then_o be_v believer_n to_o their_o own_o happiness_n while_o they_o neglect_v the_o live_n by_o faith_n and_o gaze_v rather_o upon_o these_o dainty_n with_o their_o eye_n then_o feed_v upon_o they_o with_o their_o mouth_n how_o great_o do_v they_o live_v below_o themselves_o while_o they_o take_v up_o with_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o put_v not_o forth_o this_o divine_a grace_n of_o faith_n which_o can_v fetch_v every_o good_a thing_n out_o of_o heaven_n what_o dishonour_n do_v they_o cast_v on_o the_o precious_a promise_n while_o like_o the_o lustful_a israelite_n they_o slight_a this_o manna_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o dry_a food_n o_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o excellency_n in_o the_o promise_n be_v persuade_v you_o that_o be_v the_o belove_a one_o of_o god_n to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o exercise_v it_o in_o a_o improvement_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o use_n of_o which_o make_v you_o more_o rich_a and_o bless_a then_o the_o have_v of_o they_o three_o to_o move_v believer_n to_o act_v faith_n upon_o the_o promise_n i_o shall_v add_v this_o argument_n that_o their_o labour_n and_o expectation_n will_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a faith_n in_o the_o promise_n be_v like_o the_o bow_n of_o jonathan_n and_o the_o sword_n of_o saul_n which_o never_o return_v empty_a 2_o sam._n 1._o 22._o it_o always_o find_v what_o it_o seek_v and_o enjoy_v what_o it_o desire_v he_o that_o believe_v shall_v never_o be_v confound_v 1_o pet._n 2._o 6._o that_o be_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v disappoint_v or_o break_v in_o his_o purpose_n or_o hope_n if_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o good_a security_n to_o rest_n and_o build_v upon_o what_o be_v what_o bond_n can_v be_v so_o firm_a as_o his_o word_n who_o can_v lie_v tit._n 1._o 9_o what_o pledge_n can_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o the_o inheritance_n of_o believer_n be_v seal_v unto_o they_o ephes_n 1._o 14._o if_o these_o foundation_n fail_v than_o we_o may_v well_o say_v with_o the_o prophet_n what_o can_v the_o righteous_a do_v but_o soon_o shall_v the_o rock_n be_v break_v into_o bit_n and_o throw_v as_o pebble_n and_o cockleshell_n upon_o the_o shore_n by_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o wave_n soon_o shall_v the_o mountain_n that_o god_n have_v set_v fast_o by_o his_o strength_n psal_n 65._o 6._o be_v over-turned_n by_o the_o breath_n of_o tempestuous_a wind_n than_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o immutable_a power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o never-failing_a goodness_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o least_o iota_fw-la make_v void_a
and_o of_o no_o effect_n for_o beside_o the_o infallibility_n of_o god_n word_n which_o may_v abundant_o confirm_v unto_o believer_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o goodness_n also_o and_o mercy_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o another_o sacred_a anchor_n for_o their_o faith_n and_o confidence_n to_o rest_v upon_o if_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o promise_n it_o be_v serious_o think_v on_o in_o two_o particular_n first_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o real_a purchase_n of_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n and_o must_v therefore_o be_v certain_o make_v good_a or_o else_o he_o must_v be_v a_o loser_n in_o all_o his_o suffering_n if_o he_o like_v jonathan_n 1_o sam._n 18._o 4._o shall_v strip_v himself_o not_o only_o of_o his_o robe_n but_o of_o his_o life_n that_o he_o may_v express_v his_o love_n to_o distress_a and_o undo_v person_n with_o who_o god_n be_v angry_a and_o displease_v and_o yet_o they_o receive_v no_o advantage_n or_o fruit_n by_o it_o will_v not_o all_o these_o condescension_n of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n be_v in_o vain_a if_o he_o shall_v drink_v of_o that_o brook_n and_o torrent_n of_o curse_n that_o be_v in_o the_o way_n between_o salvation_n and_o sinner_n and_o yet_o the_o passage_n to_o the_o heavenly_a canaan_n be_v no_o more_o open_a than_o it_o be_v before_o shall_v not_o christ_n be_v a_o great_a loser_n than_o sinner_n themselves_o they_o it_o be_v true_a lose_v their_o soul_n each_o of_o which_o be_v of_o more_o value_n than_o so_o many_o world_n but_o christ_n must_v lose_v the_o revenue_n of_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v far_o more_o precious_a than_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n how_o will_v sin_n exult_v and_o triumph_v if_o it_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o say_v there_o be_v a_o pardon_n covenant_v for_o to_o be_v give_v such_o a_o person_n but_o i_o have_v hinder_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o how_o will_v satan_n reproach_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o can_v be_v able_a to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v destroy_v one_o soul_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v yea_o how_o shall_v paul_n or_o any_o other_o believer_n be_v able_a to_o throw_v forth_o their_o gauntlet_n and_o to_o challenge_v all_o the_o enemy_n of_o salvation_n to_o do_v their_o worst_a rom._n 8._o 31._o if_o any_o of_o they_o can_v make_v a_o separation_n between_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o how_o quick_o will_v tribulation_n persecution_n famine_n nakedness_n say_v we_o will_v make_v you_o miserable_a how_o soon_o will_v peril_n and_o the_o sword_n reply_n we_o will_v conquer_v you_o how_o confident_o woo_a principality_n and_o power_n say_v we_o will_v pluck_v you_o out_o of_o christ_n hand_n but_o for_o ever_o bless_v be_v his_o name_n there_o be_v none_o among_o the_o whole_a host_n of_o enemy_n that_o dare_v revile_v the_o confidence_n of_o a_o believer_n or_o say_v as_o that_o uncircumcised_a philistine_n to_o david_n 1_o sam._n 17._o 44._o i_o will_v give_v thy_o flesh_n to_o the_o fowl_n 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