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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n faith_n see_v word_n 4,873 5 4.1895 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A80611 Christ the fountaine of life: or, Sundry choyce sermons on part of the fift chapter of the first Epistle of St. John. Preached by that learned judicious divine, and faithfull minister of Jesus Christ, Mr. John Cotton B.D. now preacher at Boston in New-England. Published according to Order. Cotton, John, 1584-1652. 1651 (1651) Wing C6418; Thomason E630_1; ESTC R206444 209,049 264

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use_v this_o two-edged_a sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o all_o those_o end_n by_o which_o we_o come_v to_o be_v make_v perfect_a unto_o salvation_n and_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n reason_n 1._o why_o they_o be_v write_v to_o such_o as_o believe_v as_o they_o serve_v for_o those_o benefit_n so_o also_o for_o those_o end_n it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o little_a use_n which_o unbeliever_n will_v make_v of_o these_o writing_n till_o they_o come_v on_o to_o believe_v so_o little_a that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o some_o believer_n among_o they_o who_o god_n have_v respect_n unto_o none_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v vouchsafe_v to_o have_v write_v any_o one_o epistle_n to_o any_o unbeliever_n of_o any_o town_n or_o assembly_n none_o of_o they_o all_o write_v to_o any_o but_o to_o such_o as_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v there_o be_v any_o benefit_n likely_a to_o be_v expect_v from_o unbelieved_a 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on_o wonderful_o to_o believe_v famous_a be_v that_o of_o the_o berean_o act_n 17.11_o 12._o they_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o what_o he_o speak_v they_o receive_v it_o glad_o they_o think_v he_o speak_v well_o but_o they_o search_v daily_o to_o see_v whether_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v be_v so_o or_o no_o therefore_o see_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o vers_n 12._o many_o of_o they_o believe_v they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o reverence_n and_o do_v not_o cavil_v at_o it_o but_o hear_v it_o patient_o and_o when_o they_o come_v at_o home_o confer_v about_o it_o and_o when_o upon_o examination_n they_o see_v it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n when_o they_o see_v that_o what_o paul_n preach_v be_v suitable_a to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v great_a upon_o they_o for_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v not_o a_o few_o to_o show_v you_o that_o a_o man_n that_o have_v hear_v the_o 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and_o to_o make_v we_o believe_v more_o word_n 5._o meditation_n on_o the_o word_n five_o the_o word_n also_o meditate_a upon_o when_o a_o man_n have_v hear_v it_o and_o search_v it_o and_o believe_v it_o read_v and_o confer_v about_o it_o or_o say_v none_o of_o these_o for_o the_o present_a but_o whether_o these_o have_v go_v before_o or_o no_o for_o the_o present_a the_o very_a meditation_n of_o god_n word_n which_o a_o man_n now_o take_v into_o his_o mind_n as_o he_o be_v ride_v or_o work_v there_o be_v a_o mighty_a power_n in_o the_o word_n ponder_v upon_o it_o and_o chew_v of_o it_o to_o make_v a_o man_n more_o root_v in_o it_o more_o fruitful_a and_o more_o comfortable_a in_o believe_v this_o truth_n you_o see_v in_o psal_n 1.1_o 2_o 3._o when_o a_o man_n meditate_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o god_n day_n and_o night_n he_o grow_v to_o more_o delight_n in_o it_o one_o of_o these_o help_v another_o and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o he_o shall_v be_v like_o a_o tree_n plant_v by_o the_o river_n of_o water_n plant_v and_o root_v and_o well_o water_v there_o and_o he_o bring_v forth_o his_o fruit_n in_o due_a season_n and_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v shall_v prosper_v not_o as_o plant_v in_o a_o dry_a wilderness_n but_o by_o the_o river_n of_o water_n and_o that_o make_v he_o not_o only_o well_o root_v and_o grow_v tall_a but_o it_o inable_v he_o to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o due_a season_n and_o as_o for_o his_o leaf_n it_o wither_v not_o neither_o summer_n heat_n nor_o winter_n frost_n make_v it_o to_o fall_v but_o he_o still_o hold_v his_o greenness_n and_o his_o fruitfulness_n and_o he_o grow_v in_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o this_o be_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o delight_v and_o meditate_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v the_o point_n open_v use_v 1_o first_o then_o you_o may_v from_o hence_o gather_v a_o sign_n of_o trial_n of_o your_o own_o faith_n 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not_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o faithful_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o it_o will_v be_v but_o uncomfortable_a to_o such_o minister_n as_o think_v now_o they_o may_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o wide_a world_n minister_n property_n of_o a_o faithful_a minister_n they_o will_v shift_v any_o where_o but_o where_o we_o see_v any_o seed_n of_o faith_n begin_v we_o must_v be_v desirous_a to_o increase_v it_o in_o ourselves_o and_o we_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o pray_v lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n luke_n 17.5_o and_o so_o they_o desire_v to_o increase_v other_o man_n faith_n we_o have_v need_n grow_v fast_o this_o way_n if_o we_o will_v have_v a_o true_a sign_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n true_a and_o lively_a faith_n always_o desire_v to_o grow_v in_o itself_o and_o it_o will_v cause_v the_o like_a faith_n also_o to_o grow_v in_o other_o and_o therefore_o as_o you_o see_v faithful_a minister_n be_v thus_o desirous_a to_o grow_v themselves_o and_o to_o cause_v other_o to_o grow_v as_o paul_n pray_v exceed_o night_a and_o day_n to_o come_v to_o those_o who_o he_o have_v take_v pain_n withal_o that_o he_o may_v make_v a_o supply_n of_o what_o be_v want_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o as_o faithful_a minister_n must_v clothe_v themselves_o with_o this_o earnest_a desire_n to_o be_v call_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o upon_o believer_n that_o such_o as_o do_v believe_v may_v believe_v yet_o more_o and_o grow_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n true_o so_o godly_a christian_n look_v as_o minister_n be_v desirous_a to_o grow_v in_o their_o own_o faith_n and_o to_o help_v on_o other_o so_o in_o christian_n it_o be_v a_o true_a sign_n of_o faith_n not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o in_o truth_n of_o faith_n but_o to_o desire_v earnest_o after_o growth_n in_o faith_n have_v not_o they_o cause_n to_o pray_v that_o paul_n may_v come_v among_o they_o again_o and_o help_v they_o and_o therefore_o doubtless_o this_o be_v that_o which_o every_o true_a believer_n have_v respect_n unto_o every_o 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forgive_v he_o etc._n etc._n now_o they_o apprehend_v it_o be_v a_o great_a work_n they_o see_v it_o be_v a_o great_a work_n to_o rebuke_v he_o he_o have_v need_n have_v much_o faith_n before_o he_o can_v do_v that_o but_o suppose_v upon_o that_o a_o man_n do_v humble_a himself_o and_o repent_v then_o for_o a_o man_n to_o forgive_v he_o this_o note_v this_o it_o require_v a_o great_a faith_n to_o forgive_v a_o wrong_n or_o a_o injury_n offer_v to_o we_o but_o what_o if_o he_o come_v and_o offend_v i_o again_o and_o again_o seventy_o time_n seven_o time_n why_o if_o he_o do_v and_o say_v it_o repent_v i_o thou_o shall_v forgive_v he_o now_o when_o they_o hear_v this_o that_o a_o man_n must_v be_v so_o free-hearted_a in_o forgive_a wrong_n and_o injury_n do_v to_o themselves_o they_o have_v need_n have_v a_o strong_a love_n and_o strong_a love_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o strong_a faith_n to_o show_v you_o that_o a_o man_n that_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o trade_n with_o his_o 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a_o pleasant_a place_n if_o we_o have_v he_o for_o our_o portion_n we_o have_v enough_o therein_o the_o soul_n be_v full_o satisfy_v and_o if_o we_o have_v lose_v he_o we_o chief_o mourn_v for_o that_o our_o chief_a care_n be_v to_o get_v he_o and_o we_o mourn_v most_o bitter_o for_o want_v of_o he_o zach._n 12.10_o and_o we_o make_v it_o our_o desire_n chief_o to_o have_v he_o and_o then_o we_o true_o have_v he_o when_o we_o so_o set_v he_o up_o in_o our_o heart_n we_o may_v affect_v many_o earthly_a blessing_n and_o want_v they_o as_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o friend_n and_o health_n and_o yet_o want_v they_o all_o but_o no_o man_n desire_v christ_n thus_o but_o he_o have_v he_o i_o mean_v if_o he_o desire_v he_o as_o his_o chief_a good_a the_o have_v of_o any_o blessing_n do_v not_o so_o rejoice_v his_o heart_n nor_o the_o want_n of_o it_o so_o afflict_v he_o such_o a_o soul_n have_v christ_n object_n but_o the_o church_n in_o cant._n 3.1_o she_o want_v christ_n and_o yet_o 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that_o have_v any_o high_a esteem_n of_o god_n or_o any_o strong_a affection_n to_o he_o but_o the_o more_o high_o and_o deep_o he_o affect_v he_o the_o more_o he_o disaffect_v himself_o and_o loathe_v himself_o as_o unmeet_a to_o come_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o as_o isaiah_n see_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n sit_v upon_o the_o cherubin_n he_o cry_v out_o woe_n be_v i_o i_o be_o undo_v for_o i_o be_o a_o man_n of_o unclean_a lip_n etc._n etc._n esa_n 6.5.6_o spirit_n sweet_a frame_n of_o spirit_n this_o shall_v you_o ever_o find_v to_o be_v the_o frame_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o christian_n the_o more_o deep_o he_o affect_v christ_n the_o more_o inward_o he_o loathe_v himself_o he_o look_v at_o himself_o as_o fit_v rather_o to_o be_v swallow_v up_o of_o judgement_n then_o capable_a of_o any_o mercy_n not_o only_o grieve_v for_o his_o sin_n against_o christ_n or_o not_o only_o the_o more_o fear_v his_o sin_n note_n note_n or_o the_o more_o be_v ashamed_a 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one_o and_o which_o be_v more_o as_o he_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n so_o he_o have_v respect_v to_o all_o god_n commandment_n in_o all_o his_o way_n there_o be_v a_o double_a universality_n of_o obedience_n and_o they_o both_o hold_v forth_o this_o truth_n it_o bring_v into_o subjection_n every_o thought_n and_o imagination_n to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 10.9_o now_o this_o be_v a_o marvellous_a subjection_n that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o to_o dare_v to_o allow_v himself_o in_o so_o much_o as_o a_o thought_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n unless_o a_o thought_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o allowable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n he_o dare_v not_o accept_v it_o when_o a_o man_n have_v such_o a_o profess_a subjection_n to_o christ_n that_o as_o he_o respect_v every_o commandment_n of_o god_n so_o he_o will_v not_o be_v at_o his_o own_o choice_n in_o so_o much_o as_o 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trust_v not_o in_o the_o outward_a letter_n of_o they_o phil._n 3.6_o 7_o 8._o this_o be_v that_o which_o keep_v off_o many_o a_o poor_a soul_n from_o come_v on_o to_o grace_n he_o live_v in_o no_o open_a gross_a sin_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n christ_n be_v preach_v among_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o conclude_v that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n christ_n will_v receive_v they_o and_o yet_o this_o will_n then_o deceive_v they_o matth._n 7.22_o 23._o some_o iniquity_n rest_v still_o in_o their_o hand_n for_o which_o he_o will_v bid_v they_o depart_v from_o he_o as_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n they_o it_o may_v be_v have_v some_o of_o they_o be_v themselves_o minister_n and_o have_v do_v much_o good_a in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o call_v upon_o he_o lord_n lord_n and_o yet_o but_o hypocrite_n which_o show_v you_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o liberty_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o they_o that_o can_v secure_v we_o and_o therefore_o trust_v not_o in_o they_o trust_v not_o in_o this_o that_o you_o be_v diligent_a hearer_n or_o that_o you_o can_v pray_v powerful_o trust_v not_o in_o this_o though_o you_o be_v preacher_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o trust_v on_o he_o only_o for_o life_n and_o salvation_n and_o he_o will_v never_o deceive_v you_o and_o as_o at_o all_o time_n we_o be_v to_o sit_v loose_a from_o the_o ordinance_n in_o respect_n of_o our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n so_o sometime_o we_o must_v be_v content_a to_o forgo_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n this_o note_v this_o if_o we_o can_v enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o ordinance_n but_o with_o sin_n against_o our_o soul_n in_o this_o case_n the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v neglect_v and_o omit_v if_o he_o can_v have_v they_o with_o innocency_n and_o purity_n to_o his_o soul_n he_o must_v let_v they_o go_v all_o the_o good_a priest_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o minister_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o 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rather_o than_o defile_v our_o own_o heart_n and_o hand_n with_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o so_o cant._n 1.7.8_o tell_v i_o where_o thou_o dwell_v and_o feed_v thy_o flock_n at_o noon_n after_o the_o separation_n be_v make_v between_o israel_n and_o judah_n when_o the_o mother_n church_n of_o israel_n be_v angry_a with_o the_o church_n of_o judah_n and_o cast_v she_o off_o tell_v i_o where_o thou_o lie_v and_o feed_v thy_o flock_n etc._n etc._n how_o shall_v i_o go_v to_o the_o golden_a calf_n at_o dan_n and_o bethel_n and_o worship_n there_o where_o god_n have_v never_o put_v his_o name_n to_o be_v worship_v why_o christ_n answer_v they_o if_o thou_o know_v not_o o_o thou_o the_o fair_a among_o woman_n as_o all_o such_o christian_n be_v the_o fair_a among_o woman_n if_o thou_o know_v not_o where_o i_o rest_v go_v forth_o by_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o by_o the_o shepherd_n tent_n and_o feed_v there_o have_v they_o not_o remove_v their_o tent_n to_o jerusalem_n why_o 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purity_n thereof_o but_o must_v be_v cast_v off_o from_o be_v priest_n unless_o they_o will_v do_v all_o than_o they_o be_v content_a to_o be_v cast_v out_o from_o all_o fellowship_n with_o the_o church_n and_o leave_v their_o estate_n and_o forego_v all_o rather_o than_o enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o some_o other_o with_o sinful_a defilement_n and_o though_o it_o may_v be_v think_v their_o own_o over_o much_o over_o readiness_n to_o cast_v off_o themselves_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o holy_a ghost_n excuse_v it_o they_o do_v not_o cast_v off_o themselves_o but_o the_o text_n say_v jeroboham_n cast_v they_o out_o if_o they_o will_v not_o minister_v upon_o such_o term_n than_o it_o be_v he_o that_o cast_v they_o out_o and_o that_o be_v the_o sin_n chief_o whereby_o he_o make_v israel_n to_o sin_n and_o therefore_o when_o you_o come_v to_o the_o ordinance_n and_o though_o you_o find_v christ_n there_o yet_o trust_v not_o upon_o they_o unless_o you_o trust_v upon_o christ_n and_o seek_v he_o to_o give_v you_o a_o meeting_n there_o you_o have_v trust_v but_o upon_o lie_v word_n you_o go_v out_o full_a and_o come_v empty_a home_o you_o hear_v much_o and_o profit_v little_a and_o all_o that_o you_o learn_v you_o put_v into_o a_o break_a bag_n into_o crack_a memory_n and_o all_o because_o you_o do_v so_o trust_v upon_o the_o mean_n and_o true_o in_o this_o case_n this_o shall_v you_o often_o find_v to_o be_v true_a you_o come_v full_a of_o hopeful_a expectation_n to_o the_o congregation_n but_o return_v very_o empty_a home_n or_o full_a of_o bitterness_n in_o your_o soul_n and_o all_o be_v because_o you_o trust_v in_o lie_a word_n in_o word_n that_o can_v not_o profit_v you_o trust_v in_o the_o part_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o sacrament_n word_n and_o prayer_n but_o what_o be_v paul_n and_o what_o be_v apollo_n one_o of_o they_o may_v plant_v another_o may_v water_v but_o neither_o of_o both_o can_v give_v the_o increase_n 1_o cor._n 3.5_o 6._o he_o that_o plant_n and_o he_o that_o water_n be_v nothing_o therefore_o chief_o have_v respect_n to_o christ_n look_v not_o at_o paul_n nor_o at_o apollo_n nor_o at_o any_o though_o you_o have_v man_n equal_a with_o they_o for_o gift_n have_v you_o such_o yet_o if_o you_o put_v trust_v and_o confidence_n in_o they_o you_o will_v loose_v all_o the_o blessing_n that_o you_o desire_v and_o hope_v to_o find_v in_o they_o and_o therefore_o so_o come_v to_o the_o ordinance_n as_o that_o you_o trust_v not_o in_o the_o mean_n pray_v to_o christ_n to_o bless_v the_o ordinance_n to_o you_o and_o entreat_v he_o to_o cleanse_v your_o heart_n and_o hand_n from_o those_o evil_n that_o be_v in_o his_o sight_n and_o come_v trust_v on_o he_o not_o on_o any_o strength_n in_o the_o mean_n but_o on_o his_o blessing_n upon_o the_o mean_n and_o then_o he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o you_o if_o you_o thus_o seek_v he_o in_o truth_n but_o if_o they_o can_v be_v have_v but_o with_o danger_n to_o you_o to_o lose_v the_o peace_n of_o your_o conscience_n this_o note_v this_o then_o be_v content_a to_o fit_v loose_a to_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o from_o christian_a communication_n then_o in_o this_o case_n give_v this_o price_n also_o for_o christ_n for_o we_o come_v not_o to_o the_o ordinance_n for_o the_o ordinance_n sake_n but_o for_o christ_n sake_n to_o find_v he_o there_o but_o rather_o then_o willing_o put_v forth_o our_o hand_n to_o any_o sin_n rather_o loose_v the_o ordinance_n then_o loose_a christ_n four_o there_o be_v yet_o something_o more_o than_o all_o this_o a_o further_a price_n to_o pay_v if_o we_o mean_v to_o purchase_v christ_n and_o that_o be_v that_o we_o part_n with_o all_o our_o good_a
crooked_a way_n be_v make_v straight_o and_o rough_a way_n make_v smooth_a isa_n 40.3_o 4._o and_o this_o be_v the_o preparation_n we_o must_v make_v for_o christ_n to_o come_v into_o we_o you_o have_v sometime_o hear_v this_o full_o speak_v to_o that_o be_v when_o the_o high_a mountain_n of_o our_o great_a spirit_n and_o lofty_a look_n be_v bring_v so_o low_a that_o we_o be_v content_a to_o be_v nothing_o in_o our_o own_o eye_n that_o we_o have_v all_o we_o have_v in_o christ_n and_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v nothing_o to_o he_o and_o be_v willing_a that_o he_o shall_v take_v all_o from_o we_o whatever_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o part_v with_o and_o when_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v whatsoever_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v and_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v with_o we_o what_o be_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n then_o these_o high_a mountain_n be_v bring_v low_o we_o be_v make_v fit_a for_o christ_n to_o come_v into_o we_o we_o must_v have_v no_o crooked_a way_n of_o our_o own_o if_o we_o have_v any_o imagination_n of_o our_o own_o leave_v in_o we_o that_o we_o will_v part_v with_o such_o and_o such_o lust_n but_o yet_o be_v loath_a to_o be_v dispose_v of_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o god_n will_v have_v we_o than_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o god_n he_o will_v not_o climb_v for_o it_o but_o if_o we_o smooth_v the_o way_n for_o he_o than_o he_o will_v come_v into_o our_o heart_n but_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v to_o be_v fill_v up_o every_o low_a valley_n and_o that_o hold_v forth_o two_o thing_n every_o valley_n shall_v be_v fill_v that_o be_v first_o every_o base_a heart_n shall_v lift_v up_o itself_o to_o the_o high_a thing_n of_o god_n for_o he_o speak_v of_o valley_n first_o as_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o low_a dejectedness_n in_o the_o creature_n as_o make_v it_o unfit_a for_o christ_n god_n require_v that_o every_o base_a heart_n shall_v be_v exalt_v to_o the_o mind_v of_o high_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n lift_v up_o far_o above_o these_o low_a thing_n that_o can_v reach_v the_o way_n of_o god_n these_o gate_n must_v stand_v open_a and_o be_v lift_v up_o that_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n may_v come_v in_o psal_n 24.7_o to_o 10._o and_o he_o mean_v the_o gate_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o he_o call_v they_o the_o gate_n of_o eternity_n they_o be_v our_o heart_n and_o soul_n stand_v not_o pore_v upon_o earthly_a thing_n here_o below_o but_o lift_v up_o your_o head_n high_a look_v for_o a_o god_n and_o for_o a_o kingdom_n stand_v not_o peddle_v about_o these_o earthly_a thing_n as_o if_o you_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o look_v after_o your_o heart_n lie_v too_o low_a for_o christ_n to_o come_v into_o but_o if_o you_o will_v lie_v level_n with_o he_o then_o lift_v up_o your_o mind_n to_o heavenly_a thing_n let_v the_o bent_n of_o your_o heart_n be_v for_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o for_o everlasting_a life_n be_v of_o a_o level_n frame_n of_o spirit_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o then_o christ_n will_v come_v into_o you_o and_o as_o it_o imply_v that_o the_o heart_n must_v not_o be_v too_o low_a for_o christ_n through_o baseness_n of_o spirit_n and_o a_o earthly_a mind_n so_o it_o may_v be_v too_o low_a through_o despair_n and_o through_o excessive_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n he_o may_v be_v cast_v so_o low_o down_o in_o dejection_n of_o spirit_n that_o his_o heart_n lie_v too_o low_a for_o christ_n not_o able_a to_o lay_v hold_n on_o god_n favour_n to_o he_o in_o christ_n think_v the_o promise_n belong_v not_o to_o he_o it_o be_v well_o and_o happy_a for_o they_o that_o can_v lay_v hold_n upon_o they_o but_o for_o his_o part_n there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o promise_v reach_v he_o do_v you_o ever_o know_v any_o in_o my_o case_n find_v mercy_n now_o the_o heart_n lie_v something_o too_o low_a this_o man_n heart_n be_v not_o base_a he_o look_v at_o christ_n as_o the_o most_o honourable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n he_o set_v his_o heart_n upon_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o will_v be_v glad_a with_o all_o his_o heart_n that_o he_o have_v his_o part_n in_o it_o but_o he_o be_v deject_v and_o lie_v too_o low_a fit_a to_o despair_v and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n a_o christian_a must_v be_v thus_o far_o exalt_v as_o to_o be_v make_v level_n with_o christ_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v hope_n in_o israel_n touch_v his_o estate_n christ_n have_v have_v mercy_n upon_o many_o in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o he_o will_v do_v so_o to_o we_o if_o we_o seek_v he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o ordinance_n and_o if_o therefore_o we_o resolve_v to_o seek_v he_o and_o put_v our_o mouth_n in_o the_o dust_n expect_v salvation_n to_o be_v reveal_v by_o he_o and_o follow_v he_o in_o his_o ordinance_n and_o never_o have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n and_o will_v still_o continue_v to_o seek_v he_o than_o we_o begin_v to_o be_v something_o level_n with_o christ_n but_o you_o say_v there_o be_v such_o a_o crookedness_n in_o my_o heart_n and_o unevennesse_n that_o christ_n can_v come_v in_o true_o that_o must_v be_v make_v straight_o prince_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o go_v down_o back_o lane_n but_o down_o plain_a way_n so_o christ_n as_o he_o will_v have_v his_o way_n neither_o too_o high_a nor_o too_o low_a so_o he_o will_v not_o go_v round_o about_o but_o will_v have_v the_o way_n to_o lie_v plain_a before_o he_o the_o judgement_n and_o heart_n and_o affection_n lie_v in_o such_o sort_n of_o evenness_n as_o simple_o to_o aim_v at_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o his_o way_n and_o therein_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o then_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n in_o a_o good_a frame_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o a_o man_n heart_n but_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v guide_v in_o it_o by_o the_o straight_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o he_o aim_v direct_o at_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o come_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o do_v of_o his_o will_n then_o be_v all_o a_o man_n crooked_a way_n lay_v aside_o and_o the_o heart_n lie_v so_o level_v that_o christ_n will_v sudden_o come_v into_o his_o temple_n these_o crooked_a wind_n of_o a_o spirit_n of_o hypocrisy_n be_v make_v straight_o when_o he_o be_v bring_v low_a yet_o he_o may_v have_v much_o hypocrisy_n in_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v more_o than_o he_o be_v he_o may_v be_v do_v good_a duty_n more_o to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n then_o that_o god_n shall_v observe_v he_o therefore_o when_o god_n have_v bring_v we_o to_o this_o that_o we_o be_v desirous_a of_o grace_n rather_o in_o truth_n then_o in_o outward_a show_n or_o if_o in_o show_n but_o that_o we_o may_v do_v other_o good_a thereby_o and_o single_o aim_v at_o god_n glory_n in_o it_o and_o desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o walk_v by_o the_o straight_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o be_v our_o heart_n cleanse_v in_o some_o measure_n from_o the_o crooked_a wind_n of_o hypocrisy_n which_o may_v hinder_v the_o free_a passage_n of_o christ_n into_o the_o soul_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v another_o wind_a in_o a_o man_n heart_n though_o in_o some_o truth_n the_o duty_n be_v do_v yet_o there_o be_v many_o time_n a_o aptness_n in_o we_o to_o cover_v and_o to_o wind_v about_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v they_o less_o than_o they_o be_v and_o this_o be_v a_o wicked_a course_n psal_n 125.4_o 5._o and_o therefore_o god_n will_v have_v we_o deal_v most_o plain_o with_o he_o that_o in_o the_o singleness_n of_o our_o heart_n when_o it_o may_v stand_v with_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o confusion_n of_o our_o own_o face_n we_o will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o lay_v open_a our_o heart_n before_o he_o these_o be_v such_o wind_n as_o will_v not_o profit_v we_o when_o we_o deal_v plain_o and_o confess_v what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o come_v to_o be_v thus_o open_a heart_a to_o god_n then_o be_v christ_n ready_a to_o come_v sudden_o into_o his_o temple_n when_o we_o have_v bring_v down_o our_o high_a spirit_n and_o raise_v up_o our_o too_o low_a base_a and_o deject_a spirit_n and_o lay_v all_o level_n before_o he_o than_o there_o remain_v no_o more_o but_o for_o christ_n to_o come_v sudden_o into_o his_o temple_n but_o yet_o beside_o all_o this_o when_o all_o this_o be_v do_v yet_o there_o may_v be_v still_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o a_o rough_a and_o harsh_a and_o sharp_a and_o fiery_a spirit_n in_o he_o which_o christ_n will_v have_v remove_v before_o he_o come_v to_o dwell_v there_o before_o that_o he_o will_v have_v this_o harshness_n and_o bitterness_n lay_v down_o that_o they_o shall_v
phil._n 1.23_o though_o the_o other_o be_v a_o lawful_a desire_n but_o chief_o his_o desire_n be_v that_o he_o may_v see_v christ_n who_o from_o his_o first_o conversion_n he_o have_v most_o love_v and_o in_o who_o he_o have_v live_v all_o his_o life_n and_o now_o to_o be_v whole_o possess_v of_o he_o and_o whole_o act_v and_o sway_v by_o he_o not_o that_o he_o may_v have_v his_o heart_n fill_v with_o joy_n but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n not_o only_o as_o chief_a of_o ten_o thousand_o person_n but_o as_o the_o chief_a of_o ten_o thousand_o benefit_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v god_n give_v we_o pardon_v of_o sin_n his_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o victory_n over_o all_o our_o lust_n strength_n of_o every_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o everlasting_a life_n and_o therewith_o fellowship_n with_o all_o the_o bless_a saint_n and_o angel_n yet_o to_o we_o christ_n be_v the_o chief_a of_o they_o all_o none_o great_a than_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sincerity_n of_o a_o christian_n soul_n he_o desire_v more_o any_o benefit_n for_o christ_n sake_n than_o christ_n for_o any_o of_o his_o benefit_n sake_n for_o he_o who_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o christ_n more_o than_o upon_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n or_o salvation_n that_o soul_n have_v christ_n and_o life_n in_o he_o he_o that_o have_v christ_n in_o his_o eye_n and_o heart_n above_o all_o blessing_n he_o indeed_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a and_o have_v christ_n reas_n christ_n must_v so_o be_v have_v and_o we_o must_v so_o receive_v he_o as_o god_n give_v he_o now_o god_n give_v we_o first_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o ordinance_n and_o then_o in_o christ_n all_o other_o thing_n all_o benefit_n in_o and_o through_o christ_n act._n 8.35_o we_o preach_v to_o you_o jesus_n we_o offer_v you_o he_o all_o lust_n lay_v aside_o all_o sinful_a corruption_n put_v away_o whatever_o separate_v between_o god_n and_o we_o that_o be_v do_v away_o we_o now_o offer_v you_o christ_n and_o in_o christ_n plenteous_a redemption_n but_o if_o we_o be_v without_o christ_n we_o be_v without_o true_a life_n as_o in_o the_o sacrament_n first_o you_o have_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n set_v before_o you_o matth._n 26.26_o and_o then_o seal_v up_o and_o confirm_v to_o you_o in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o together_o with_o that_o justification_n and_o further_a degree_n of_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n and_o further_a pledge_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o glory_n no_o benefit_n but_o it_o be_v convey_v through_o he_o christ_n first_o and_o then_o the_o benefit_n it_o be_v true_a herod_n receive_v joy_n but_o foelix_n tremble_v and_o jehu_n zeal_n but_o none_o of_o these_o receive_v christ_n they_o receive_v the_o husk_n but_o want_v christ_n they_o have_v the_o shell_n but_o not_o the_o marrow_n and_o kernel_n within_o they_o receive_v the_o benefit_n but_o christ_n they_o do_v not_o receive_v and_o for_o want_v of_o he_o they_o have_v no_o life_n at_o all_o simon_n magus_n he_o believe_v act_v 8.13_o but_o he_o have_v no_o lively_a faith_n because_o he_o will_v receive_v the_o benefit_n but_o christ_n he_o mind_v not_o to_o receive_v unless_o the_o heart_n be_v knit_v to_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n more_o seek_v christ_n then_o pardon_v of_o sin_n or_o subdue_a of_o lust_n he_o have_v no_o life_n in_o truth_n he_o that_o have_v the_o son_n he_o have_v life_n not_o so_o he_o that_o have_v the_o gift_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o son_n but_o christ_n first_o and_o in_o have_v christ_n we_o have_v all_o christ_n must_v be_v receive_v as_o god_n give_v he_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v there_o be_v no_o life_n in_o any_o grace_n but_o in_o christ_n hos_n 14.8_o on_o i_o be_v your_o fruit_n find_v and_o without_o i_o can_v you_o do_v nothing_o john_n 15.5_o now_o then_o carry_v this_o truth_n home_o with_o you_o and_o gather_v from_o hence_o a_o true_a estimate_n of_o your_o own_o estate_n whether_o you_o may_v judge_v of_o yourselves_o as_o live_v or_o dead_a christian_n upon_o our_o have_v or_o not_o have_v of_o christ_n depend_v our_o have_v or_o not_o have_v of_o life_n how_o will_v you_o know_v whether_o you_o have_v life_n or_o no_o you_o say_v you_o have_v christ_n how_o know_v you_o that_o whether_o be_v your_o heart_n more_o set_v upon_o christ_n than_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n whether_o do_v you_o labour_v more_o for_o gift_n or_o for_o christ_n himself_o and_o if_o you_o find_v this_o that_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o your_o heart_n you_o come_v not_o to_o the_o ordinance_n but_o to_o find_v your_o belove_a there_o not_o out_o of_o unclean_a and_o wanton_a spirit_n but_o to_o seek_v he_o who_o your_o soul_n most_o desire_n who_o favour_n and_o countenance_v you_o will_v rather_o behold_v then_o to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o a_o pleasant_a singer_n and_o you_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o any_o thing_n unless_o you_o find_v he_o then_o shall_v you_o find_v life_n in_o so_o come_v to_o the_o ordinance_n can._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o by_o night_n in_o my_o bed_n i_o seek_v he_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v etc._n etc._n the_o bed_n be_v the_o temple_n wherein_o god_n do_v reveal_v himself_o in_o his_o ordinance_n and_o disperse_v himself_o to_o his_o people_n in_o the_o bed_n of_o his_o love_n she_o come_v to_o the_o temple_n not_o to_o seek_v any_o of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n there_o she_o go_v indeed_o to_o the_o watchman_n and_o make_v her_o moan_n and_o complaint_n to_o they_o that_o she_o can_v not_o find_v christ_n in_o his_o ordinance_n and_o she_o dare_v not_o rest_v upon_o their_o opinion_n but_o say_v have_v you_o not_o see_v he_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v can_v you_o tell_v i_o any_o news_n or_o give_v i_o any_o intelligence_n of_o my_o belove_a saviour_n thus_o she_o inquire_v of_o the_o watchman_n and_o from_o they_o she_o go_v to_o the_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o her_o christian_a friend_n and_o charge_v they_o to_o tell_v he_o that_o she_o be_v sick_a of_o love_n now_o if_o thus_o to_o desire_v 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yet_o this_o i_o say_v and_o mark_v it_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a soul_n but_o have_v some_o promise_n of_o god_n on_o which_o his_o heart_n be_v stay_v upon_o and_o by_o which_o his_o life_n be_v nourish_v which_o argue_v it_o be_v breed_v of_o those_o promise_n of_o which_o it_o be_v now_o feed_v though_o a_o man_n be_v not_o always_o able_a to_o tell_v what_o promise_v it_o be_v sometime_o a_o word_n of_o reproof_n or_o of_o counsel_n may_v sink_v deep_a into_o a_o man_n when_o god_n set_v it_o well_o on_o and_o may_v make_v a_o deep_a impression_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n and_o may_v so_o turn_v about_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n as_o that_o thereby_o they_o may_v reform_v all_o common_a and_o outward_a and_o know_v soul_n sin_n which_o before_o be_v ever_o cause_n and_o matter_n of_o reproof_n but_o that_o be_v not_o so_o safe_a a_o work_n of_o christ_n not_o such_o a_o strong_a evidence_n of_o our_o spiritual_a life_n when_o such_o a_o word_n of_o reproof_n or_o counsel_n have_v set_v we_o in_o such_o a_o course_n and_o we_o have_v thereupon_o refrain_v game_a and_o break_v of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o vain_a fashion_n this_o be_v well_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o safe_a a_o sign_n of_o our_o new_a birth_n for_o this_o may_v befall_v even_o a_o hypocrite_n he_o may_v be_v so_o convince_v by_o a_o word_n of_o grace_n and_o wise_a counsel_n as_o may_v strong_o turn_v the_o stream_n of_o his_o course_n another_o way_n and_o yet_o be_v without_o any_o life_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n only_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n be_v able_a to_o work_v grace_n and_o life_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o point_n be_v this_o point_n ground_n of_o the_o point_n we_o can_v have_v a_o spirit_n of_o life_n wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n gal._n 3.5_o he_o that_o minister_v to_o you_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o work_v miracle_n do_v he_o it_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v do_v you_o ever_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n or_o by_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o law_n or_o by_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o law_n or_o by_o the_o reproof_n reach_v forth_o from_o the_o law_n he_o exclude_v it_o as_o impossible_a and_o as_o no_o way_n able_a to_o do_v it_o vers_n 21._o and_o therefore_o he_o do_v ever_o lead_v we_o unto_o some_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o some_o promise_n
of_o knowledge_n be_v there_o ever_o any_o soul_n so_o desperate_o ignorant_a think_v you_o as_o to_o take_v the_o place_n of_o a_o minister_n and_o not_o have_v skill_n to_o read_v no_o but_o these_o have_v no_o knowledge_n to_o teach_v the_o people_n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n who_o lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o at_o who_o mouth_n the_o people_n shall_v seek_v the_o law_n mal._n 2.7_o 8._o use_v 3_o to_o teach_v all_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n diligent_o to_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o write_n of_o john_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n shall_v the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v a_o pen_n to_o write_v unto_o we_o and_o shall_v not_o we_o have_v a_o hand_n to_o receive_v these_o write_n and_o by_o faith_n to_o behold_v and_o believe_v they_o shall_v he_o take_v care_n to_o write_v we_o letter_n from_o heaven_n from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n indict_v by_o the_o bless_a spirit_n and_o write_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o 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sometime_o doubt_n whether_o their_o faith_n be_v sound_a heart_a or_o no_o in_o such_o a_o case_n he_o doubt_n whether_o his_o faith_n be_v true_a or_o no_o he_o want_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o faith_n for_o he_o believe_v not_o that_o he_o have_v faith_n now_o this_o faith_n of_o his_o have_v need_n to_o be_v increase_v in_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o it_o that_o he_o may_v plain_o see_v the_o faith_n he_o have_v be_v no_o fancy_n or_o presumption_n or_o delusion_n as_o he_o have_v very_o much_o suspect_v but_o that_o he_o may_v see_v the_o faith_n he_o have_v be_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n he_o have_v need_n be_v build_v up_o in_o his_o faith_n more_o and_o more_o lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n mark_v 9.40_o he_o can_v not_o tell_v whether_o he_o may_v call_v his_o faith_n faith_n or_o unbelief_n he_o can_v not_o tell_v what_o to_o call_v it_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v but_o it_o be_v with_o so_o much_o difficulty_n and_o so_o much_o impotency_n of_o faith_n that_o he_o pray_v for_o the_o removal_n of_o his_o unbelief_n so_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o doubt_n that_o a_o man_n have_v many_o time_n of_o his_o own_o faith_n he_o have_v need_n grow_v up_o in_o faith_n that_o he_o may_v believe_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v and_o this_o be_v that_o you_o read_v phil._n 1.25_o for_o the_o joy_n of_o your_o faith_n this_o be_v something_o in_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v further_v it_o be_v the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o their_o faith_n so_o to_o rise_v up_o in_o believe_v as_o that_o they_o may_v have_v comfort_n in_o it_o for_o so_o far_o as_o a_o man_n believe_v and_o yet_o be_v doubtful_a of_o it_o he_o have_v little_a comfort_n and_o joy_n in_o his_o faith_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v they_o further_v in_o their_o joy_n that_o their_o faith_n may_v be_v a_o joyful_a faith_n such_o as_o where_o in_o they_o may_v have_v comfort_n and_o may_v be_v joyful_a for_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v faith_n and_o fourthly_a faith_n have_v need_n be_v increase_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o act_n the_o proper_a act_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v chief_o persuasion_n and_o trust_n upon_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o heavenly_a truth_n in_o which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v reveal_v and_o gracious_o dispense_v unto_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n even_o these_o also_o have_v need_n to_o be_v marvellous_o enlarge_v in_o christian_a man_n above_o what_o at_o the_o first_o they_o do_v arise_v unto_o see_v they_o both_o put_v together_o peter_z when_o he_o walk_v upon_o the_o water_n he_o be_v full_o persuade_v and_o do_v trust_v upon_o christ_n for_o protection_n in_o a_o very_a doubtful_a and_o dangerous_a case_n he_o do_v trust_v upon_o he_o matth._n 14.30_o 31._o but_o when_o the_o wind_n begin_v to_o blow_v and_o the_o storm_n to_o arise_v than_o peter_n faith_n begin_v to_o shrink_v and_o his_o body_n to_o sink_v and_o then_o he_o cry_v out_o o_o master_n save_v i_o else_o i_o perish_v o_o thou_o of_o little_a faith_n say_v our_o saviour_n to_o show_v you_o that_o a_o man_n faith_n have_v need_n be_v further_o increase_v for_o you_o see_v our_o saviour_n rebuke_n he_o for_o his_o little_a faith_n not_o only_o weak_a in_o the_o habit_n of_o it_o but_o little_a in_o the_o proper_a act_n of_o it_o he_o begin_v to_o shrink_v in_o his_o persuasion_n and_o in_o his_o trust_n and_o that_o be_v think_v the_o littleness_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o so_o the_o two_o disciple_n that_o go_v to_o emaius_n they_o look_v sad_o to_o think_v of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o complain_v of_o it_o to_o jesus_n and_o when_o he_o ask_v they_o why_o they_o look_v so_o sad_o they_o tell_v he_o the_o cause_n concern_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o say_v they_o we_o trust_v this_o have_v be_v he_o that_o shall_v have_v deliver_v israel_n o_o fool_n and_o slow_a of_o heart_n vers_fw-la 21_o 22._o &_o 24._o ought_v not_o christ_n to_o have_v suffer_v these_o thing_n to_o show_v you_o that_o there_o be_v even_o in_o god_n own_o servant_n that_o be_v true_a believer_n something_o to_o be_v supply_v in_o the_o act_n of_o their_o faith_n their_o persuasion_n and_o trust_n be_v many_o time_n very_o much_o overwhelm_v so_o as_o that_o many_o time_n they_o call_v in_o question_n the_o main_a principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n we_o trust_v this_o be_v he_o but_o we_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v or_o no_o god_n know_v whether_o it_o be_v he_o or_o no_o but_o we_o have_v just_a occasion_n of_o doubt_v for_o they_o think_v the_o messiah_n shall_v have_v live_v forever_o and_o now_o this_o be_v the_o three_o day_n since_o he_o be_v crucify_v and_o we_o trust_v this_o be_v he_o but_o now_o he_o be_v dead_a and_o have_v lie_v so_o long_o in_o the_o grave_n and_o we_o be_v therefore_o doubtful_a whether_o this_o be_v he_o or_o no_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o regard_n faith_n have_v need_n be_v increase_v five_o faith_n have_v need_v to_o grow_v even_o that_o faith_n which_o accompany_v salvation_n by_o which_o we_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o thus_o far_o as_o have_v be_v say_v but_o have_v need_n to_o grow_v in_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o for_o many_o time_n though_o faith_n may_v have_v some_o strength_n and_o comfort_n and_o put_v forth_o itself_o in_o some_o act_n yet_o notwithstanding_o it_o may_v sometime_o fall_v out_o and_o often_o do_v that_o even_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n people_n be_v much_o intercept_v from_o put_v forth_o itself_o in_o those_o lively_a fruit_n of_o faith_n which_o redound_v to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n gal._n 5.6_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n now_o you_o know_v what_o you_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n people_n that_o they_o may_v depart_v from_o their_o first_o love_n yea_o so_o far_o depart_v from_o it_o as_o that_o he_o may_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o first_o work_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o love_n together_o revel_v 2.4_o 5._o faith_n at_o the_o first_o be_v more_o abundant_o fruitful_a then_o now_o it_o be_v and_o so_o their_o first_o love_n be_v more_o abundant_o fruitful_a unto_o good_a work_n than_o now_o they_o be_v able_a to_o reach_v unto_o but_o chap._n 2.19_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o thyatirans_n their_o work_n be_v more_o at_o the_o last_o than_o they_o be_v at_o the_o first_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n their_o faith_n be_v as_o much_o grow_v in_o fruitfulness_n as_o the_o other_o be_v decay_v so_o that_o something_o may_v be_v supply_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n people_n their_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o have_v need_n to_o be_v increase_v so_o that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o vain_a end_n of_o johns_n writing_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n that_o they_o may_v believe_v though_o they_o now_o believe_v yet_o they_o have_v need_v to_o believe_v yet_o more_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o tautology_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o evident_a truth_n now_o then_o for_o further_a open_v of_o this_o point_n first_o to_o show_v you_o that_o all_o which_o at_o this_o time_n have_v be_v say_v may_v be_v one_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n why_o john_n write_v thus_o to_o they_o which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o defect_n that_o be_v find_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o believer_n which_o it_o be_v meet_v and_o necessary_a shall_v be_v supply_v reas_n 2._o it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o marvellous_a power_n that_o be_v in_o this_o epistle_n and_o so_o in_o other_o scripture_n to_o supply_v these_o defect_n that_o be_v thus_o want_v in_o our_o faith_n whether_o in_o the_o object_n of_o it_o or_o in_o whatever_o else_o there_o be_v a_o marvellous_a power_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o supply_v it_o all_o and_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o carve_v out_o and_o so_o dispense_v and_o when_o dispense_v aright_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a power_n in_o they_o to_o supply_v faith_n and_o the_o defect_n of_o it_o in_o every_o believer_n the_o scripture_n be_v mighty_a through_o god_n whether_o preach_v or_o read_v or_o hear_v or_o confer_v upon_o or_o meditate_a upon_z for_o to_o my_o remembrance_n the_o scripture_n be_v sanctify_v of_o god_n to_o none_o other_o use_n but_o to_o one_o of_o these_o five_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v mighty_a and_o mighty_a to_o this_o end_n that_o believe_v in_o the_o word_n whether_o preach_v or_o hear_v or_o read_v or_o examine_v what_o you_o have_v hear_v or_o meditate_v or_o confer_v upon_o it_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a power_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o supply_v the_o faith_n of_o
1.17_o gal._n 2.20_o a_o man_n do_v nothing_o christianly_o and_o spiritual_o but_o by_o his_o faith_n thing_n i'faith_o profitable_a to_o all_o thing_n now_o when_o faith_n must_v be_v the_o instrument_n to_o help_v we_o to_o work_v all_o our_o work_n spiritual_o we_o have_v need_v to_o grow_v to_o some_o life_n and_o fruitfulness_n in_o faith_n and_o if_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o fruitful_a we_o shall_v make_v but_o hard_a work_n of_o our_o daily_a employment_n how_o shall_v we_o depend_v upon_o god_n and_o do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v all_o in_o obedience_n to_o a_o commandment_n and_o live_v by_o a_o promise_n for_o god_n presence_n and_o blessing_n in_o it_o how_o shall_v a_o man_n do_v this_o if_o he_o have_v not_o faith_n yea_o if_o he_o have_v not_o some_o dexterity_n of_o faith_n a_o weak_a faith_n will_v then_o slug_n it_o when_o a_o man_n stand_v in_o most_o need_n to_o use_v it_o and_o therefore_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v ready_a to_o show_v his_o faith_n upon_o every_o occasion_n in_o prayer_n in_o conference_n in_o every_o thing_n both_o concern_v this_o life_n and_o another_o a_o man_n have_v need_v of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o evident_a sign_n that_o a_o man_n faith_n be_v well_o wrought_v a_o sound_n and_o a_o lively_a faith_n if_o it_o be_v a_o grow_a faith_n but_o if_o you_o hear_v man_n say_v they_o thank_v god_n they_o have_v a_o strong_a faith_n and_o they_o always_o believe_v on_o christ_n and_o fie_o upon_o they_o that_o do_v not_o let_v i_o say_v this_o be_v a_o presumption_n of_o faith_n but_o be_v no_o faith_n yea_o it_o be_v the_o badge_n of_o the_o want_n of_o faith_n when_o therefore_o you_o see_v the_o apostle_n write_v to_o they_o that_o believe_v that_o they_o may_v believe_v more_o certain_o and_o more_o strong_o that_o be_v a_o true_a faith_n and_o it_o will_v grow_v use_v 2_o it_o serve_v to_o reprove_v the_o most_o sacrilegious_a and_o uncharitable_a faith_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o take_v away_o these_o writing_n from_o the_o people_n john_n write_v this_o epistle_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o believer_n may_v believe_v you_o hear_v that_o the_o word_n dispense_v in_o any_o ordinance_n be_v of_o mighty_a power_n to_o increase_v faith_n where_o it_o be_v begin_v and_o to_o beget_v it_o where_o it_o be_v want_v take_v away_o read_v of_o the_o scripture_n and_o conference_n about_o they_o papist_n infidel_n practice_n of_o papist_n and_o you_o take_v away_o all_o and_o therefore_o a_o infidel_n practise_v to_o go_v about_o to_o take_v away_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect._n god_n send_v we_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v believe_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n to_o desire_v that_o themselves_o and_o other_o may_v grow_v in_o faith_n what_o be_v they_o but_o infidel_n in_o truth_n who_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v lock_v up_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n that_o the_o people_n may_v not_o understand_v what_o be_v read_v unto_o they_o and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v drive_v the_o bibles_n out_o of_o their_o house_n and_o it_o be_v heretical_a presumption_n for_o such_o and_o such_o man_n to_o use_v the_o scripture_n this_o be_v infidelity_n and_o most_o sacrilegious_a to_o god_n and_o it_o be_v likewise_o uncharitable_a and_o injurious_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n people_n a_o evident_a argument_n of_o infidelity_n how_o can_v you_o charge_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n of_o more_o folly_n and_o lightness_n god_n send_v his_o word_n to_o his_o servant_n that_o they_o may_v be_v read_v and_o hear_v and_o confer_v of_o it_o and_o that_o by_o believe_v they_o may_v believe_v these_o man_n to_o cast_v a_o imputation_n of_o folly_n upon_o god_n they_o be_v afraid_a that_o god_n do_v not_o consider_v the_o danger_n of_o it_o if_o believer_n shall_v fall_v a_o read_n and_o poor_a tradesman_n a_o confer_v about_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v afay_v they_o will_v be_v distemper_v with_o heresy_n and_o so_o trouble_v the_o whole_a church_n do_v not_o they_o by_o so_o do_v set_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n at_o naught_o and_o show_v themselves_o sacrilegious_a against_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n use_v 3_o it_o may_v serve_v to_o exhort_v we_o all_o since_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v write_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o you_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n may_v believe_v first_o to_o you_o that_o believe_v and_o then_o to_o you_o that_o believe_v not_o you_o that_o have_v be_v diligent_a in_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n be_v diligent_a in_o it_o still_o and_o make_v it_o a_o point_n of_o your_o christian_a practice_n not_o to_o fail_v to_o read_v some_o part_n of_o it_o every_o day_n unless_o you_o be_v necessary_o hinder_v or_o if_o you_o have_v be_v necessary_o hinder_v by_o business_n from_o read_v yet_o be_v sure_a nothing_o hinder_v you_o from_o meditate_v upon_o it_o the_o bless_a man_n meditate_v on_o god_n word_n every_o night_n and_o every_o day_n &_o though_o he_o take_v the_o short_a time_n to_o it_o yet_o he_o must_v have_v some_o time_n for_o meditation_n upon_o the_o word_n upon_o something_o he_o hear_v this_o day_n or_o something_o he_o have_v sometime_o read_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v a_o mighty_a power_n in_o it_o to_o fructify_v as_o if_o you_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o river_n of_o water_n word_n mighty_a power_n in_o meditate_v upon_o the_o word_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n breathe_v in_o the_o word_n and_o your_o heart_n suck_v it_o up_o and_o by_o meditate_v upon_o it_o you_o grow_v in_o more_o knowledge_n in_o the_o object_n of_o your_o faith_n in_o the_o rootednesse_n in_o the_o sense_n and_o in_o the_o act_n and_o fruit_n of_o your_o faith_n and_o this_o by_o hear_v and_o read_v and_o meditate_v read_v therefore_o the_o king_n himself_o must_v do_v it_o daily_o daily_o king_n must_v read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n daily_o who_o have_v more_o business_n than_o any_o man_n deut._n 17.19_o and_o if_o he_o do_v so_o god_n will_v learn_v he_o the_o fear_n of_o his_o name_n now_o if_o god_n will_v not_o excuse_v king_n much_o less_o private_a man_n who_o have_v less_o affair_n than_o king_n have_v and_o therefore_o be_v read_v every_o day_n and_o when_o you_o can_v read_v be_v sure_a you_o meditate_v upon_o some_o part_n of_o god_n word_n every_o day_n and_o every_o night_n as_o ever_o you_o desire_v to_o believe_v use_v the_o mean_n that_o you_o may_v believe_v this_o be_v sanctify_v of_o god_n to_o that_o end_n then_o be_v not_o you_o want_v to_o use_v it_o and_o do_v not_o only_o so_o but_o hear_v it_o likewise_o and_o confer_v upon_o it_o and_o search_v it_o daily_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o no_o use_v the_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v sanctify_v his_o word_n to_o be_v dispense_v in_o and_o by_o which_o he_o will_v bless_v it_o to_o his_o people_n and_o then_o you_o shall_v find_v this_o in_o believe_v you_o shall_v believe_v you_o shall_v grow_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n and_o from_o sense_n to_o sense_n and_o in_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n till_o you_o be_v perfect_a in_o christ_n jesus_n be_v diligent_a in_o hear_v god_n word_n for_o it_o be_v the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n and_o confer_v of_o it_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a power_n in_o the_o word_n be_v confer_v upon_o take_v heed_n you_o neglect_v not_o occasion_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o examine_v what_o you_o hear_v and_o you_o will_v find_v a_o mighty_a power_n in_o it_o to_o increase_v faith_n since_o therefore_o god_n have_v give_v you_o his_o word_n and_o shed_v abroad_o the_o water_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o run_v through_o every_o line_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o note_v this_o so_o that_o the_o more_o you_o shall_v read_v and_o hear_v confer_v and_o meditate_v and_o search_v the_o scripture_n the_o more_o you_o shall_v find_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n increase_v in_o you_o and_o therefore_o you_o must_v not_o wonder_v if_o you_o see_v christian_a man_n that_o neglect_v these_o duty_n complain_v of_o the_o deadness_n of_o their_o heart_n do_v thou_o doubt_v in_o thy_o persuasion_n be_v thy_o confidence_n mix_v with_o much_o diffidence_n then_o ask_v thy_o heart_n this_o question_n whether_o have_v thou_o use_v the_o scripture_n for_o those_o end_v god_n have_v appoint_v they_o and_o have_v thou_o be_v diligent_a in_o confer_v about_o they_o and_o search_v of_o they_o whether_o what_o be_v deliver_v be_v suitable_a to_o they_o or_o no_o and_o meditate_a of_o they_o and_o bring_v they_o home_o to_o thy_o house_n and_o compare_v they_o together_o and_o meditate_a
say_v matth._n 26.39_o he_o ask_v that_o which_o be_v a_o lawful_a thing_n and_o yet_o because_o he_o will_v not_o trench_v upon_o that_o which_o may_v cross_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n he_o will_v not_o put_v forth_o any_o the_o least_o affection_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o the_o overrule_a the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o he_o express_v himself_o thus_o nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v so_o that_o whensoever_o we_o ask_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a it_o must_v be_v with_o subjection_n of_o our_o own_o will_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o for_o more_o full_a clear_n of_o this_o point_n see_v it_o thus_o enlarge_a first_o a_o man_n be_v say_v to_o pray_v according_a to_o god_n will_v either_o partly_o as_o his_o will_n be_v express_v in_o his_o word_n and_o partly_o the_o will_n of_o god_n express_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n for_o both_o these_o be_v effectual_a in_o every_o prayer_n that_o be_v make_v according_a to_o god_n will_n first_o according_a to_o his_o will_n express_v in_o his_o word_n lawful_a 1._o ask_v thing_n lawful_a therein_o god_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v pray_v only_o for_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v lawful_a and_o such_o as_o therein_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o ask_v that_o we_o may_v do_v they_o notable_a be_v that_o example_n in_o psal_n 119.4_o 5._o thou_o have_v command_v we_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n diligent_o and_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n see_v what_o be_v his_o request_n o_o that_o my_o way_n be_v direct_v to_o keep_v thy_o statute_n look_v whatsoever_o god_n command_v we_o to_o do_v we_o have_v warrant_v to_o pray_v for_o that_o we_o must_v pray_v for_o thing_n lawful_a and_o only_o for_o such_o second_o name_n 2._o ask_v in_o christ_n name_n whatsoever_o we_o pray_v for_o we_o must_v pray_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n john_n 16.22_o 23._o he_o make_v a_o large_a promise_n to_o such_o as_o so_o ask_v in_o his_o name_n vers_n 23_o 24._o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v the_o father_n in_o my_o name_n he_o will_v give_v it_o you_o this_o god_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v put_v up_o all_o our_o petition_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n now_o to_o ask_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n do_v require_v the_o exercise_n of_o two_o grace_n first_o he_o that_o shall_v ask_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n imply_v the_o ask_n of_o it_o in_o humility_n humility_n 1_o to_o ask_v in_o christ_n name_n require_v humility_n whatsoever_o we_o ask_v in_o humility_n and_o lowliness_n of_o spirit_n that_o be_v to_o ask_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o will_v evidence_n and_o put_v forth_o itself_o in_o three_o or_o four_o several_a act_n in_o every_o prayer_n that_o be_v make_v according_a to_o god_n will_v and_o put_v up_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n humility_n first_o act_n of_o humility_n first_o a_o prayer_n make_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v make_v with_o this_o humility_n whereby_o we_o acknowledge_v ourselves_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o all_o god_n mercy_n as_o jacob_n do_v acknowledge_v gen._n 32.10_o he_o be_v less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o all_o the_o mercy_n he_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o therefore_o if_o god_n shall_v never_o grant_v he_o more_o mercy_n he_o can_v not_o but_o acknowledge_v he_o have_v do_v abundant_o more_o for_o he_o already_o then_o he_o have_v deserve_v he_o pray_v not_o in_o his_o own_o name_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o another_o and_o no_o man_n can_v pray_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n but_o he_o must_v pray_v in_o humility_n he_o must_v have_v no_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o worth_n act._n 2_o second_o he_o must_v pray_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o insufficiency_n so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n much_o less_o to_o make_v a_o good_a prayer_n 2_o cor._n 3.5_o rom._n 8.26_o this_o be_v humility_n and_o selfe-deniall_n when_o a_o man_n come_v before_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v his_o own_o unworthiness_n to_o ask_v any_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o confess_v his_o own_o unablenesse_n to_o ask_v any_o blessing_n according_a to_o god_n will_n act._n 3_o three_o a_o man_n ask_v in_o humility_n when_o he_o put_v up_o his_o petition_n with_o submission_n to_o god_n will_v he_o desire_v not_o that_o god_n will_v satisfy_v he_o in_o any_o lust_n but_o only_o grant_v he_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v expedient_a for_o he_o so_o far_o as_o may_v stand_v with_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n and_o no_o further_o matth._n 26.39_o act._n 4_o four_o there_o be_v another_o act_n of_o humility_n to_o bend_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n to_o make_v use_n of_o no_o mediation_n in_o prayer_n but_o only_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n you_o read_v of_o a_o pretend_a humility_n a_o voluntary_a humility_n consist_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o angel_n col._n 2.18_o they_o think_v themselves_o not_o worthy_a immediate_o to_o rush_v into_o christ_n presence_n but_o rather_o entreat_v the_o angel_n to_o intercede_v the_o father_n for_o they_o but_o it_o be_v counterfeit_a humility_n and_o such_o man_n be_v puff_v up_o with_o a_o fleshly_a mind_n in_o their_o voluntary_a humility_n it_o show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a pride_n of_o heart_n to_o express_v more_o baseness_n and_o meanness_n of_o spirit_n than_o god_n require_v and_o be_v but_o a_o counterfeit_a humility_n now_o to_o pray_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o to_o pray_v in_o humility_n but_o also_o to_o pray_v in_o faith_n and_o these_o act_n of_o faith_n you_o have_v in_o all_o the_o prayer_n that_o you_o put_v up_o to_o god_n according_a to_o his_o will_n first_o faith_n direct_v you_o to_o pray_v only_o unto_o he_o prayer_n first_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o prayer_n upon_o who_o you_o have_v believe_v rom._n 10.14_o we_o only_o believe_v on_o god_n the_o father_n and_o on_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o bless_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o upon_o the_o lord_n faith_n only_o direct_v we_o to_o call_v he_o teach_v we_o not_o to_o pray_v to_o our_o mother_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v nor_o to_o our_o brethren_n and_o sister_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n but_o only_o to_o the_o father_n that_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o faith_n gal_n 4.5_o 6._o rom._n 8.15_o the_o spirit_n help_v we_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n act._n 2_o second_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o work_n of_o faith_n in_o every_o prayer_n it_o do_v guide_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n to_o look_v unto_o god_n with_o some_o kind_n of_o childlike_a confidence_n repair_v to_o he_o as_o a_o father_n such_o as_o by_o faith_n believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n they_o come_v to_o god_n in_o their_o prayer_n as_o to_o their_o father_n john_n 20.17_o and_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n to_o cry_v out_o as_o thomas_n do_v my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n john_n 20.28_o so_o that_o this_o be_v another_o work_n of_o faith_n that_o when_o ever_o you_o come_v into_o god_n presence_n to_o ask_v any_o thing_n at_o his_o hand_n you_o come_v to_o he_o as_o to_o your_o father_n he_o know_v what_o you_o want_v better_o than_o you_o can_v ask_v and_o be_v more_o willing_a to_o grant_v whatever_o be_v meet_v for_o you_o than_o yourselves_o can_v desire_v to_o come_v to_o god_n as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n through_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n he_o be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o we_o in_o he_o that_o himself_o love_v we_o joh._n 16.26_o 27._o so_o that_o to_o pray_v in_o faith_n be_v to_o come_v to_o god_n as_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o through_o he_o a_o father_n also_o to_o we_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o in_o truth_n a_o father_n that_o be_v great_a in_o counsel_n and_o excellent_a in_o work_n that_o have_v compassion_n of_o his_o own_o child_n and_o will_v therefore_o perform_v that_o which_o seem_v good_a in_o his_o sight_n act._n 3_o three_o another_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o come_v true_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n not_o to_o stand_v upon_o demur_n and_o dispute_v whether_o we_o have_v best_o cleave_v to_o god_n and_o whether_o we_o have_v best_o do_v such_o or_o such_o thing_n and_o so_o be_v almost_o christian_n for_o if_o we_o so_o come_v we_o can_v receive_v any_o thing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n jam._n 1.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o a_o waver_a mind_a man_n be_v unstable_a etc._n etc._n this_o be_v one_o and_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o he_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o waver_a faith_n