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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n great_a lord_n way_n 3,966 5 4.6102 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A66098 Covenant-keeping the way to blessedness, or, A brief discourse wherein is shewn the connexion which there is between the promise, on God's part; and duty, on our part, in the covenant of grace as it was delivered in several sermons, preached in order to solemn renewing of covenant. By Samuel Willard teacher of a church in Boston in New-England. Willard, Samuel, 1640-1707.; Mather, Increase, 1639-1723. 1682 (1682) Wing W2272; ESTC W37635 100,188 164

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under_o a_o pretence_n of_o holiness_n reverence_n help_v to_o devotion_n or_o whatsoever_o other_o fair_a show_v man_n may_v endeavour_v to_o cover_v it_o withal_o god_n command_n be_v strict_a that_o we_o neither_o add_v to_o nor_o take_v from_o his_o church_n institution_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a lord_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n to_o the_o religious_a observation_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o worship_n which_o be_v not_o appoint_v by_o he_o be_v plain_a superstition_n the_o efficacy_n of_o all_o church-ordinance_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o god_n people_n depend_v upon_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n which_o blessing_n he_o have_v no_o where_o engage_v to_o will-worship_n or_o that_o fear_n of_o god_n which_o therefore_o be_v in_o vain_a teach_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n and_o to_o think_v that_o christ_n have_v not_o take_v sufficient_a care_n in_o his_o gospel_n and_o make_v plentiful_a provision_n there_o for_o the_o secure_n of_o 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commendation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n that_o they_o can_v not_o bear_v with_o such_o as_o those_o who_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o rev._n 2._o 2._o and_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n that_o it_o shall_v now_o be_v esteem_v the_o glory_n of_o any_o church_n that_o they_o can_v bear_v with_o they_o yea_o cherish_v and_o defend_v they_o the_o covenant_n i_o be_o sure_a oblige_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o this_o evil_n be_v the_o rather_o to_o be_v careful_o resist_v because_o it_o be_v manifest_o the_o present_a engine_n which_o antichrist_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o undermine_v and_o bring_v to_o nothing_o the_o protestant_a church_n withal_o 4._o a_o korah-like_a spirit_n despise_v and_o envy_v magistracy_n and_o ministry_n and_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o render_v they_o low_a and_o contemptible_a man_n count_v
apostasy_n reject_v hence_o the_o text_n say_v child_n child_n i._n e._n the_o succeed_a generation_n of_o they_o and_o so_o be_v abraham_n covenant_n which_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v we_o viz._n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n see_v gen._n 17._o 9_o 10._o and_o if_o any_o do_v object_n that_o the_o text_n speak_v of_o those_o only_a that_o keep_v covenant_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o keep_v covenant_n presume_v be_v in_o covenant_n and_o when_o i_o say_v they_o be_v equal_o interest_v i_o will_v be_v cautious_o understand_v i_o do_v not_o therefore_o mean_a 1._o that_o they_o be_v always_o equal_o capable_a of_o actual_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n divine_v well_o distinguish_v between_o jus_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la and_o jus_o in_o re_fw-mi a_o child_n may_v have_v as_o good_a a_o right_n to_o his_o estate_n when_o a_o child_n as_o afterward_o but_o he_o can_v take_v possession_n of_o it_o 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some_o divine_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o immediate_a parent_n do_v equal_o hold_v or_o lose_v outward_a privilege_n for_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o child_n while_o in_o their_o loin_n but_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o child_n of_o visible_a believer_n stand_v right_a when_o their_o child_n be_v bear_v their_o equality_n appear_v in_o these_o respect_n 1._o when_o god_n extend_v the_o covenant_n to_o their_o parent_n he_o extend_v it_o to_o they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n though_o as_o to_o we_o who_o be_v child_n of_o time_n we_o must_v have_v a_o existence_n before_o we_o be_v actual_o in_o covenant_n yet_o as_o to_o god_n who_o dwell_v in_o eternity_n he_o engross_v all_o generation_n in_o one_o view_n and_o so_o he_o take_v father_n and_o child_n together_o though_o the_o father_n may_v be_v possible_o consider_v as_o agent_n and_o trustee_n for_o their_o child_n while_o in_o their_o loin_n god_n do_v not_o say_v to_o abraham_n i_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o thou_o now_o and_o will_v make_v one_o with_o thy_o child_n hereafter_o but_o he_o put_v they_o both_o together_o gen._n 17._o 7._o and_o hence_o they_o be_v call_v god_n child_n ezek._n 23._o 37._o son_n who_o they_o bear_v to_o i_o 2._o the_o covenant_n come_v to_o each_o upon_o equal_a term_n or_o proposition_n the_o covenant_n stand_v visible_o under_o the_o very_a same_o respect_n to_o the_o father_n and_o to_o the_o child_n the_o text_n be_v clear_a for_o this_o father_n and_o child_n child_n if_o they_o keep_v covenant_n have_v a_o promise_n of_o mercy_n if_o they_o keep_v it_o the_o blessing_n be_v they_o if_o they_o keep_v it_o not_o they_o can_v expect_v it_o or_o challenge_v it_o those_o therefore_o that_o object_n from_o such_o scripture_n that_o the_o child_n be_v not_o in_o covenant_n but_o only_o conditional_o if_o they_o keep_v it_o be_v to_o remember_v as_o be_v hint_v before_o that_o keep_v of_o covenant_n necessary_o presuppose_v a_o covenant_n to_o be_v keep_v and_o the_o person_n that_o so_o keep_v it_o to_o be_v relate_v to_o it_o for_o none_o can_v keep_v covenant_n but_o one_o that_o be_v first_o in_o covenant_n nor_o yet_o can_v any_o but_o such_o break_v covenant_n he_o only_o break_v his_o promise_n that_o first_o make_v one_o he_o only_o neglect_v his_o duty_n that_o be_v first_o oblige_v it_o be_v not_o the_o covenant_n itself_o but_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o those_o that_o keep_v it_o we_o read_v also_o of_o those_o that_o deal_v false_o in_o the_o covenant_n i._n e._n promise_v and_o so_o be_v in_o covenant_n but_o perform_v not_o psal_n 78._o 37._o jer._n 6._o 13._o 3._o they_o be_v equal_a in_o that_o the_o father_n shall_v not_o suffer_v for_o the_o child_n nor_o the_o child_n for_o the_o father_n in_o case_n of_o breach_n of_o covenant_n but_o each_o be_v actual_o under_o it_o stand_v personal_o relate_v to_o it_o the_o child_n now_o bear_v be_v to_o stand_v or_o fall_v for_o himself_o the_o father_n faith_n will_v not_o save_v the_o child_n nor_o will_v his_o sin_n damn_v he_o god_n take_v it_o as_o a_o false_a charge_n when_o they_o count_v their_o misery_n to_o be_v for_o their_o father_n sin_n and_o not_o their_o own_o and_o hence_o use_v that_o proverb_n the_o father_n have_v eat_v sour_a grape_n and_o the_o child_n tooth_n be_v set_v on_o edge_n and_o therefore_o declare_v against_o it_o profess_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v answer_v for_o himself_o see_v ezek._n 18._o per_fw-la totum_fw-la child_n may_v by_o their_o sin_n ripen_v judgement_n which_o god_n in_o patience_n delay_v to_o execute_v in_o their_o father_n day_n and_o thus_o he_o just_o visit_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n when_o they_o follow_v the_o same_o perverse_a course_n and_o grow_v worse_o in_o they_o but_o yet_o in_o the_o covenant_n every_o one_o stand_v upon_o his_o own_o bottom_n child_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n be_v save_v by_o a_o faith_n wrought_v in_o they_o personal_o and_o not_o act_v by_o their_o parent_n for_o they_o relative_o heb._n 10._o 38._o the_o just_a shall_v be_v save_v by_o his_fw-la faith_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o parent_n be_v instrument_n or_o media_n of_o derive_v the_o visible_a covenant_n to_o their_o child_n and_o may_v also_o lay_v in_o many_o outward_a blessing_n for_o they_o david_n fidelity_n be_v remember_v in_o time_n of_o apostasy_n many_o age_n after_o as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o history_n though_o some_o interpret_v that_o of_o christ_n which_o be_v true_a in_o the_o antitype_n yet_o it_o respect_v the_o type_n too_o but_o in_o these_o respect_v god_n act_v as_o a_o sovereign_n prop._n 2._o that_o there_o be_v great_a visible_a privilege_n which_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n do_v enjoy_v by_o virtue_n of_o be_v relate_v to_o the_o covenant_n the_o objection_n which_o the_o apostle_n see_v reason_n to_o anticipate_v of_o old_a be_v much_o in_o use_n now_o adays_o and_o may_v admit_v the_o same_o resolution_n rom._n 3._o begin_v what_o advantage_n &_o c_o much_o every_o way_n a_o great_a enquiry_n be_v make_v about_o privilege_n and_o many_o ask_v of_o we_o what_o do_v we_o get_v by_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o covenant_n yea_o there_o be_v many_o that_o discourage_v those_o who_o will_v do_v it_o and_o tell_v they_o it_o be_v but_o a_o snare_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v man_n may_v make_v snare_n to_o themselves_o of_o the_o best_a visible_a favour_n of_o god_n and_o turn_v that_o which_o may_v be_v for_o their_o advantage_n to_o be_v for_o their_o hurt_n yet_o the_o covenant_n itself_o wrap_v up_o a_o great_a many_o privilege_n in_o it_o to_o name_v a_o few_o 1._o the_o ordinary_a reveal_v way_n of_o dispense_n salvation_n be_v by_o the_o visible_a covenant_n hence_o they_o be_v apparent_o near_a salvation_n than_o other_o what_o god_n do_v in_o a_o secret_a way_n by_o sovereign_a prerogative_n be_v not_o our_o business_n to_o inquire_v deut._n 29._o 29._o but_o according_a to_o what_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o way_n to_o life_n be_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o dispensation_n of_o it_o and_o visible_a acceptance_n of_o and_o submition_n to_o it_o not_o that_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o save_v yet_o it_o be_v the_o outward_a way_n of_o god_n appointment_n hence_o that_o rom._n 10._o 14._o god_n may_v save_v those_o that_o be_v at_o present_a out_o of_o visible_a covenant_n but_o then_o he_o bring_v they_o under_o the_o bond_n of_o it_o now_o in_o as_o much_o as_o these_o in_o question_n be_v already_o under_o it_o this_o be_v their_o great_a advantage_n 2._o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o be_v privilege_v with_o gospel-ordinance_n which_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n ordinance_n be_v
visible_a covenant-priviledge_n and_o they_o be_v for_o the_o bring_v the_o elect_a home_n unto_o glory_n eph._n 4._o 10_o 11_o 12._o object_n but_o this_o be_v no_o covenant-priviledge_n for_o the_o heathen_a have_v this_o liberty_n we_o keep_v they_o not_o away_o from_o come_v to_o the_o ordinance_n answ_n from_o the_o word_n preach_v we_o exclude_v none_o any_o may_v come_v that_o will_n but_o still_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o other_o ordinance_n which_o we_o admit_v they_o to_o till_o they_o do_v embrace_v the_o covenant_n and_o that_o by_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o so_o they_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n we_o baptise_v they_o not_o we_o admit_v they_o not_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n exercise_v not_o church_n watch_v cover_n or_o discipline_n to_o they_o till_o then_o so_o that_o the_o covenant_n be_v unto_o they_o a_o necessary_a medium_fw-la of_o perticipation_n there_o must_v be_v a_o visible_a conversion_n wrought_v in_o they_o from_o the_o heathen_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n 2._o though_o the_o word_n may_v be_v preach_v to_o the_o heathen_a yet_o it_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n or_o covenant_n people_n of_o god_n rom._n 3._o 2._o it_o be_v a_o depositum_fw-la that_o god_n put_v into_o their_o hand_n a_o gift_n of_o god_n favour_n which_o he_o have_v give_v his_o church_n possession_n of_o quest_n but_o it_o may_v then_o be_v demand_v why_o then_o do_v you_o not_o admit_v all_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n if_o they_o be_v they_o wrong_a be_v do_v they_o by_o debar_v they_o of_o their_o right_n answ_n that_o any_o of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v adult_n do_v not_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n be_v their_o own_o fault_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o door_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n stand_v open_a unto_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o come_v in_o to_o it_o and_o be_v regular_o fit_a for_o it_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n they_o shall_v be_v prohibit_v nay_o all_o encouragement_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v set_v before_o they_o that_o they_o may_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n manner_n of_o expression_n be_v compel_v to_o come_v in_o i._n e._n by_o the_o force_n of_o argument_n and_o persuasion_n thus_o we_o see_v it_o be_v a_o great_a privilege_n to_o have_v a_o title_n to_o the_o ordinance_n for_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o eternal_a salvation_n as_o to_o mean_n be_v therein_o afford_v they_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n so_o 2_o tim._n 3._o 16_o 17._o the_o sacrament_n administer_v have_v abundance_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o and_o afford_v great_a relief_n and_o sttength_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o who_o know_v how_o to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o the_o church_n censure_n be_v medicinal_a and_o appoint_v by_o god_n for_o heal_v and_o not_o for_o destruction_n 3._o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o be_v privilege_v with_o much_o more_o of_o the_o presence_n and_o strive_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n than_o other_o ordinary_o enjoy_v the_o spirit_n speak_v direct_o to_o the_o church_n he_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n church_n officer_n be_v star_n in_o christ_n own_o right_a hand_n and_o where_o god_n have_v record_v his_o name_n he_o have_v engage_v his_o presence_n exod._n 20._o 24._o he_o speak_v more_o dark_o obscure_o weak_o to_o heathen_a by_o the_o light_n of_o their_o natural_a conscience_n than_o he_o do_v to_o those_o who_o sit_v under_o the_o word_n and_o mean_n the_o word_n be_v the_o chariot_n in_o which_o he_o choose_v to_o ride_v most_o eminent_o and_o with_o which_o he_o insinuate_v himself_o into_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n these_o to_o be_v sure_o shall_v have_v the_o first_o proffer_n of_o salvation_n make_v to_o they_o act._n 13._o 46._o and_o if_o they_o embrace_v and_o accept_v they_o to_o be_v they_o herein_o they_o great_o please_v god_n in_o a_o word_n they_o be_v advantage_v to_o have_v as_o much_o do_v with_o they_o for_o their_o good_a as_o can_v be_v as_o to_z mean_n the_o care_n the_o cost_n the_o pain_n of_o the_o husbandman_n be_v be_v not_o lay_v out_o upon_o the_o open_a forest_n or_o wild_a wilderness_n but_o upon_o his_o vineyard_n isa_n 5._o begin_v prop._n 3._o that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n stand_v in_o a_o very_a difficult_a and_o hazardous_a relation_n many_o be_v prone_a to_o be_v proud_a of_o their_o privilege_n and_o say_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v these_o they_o boast_v themselves_o and_o be_v confident_a in_o their_o church_n relation_n but_o how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o do_v solemn_o consider_v their_o danger_n as_o it_o be_v a_o precious_a so_o it_o be_v a_o very_a awful_a thing_n to_o be_v in_o visible_a covenant_n with_o god_n the_o name_n of_o covenant_n relation_n viz._n the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v a_o great_a and_o dreadful_a name_n deut._n 28._o 58._o there_o be_v none_o upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o stand_v upon_o more_o dangerous_a precipice_n than_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o assertion_n may_v be_v make_v clear_a if_o we_o consider_v these_o few_o thing_n i._o that_o visible-covenant-interest_n will_v not_o afford_v man_n sufficient_a security_n against_o eternal_a damnation_n many_o there_o be_v who_o fond_o think_v the_o covenant_n shall_v save_v they_o but_o they_o do_v but_o put_v a_o cheat_n upon_o their_o own_o soul_n keep_v of_o covenant_n will_v save_v a_o man_n according_a to_o god_n promise_n who_o will_v be_v true_a to_o his_o word_n but_o bare_o be_v outward_o in_o covenant_n will_v not_o do_v it_o the_o covenant_n indeed_o have_v save_v mercy_n in_o it_o but_o they_o be_v exhibit_v or_o propound_v to_o we_o with_o a_o if_o if_o you_o keep_v it_o there_o be_v many_o be_v admit_v to_o tread_v in_o the_o holy_a place_n who_o shall_v never_o be_v entertain_v inthe_n most_o holy_a if_o some_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o plead_v the_o covenant_n with_o christ_n at_o the_o last_o day_n he_o will_v counterplead_v they_o yea_o and_o condemn_v they_o by_o the_o same_o covenant_n by_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v save_v because_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o they_o do_v not_o keep_v it_o this_o position_n be_v so_o notorious_o true_a that_o there_o be_v manifold_a example_n of_o those_o who_o have_v not_o only_o forfeit_v the_o visible_a privilege_n of_o it_o but_o also_o have_v fall_v from_o it_o into_o the_o depth_n of_o hell_n what_o get_v ishmael_n by_o be_v a_o child_n of_o the_o church_n and_o circumcise_v when_o he_o turn_v a_o mocker_n but_o rejection_n from_o the_o church_n and_o exclusion_n out_o of_o heaven_n what_o get_v esau_n when_o he_o become_v profane_a or_o absalon_n when_o he_o prove_v a_o rebel_n if_o child_n grow_v loose_a light_n vain_a wicked_a etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o hide_v of_o themselves_o in_o the_o church_n or_o under_o the_o covenant_n from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n he_o will_v search_v jerusalem_n with_o candle_n and_o his_o wrath_n find_v out_o all_o those_o who_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n god_n see_v we_o not_o zeph._n 1._o 12._o when_o die_v david_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o instruct_v his_o son_n solomon_n about_o the_o covenant_n he_o open_v the_o nature_n and_o hazard_n of_o it_o 1_o chron._n 28._o 9_o if_o thou_o seek_v he_o he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o thou_o but_o if_o thou_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v cast_v thou_o off_o for_o ever_o a_o noble_a vine_n may_v degenerate_v and_o the_o child_n of_o godly_a parent_n may_v prove_v apostate_n and_o if_o they_o do_v what_o can_v be_v expect_v but_o destruction_n a_o man_n must_v be_v something_o more_o than_o outward_o a_o jew_n or_o church-member_n or_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n else_o this_o will_v deceive_v he_o and_o give_v he_o no_o sure_a title_n to_o heaven_n and_o glory_n 2._o that_o godly_a parent_n can_v by_o their_o faith_n nor_o all_o endeavour_n work_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o secure_v the_o regeneration_n and_o salvation_n of_o their_o child_n it_o have_v be_v a_o question_n move_v by_o some_o whither_o godly_a parent_n do_v their_o duty_n to_o their_o child_n faithful_o and_o use_v their_o outmost_a endeavour_n in_o bring_v they_o up_o for_o god_n may_v not_o rely_v on_o the_o covenant-promise_n and_o positive_o believe_v their_o child_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o that_o although_o for_o the_o present_a they_o see_v no_o change_n wrought_v in_o they_o but_o they_o walk_v in_o vain_a course_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v propound_v a_o few_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o divine_a grace_n which_o can_v
suit_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n there_o be_v many_o bring_v into_o the_o visible_a covenant_n that_o some_o may_v be_v save_v of_o these_o many_o god_n have_v rather_o a_o thousand_o shall_v have_v the_o gospel_n unprofitable_o than_o one_o choose_v vessel_n want_v it_o but_o god_n do_v it_o also_o that_o such_o as_o neglect_v the_o improve_n of_o it_o unto_o salvation_n may_v perish_v with_o the_o great_a condemnation_n and_o more_o triumphant_a exaltation_n of_o revenge_a justice_n hence_o not_o only_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n too_o will_v have_v to_o lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o all_o such_o as_o for_o abuse_v of_o it_o joh._n 3_o 19_o 3._o what_o it_o be_v to_o keep_v covenant_n ans_fw-fr keep_v of_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v or_o understand_v according_a to_o the_o relation_n and_o station_n of_o the_o party_n under_o consideration_n respect_n be_v also_o to_o be_v have_v to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o covenant_n now_o in_o a_o covenant_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o imparity_n in_o the_o party_n 360._o party_n party_n party_n poederis_n dei_fw-la cum_fw-la homine_fw-la ratio_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la inter_fw-la eos_fw-la qui_fw-la paris_n sunt_fw-la juris_fw-la sed_fw-la inter_fw-la dominum_fw-la &_o servum_fw-la alsted_n theol._n p._n 360._o and_o such_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o useful_a to_o be_v observe_v that_o on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o inferior_a there_o be_v something_o to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v expect_v as_o a_o duty_n from_o he_o unto_o which_o he_o stand_v oblige_v whither_o there_o be_v any_o condition_n propound_v or_o no_o and_o that_o either_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o command_n give_v which_o be_v a_o prerogative_n of_o his_o superior_a over_o he_o if_o he_o have_v such_o a_o absolute_a power_n or_o by_o voluntary_a and_o illimited_a promise_n make_v thus_o to_o do_v or_o both_o whereas_o the_o superior_a stand_v equal_o poize_v in_o the_o covenant_n as_o one_o that_o have_v no_o other_o tie_n or_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o he_o but_o what_o be_v conditional_a hence_o follow_v this_o difference_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o keep_v covenant_n viz._n the_o superior_a may_v keep_v his_o covenant_n either_o way_n namely_o either_o by_o fulfil_v the_o covenant-promise_a or_o by_o execute_v the_o covenant_n threaten_v always_o provide_v that_o it_o true_o correspond_v or_o bear_v a_o due_a respect_n to_o to_o the_o deportment_n or_o behaviour_n of_o the_o inferior_a in_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o thus_o stand_v relate_v to_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o god_n keep_v his_o covenan_n as_o well_o by_o inflict_a punishment_n upon_o the_o disobedient_a as_o by_o perform_v mercy_n for_o the_o obedient_a although_o the_o scripture_n usual_o refer_v to_o that_o letter_n but_o now_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o inferior_a for_o obedience_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v expect_v from_o he_o and_o therefore_o be_v engage_v by_o a_o promise_v annex_v to_o it_o but_o disobedience_n be_v a_o wrong_n do_v to_o his_o superior_a and_o be_v therefore_o hedge_v with_o a_o severe_a threaten_n and_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o bring_v damage_n upon_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o by_o obedience_n he_o be_v repute_v to_o keep_v covenant_n because_o then_o only_o do_v he_o perform_v his_o covenant-duty_n disobedience_n be_v a_o breach_n of_o covenant_n because_o he_o violate_v by_o it_o the_o covenant-duty_n now_o our_o present_a discourse_n relate_v to_o the_o inferior_a or_o his_o keep_a covenant_n of_o which_o take_v this_o description_n it_o be_v his_o performance_n of_o the_o covenant-condition_n of_o obedience_n where_o by_o the_o word_n obedience_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v a_o member_n of_o religion_n contradistinct_a from_o faith_n or_o or_o as_o the_o word_n be_v often_o use_v to_o express_v the_o second_o part_n of_o divinity_n but_o only_o a_o correspondent_a or_o suitable_a demeanour_n to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o come_v from_o the_o superior_a under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o law_n or_o command_n or_o something_o that_o be_v require_v and_o expect_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o covenant_n which_o what_o it_o be_v be_v yet_o under_o enquiry_n and_o we_o be_v now_o to_o discuss_v viz._n quest_n what_o be_v the_o condition_n require_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n consider_v as_o hold_v forth_o in_o the_o visible_a and_o external_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o when_o this_o be_v well_o understand_v we_o may_v easy_o conclude_v what_o it_o be_v to_o keep_v covenant_n ans_fw-fr but_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o question_n be_v not_o without_o its_o difficulty_n partly_o because_o the_o way_n lie_v very_o narrow_a between_o antinomian_n and_o arminian_n error_n and_o therefore_o there_o need_v the_o great_a exactness_n in_o cut_v the_o thread_n true_a partly_o because_o i_o find_v judicious_a and_o orthodox_n divine_v to_o vary_v in_o their_o expression_n of_o it_o but_o i_o suppose_v if_o we_o more_o narrow_o observe_v they_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o these_o difference_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v rather_o in_o word_n and_o term_n then_o in_o substance_n for_o our_o better_a reconcile_n of_o these_o let_v we_o take_v notice_n 1._o that_o faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v the_o part_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v give_v to_o fall_v man_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o life_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o orthodox_n and_o maintain_v as_o a_o grand_a pillar_n against_o antinomianisme_n who_o misuse_v the_o phrase_n only_o believe_v will_v exterminate_v new-obedience_n from_o this_o rule_n whereas_o many_o place_n in_o the_o new-testament_n do_v clear_o stand_v for_o its_o confirmation_n among_o many_o see_v 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o where_o love_n intend_v and_o be_v but_o another_o expression_n of_o obedience_n tit._n 3._o 8._o good_a work_n be_v work_n conform_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o obedience_n when_o god_n bid_v man_n to_o believe_v he_o do_v not_o forbid_v they_o to_o obey_v nor_o discharge_v they_o from_o obedience_n but_o do_v together_o enjoin_v they_o to_o it_o 2._o that_o both_o of_o these_o bear_v a_o relation_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n or_o be_v in_o the_o gospell-covenant_n as_o it_o be_v exhibit_v to_o man_n in_o the_o outward_a dispensation_n of_o it_o be_v also_o a_o truth_n not_o doubt_v of_o by_o those_o that_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a because_o as_o we_o before_o hear_v god_n still_o transact_v with_o man_n in_o way_n of_o a_o covenant_n as_o also_o because_o there_o be_v evangelicall_n promise_v make_v to_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o and_o threaten_n denounce_v against_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o which_o thing_n declare_v that_o obedience_n also_o have_v its_o relation_n to_o that_o covenant_n 3._o that_o faith_n be_v a_o new_a covenant_n condition_n be_v not_o a_o matter_n that_o needs_o dispute_v always_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o meritorious_a condition_n or_o any_o way_n to_o infringe_v the_o freeness_n of_o grace_n but_o rather_o to_o enhance_v it_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o full_a for_o it_o and_o so_o clear_a in_o set_v it_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n i._n e._n the_o condition_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n and_o give_v it_o the_o same_o place_n in_o the_o new_a covenant_n viz._n of_o a_o condition_n the_o promise_v also_o which_o be_v conditional_o annex_v unto_o it_o and_o that_o inseparable_o make_v it_o beyond_o ground_n of_o question_n see_v mark_v 16._o 16._o joh._n 3._o 16._o 36._o joh._n 5._o 12._o 4._o hence_o the_o only_a enquiry_n here_o to_o be_v make_v be_v in_o what_o quality_n or_o consideration_n gospel-obedience_n stand_v relate_v to_o the_o gospel-covenant_n there_o be_v some_o yea_o many_a that_o determine_v that_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a gospel-condition_n and_o obedience_n be_v a_o gospel-command_a and_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o conclusion_n seem_v to_o be_v partly_o because_o by_o believe_v we_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n &_o assure_v of_o salvation_n and_o obedience_n follow_v afterward_o partly_o because_o if_o obedience_n be_v admit_v as_o a_o new-covenant-condition_n we_o shall_v necessary_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n other_o there_o be_v that_o look_n upon_o obedience_n to_o be_v not_o only_o a_o part_n of_o but_o a_o condition_n in_o the_o new-covenant_n and_o that_o unto_o which_o the_o conditional_a promise_n stand_v relate_v as_o well_o as_o unto_o faith_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n by_o so_o say_v and_o believe_v of_o return_v to_o the_o old_a and_o antiquate_a covenant_n of_o work_n i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o there_o be_v here_o no_o real_a difference_n or_o contrary_a mind_n in_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v believe_v but_o that_o one_o thing_n be_v
a_o surety_n promise_v for_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v do_v thus_o or_o so_o and_o that_o withal_o promise_v to_o we_o that_o he_o will_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o and_o for_o we_o if_o we_o will_v rely_v on_o he_o for_o it_o this_o do_v not_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o from_o be_v a_o debt_n on_o our_o part_n for_o though_o christ_n have_v promise_v we_o that_o he_o will_v do_v it_o in_o we_o yet_o god_n still_o look_v sthat_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v by_o we_o 2._o we_o be_v to_o distinguish_v between_o that_o which_o we_o stand_v positive_o engage_v to_o and_o that_o which_o god_n afford_v we_o to_o be_v our_o encouragement_n in_o stand_v to_o our_o engagement_n we_o stand_v engage_v actual_o to_o serve_v god_n to_o obey_v all_o his_o command_n but_o of_o ourselves_o we_o can_v do_v it_o josh_n 24._o 19_o now_o to_o relieve_v our_o impotency_n and_o animate_v our_o obedience_n christ_n engage_v to_o we_o that_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v in_o he_o we_o shall_v serve_v god_n viz._n that_o he_o will_v put_v his_o fear_n in_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o depart_v away_o from_o he_o he_o will_v give_v grace_n this_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o it_o require_v nothing_o of_o we_o but_o withal_o discover_v to_o and_o set_v before_o we_o what_o and_o where_o our_o help_n be_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o which_o grace_n be_v then_o high_o abuse_v when_o we_o think_v ourselves_o thereby_o acquit_v from_o our_o duty_n paul_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o therefore_o frame_v a_o argument_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o great_a diligence_n from_o this_o very_a consideration_n phil._n 2._o 12_o 13._o 3._o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o christ_n suretyship_n engage_v he_o to_o two_o sort_n of_o work_n there_o be_v some_o which_o he_o be_v to_o do_v personal_o and_o alone_o such_o be_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v for_o we_o in_o perform_v all_o that_o be_v require_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n he_o alone_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o divine_a justice_n and_o pay_v the_o price_n of_o our_o ransom_n fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n but_o there_o be_v other_o work_n which_o he_o become_v engage_v to_o work_v in_o we_o as_o the_o efficient_a which_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o grace_n that_o we_o be_v to_o do_v something_o if_o we_o will_v inherit_v eternal_a life_n be_v the_o language_n of_o all_o gospel-precept_n hence_o we_o stand_v engage_v in_o the_o gospell-covenant_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o but_o god_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o trust_v we_o be_v all_o liar_n and_o have_v prove_v false_a in_o one_o covenant_n already_o it_o be_v therefore_o needful_a that_o christ_n shall_v engage_v for_o we_o now_o these_o work_n he_o do_v not_o alone_o but_o as_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o influence_n into_o it_o which_o flow_v from_o he_o into_o the_o body_n these_o work_v he_o perform_v by_o his_o member_n these_o work_n be_v require_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n where_o christ_n mystical_a i._n e._n christ_n and_o his_o church_n be_v the_o party_n engage_v hence_o they_o fail_v not_o to_o be_v of_o the_o condition_n though_o require_v at_o his_o hand_n as_o the_o head_n of_o it_o 4._o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o in_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v the_o soul_n do_v not_o only_o give_v itself_o up_o to_o christ_n as_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o his_o reconciliation_n but_o also_o as_o his_o prophet_n and_o his_o king_n to_o be_v teach_v and_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o he_o as_o one_o that_o know_v he_o have_v not_o skill_n or_o power_n to_o order_n and_o direct_v his_o own_o way_n and_o this_o be_v proper_o that_o obedience_n of_o faith_n which_o jesus_n christ_n when_o he_o receive_v the_o believer_n into_o this_o relation_n undertake_v to_o maintain_v and_o carry_v on_o in_o he_o the_o soul_n by_o believe_v make_v it_o sure_a that_o christ_n shall_v be_v his_o helper_n to_o supply_v he_o with_o all_o that_o grace_n whereby_o he_o may_v do_v all_o that_o which_o the_o covenant_n require_v of_o he_o hence_o though_o we_o have_v security_n from_o christ_n to_o help_v we_o yet_o this_o engagement_n of_o his_o take_v not_o away_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o condition_n from_o our_o duty_n only_o show_v we_o whither_o we_o must_v go_v and_o where_o our_o dependence_n must_v be_v if_o ever_o we_o hope_v to_o live_v as_o god_n covenant-people_n who_o of_o ourselves_o can_v do_v nothing_o if_o any_o shall_v this_o notwithstanding_o think_v it_o more_o fit_a and_o proper_a to_o call_v this_o obedience_n rather_o a_o covenant-command_a than_o a_o condition_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v eager_a to_o dispute_v of_o term_n provide_v this_o one_o thing_n be_v grant_v which_o can_v without_o oppose_v the_o truth_n be_v deny_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o gospell-way_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n i._n e._n necessitate_v praecepti_fw-la &_o medii_fw-la beside_o or_o beyond_o which_o interpretation_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v or_o urge_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o condition_n in_o the_o gospell-covenant_n and_o now_o have_v discover_v the_o condition_n propound_v and_o require_v in_o this_o covenant_n the_o question_n under_o consideration_n viz._n what_o it_o be_v to_o keep_v covenant_n be_v easy_o hence_o answer_v to_o keep_v covenant_n be_v in_o general_a to_o perform_v that_o obligation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o it_o for_o man_n to_o keep_v covenant_n with_o god_n be_v for_o he_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o his_o covenant_n in_o particular_a let_v we_o observe_v that_o our_o present_a discourse_n refer_v to_o the_o visible_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o our_o so_o be_v relate_v to_o it_o as_o it_o stand_v propound_v on_o god_n part_n and_o at_o least_o outward_o acknowledge_v and_o submit_v to_o on_o our_o part_n the_o condition_n than_o be_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o gospel_n call_v for_o at_o our_o hand_n or_o prescribe_v to_o we_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o then_o to_o keep_v covenant_n be_v 1._o to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n for_o life_n i._n e._n for_o grace_n and_o glory_n to_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o to_o he_o for_o all_o and_o rely_v on_o or_o place_v our_o hope_n and_o trust_v in_o he_o alone_o this_o every_o member_n and_o child_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n do_v stand_v bind_v or_o engage_v unto_o and_o that_o upon_o no_o less_o or_o low_a consideration_n than_o salvation_n and_o damnation_n mark_n 16._o 16._o in_o which_o believe_v they_o choose_v god_n alone_o for_o their_o portion_n jesus_n christ_n for_o their_o only_a redeeming-mediator_n the_o spirit_n for_o their_o only_a sanctify_a leader_n they_o renounce_v all_o other_o vain_a trust_n and_o confidence_n they_o say_v ashur_n shall_v not_o save_v we_o they_o cast_v their_o idol_n to_o mole_n and_o to_o the_o bat_n they_o rest_v not_o upon_o the_o work_v of_o their_o own_o hand_n nor_o hope_v to_o receive_v any_o thing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n for_o their_o own_o sake_n they_o seek_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o give_v to_o he_o the_o honour_n and_o praise_v due_a to_o his_o name_n they_o go_v to_o he_o for_o all_o they_o want_v they_o acknowledge_v his_o mercy_n and_o grace_n in_o all_o they_o receive_v etc._n etc._n the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v a_o large_a and_o vast_a condition_n to_o believe_v and_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o undeniable_a truth_n that_o every_o one_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o covenant-breaker_n till_o he_o believe_v i._n e._n he_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o engagement_n 2_o 375._o 2_o 2_o 2_o in_o foedere_fw-la gratiae_fw-la deus_fw-la promittit_fw-la homini_fw-la se_fw-la fore_fw-la ipsi_fw-la patrem_fw-la in_o christo_fw-la si_fw-la filialem_fw-la praestiterit_fw-la obedientiam_fw-la alsted_n theol._n p._n 375._o to_o perform_v gospel-obedience_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n and_o exercise_v of_o faith_n and_o be_v therefore_o in_o scripture_n call_v the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n because_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o faith_n in_o exercise_n animate_v quicken_a and_o improve_n all_o the_o grace_n of_o sanctification_n to_o their_o proper_a action_n this_o obedience_n be_v vast_o differ_v from_o that_o which_o be_v require_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o although_o it_o be_v the_o same_o morall-law_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o obedience_n require_v or_o prescribe_v in_o both_o the_o covenant_n yet_o it_o be_v present_v under_o divers_a consideration_n in_o the_o first_o covenant_n it_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o antecedent-condition_n and_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o man_n blessedness_n and_o this_o blessedness_n be_v therein_o propound_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o reward_n of_o that_o obedience_n but_o here_o it_o be_v
transient_a and_o pass_v away_o and_o there_o be_v innumerable_a of_o these_o that_o visit_n and_o pass_v by_o we_o every_o day_n and_o when_o we_o have_v taste_v of_o they_o be_v go_v yet_o mercy_n continue_v and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n shall_v enjoy_v all_o needful_a blessing_n through_o time_n and_o eternity_n they_o be_v spring_n who_o water_n though_o always_o run_v yet_o never_o fail_v as_o one_o mercy_n go_v another_o come_v and_o they_o shall_v never_o cease_v psal_n 82._o 33._o and_o be_v therefore_o call_v everlasting_a 3._o because_o all_o god_n mercy_n that_o be_v covenant-blessing_n or_o fulfilling_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v lead_v to_o everlasting_a good_a it_o be_v the_o difference_n whereby_o mercy_n in_o themselves_o or_o material_o the_o same_o become_v as_o it_o be_v of_o another_o kind_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n god_n only_o bless_v the_o wicked_a but_o in_o blessing_n he_o bless_v his_o child_n i._n e._n put_v real_a sure_a blessing_n into_o their_o mercy_n the_o mercy_n of_o common_a providence_n be_v every_o way_n fade_v mercy_n they_o be_v snare_n and_o trap_n and_o be_v misuse_v become_v a_o curse_n to_o those_o that_o possess_v they_o the_o comfort_n of_o they_o soon_o die_v but_o the_o bitterness_n abide_v but_o covenant-mercy_n be_v sanctify_v mercy_n have_v a_o stamp_n of_o love_n upon_o they_o and_o contribute_v to_o the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o god_n people_n rom._n 8._o 28._o to_o enumerate_v these_o mercy_n in_o particular_a will_v be_v a_o endless_a task_n so_o rich_a be_v god_n in_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n to_o all_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o it_o be_v the_o psalmist_n ready_a acknowledgement_n psal_n 139._o 17_o 18._o their_o number_n pass_v the_o reach_n of_o our_o arithmetic_n but_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o gross_a they_o will_v fall_v under_o three_o comprehensive_a head_n temporal_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a in_o each_o of_o which_o bundle_n be_v contain_v favour_n exceed_v count_n 1._o temporal_a the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o godliliness_n concern_v the_o life_n which_o now_o be_v 1_o tim._n 4._o 8._o whatsoever_o the_o wicked_a enjoy_v in_o this_o world_n by_o mere_a indulgence_n all_o this_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v by_o promise_n and_o that_o which_o those_o have_v very_o little_a reason_n to_o hope_v for_o these_o may_v lawful_o challenge_v as_o their_o own_o if_o you_o search_v the_o scripture_n there_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o god_n be_v very_o large_a in_o his_o promise_n to_o his_o people_n upon_o this_o account_n if_o they_o will_v obey_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o covenant_n particular_o see_v deut._n 28._o begin_v covenant-relation_n engage_v god_n love_n to_o his_o people_n and_o covenant-promise_a oblige_v his_o fidelity_n if_o god_n feed_v the_o raven_n much_o more_o will_v he_o take_v care_n for_o his_o child_n if_o god_n give_v good_a thing_n to_o they_o that_o hate_v he_o much_o more_o will_v he_o be_v bountiful_a to_o those_o that_o love_n he_o if_o god_n can_v hold_v back_o his_o wrath_n from_o and_o give_v mercy_n to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o curse_n then_o sure_o the_o child_n of_o promise_n shall_v not_o be_v forget_v 2._o spiritual_a by_o which_o i_o understand_v all_o that_o grace_n and_o those_o supply_n of_o soul-good_a which_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o nourishment_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o this_o life_n those_o that_o keep_v covenant_n with_o god_n may_v go_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o promise_n for_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o enable_v they_o to_o keep_v covenant_n and_o to_o encourage_v they_o in_o so_o do_v grace_n sufficient_a to_o carry_v he_o through_o be_v promise_v to_o paul_n and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o every_o child_n of_o god_n as_o well_o under_o these_o spiritual_a mercy_n be_v comprehend_v all_o those_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v sanctify_v and_o improve_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o save_a fruit_n of_o those_o mean_n all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirlt_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o grace_n yea_o and_o the_o spiritual_a use_n and_o improvement_n of_o all_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n these_o be_v thing_n of_o such_o inestimable_a value_n that_o they_o exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o any_o natural_a man_n to_o conceive_v or_o understand_v what_o they_o be_v so_o paul_n commend_v they_o god_n they_o they_o they_o bolton_n direction_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o 3._o eternal_a in_o which_o i_o aim_v at_o all_o those_o which_o be_v reserve_v and_o keep_v in_o store_n to_o be_v the_o complete_a happiness_n and_o perfect_a glory_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o other_o life_n these_o be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n luk._n 12._o 32._o of_o these_o the_o apostle_n john_n speak_v in_o a_o yet_o more_o sublime_a manner_n than_o paul_n do_v of_o the_o former_a 1_o joh._n 3._o 2._o unregenerate_a man_n be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o spiritual_a blessing_n but_o saint_n themselves_o here_o know_v but_o little_a of_o those_o which_o be_v eternal_a all_o we_o can_v know_v of_o they_o at_o present_a be_v only_o thus_o much_o that_o they_o shall_v make_v the_o enjoyer_n happy_a beyond_o his_o thought_n expectation_n or_o possible_a desire_n in_o which_o happiness_n there_o shall_v be_v find_v no_o mixture_n or_o allay_v of_o any_o trouble_n or_o grief_n nor_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o either_o kind_n or_o degree_n of_o good_a want_v to_o make_v it_o perfect_a up_o to_o the_o outmost_a of_o create_a capacity_n to_o be_v entertain_v withal_o these_o be_v in_o brief_a the_o everlasting_a mercy_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v reserve_v for_o glory_n v._o in_o order_n to_o the_o evidence_n and_o clear_v up_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o these_o mercy_n be_v certain_o engage_v it_o be_v needful_a that_o we_o first_o consider_v something_o about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant-promise_a and_o how_o or_o in_o what_o way_n god_n fulfil_v it_o because_o many_o weak_a and_o tempt_v christian_n be_v apt_a to_o stumble_v and_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a about_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v only_o very_o brief_o here_o present_a these_o follow_a conclusion_n 1._o that_o the_o mercy_n lie_v in_o the_o covenant-promise_a do_v some_o of_o they_o bear_v a_o proper_a respect_n to_o the_o end_n and_o other_o to_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v lead_v to_o the_o end_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o these_o it_o be_v therefore_o good_a that_o a_o christian_n shall_v be_v well_o skill_v in_o this_o distinction_n and_o to_o know_v to_o which_o of_o these_o two_o every_o mercy_n of_o the_o promise_n do_v belong_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o distinction_n be_v because_o as_o there_o be_v a_o glorious_a happy_a end_n to_o which_o god_n lead_v all_o his_o people_n so_o there_o be_v a_o order_n of_o mean_n by_o which_o he_o lead_v they_o home_o to_o this_o end_n the_o end_n be_v glory_n the_o mean_n be_v sustentation_n protection_n and_o preservation_n in_o a_o way_n of_o holiness_n you_o shall_v find_v both_o these_o join_v in_o psal_n 16._o ult_n also_o psal_n 73._o 24._o 2._o that_o as_o the_o end_n be_v certain_a and_o unfailing_a so_o also_o be_v the_o mean_n so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v absolute_o respect_v the_o end_n i._n e._n mean_n shall_v never_o be_v so_o want_v as_o to_o frustrate_v the_o end_n the_o end_n be_v indubititable_a no_o believer_n shall_v fall_v short_a of_o a_o happy_a estate_n after_o this_o life_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o perfect_a blessedness_n and_o full_a fruition_n of_o the_o good_a of_o all_o the_o promise_n that_o this_o be_v not_o disappoint_v a_o safe_a conduct_n in_o the_o way_n and_o preservation_n from_o fail_v and_o a_o accomplish_n of_o all_o that_o in_o we_o which_o be_v needful_a to_o prepare_v and_o fit_v we_o for_o this_o glorious_a estate_n can_v be_v want_v the_o psalmist_n can_v therefore_o acquiesce_v in_o this_o after_o many_o wrangle_a thought_n which_o have_v disturb_v his_o mind_n and_o throw_v he_o into_o much_o disorder_n about_o many_o particular_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n here_o he_o rest_v psal_n 73._o 24._o thou_o shall_v guide_v etc._n etc._n 3._o that_o in_o the_o fulfil_n of_o these_o promise_n which_o under_o the_o title_n or_o head_n of_o mean_n god_n reserve_v a_o sovereignty_n to_o himself_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o particular_a way_n of_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o here_o we_o may_v observe_v 1._o that_o as_o the_o good_a promised_n be_v first_o make_v over_o to_o christ_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n and_o by_o he_o purchase_v in_o behalf_n of_o h_n be_v redeem_a so_o also_o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o be_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n as_o he_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o
neither_o be_v preven_v nor_o oblige_v by_o any_o thing_n in_o or_o for_o we_o be_v a_o pillar-truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n rom._n 9_o 16._o it_o be_v not_o of_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o of_o he_o that_o run_v etc._n etc._n so_o far_o as_o we_o detract_v from_o god_n sovereignty_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o convert_v and_o save_v grace_n we_o so_o far_o make_v god_n a_o debtor_n to_o the_o creature_n before_o he_o make_v himself_o so_o by_o a_o free_a promise_n 2._o that_o all_o which_o parent_n can_v do_v for_o their_o child_n in_o attendance_n to_o the_o precept_n viz._n in_o bring_v they_o up_o for_o god_n instruct_v they_o in_o his_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n exercise_v their_o authority_n in_o keep_v they_o in_o from_o lewd_a course_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o visible_a attendance_n on_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o their_o duty_n and_o be_v in_o no_o way_n to_o be_v count_v meritorious_a luk._n 17._o 10._o hence_o for_o their_o own_o soul_n safety_n they_o must_v do_v it_o except_o they_o will_v hazard_v the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o it_o outdo_v the_o power_n of_o moral-mean_n and_o endeavour_n though_o never_o so_o sincere_o use_v to_o plant_v or_o infuse_v grace_n into_o any_o soul_n the_o work_n of_o conversion_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n only_o joh._n 1._o 13._o if_o good_a man_n can_v will_n can_v pray_v can_v labour_v faith_n into_o any_o according_a to_o their_o desire_n their_o will_v none_o of_o their_o child_n none_o of_o their_o servant_n none_o of_o their_o neighbour_n none_o in_o the_o world_n perish_v 4._o that_o divine_a faith_n be_v not_o only_o a_o confidence_n but_o a_o ground_a confidence_n the_o rule_n do_v not_o only_o command_v and_o bind_v we_o to_o believe_v but_o it_o also_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o hold_v of_o faith_n be_v the_o promise_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o any_o thing_n no_o further_o than_o that_o go_v faith_n must_v have_v a_o clear_a word_n for_o its_o trust_n else_o it_o be_v but_o vain_a all_o our_o plea_n be_v in_o the_o covenant-promise_a and_o if_o we_o can_v find_v that_o we_o look_v for_o there_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o build_v upon_o but_o be_v at_o uncertainty_n 5._o that_o believer_n have_v no_o absolute_a and_o illimited_a promise_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o all_o their_o child_n or_o this_o or_o that_o child_n shall_v be_v save_v no_o nor_o limit_v neither_o to_o their_o care_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o if_o they_o do_v their_o best_a he_o will_v infallible_o add_v save_v grace_n this_o will_v appear_v by_o two_o argument_n 1._o because_o god_n be_v faithful_a to_o every_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v he_o be_v a_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v or_o repent_v i_o know_v godly_a parent_n may_v be_v remiss_a but_o they_o be_v not_o always_o so_o and_o yet_o have_v have_v their_o child_n who_o god_n have_v reject_v abraham_n his_o ishmael_n isaac_n his_o esau_n david_n his_o ahsolom_n and_o adonijah_n eli_n his_o hophni_n and_o phinehas_n now_o of_o abraham_n we_o read_v that_o he_o be_v trusty_a and_o faithful_a in_o teach_v his_o child_n gen._n 18._o 19_o and_o therefore_o he_o instruct_v and_o discipline_v ishmael_n he_o circumcise_v he_o and_o pray_v earnest_o for_o he_o 2._o because_o the_o faithful_a people_n of_o god_n have_v themselves_o thus_o interpret_v the_o promise_n they_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v upon_o supposition_n &_o to_o carry_v a_o condition_n in_o it_o eminent_a for_o this_o be_v the_o forementioned_a instance_n of_o david_n that_o he_o thus_o understand_v it_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o by_o that_o forecited_a warning_n which_o he_o give_v to_o solomon_n 1_o chron._n 28._o 9_o but_o also_o by_o that_o knowledgment_n which_o he_o make_v of_o it_o to_o god_n himself_o psal_n 132._o 11_o 12._o object_n but_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o god_n make_v a_o absolute_a promise_n to_o david_n that_o he_o will_v establish_v his_o covenant_n with_o his_o seed_n and_o not_o violate_v it_o psal_n 89._o 28_o 29._o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o in_o that_o place_n david_n represent_v or_o typifyes_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o his_o child_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v only_o those_o that_o be_v give_v to_o christ_n of_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n concern_v who_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o shall_v obtain_v salvation_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v his._n but_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o subject_n of_o the_o visible_a covenant_n who_o have_v no_o right_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n que._n but_o you_o will_v say_v then_o what_o encouragement_n be_v there_o for_o parent_n to_o pray_v for_o to_o instruct_v and_o take_v pain_n with_o their_o child_n and_o give_v they_o up_o to_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n if_o they_o can_v do_v all_o this_o in_o faith_n what_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v of_o sin_n ans_fw-fr there_o be_v other_o way_n for_o faith_n to_o act_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n beside_o this_o particular_a confident_a persuasion_n of_o this_o fruit_n and_o effect_n consider_v then_o 1._o that_o faith_n be_v to_o eye_n the_o precept_n as_o well_o as_o the_o promise_n faith_n be_v to_o influence_n our_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o our_o assurance_n faith_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v this_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o perform_v because_o god_n command_v it_o and_o be_v hereby_o animate_v to_o our_o duty_n this_o be_v obedience_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o sow_v our_o seed_n in_o the_o morning_n etc._n etc._n although_o we_o know_v not_o which_o shall_v prosper_v this_o or_o that_o because_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n 2._o that_o a_o believer_n be_v to_o be_v engage_v to_o his_o duty_n not_o only_o by_o a_o promise_n but_o also_o by_o the_o precept_n it_o be_v true_a the_o promise_n be_v our_o encouragement_n but_o the_o precept_n be_v our_o rule_n in_o submission_n to_o the_o command_n therefore_o he_o be_v to_o go_v about_o his_o work_n and_o to_o leave_v the_o success_n of_o it_o to_o divine_a dispose_n and_o so_o do_v he_o perform_v his_o duty_n in_o faith_n and_o he_o that_o be_v not_o act_v by_o this_o principle_n but_o do_v all_o mere_o as_o he_o think_v it_o may_v succeed_v be_v true_o mercenary_a 3._o there_o be_v other_o promise_n which_o may_v encourage_v a_o believer_n in_o this_o duty_n viz._n that_o if_o he_o do_v it_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n it_o shall_v be_v accept_v and_o reward_v by_o god_n god_n will_v some_o way_n or_o other_o make_v he_o to_o find_v that_o his_o labour_n have_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a the_o husbandman_n be_v in_o duty_n to_o sow_v his_o seed_n in_o faith_n but_o he_o be_v not_o sure_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o good_a crop_n the_o figtree_n may_v not_o blossom_n though_o he_o manure_n it_o with_o care_n but_o this_o be_v his_o encouragement_n that_o in_o a_o way_n of_o do_v duty_n god_n have_v say_v that_o he_o will_v bless_v he_o 4._o i'faith_o also_o teach_v we_o that_o attend_v the_o mean_n be_v near_o to_o the_o particular_a blessing_n than_o not_o attend_v but_o neglect_v they_o god_n often_o meet_v his_o people_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o ordinary_a then_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a providence_n nor_o do_v god_n always_o though_o he_o may_v sometime_o in_o sovereignty_n deny_v the_o desire_a blessing_n to_o his_o people_n yea_o and_o although_o he_o may_v sometime_o work_v there_o where_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o shameful_a neglect_n as_o in_o convert_v josiah_n the_o son_n of_o a_o wicked_a amon_n yet_o our_o neglect_n be_v inexcusable_a because_o we_o have_v despise_v the_o command_n such_o a_o parent_n as_o have_v faithful_o do_v his_o duty_n may_v die_v in_o hope_n that_o although_o he_o see_v not_o the_o desire_a fruit_n of_o his_o pain_n and_o prayer_n yet_o they_o may_v appear_v when_o his_o head_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o dust_n to_o be_v sure_o he_o may_v with_o this_o comfort_n leave_v the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o his_o place_n 3._o the_o provocation_n of_o covenant-children_n be_v most_o heinous_a and_o consequent_o most_o provoke_v to_o god_n the_o sin_n of_o none_o be_v so_o offensive_a in_o his_o sight_n as_o they_o you_o shall_v find_v therefore_o that_o the_o scripture_n set_v a_o note_n observable_a upon_o this_o consideration_n amos._n 3._o 2._o so_o deut._n 32._o 19_o the_o provoking_n of_o son_n and_o daughter_n be_v bitter_a jer._n 5._o 7._o thy_o child_n have_v
attain_n of_o this_o grace_n they_o will_v be_v witness_n against_o they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o account_n and_o help_v great_o to_o inflame_v their_o reckon_a mat._n 11._o 23._o 2._o christ_n stand_v surety_n for_o believer_n not_o to_o encourage_v their_o neglect_n but_o only_o to_o help_v their_o faith_n rely_v upon_o he_o in_o sense_n of_o self-insufficiencie_n and_o that_o too_o either_o while_o they_o be_v strive_v to_o do_v good_a and_o can_v do_v the_o good_a which_o they_o will_v or_o at_o least_o be_v mourn_v for_o and_o repent_v of_o their_o fall_n and_o neglect_v christ_n never_o intend_v that_o his_o grace_n shall_v be_v the_o abettour_n and_o protector_n of_o man_n wickedness_n and_o so_o to_o improve_v it_o be_v to_o turn_v it_o into_o wantonness_n which_o every_o serious_a soul_n must_v abominate_a rom._n 6._o 1_o 2._o and_o hence_o also_o though_o christ_n will_v be_v a_o effectual_a advocate_n for_o every_o true_a believer_n notwithstanding_o all_o his_o frailty_n and_o breach_n of_o covenant_n with_o god_n yet_o he_o will_v be_v no_o abettour_n of_o he_o for_o his_o wilful_a and_o bold_a transgression_n commit_v upon_o presumption_n of_o christ_n intercession_n but_o he_o will_v charge_v his_o sin_n home_o upon_o he_o as_o he_o do_v upon_o david_n and_o make_v it_o a_o evil_a and_o bitter_a thing_n to_o he_o he_o will_v break_v his_o bone_n wound_v his_o spirit_n make_v he_o see_v the_o evil_a and_o feel_v the_o smart_n of_o it_o so_o as_o to_o loathe_v himself_o for_o it_o in_o a_o word_n he_o will_v not_o apply_v his_o pardon_n sensible_o to_o the_o soul_n but_o in_o a_o way_n of_o deep_a humiliation_n godly_a sorrow_n and_o repentance_n 3._o degeneracy_n apostasy_n and_o covenant_n break_v be_v a_o evil_a into_o which_o god_n visible_a covenant-people_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o decline_v it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o hereditary_a disease_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n it_o be_v a_o malady_n epidemical_a they_o very_o often_o fall_v into_o it_o it_o have_v be_v so_o from_o the_o beginning_n beside_o the_o particular_a discovery_n of_o false_a professor_n in_o the_o best_a time_n and_o age_n and_o church_n it_o be_v also_o observable_a that_o there_o can_v scarce_o any_o authority_n be_v produce_v that_o ever_o the_o church_n preserve_v a_o general_a integrity_n in_o faith_n and_o manner_n above_o a_o age_n at_o once_o at_o the_o most_o yea_o we_o find_v that_o israel_n in_o the_o wilderness_n though_o under_o many_o peculiar_a advantage_n to_o keep_v close_o with_o god_n who_o be_v so_o near_o they_o so_o ready_a to_o help_v they_o so_o wonderful_o discover_v himself_o to_o they_o do_v yet_o fall_v into_o universal_a idolatry_n before_o joshua_n and_o the_o elder_n which_o outlive_v he_o be_v cold_a in_o their_o grave_n that_o people_n that_o have_v just_a before_o joshua_n death_n solemn_o renew_v covenant_n go_v after_o strange_a god_n reiigion_n scarce_o well_o settle_v in_o david_n time_n yet_o wane_v before_o solomon_n death_n and_o soon_o after_o ten_o tribe_n go_v away_o to_o direct_v idolatry_n and_o the_o two_o that_o remain_v but_o little_a better_o josiah_n reformation_n be_v bury_v with_o he_o in_o one_o grave_a since_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n the_o apostle_n have_v scarce_o settle_v the_o christian_a church_n but_o they_o live_v some_o of_o they_o to_o see_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n begin_v to_o work_v john_n who_o be_v the_o long_a live_v of_o the_o apostle_n see_v five_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n manifest_o degenerate_v now_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n shall_v put_v a_o awe_n upon_o our_o spirit_n and_o make_v we_o the_o more_o watchful_a remember_v that_o we_o have_v no_o more_o security_n for_o our_o stand_n than_o they_o have_v it_o be_v the_o conclude_a argument_n which_o the_o apostle_n draw_v from_o such_o premise_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 12._o let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v they_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o we_o do_v neither_o have_v we_o any_o great_a security_n of_o our_o stand_n than_o they_o have_v of_o they_o 4._o consider_v how_o great_a the_o severity_n of_o god_n have_v be_v against_o covenant-breaker_n joshua_n dissemble_v not_o with_o they_o but_o give_v they_o a_o true_a caution_n john_n 24._o 19_o 20._o he_o will_v not_o forgive_v etc._n etc._n if_o you_o forsake_v etc._n etc._n god_n send_v the_o jew_n to_o shilo_n to_o read_v there_o in_o those_o heap_n and_o monument_n of_o his_o anger_n a_o lesson_n of_o their_o own_o admonition_n jer._n 7._o 11._o the_o history_n of_o god_n revenge_n upon_o his_o own_o people_n for_o affront_v offer_v to_o his_o covenant_n be_v as_o well_o record_v for_o our_o instruction_n as_o those_o of_o his_o mercy_n god_n will_v have_v all_o of_o we_o to_o know_v that_o he_o be_v holy_a as_o well_o as_o gracious_a and_o that_o he_o expect_v to_o be_v glorify_v by_o all_o those_o that_o draw_v near_o unto_o he_o if_o aaron_n son_n offer_v strange_a fire_n they_o themselves_o shall_v be_v destroy_v with_o fire_n from_o heaven_n awful_a be_v that_o scripture_n jer._n 12._o 7._o i_o have_v for_o saken_a my_o house_n i_o have_v leave_v my_o heritage_n i_o have_v give_v the_o dear_o belove_v of_o my_o soul_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o her_o enemy_n jerusalem_n come_v down_o wonderful_o because_o she_o have_v forsake_v she_o god_n apostate_n church_n be_v the_o most_o unsafe_a and_o insecure_a of_o any_o people_n of_o the_o world_n and_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o the_o time_n be_v draw_v on_o when_o judgement_n must_v begin_v at_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o if_o so_o we_o have_v great_a need_n if_o we_o will_v then_o escape_v to_o see_v to_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o life_n that_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o what_o the_o covenant_n expect_v of_o we_o 5._o consider_v there_o be_v grace_n peace_n and_o safety_n to_o be_v have_v in_o our_o keep_a covenant_n with_o god_n it_o be_v david_n profession_n 119._o 165._o great_a peace_n have_v all_o they_o that_o keep_v thy_o law_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n on_o god_n part_n that_o he_o shall_v fail_v of_o his_o promise_n it_o be_v part_n of_o his_o name_n and_o one_o of_o his_o precious_a title_n that_o he_o be_v a_o god_n keep_v covenant_n his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n engage_v he_o in_o it_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o a_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v he_o never_o say_v to_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n seek_v my_o face_n in_o vain_a as_o covenant-mercye_n be_v everlasting_a so_o they_o be_v sure_a they_o be_v inviolable_o engage_v to_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o covenant_n call_v sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n isa_n 55._o 3._o as_o long_o as_o vzziah_n walk_v with_o god_n he_o cause_v he_o to_o prosper_v as_o far_o as_o god_n see_v fit_a for_o his_o own_o glory_n upright_o church_n shall_v have_v outward_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n or_o if_o for_o his_o glory_n he_o suffer_v persecution_n to_o come_v upon_o they_o to_o try_v their_o grace_n they_o shall_v need_v to_o fear_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n rev._n 2._o 10._o and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o bless_a and_o soul-satisfying_a conclusion_n to_o be_v able_a to_o profess_v in_o time_n of_o great_a oppression_n as_o they_o do_v psal_n 44._o 17._o etc._n etc._n if_o a_o church_n as_o such_o apostatise_v yet_o faithful_a one_o and_o mourner_n in_o it_o shall_v be_v mark_v out_o for_o mercy_n ezek._n 9_o begin_v those_o who_o then_o defile_v not_o their_o garment_n shall_v walk_v with_o he_o in_o white_a rev._n 3._o 4._o if_o god_n come_v forth_o in_o his_o indignation_n and_o punish_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n yet_o still_o he_o will_v provide_v for_o they_o call_v for_o they_o into_o their_o chamber_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n upon_o they_o for_o their_o security_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o faithful_a know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a for_o they_o that_o they_o serve_v god_n and_o be_v not_o false_a to_o his_o covenant_n but_o stand_v firm_a against_o all_o shock_n of_o temptation_n though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n for_o a_o while_n they_o may_v be_v scorn_v and_o scoff_v at_o by_o the_o world_n for_o their_o integrity_n in_o the_o further_a prosecution_n of_o this_o use_n i_o shall_v first_o propound_v some_o general_a help_n and_o then_o present_v more_o particular_a direction_n for_o help_v will_v we_o keep_v covenant_n with_o god_n then_o 1._o you_o must_v go_v to_o and_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n for_o grace_n whereby_o you_o may_v be_v enable_v so_o to_o do_v i_o name_v this_o first_o because_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o christ_n be_v the_o surety_n and_o undertaker_n in_o the_o covenant_n on_o both_o party_n and_o if_o you_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o business_n you_o
cheerful_o impart_v it_o peter_n be_v winnow_v that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o strengthen_v his_o brethren_n bear_v one_o another_o burden_n be_v sure_a that_o you_o leave_v none_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o faint_a behind_o in_o the_o way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n but_o take_v they_o along_o with_o you_o 3._o by_o mutual_a bear_n and_o forbear_v such_o be_v our_o state_n in_o this_o life_n that_o there_o be_v many_o unavoidable_a frailty_n will_v discover_v themselves_o in_o our_o conversation_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o christian_n shall_v have_v frequent_a converse_n together_o but_o now_o and_o then_o they_o will_v manifest_o discover_v a_o dark_a side_n and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o bear_v and_o cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o infirmity_n we_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o keep_v company_n with_o man_n nor_o shall_v we_o ever_o forward_o one_o another_o grace_n and_o more_o especial_o bear_v much_o in_o what_o may_v personal_o concern_v ourselves_o paul_n will_v not_o ready_o challenge_v his_o galatian_n of_o do_v he_o any_o injury_n 4._o by_o a_o holy_a emulation_n as_o there_o be_v a_o sinful_a so_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a strife_n among_o christian_n when_o we_o do_v not_o envy_v to_o other_o their_o grace_n but_o when_o by_o look_v upon_o they_o we_o be_v the_o more_o ashamed_a of_o ourselves_o and_o be_v thereby_o excite_v to_o be_v the_o more_o industrious_a in_o imitate_v and_o constant_a in_o endeavour_v to_o overtake_v and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o outdo_v they_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o race_n and_o every_o one_o there_o run_v with_o might_n and_o main_a and_o count_v it_o his_o interest_n and_o honour_n to_o get_v first_o to_o the_o goal_n etc._n etc._n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n often_o propound_v the_o pattern_n of_o one_o church_n to_o another_o to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v stir_v they_o up_o to_o this_o emulation_n runner_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o let_v other_o go_v before_o they_o if_o they_o can_v help_v it_o 5._o by_o a_o yield_a and_o comply_v spirit_n be_v willing_a rather_o to_o lose_v part_n of_o your_o own_o liberty_n then_o by_o make_v use_n of_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o wrong_v another_o conscience_n who_o will_v through_o your_o occasion_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o own_o weakness_n abuse_v the_o liberty_n unto_o sin_n against_o god_n paul_n charity_n on_o this_o account_n be_v so_o high_a and_o his_o study_n to_o promote_v the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o soul_n so_o zealous_a that_o rather_o than_o obstruct_v it_o in_o the_o least_o he_o will_v choose_v to_o debarr_v himself_o of_o the_o most_o common_a liberty_n of_o christian_n 1_o cor._n 8._o ult_n 6._o by_o pray_v one_o for_o another_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o holiness_n pray_v therefore_o that_o he_o will_v pour_v it_o out_o upon_o his_o people_n and_o make_v it_o to_o abound_v and_o in_o special_a prey_n for_o those_o who_o god_n call_v to_o dispense_v the_o mean_n of_o holiness_n to_o you_o this_o boon_n paul_n beg_v of_o his_o ephesian_n eph._n 6._o 19_o that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o receive_v grace_n to_o be_v faithful_a in_o deliver_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n to_o you_o and_o successful_a by_o his_o presence_n with_o and_o blessing_n upon_o their_o labour_n and_o endeavour_n that_o so_o you_o by_o they_o may_v be_v help_v forward_o in_o the_o way_n to_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n all_o these_o duty_n you_o owe_v one_o another_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o you_o 2._o beware_v of_o suffer_v one_o another_o in_o sin_n but_o in_o all_o faithfulness_n endeavour_v each_o other_o recovery_n none_o so_o much_o need_v a_o help_a hand_n to_o be_v lend_v he_o as_o he_o that_o be_v fall_v and_o it_o be_v a_o main_a part_n of_o that_o love_n which_o the_o people_n of_o god_n owe_v one_o to_o another_o to_o be_v faithful_a in_o reprove_v sin_n if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o turn_v aside_o from_o nor_o to_o neglect_v to_o help_v our_o neighbour_n ox_n and_o ass_n when_o they_o be_v fall_v much_o less_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o brother_n not_o to_o reprove_v sin_n when_o there_o be_v need_n of_o a_o reproof_n be_v if_o we_o will_v credit_v the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n account_v to_o hate_v he_o in_o our_o heart_n leu._n 19_o 17._o and_o i_o the_o rather_o urge_v this_o because_o this_o duty_n seem_v to_o be_v much_o lay_v aside_o and_o there_o be_v indeed_o many_o temptation_n to_o neglect_v it_o &_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o they_o do_v often_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o to_o omit_v it_o then_o arguesa_fw-la spirit_n either_o of_o flattery_n or_o cowardice_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v faithful_a in_o give_v and_o candid_a in_o take_v of_o reproof_n not_o with_o the_o galatian_n to_o count_v he_o our_o enemy_n that_o tell_v we_o the_o truth_n but_o with_o david_n to_o take_v it_o as_o a_o kindness_n to_o be_v faithful_o reprove_v psal_n 14._o 5._o it_o be_v the_o way_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o our_o recovery_n out_o of_o sin_n and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a judgement_n upon_o a_o people_n where_o there_o be_v no_o reprover_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_z not_o to_o reprove_v be_v many_o time_n interpret_v to_o approve_v moreover_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o may_v prevent_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o sin_n reproose_n be_v like_o the_o northwind_n which_o cleanse_v the_o air_n if_o by_o reprove_v we_o shall_v offend_v our_o brother_n it_o be_v only_o his_o corruption_n that_o we_o offend_v when_o his_o grace_n begin_v to_o stir_v this_o will_v blow_v over_o and_o our_o fidelity_n will_v be_v greateful_o acknowledge_v however_o if_o asa_n imprison_v the_o prophet_n yet_o he_o save_v his_o own_o soul_n this_o you_o have_v promise_v by_o covenant_n to_o do_v and_o that_o you_o may_v do_v it_o aright_o and_o to_o good_a effect_n observe_v these_o rule_n in_o do_v it_o 1._o be_v sure_a all_o your_o reproof_n proceed_v from_o love_n and_o not_o from_o bitterness_n labour_v therefore_o after_o a_o meek_a a_o gentle_a and_o a_o bear_a frame_n of_o spirit_n you_o must_v not_o always_o expect_v to_o meet_v with_o grace_n but_o often_o to_o encounter_v with_o corruption_n and_o beware_v that_o you_o do_v not_o set_v your_o corruption_n against_o it_o a_o reproverundertake_v the_o place_n of_o a_o spiritual_a physician_n &_o must_v deal_v with_o the_o malady_n according_a to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o patient_n aim_v at_o the_o recovery_n and_o gain_v of_o a_o soul_n hence_o that_o direction_n gal._n 6._o 1._o you_o must_v mix_v meekness_n with_o &_o add_v patience_n to_o all_o your_o rebuke_n as_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o cover_v rather_o than_o discover_v another_o frailty_n 300._o frailty_n frailty_n frailty_n non_fw-la modo_fw-la accusator_fw-la sed_fw-la ne_fw-la objurgator_n quidem_fw-la ferendus_fw-la est_fw-la be_v qui_fw-la quod_fw-la in_o altero_fw-la vitium_fw-la reprehendit_fw-la in_fw-la eo_fw-la ipse_fw-la deprehenditur_fw-la cic._n in_o verrem_fw-la act._n 5._o pag._n 300._o 2._o let_v your_o life_n as_o well_o as_o your_o word_n be_v a_o conviction_n of_o sin_n in_o your_o brother_n loose_v and_o scandalous_a professor_n be_v very_o unfit_a for_o this_o service_n noah_n life_n as_o well_o as_o his_o preach_v condemn_v the_o old_a world_n he_o that_o carry_v his_o beam_n with_o he_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o pluck_v away_o a_o mote_n mat._n 7._o begin_v it_o great_o weaken_v a_o reproof_n when_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o a_o sin_n we_o daily_o live_v in_o commission_n of_o and_o be_v know_v too_o much_o to_o allow_v in_o ourselves_o that_o which_o we_o not_o only_o speak_v against_o but_o live_v contrary_a to_o will_v help_v our_o reproof_n to_o carry_v evidence_n along_o with_o they_o will_v give_v they_o credit_v of_o our_o sincerity_n and_o care_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o authority_n 3._o be_v as_o ready_a if_o occasion_n be_v give_v to_o receive_v as_o to_o minister_v a_o rebuke_n there_o be_v no_o folly_n and_o mistake_n which_o may_v overtake_v one_o christian_a but_o be_v also_o incident_a to_o another_o and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v our_o turn_n sometime_o to_o need_v help_n and_o when_o we_o do_v it_o be_v our_o interest_n not_o to_o refuse_v but_o thankful_o accept_v of_o it_o and_o if_o we_o carry_v such_o a_o spirit_n with_o we_o we_o shall_v by_o this_o mean_n gain_v the_o more_o credit_n and_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o win_v upon_o other_o 4._o be_v sure_a when_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o your_o brother_n require_v it_o that_o you_o carry_v on_o your_o reproof_n to_o conviction_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o arise_v only_o from_o sudden_a passion_n and_o there_o a_o
it_o be_v right_a see_v jer._n 17._o 9_o who_o can_v know_v it_o many_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o their_o heart_n be_v right_a when_o it_o be_v not_o jehu_n when_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o spur_n and_o his_o zeal_n on_o fire_n will_v have_v be_v angry_a if_o any_o one_o have_v then_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o will_v at_o last_o prove_v a_o idolater_n doubtless_o these_o israelite_n when_o they_o make_v such_o promise_n and_o protestation_n as_o we_o find_v they_o do_v be_v very_o confident_a of_o their_o own_o integrity_n and_o yet_o the_o next_o hour_n of_o temptation_n discover_v their_o falseness_n there_o be_v therefore_o great_a need_n to_o be_v very_o wary_a of_o our_o heart_n 2._o there_o be_v no_o hope_n that_o they_o shall_v long_o hold_v out_o and_o keep_v true_a to_o their_o covenant_n that_o do_v not_o engage_v in_o they_o with_o their_o whole_a heart_n what_o man_n be_v drive_v to_o do_v upon_o fear_n or_o force_n have_v no_o truth_n in_o it_o let_v but_o that_o fear_n be_v remove_v or_o constraint_n take_v off_o they_o and_o you_o shall_v quick_o see_v they_o return_v age●_n to_o their_o old_a wont_v and_o forget_v every_o promise_n which_o they_o engage_v themselves_o in_o unto_o god_n a_o notable_a instance_n we_o have_v for_o this_o in_o those_o jew_n jer._n 34._o 8._o etc._n etc._n their_o heart_n be_v not_o to_o the_o law_n and_o covenant_n of_o god_n hence_o though_o in_o a_o hurry_n and_o distress_n they_o make_v vow_n and_o begin_v to_o put_v they_o in_o execution_n yet_o the_o present_a danger_n be_v no_o soon_o over_o but_o they_o taste_v sweetness_n in_o their_o old_a sin_n and_o impudent_o return_v to_o they_o again_o yea_o this_o be_v the_o very_a reason_n render_v in_o our_o text_n why_o they_o so_o often_o revolt_v after_o so_o many_o return_n a_o thing_n that_o move_v by_o the_o force_n of_o weight_n will_v move_v but_o till_o they_o be_v down_o it_o must_v be_v a_o live_a thing_n that_o hold_v on_o its_o motion_n to_o the_o end_n hypocrisy_n and_o formality_n will_v tire_v by_o the_o way_n and_o give_v in_o it_o be_v only_a grace_n in_o the_o heart_n that_o will_v carry_v a_o man_n through_o his_o work_n 3._o god_n have_v make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o look_v to_o our_o heart_n pro._n 4._o 23._o heb._n 3._o 12._o and_o although_o we_o can_v neither_o make_v nor_o keep_v they_o right_o by_o our_o own_o strength_n yet_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o go_v to_o he_o and_o wait_v upon_o he_o to_o do_v it_o for_o we_o and_o in_o our_o place_n to_o take_v pain_n and_o use_v uttermost_a diligence_n about_o it_o for_o if_o we_o fail_v the_o fault_n will_v not_o be_v lay_v upon_o he_o but_o the_o sin_n will_v be_v our_o own_o and_o indeed_o not_o to_o look_v to_o the_o integrity_n of_o our_o heart_n in_o our_o covenant_n be_v in_o itself_o true_o and_o proper_o a_o break_n of_o covenant_n in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o renew_v it_o and_o that_o bring_v in_o the_o next_o iii_o from_o the_o covenant_n itself_o in_o which_o we_o do_v actual_o and_o declarative_o engage_v our_o whole_a man_n to_o god_n service_n which_o can_v be_v the_o whole_a except_o the_o heart_n be_v in_o it_o the_o covenant_n precept_n bind_v we_o to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o all_o our_o soul_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a covenant_n not_o only_o objective_o as_o the_o object_n we_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n but_o subjectiu_o too_o viz._n as_o we_o who_o enter_v into_o covenant_n do_v engage_v all_o spiritual_a service_n and_o obedience_n unto_o god_n he_o that_o promise_v to_o reform_v and_o do_v not_o begin_v at_o the_o heart_n be_v a_o vile_a dissembler_n and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o first_o secure_v the_o quarter_n of_o his_o soul_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n all_o the_o pain_n he_o take_v in_o and_o about_o reformation_n will_v be_v but_o to_o give_v his_o lust_n a_o safe_a retirement_n to_o hide_v itself_o and_o lie_v lurk_v in_o his_o heart_n till_o it_o have_v a_o further_a &_o ●airer_a opportunity_n to_o walk_v abroad_o again_o in_o this_o life_n use_v in_o the_o application_n of_o this_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v wave_v all_o other_o improvement_n which_o may_v have_v be_v make_v of_o it_o that_o so_o i_o may_v have_v the_o more_o room_n and_o opportunity_n to_o press_v this_o use_n of_o exhortation_n viz._n that_o as_o it_o concern_v all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o what_o thing_n soever_o they_o have_v to_o deal_v about_o with_o he_o so_o it_o especial_o call_v upon_o we_o who_o be_v this_o day_n engage_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o take_v special_a heed_n to_o ourselves_o that_o in_o all_o this_o procedure_v our_o heart_n be_v right_a with_o god_n i_o may_v here_o urge_v many_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o motive_n but_o let_v these_o two_o or_o three_o suffice_v viz._n i._o consider_v who_o you_o have_v now_o to_o do_v and_o transact_v withal_o i_o know_v you_o have_v to_o do_v one_o with_o another_o but_o this_o be_v not_o your_o main_a business_n that_o be_v with_o god_n and_o if_o it_o be_v god_n you_o be_v now_o engage_v with_o let_v it_o then_o be_v think_v upon_o 1_o whether_o he_o do_v not_o deserve_v your_o heart_n if_o not_o he_o who_o have_v he_o not_o make_v they_o do_v he_o not_o uphold_v and_o preserve_v they_o can_v he_o make_v they_o ●appy_a or_o miserable_a all_o that_o he_o have_v do_v for_o you_o all_o that_o he_o have_v reveal_v in_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o perform_v in_o your_o behalf_n if_o you_o true_o seek_v it_o of_o he_o challenge_v your_o heart_n to_o be_v devote_v unto_o he_o yea_o you_o do_v here_o engage_v yourselves_o to_o be_v his_o and_o can_v you_o be_v so_o and_o yet_o keep_v back_o your_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a thing_n from_o he_o 2._o whether_o you_o can_v rational_o hope_v that_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o your_o covenant_v except_o your_o heart_n be_v in_o it_o to_o believe_v it_o be_v to_o make_v he_o a_o liar_n do_v he_o not_o of_o all_o the_o sacrifice_n challenge_v the_o inward_o as_o the_o principal_a part_n for_o himself_o and_o what_o do_v that_o signify_v to_o we_o but_o that_o the_o heart_n must_v be_v his_o in_o every_o service_n of_o we_o do_v he_o accept_v of_o the_o plausible_a but_o heartless_a service_n of_o the_o jew_n ezek_n 33._o 31_o see_v vers_n ult_n do_v he_o accept_v of_o their_o fast_n isa_n 58_o no_o and_o why_o not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v hypocritical_a and_o heartless_a 3._o whether_o you_o can_v impose_v upon_o he_o and_o cheat_v he_o with_o a_o heartless_a covenant_n can_v you_o kiss_v your_o hand_n and_o mean_a while_n hide_v hypocrisy_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o god_n not_o know_v it_o and_o can_v he_o know_v it_o and_o not_o bear_v witness_n against_o it_o have_v you_o only_o man_n to_o do_v withal_o you_o may_v with_o many_o fair_a word_n and_o deceitful_a show_v invite_v he_o to_o credit_n and_o confide_v in_o your_o false_a and_o 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