the_o hear_n of_o faith_n by_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n make_v know_v unto_o you_o in_o that_o way_n the_o spirit_n come_v and_o the_o spirit_n with_o the_o grace_n of_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v the_o bless_a instrumental_a mean_n whereby_o there_o come_v to_o be_v the_o first_o plantation_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n ay_o this_o that_o bring_v man_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v the_o gospel_n man_n will_v never_o believe_v to_o the_o save_n of_o their_o soul_n till_o they_o come_v to_o know_v jesus_n christ._n they_o will_v never_o repent_v with_o a_o repentance_n to_o salvation_n till_o they_o come_v to_o know_v jesus_n christ_n all_o the_o knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n will_v never_o bring_v over_o a_o soul_n to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n 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this_o be_v a_o mystery_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v well_o acquaint_v withal_o o_o it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v that_o that_o break_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v the_o heart_n to_o work_v out_o after_o god_n never_o shall_v we_o begin_v to_o love_n god_n nor_o to_o love_n christ_n till_o such_o time_n as_o we_o come_v to_o know_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n i_o will_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o every_o one_o of_o you_o be_v but_o well_o study_v in_o this_o mystery_n that_o now_o i_o be_o speak_v to_o that_o it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n to_o plant_v grace_n to_o make_v the_o first_o plantation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o soul_n as_o 2_o know_v that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o its_o first_o plantation_n so_o it_o be_v the_o 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trust_n and_o a_o affectionate_a knowledge_n a_o knowledge_n of_o love_n and_o with_o a_o knowledge_n of_o desire_n and_o a_o knowledge_n of_o submission_n i_o will_v give_v they_o a_o heart_n to_o know_v i_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v likewise_o to_o this_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n speak_v joh._n 17._o 3._o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a why_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v mark_v it_o this_o be_v eternal_a life_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o this_o be_v eternal_a life_n in_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o it_o to_o know_v thou_o and_o to_o know_v he_o who_o thou_o have_v send_v to_o know_v god_n in_o christ_n this_o be_v eternal_a life_n then_o sure_o it_o import_v faith_n and_o it_o import_v love_n and_o it_o import_v holiness_n for_o eternal_a life_n do_v not_o come_v over_o to_o a_o soul_n but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o believe_v and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o love_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o all_o the_o grace_n so_o that_o i_o say_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o under_o which_o be_v comprehend_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o true_o this_o be_v a_o consideration_n of_o weight_n in_o order_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o be_v more_o in_o our_o indearing_n of_o it_o and_o more_o in_o our_o endeavouring_n after_o it_o but_o now_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v this_o yet_o more_o full_o to_o appear_v by_o a_o induction_n of_o particular_n so_o as_o that_o you_o may_v stand_v convince_v of_o this_o that_o the_o way_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n consider_v first_o of_o all_o that_o by_o growth_n in_o this_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n we_o be_v most_o happy_o advantage_v for_o a_o growth_n in_o faith_n and_o believe_v it_o be_v very_o considerable_a and_o i_o will_v commend_v it_o to_o you_o to_o be_v serious_o weigh_v that_o as_o knowledge_n be_v put_v for_o faith_n for_o justify_v faith_n according_a to_o that_o remarkablescripture_n that_o you_o have_v in_o isa._n 53._o where_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n by_o the_o prophet_n by_o his_o knowledge_n shall_v my_o righteous_a servant_n justify_v many_o now_o do_v but_o weigh_v that_o passage_n and_o observe_v this_o expression_n this_o be_v speak_v concern_v christ_n our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o say_v the_o prophet_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o shall_v my_o righteous_a servant_n justify_v many_o why_o do_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n justify_v why_o the_o devil_n know_v he_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o justify_v carnal_a professor_n they_o have_v a_o knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o justify_v i_o but_o that_o be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n as_o that_o they_o that_o have_v it_o shall_v be_v justify_v and_o christ_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o shall_v justify_v many_o now_o what_o knowledge_n be_v this_o iâ—…_n must_v needs_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o fiducial_a knowledge_n a_o knowledge_n of_o faith_n such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o dependence_n a_o knowledge_n of_o recumbency_n and_o reliance_n upon_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n there_o be_v no_o other_o knowledge_n whereby_o christ_n can_v justify_v soul_n but_o by_o such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o this_o and_o so_o i_o say_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v put_v for_o faith_n and_o be_v use_v to_o be_v set_v forth_o unto_o we_o the_o faith_n whereby_o soul_n be_v justify_v and_o so_o
everlasting_a covenant_n which_o be_v order_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o sure_a when_o it_o be_v not_o pen_v up_o but_o have_v scope_n in_o our_o understanding_n when_o we_o can_v take_v in_o this_o mystery_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n in_o the_o proportion_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o business_n of_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v that_o which_o will_v not_o be_v perform_v to_o any_o good_a purpose_n unless_o there_o be_v some_o considarable_a improvement_n and_o growth_n in_o faith_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v so_o earnest_o pray_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n in_o eph._n 1._o say_v he_o i_o cease_v not_o to_o give_v thanks_o for_o you_o make_v mention_n of_o you_o in_o my_o prayer_n that_o the_o god_n of_o 〈◊〉_d lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o glory_n may_v give_v 〈◊〉_d yâ—…_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o blâ—…_n the_o eye_n of_o your_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v that_o 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knowledge_n that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o â—…d_n two_o passage_n they_o be_v of_o scripture_n which_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o believe_a soul_n to_o be_v well_o study_v in_o that_o part_n which_o i_o read_v to_o you_o out_o of_o the_o first_o chapt._n and_o this_o in_o the_o three_o i_o say_v they_o be_v of_o some_o proper_a cognisance_n â—…r_v man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v bring_v over_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v studious_a of_o approve_v themselves_o unto_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o may_v answer_v their_o duty_n concern_v these_o thing_n that_o be_v here_o make_v mention_n of_o that_o there_o may_v be_v not_o only_o as_o i_o say_v before_o a_o weak_a and_o dim_a and_o dark_a apprehension_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o comprehension_n that_o the_o mystery_n may_v stand_v full_a and_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v complete_a in_o we_o in_o all_o the_o proportion_n of_o it_o that_o the_o gospel_n may_v not_o be_v straighten_v in_o our_o understanding_n true_o friend_n this_o be_v a_o great_a matter_n if_o you_o will_v but_o set_v your_o heart_n upon_o it_o and_o serious_o weigh_v and_o ponder_v what_o i_o drive_v now_o alas_o how_o little_a be_v there_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o our_o heart_n have_v already_o receive_v how_o little_a of_o it_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n god_n be_v scant_v and_o shorten_v in_o the_o love_n praise_n and_o honour_n that_o be_v due_a to_o he_o and_o which_o our_o heart_n will_v be_v enlarge_v to_o yield_v up_o if_o we_o be_v but_o more_o careful_a to_o answer_v our_o duty_n this_o way_n i_o do_v profess_v this_o morning_n to_o you_o that_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n that_o be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o any_o save_a work_n upon_o your_o heart_n and_o that_o you_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o you_o i_o do_v profess_v here_o and_o testify_v to_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o this_o do_v more_o near_o concern_v you_o for_o to_o look_v unto_o that_o these_o two_o scripture_n may_v be_v better_o answer_v by_o you_o that_o you_o do_v not_o please_v yourselves_o in_o that_o straightness_n of_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o you_o and_o discover_v itself_o but_o that_o you_o be_v so_o heighten_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o enlargement_n of_o heart_n in_o believe_v that_o you_o may_v take_v in_o the_o mystery_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o or_o else_o you_o will_v not_o so_o due_o answer_v that_o which_o be_v require_v of_o you_o as_o touch_v your_o growth_n in_o faith_n and_o grace_n think_v what_o you_o will_v of_o it_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v a_o duty_n that_o lie_v upon_o believer_n to_o perform_v that_o they_o be_v of_o comprehensive_a spirit_n and_o that_o they_o labour_v to_o work_v out_o to_o a_o more_o inlargedness_n of_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v be_v so_o enable_v to_o comprehend_v with_o all_o the_o saint_n the_o height_n and_o depth_n and_o breadth_n and_o length_n or_o else_o you_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o give_v that_o glory_n to_o god_n and_o honour_n to_o christ_n never_o be_v so_o much_o in_o admiring_n of_o the_o glorious_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o otherwise_o you_o will_v i_o will_v you_o will_v a_o little_a think_v of_o this_o point_n and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o do_v profess_v i_o know_v nothing_o that_o be_v more_o proper_a for_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o dispenser_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n to_o be_v more_o earnest_n in_o press_v and_o urge_v upon_o believer_n than_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v but_o alas_o how_o low_o spirit_v be_v most_o believer_n believer_n that_o it_o may_v be_v have_v get_v as_o much_o faith_n as_o will_v secure_v they_o from_o hell_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n but_o as_o for_o the_o mystery_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o in_o the_o dimension_n of_o it_o in_o the_o latitude_n of_o it_o o_o how_o uncapable_a of_o a_o due_a apprehension_n of_o it_o will_v you_o therefore_o but_o consider_v of_o this_o this_o be_v one_o thing_n i_o it_o be_v it_o be_v that_o which_o do_v main_o concern_v those_o that_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o they_o for_o to_o be_v very_o solicitous_a about_o and_o studious_a to_o be_v answerable_a to_o i_o leave_v it_o with_o you_o but_o know_v that_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n have_v lay_v this_o burden_n upon_o you_o and_o i_o this_o morning_n as_o many_o of_o we_o as_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o lord_n jesus_n lay_v this_o burden_n upon_o you_o this_o morning_n that_o you_o look_v to_o it_o that_o there_o be_v a_o comprehensiveness_n of_o spirit_n concern_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v 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in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o heart_n little_a with_o god_n if_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o not_o raise_v up_o to_o god_n not_o set_v to_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o of_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n never_o come_v to_o settle_v upon_o this_o thought_n why_o this_o be_v god_n mean_n that_o he_o have_v provide_v for_o my_o improve_n in_o faith_n and_o godliness_n i_o do_v profess_v for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o do_v not_o know_v in_o all_o the_o world_n what_o to_o speak_v more_o to_o the_o purpose_n as_o touch_v this_o agument_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o do_v most_o near_o concern_v all_o that_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o to_o look_v after_o 10._o your_o duty_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n now_o that_o you_o may_v do_v so_o i_o will_v offer_v this_o to_o your_o consideration_n do_v but_o rational_o weigh_v these_o thing_n that_o i_o now_o offer_v to_o you_o you_o that_o have_v grace_n your_o duty_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o 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far_o from_o reckon_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o duty_n now_o whence_o be_v this_o but_o through_o ignorance_n sometime_o indeed_o it_o be_v through_o wilful_a ignorance_n but_o most_o through_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o our_o saviour_n give_v this_o reason_n these_o thing_n shall_v they_o do_v because_o they_o know_v neither_o the_o father_n nor_o i_o they_o know_v we_o not_o they_o do_v not_o know_v who_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n they_o will_v reckon_v you_o to_o be_v the_o base_a spawn_n of_o hell_n the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n though_o themselves_o be_v so_o yet_o they_o will_v reckon_v you_o to_o be_v so_o they_o reckon_v upon_o you_o to_o be_v the_o scumm_n and_o off-scowring_a of_o the_o world_n now_o because_o they_o know_v not_o i_o nor_o my_o father_n therefore_o they_o will_v do_v these_o thing_n and_o they_o reckon_v upon_o it_o that_o they_o do_v god_n very_o good_a service_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o paul_n i_o 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passion_n alas_o brethren_n we_o may_v know_v and_o it_o may_v be_v do_v in_o sad_a experience_n what_o unruly_a thing_n affection_n and_o passion_n be_v and_o how_o apt_a like_o untamed_a horse_n to_o ride_v over_o hedge_n and_o ditch_n and_o to_o be_v keep_v within_o no_o due_a bound_n and_o why_o this_o for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n because_o there_o be_v not_o the_o bridle_n of_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n to_o rein_v the_o affection_n and_o passion_n as_o now_o to_o instance_n alas_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o be_v inordinate_a in_o their_o love_n in_o their_o love_n to_o creature_n to_o child_n husband_n wife_n and_o all_o for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n because_o they_o do_v not_o know_v the_o true_a state_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o how_o their_o love_n ought_v to_o be_v manage_v and_o so_o for_o fear_n o_o how_o apt_a be_v our_o fear_n to_o go_v beyond_o its_o bound_n and_o our_o desire_n how_o apt_a be_v we_o how_o irregular_a and_o inordinate_a in_o they_o and_o 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we_o attend_v upon_o and_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o participation_n of_o o_o brethren_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o unbecoming_a the_o spirit_n of_o a_o saint_n when_o man_n be_v at_o this_o point_n if_o they_o have_v but_o enough_o to_o keep_v life_n and_o soul_n together_o if_o they_o have_v but_o bread_n to_o eat_v and_o clothes_n to_o put_v on_o though_o the_o fare_v be_v mean_a and_o the_o clothing_n be_v course_n yet_o if_o they_o have_v but_o enough_o of_o that_o but_o so_o much_o i_o say_v as_o will_v keep_v life_n and_o soul_n together_o they_o can_v be_v content_a indeed_o such_o a_o spirit_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v approve_v on_o when_o we_o can_v be_v content_v with_o a_o low_a portion_n here_o in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v commendable_a in_o respect_n of_o a_o worldly_a state_n here_o but_o as_o to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v approve_v of_o that_o person_n that_o have_v 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the_o command_n that_o be_v here_o give_v that_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o yet_o further_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o will_v say_v it_o be_v not_o altogether_o so_o much_o to_o be_v lament_v if_o this_o be_v all_o though_o there_o be_v cause_n enough_o of_o be_v humble_v and_o abase_v before_o god_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o we_o be_v not_o more_o upon_o our_o advancement_n but_o alas_o how_o much_o sad_a be_v it_o when_o we_o shall_v find_v person_n upon_o their_o decline_a and_o decay_v instead_o of_o grow_v in_o grace_n true_o it_o may_v be_v fear_v concern_v such_o that_o they_o be_v rather_o upon_o their_o decay_n in_o grace_n not_o the_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o once_o they_o be_v for_o love_n to_o god_n for_o zeal_n for_o god_n delight_n in_o ordinance_n breathe_n after_o christ_n delight_v in_o communion_n of_o saint_n close_o walk_v with_o god_n o_o these_o retrograde_a motion_n these_o backward_o motion_n that_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n these_o 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shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v before_o this_o charge_n when_o conscience_n shall_v witness_v to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v rather_o upon_o our_o decline_a true_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v serious_o think_v of_o especial_o in_o such_o a_o day_n wherein_o we_o have_v never_o more_o need_v to_o look_v to_o our_o condition_n and_o state_n god-ward_o not_o know_v what_o time_n we_o may_v fall_v into_o what_o trial_n we_o may_v be_v put_v to_o o_o we_o have_v need_v to_o look_v to_o it_o and_o according_a to_o the_o charge_n that_o be_v give_v to_o ephesus_n to_o repent_v do_v our_o first_o work_n to_o recover_v ourselves_o and_o labour_v not_o only_o to_o hold_v our_o own_o but_o to_o be_v upon_o our_o improvement_n and_o therefore_o that_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n i_o will_v drive_v at_o and_o which_o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o discourse_n withal_o i_o will_v deal_v with_o you_o in_o a_o way_n of_o persuasion_n and_o exhortation_n and_o press_v it_o with_o as_o much_o 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more_o of_o it_o that_o you_o may_v not_o be_v always_o weakling_n in_o grace_n oh_o this_o be_v that_o that_o we_o shall_v set_v our_o heart_n upon_o and_o do_v not_o the_o very_a thing_n itself_o invite_v you_o to_o it_o why_o brethren_n can_v you_o have_v too_o much_o of_o god_n can_v you_o have_v too_o much_o of_o christ_n can_v you_o have_v too_o much_o of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n you_o may_v have_v too_o much_o of_o the_o world_n but_o you_o can_v never_o have_v too_o much_o of_o god_n and_o grace_n till_o you_o come_v to_o such_o a_o pitch_n of_o godliness_n that_o you_o need_v not_o make_v any_o further_a advance_n it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o paul_n and_o he_o give_v another_o account_n of_o himself_o though_o alas_o how_o far_o short_a be_v we_o of_o he_o and_o of_o that_o faith_n and_o grace_n that_o be_v attain_v by_o he_o yet_o he_o profess_v though_o he_o be_v not_o behind_o the_o chief_a apostle_n yet_o he_o say_v this_o concern_v himself_o that_o he_o do_v not_o account_v himself_o to_o have_v attain_v but_o he_o forget_v what_o be_v behind_o and_o he_o reach_v to_o that_o which_o be_v before_o and_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n i_o say_v before_o i_o say_v again_o you_o can_v never_o be_v too_o good_a for_o god_n you_o can_v never_o be_v too_o good_a for_o christ_n you_o can_v never_o be_v too_o ripe_a for_o heaven_n when_o you_o come_v to_o the_o issue_n and_o close_v of_o all_o you_o will_v find_v that_o you_o have_v no_o more_o than_o needs_o must_v the_o wise_a virgin_n they_o find_v that_o they_o have_v nothing_o of_o their_o oil_n to_o spare_v when_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n come_v to_o they_o o_o let_v we_o buy_v of_o you_o and_o be_v supply_v by_o you_o no_o say_v they_o lest_o we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o ourselves_o when_o you_o have_v get_v as_o much_o faith_n and_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o holiness_n by_o the_o mean_n and_o ordinance_n that_o you_o do_v attend_v you_o will_v find_v all_o little_a enough_o and_o therefore_o o_o this_o be_v that_o shall_v make_v we_o set_v on_o with_o diligence_n and_o care_n that_o we_o may_v answer_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o text_n and_o be_v upon_o our_o increasing_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n serm._n iii_o there_o must_v not_o only_o be_v life_n but_o growth_n in_o christianity_n and_o this_o be_v the_o burden_n which_o the_o text_n lay_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n now_o let_v pass_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v insist_v upon_o shall_v we_o buckle_v to_o this_o as_o our_o business_n at_o present_a my_o
the_o grace_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o blessing_n of_o salvation_n and_o much_o what_o the_o soul_n act_v be_v upon_o a_o selfish_a account_n fain_o will_v it_o be_v secure_v as_o touch_v its_o estate_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v keep_v from_o eternal_a perish_v and_o this_o do_v very_o much_o sway_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o poor_a weak_a believer_n that_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o mind_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o fain_o will_v he_o be_v say_v as_o the_o poor_a gaoler_n when_o he_o come_v to_o be_v convince_v o_o sir_n he_o come_v tremble_v and_o quake_v before_o paul_n and_o sylas_n o_o sir_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v how_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o escape_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v man_n and_o brethren_n say_v the_o people_n in_o act_n 2._o when_o they_o be_v prick_v at_o their_o heart_n upon_o the_o convincement_n that_o they_o lie_v under_o concern_v christ_n and_o that_o they_o have_v contract_v the_o guilt_n of_o his_o blood_n upon_o their_o conscience_n o_o sir_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v i_o feel_v a_o load_n of_o guilt_n upon_o i_o and_o i_o see_v a_o hell_n before_o i_o and_o i_o be_o in_o danger_n to_o sink_v down_o into_o the_o bottomless_a lake_n o_o sir_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v o_o pity_n pity_v a_o poor_a soul_n in_o danger_n of_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o destruction_n these_o be_v the_o work_n of_o a_o poor_a believer_n that_o be_v take_v up_o main_o with_o solicitousness_n about_o his_o own_o safety_n and_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o deal_v very_o favourable_o with_o this_o poor_a creature_n and_o indeed_o god_n do_v allow_v this_o that_o his_o people_n shall_v be_v solicitous_a about_o their_o own_o salvation_n self-love_n upon_o such_o a_o account_n do_v not_o fall_v under_o gospel-condemnation_n but_o now_o this_o be_v not_o the_o advance_a faith_n the_o improve_a faith_n this_o do_v not_o argue_v so_o much_o a_o well-grown_a faith_n as_o when_o a_o soul_n come_v to_o this_o for_o to_o pursue_v life_n and_o salvation_n and_o to_o follow_v after_o a_o portion_n in_o the_o glory_n that_o be_v to_o come_v upon_o what_o account_n why_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o this_o by_o my_o salvation_n god_n shall_v be_v eternal_o glorify_v by_o my_o be_v one_o of_o his_o pardon_a one_o his_o reconcile_a one_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v exalt_v by_o my_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o from_o the_o condemnation_n of_o hell_n by_o my_o be_v deliver_v i_o shall_v come_v to_o stand_v as_o a_o live_n and_o a_o last_a monument_n of_o free_a love_n of_o glorious_a grace_n and_o this_o be_v the_o rejoice_v of_o my_o heart_n to_o think_v that_o i_o shall_v escape_v the_o vengeance_n of_o hell_n the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o everlasting_a condemnation_n and_o so_o be_v with_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n in_o heaven_n for_o ever_o to_o sound_v forth_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o to_o ascribe_v honour_n and_o glory_n and_o salvation_n and_o blessing_n and_o dominion_n and_o power_n to_o the_o lamb_n that_o live_v for_o evermore_o ah_o here_o be_v the_o well-grown_a faith_n when_o a_o soul_n come_v to_o work_v off_o as_o it_o be_v from_o self_n it_o look_v not_o so_o much_o upon_o self_n my_o salvation_n o_o what_o be_v my_o salvation_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n why_o god_n shall_v be_v glorify_v in_o my_o be_v eternal_o save_v if_o i_o shall_v perish_v and_o go_v to_o hell_n what_o i_o shall_v be_v torment_v there_o be_v that_o all_o nay_o god_n will_v be_v dishonour_v hell_n be_v a_o place_n that_o know_v no_o love_n know_v no_o subjection_n know_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o place_n where_o god_n be_v continual_o blaspheme_v and_o shall_v be_v to_o all_o eternity_n o_o i_o will_v not_o come_v there_o nor_o go_v to_o hell_n upon_o any_o term_n not_o so_o much_o because_o i_o will_v not_o be_v tortnent_v there_o but_o rather_o thus_o i_o will_v not_o perish_v and_o damn_v because_o i_o will_v not_o have_v god_n dishonour_v by_o i_o i_o will_v not_o be_v like_o those_o damn_a soul_n and_o those_o damn_a devil_n i_o will_v not_o be_v among_o they_o that_o hate_n god_n and_o will_v hate_v he_o to_o all_o eternity_n and_o do_v nothing_o but_o curse_v he_o and_o blaspheme_v he_o and_o speak_v dishonourable_o of_o he_o o_o i_o will_v not_o go_v to_o hell_n because_o of_o blasphemy_n there_o i_o will_v go_v to_o heaven_n because_o there_o be_v exalt_v and_o magnify_v and_o blessing_n of_o god_n there_o when_o a_o soul_n come_v to_o this_o to_o have_v faith_n to_o be_v so_o improve_v as_o that_o he_o eye_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n more_o than_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o this_o you_o be_v to_o know_v that_o god_n glory_n be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o his_o action_n all_o his_o purpose_n and_o decree_n and_o all_o his_o providential_a dispensation_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v that_o which_o i_o say_v be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n god_n have_v this_o in_o design_n that_o he_o may_v be_v eternal_o glorify_v in_o the_o salvation_n and_o damnation_n both_o of_o man_n and_o angel_n now_o that_o that_o be_v god_n utmost_a end_n shall_v be_v our_o utmost_a end_n and_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v of_o due_a growth_n will_v enable_v to_o this_o to_o say_v i_o will_v be_v save_v principal_o that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v i_o will_v not_o be_v damn_v principal_o because_o i_o will_v not_o have_v god_n to_o be_v dishonour_v when_o self-interest_n and_o self-concernment_n begin_v to_o wear_v off_o and_o god_n glory_n stand_v full_o in_o our_o eye_n and_o when_o we_o be_v upon_o this_o design_n that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o our_o eternal_a well-being_n this_o will_v be_v a_o proof_n of_o a_o well-grown_a faith_n further_o your_o duty_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o faith_n it_o be_v your_o duty_n and_o thus_o shall_v you_o grow_v to_o this_o point_n and_o proportion_n that_o you_o by_o be_v exercise_v in_o godliness_n may_v come_v to_o mind_v the_o welfare_n of_o other_o more_o than_o ever_o you_o do_v at_o the_o first_o beginning_n when_o god_n first_o set_v in_o with_o a_o soul_n alas_o it_o have_v scarce_o any_o charity_n to_o spare_v from_o itself_o it_o be_v love_n and_o charity_n and_o care_n will_v searce_o look_v without_o door_n scarce_o step_v over_o the_o threshold_n but_o altogether_o solicitous_a about_o its_o own_o concernment_n that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o with_o itself_o i_o but_o now_o when_o faith_n come_v to_o be_v well_o improve_v and_o to_o be_v a_o well-grown_a faith_n than_o there_o come_v to_o be_v a_o eve_v of_o other_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v nay_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v that_o my_o brother_n may_v be_v save_v my_o sister_n save_v my_o wife_n my_o husband_n that_o my_o friend_n and_o acquaintance_n may_v be_v save_v o_o now_o god_n have_v give_v i_o some_o hope_n that_o hell_n shall_v never_o be_v my_o portion_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o go_v down_o to_o destruction_n i_o but_o what_o if_o my_o brother_n shall_v go_v to_o hell_n and_o i_o go_v to_o heaven_n what_o if_o my_o husband_n shall_v go_v doâ—…_n to_o eternal_a vengeance_n and_o i_o get_v into_o glory_n o_o lord_n what_o will_v become_v of_o such_o a_o near_a relation_n alas_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o i_o now_o that_o i_o be_o secure_a as_o touch_v my_o eternal_a estate_n and_o that_o i_o have_v hope_n towards_o god_n that_o i_o shall_v escape_v the_o vengeance_n to_o come_v but_o now_o i_o begin_v to_o think_v with_o myself_o o_o such_o a_o soul_n lie_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n such_o a_o child_n such_o a_o one_o in_o near_a relation_n that_o be_v wallow_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n o_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o he_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v what_o shall_v i_o do_v that_o my_o brethren_n may_v be_v save_v and_o that_o my_o relation_n may_v escape_v the_o vengeance_n to_o come_v the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n when_o she_o come_v to_o have_v some_o comfortable_a communion_n with_o christ_n she_o begin_v to_o be_v solicitous_a about_o her_o neighbour_n and_o go_v to_o they_o and_o say_v o_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o jesus_n and_o come_v see_v a_o man_n that_o have_v tell_v i_o all_o that_o ever_o i_o do_v be_v not_o this_o the_o christ_n true_o brethren_n a_o believer_n when_o he_o come_v to_o be_v of_o a_o well-improved_n faith_n he_o will_v not_o be_v alone_o in_o his_o mercy_n he_o will_v not_o eat_v his_o morsel_n alone_o he_o will_v not_o go_v
to_o heaven_n without_o company_n and_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o well-improved_n faith_n when_o our_o faith_n it_o go_v abroad_o our_o solicitousness_n it_o be_v not_o only_o for_o ourselves_o but_o other_o when_o our_o charity_n go_v out_o of_o door_n and_o we_o be_v now_o project_v and_o cast_v about_o how_o we_o may_v promote_v other_o eternal_a welfare_n when_o paul_n can_v say_v i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o life_n nor_o death_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n when_o paul_n come_v to_o this_o plerophoria_fw-la when_o he_o come_v to_o be_v thus_o improve_v in_o his_o faith_n say_v he_o in_o rom._n 9_o brethren_n i_o will_v have_v you_o to_o know_v that_o i_o say_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n i_o lie_v not_o my_o conscience_n also_o bear_v i_o witness_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o i_o have_v great_a heavyness_n and_o continual_a sorrow_n in_o my_o heart_n why_o what_o man_n do_v thou_o not_o write_v but_o just_a now_o that_o thou_o be_v persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n why_o paul_n will_v you_o speak_v to_o such_o a_o purpose_n as_o this_o then_o that_o you_o have_v great_a heaviness_n and_o continual_a sorrow_n in_o your_o heart_n why_o you_o shall_v be_v full_a of_o joy_n who_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o all_o the_o world_n if_o they_o do_v not_o nor_o shall_v not_o that_o have_v a_o confident_a persuasion_n that_o they_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n and_o be_v eternal_o bless_v with_o god_n and_o live_v in_o everlasting_a communion_n with_o he_o do_v you_o say_v you_o have_v great_a heaviness_n and_o continual_a sorrow_n in_o your_o heart_n why_o the_o business_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v and_o do_v you_o talk_v of_o sorrow_n and_o heaviness_n in_o your_o heart_n why_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o matter_n o_o brethren_n he_o have_v now_o a_o well-grown_a faith_n his_o faith_n be_v improve_v exceed_o that_o he_o be_v now_o sure_a that_o all_o be_v well_o between_o god_n and_o he_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_n himself_o and_o that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v and_o now_o his_o heart_n begin_v to_o turn_v upon_o his_o poor_a brethren_n i_o have_v great_a heaviness_n and_o continual_a sorrow_n in_o my_o heart_n i_o profess_v say_v he_o i_o can_v set_v down_o so_o far_o as_o it_o may_v be_v without_o sin_v against_o god_n yea_o i_o can_v be_v content_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o comfortable_a and_o rejoice_v part_n of_o salvation_n i_o can_v be_v content_v even_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o comfortable_a communion_n not_o that_o he_o will_v be_v in_o 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matter_n i_o will_v open_v my_o shop_n and_o i_o will_v attend_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o whether_o little_a or_o much_o come_v in_o i_o be_o not_o solicitous_a about_o that_o i_o be_o resolve_v upon_o this_o i_o will_v do_v my_o duty_n and_o wait_v upon_o god_n and_o i_o know_v it_o must_v be_v his_o blessing_n must_v be_v the_o portion_n for_o i_o to_o live_v upon_o and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o income_n of_o the_o world_n that_o i_o set_v my_o heart_n so_o much_o upon_o but_o i_o will_v do_v my_o duty_n and_o leave_v the_o success_n to_o god_n there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n more_o but_z for_o the_o present_a only_o
which_o a_o well-grown_a faith_n will_v enable_v to_o and_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o faith_n our_o duty_n be_v to_o endeavour_v after_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v with_o the_o spouse_n even_o so_o come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o concern_v faith_n when_o the_o apostle_n call_v upon_o we_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n i_o have_v press_v the_o duty_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o particular_a grace_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o know_v as_o i_o say_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o discourse_n that_o true_o the_o growth_n of_o other_o grace_n do_v very_o much_o depend_v upon_o the_o growth_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v so_o low_a and_o poor_a in_o other_o grace_n it_o be_v because_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o better_o improve_v and_o raise_v up_o to_o a_o high_a pitch_n but_o yet_o i_o will_v speak_v something_o concern_v two_o or_o three_o other_o grace_n and_o so_o endeavour_v to_o fasten_v this_o charge_n of_o the_o apostle_n upon_o you_o your_o duty_n be_v if_o you_o have_v grace_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n do_v but_o think_v of_o it_o serious_o and_o study_v to_o answer_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o text_n grow_v in_o grace_n grow_v in_o faith_n ay_o and_o know_v that_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o grow_v in_o love_n in_o love_n to_o god_n in_o love_n to_o christ_n in_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o love_n to_o the_o saint_n in_o love_n with_o heaven_n this_o be_v that_o that_o you_o shall_v set_v your_o heart_n unto_o have_v you_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o you_o if_o you_o know_v that_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o improve_v in_o that_o love_n as_o you_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n to_o love_n so_o you_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n to_o increase_v and_o abound_v in_o love_n if_o there_o be_v a_o spark_n of_o love_n in_o you_o to_o god_n you_o shall_v labour_v to_o bless_v god_n for_o that_o but_o labour_v withal_o that_o that_o spark_n may_v be_v blow_v up_o into_o a_o flame_n 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to_o perform_v concern_v the_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o take_v 100_o of_o they_o and_o get_v they_o into_o a_o cave_n and_o there_o he_o feed_v they_o by_o 50_o in_o a_o cave_n this_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a and_o a_o dangerous_a duty_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o his_o life_n amount_v to_o in_o case_n that_o jezabel_n shall_v have_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o ay_o but_o notwithstanding_o the_o difficulty_n and_o the_o danger_n such_o be_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o he_o that_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v speak_v bold_o to_o eliah_n in_o 1_o kin._n 18._o ay_o thy_o servant_n fear_v the_o lord_n and_o that_o with_o such_o a_o fear_n that_fw-mi when_z jezabel_n slay_v the_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o hide_v 100_o of_o they_o by_o 50_o in_o a_o cave_n such_o a_o fear_n we_o shall_v labour_v to_o be_v possess_v withal_o as_o that_o when_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v ensnare_v and_o enslave_v by_o 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they_o as_o you_o can_v use_v as_o strict_a discipline_n upon_o your_o lust_n and_o corruption_n as_o you_o can_v o_o it_o be_v this_o that_o do_v do_v we_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o mischief_n and_o do_v very_o much_o prejudice_v the_o soul_n that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o through_o repent_v and_o break_v off_o our_o corruption_n and_o lust_n amnon_n lustful_a love_n to_o his_o sister_n thamar_n it_o make_v he_o look_v lean_a from_o day_n to_o day_n i_o allude_v to_o it_o o_o say_v he_o to_o he_o why_o do_v thou_o be_v the_o king_n son_n look_v lean_a from_o day_n to_o day_n o_o say_v he_o i_o love_v my_o sister_n thamar_n why_o be_v christian_n that_o be_v the_o king_n son_n and_o daughter_n lean_a from_o day_n to_o day_n o_o there_o be_v something_o amiss_o something_o lie_v within_o some_o lust_n and_o corruption_n that_o be_v not_o full_o subdue_v this_o be_v that_o that_o cause_v leanness_n in_o their_o face_n and_o then_o three_o have_v not_o you_o be_v direct_v to_o this_o 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according_a to_o that_o in_o psal._n 110._o the_o lord_n have_v swear_v and_o will_v not_o repent_v thou_o be_v a_o priest_n for_o ever_o after_o the_o order_n of_o melchisedech_n and_o than_o he_o have_v commission_v and_o seal_v he_o up_o to_o be_v a_o king_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n to_o rule_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n and_o to_o ruin_v his_o enemy_n this_o belong_v to_o well_o improve_a knowledge_n that_o we_o come_v to_o know_v and_o understand_v that_o this_o jesus_n christ_n god-man_n be_v thus_o commission_v 7._o it_o belong_v to_o a_o well_o improve_v knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o as_o he_o be_v thus_o commission_v send_v and_o seal_v of_o god_n to_o all_o these_o intent_n and_o purpose_n so_o likewise_o he_o be_v accomplish_v by_o god_n every_o way_n most_o complete_o accomplish_v for_o to_o bring_v about_o the_o design_n that_o he_o be_v commission_v for_o the_o great_a god_n have_v impower_v he_o and_o accomplish_v he_o in_o 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knowledge_n in_o christ_n that_o all_o the_o fullness_n that_o be_v in_o he_o it_o be_v for_o communication_n that_o poor_a soul_n may_v be_v the_o better_a for_o it_o 9_o it_o belong_v to_o a_o well_o improve_v knowledge_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o be_v a_o due_a understanding_n of_o this_o that_o christ_n be_v from_o the_o beginning_n most_o willing_a to_o comply_v with_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n concern_v he_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o joy_n of_o his_o heart_n to_o engage_v himself_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o poor_a sinner_n to_o make_v reconciliation_n to_o god_n as_o their_o peace_n to_o satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n he_o be_v most_o willing_a and_o it_o be_v the_o delight_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o be_v put_v upon_o
imitation_n but_o alas_o how_o little_a do_v we_o attain_v to_o of_o this_o gospel-repentance_n how_o little_o do_v we_o express_v most_o of_o such_o a_o temper_n and_o frame_v of_o spirit_n can_v sin_n free_o but_o repent_v very_o hardly_o how_o little_a do_v there_o appear_v to_o god_n of_o any_o kindly_a work_n and_o break_n of_o heart_n before_o he_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o that_o we_o daily_o commit_v of_o sin_n and_o transâ—…ion_n in_o a_o way_n of_o disobedience_n and_o loose_a walk_v before_o the_o lord_n why_o true_o i_o may_v be_v bold_a 〈◊〉_d that_o if_o so_o be_v there_o be_v any_o place_n for_o repentance_n in_o heaven_n though_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o a_o â—…ce_n of_o repentance_n but_o of_o joy_n and_o everlasting_a rejoice_v yet_o if_o heaven_n be_v a_o place_n of_o repentance_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o of_o those_o that_o some_o to_o heaven_n that_o will_v not_o â—…ll_v upon_o the_o work_n and_o business_n there_o and_o that_o because_o they_o repent_v so_o little_a as_o they_o do_v while_o they_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n if_o there_o be_v any_o place_n of_o repentance_n there_o it_o will_v go_v to_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o that_o they_o do_v not_o take_v it_o more_o deep_o into_o consideration_n their_o evil_a disposition_n and_o sinful_a conversation_n while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o repentance_n that_o bless_a grace_n be_v not_o more_o large_o share_v in_o that_o it_o be_v not_o more_o express_v to_o the_o life_n of_o it_o why_o we_o may_v with_o much_o confidence_n conclude_v upon_o 〈◊〉_d that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o special_a reason_n because_o we_o 〈◊〉_d not_o more_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o 〈◊〉_d jesus_n christ._n 〈◊〉_d bâ—…en_n if_o christ_n oâ—…_n lord_n jesus_n be_v better_o know_v and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o better_o digest_v i_o know_v this_o that_o there_o will_v be_v more_o soul_n melt_n and_o heart-breaking_n 〈◊〉_d kindly_a manner_n before_o god_n than_o ever_o otherwise_o there_o â—…like_a to_o be_v consider_v what_o the_o prophet_n speak_v iâ—…_n â—…ech_n 12._o say_v he_o they_o shall_v look_v upon_o he_o who_o they_o have_v piâ—…ed_v and_o what_o then_o they_o shall_v look_v upon_o he_o they_o shall_v mind_n christ_n study_n christ_n they_o shall_v fix_v their_o serious_a thought_n upon_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o upon_o he_o aâ—…_n one_o who_o they_o have_v pierce_v and_o what_o will_v follow_v then_o shall_v they_o mourn_v over_o he_o as_o one_o who_o mourn_v for_o a_o only_a son_n and_o be_v in_o bitterness_n as_o one_o that_o be_v in_o bitterness_n for_o his_o first-born_a this_o will_v raise_v up_o the_o sorrow_n this_o will_v break_v the_o heart_n when_o person_n come_v for_o to_o know_v and_o consider_v and_o serious_o ponder_v upon_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n consider_v of_o his_o die_a and_o dreadful_a suffering_n and_o woeful_a break_n and_o bruising_n that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o undergo_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o poor_a sinner_n and_o then_o their_o heart_n will_v break_v within_o theâ—…_n what_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o convert_v in_o act_n 2._o for_o to_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o melt_a frame_n and_o to_o be_v prick_v at_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o mourn_v and_o lameâ—…_n deep_o why_o peter_n have_v be_v preâ—…ching_v to_o they_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o who_o they_o have_v crucify_v you_o have_v crucify_v the_o prince_n of_o life_n you_o have_v be_v the_o murderer_n and_o betrayer_n of_o he_o they_o be_v prick_v then_o at_o the_o heart_n and_o cry_v out_o o_o man_n and_o 〈◊〉_d what_o shall_v we_o do_v o_o miserable_a wretch_n when_o a_o soul_n shall_v set_v itself_o to_o know_v and_o understand_v the_o mystery_n concern_v christ_n that_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n think_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n he_o that_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n the_o delight_n of_o his_o father_n he_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o unblamable_a know_v no_o sin_n never_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n the_o spotless_a lamb_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v hang_v as_o a_o malefactor_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o the_o great_a shame_n and_o ignominy_n that_o can_v be_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v under_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o his_o father_n that_o his_o precious_a soul_n shall_v be_v in_o such_o a_o agony_n as_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o that_o he_o shall_v undergo_v such_o break_n and_o bruising_n and_o wound_n that_o he_o shall_v sweat_v drop_n and_o clod_n of_o blood_n that_o his_o soul_n shall_v be_v exceed_o sorrowful_a and_o heavy_a unto_o the_o very_a death_n and_o yet_o this_o bless_a jesus_n one_o that_o never_o sin_v no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o in_o a_o 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know_v and_o study_v and_o serious_o ponder_v upon_o will_v give_v a_o advance_v i_o say_v unto_o repentance_n but_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o lively_a practice_n of_o repentance_n be_v because_o we_o be_v no_o more_o study_v in_o this_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n i_o will_v this_o be_v consider_v of_o by_o we_o and_o put_v to_o the_o proof_n whether_o you_o will_v not_o find_v it_o so_o in_o experience_n that_o this_o will_v make_v your_o heart_n to_o break_v before_o the_o lord_n 4._o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o a_o kindly_a growth_n in_o it_o will_v conduce_v very_o much_o as_o of_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o repentance_n so_o of_o love_n love_v to_o god_n and_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o love_v one_o to_o another_o the_o complaint_n may_v just_o enough_o be_v take_v up_o concern_v this_o as_o concern_v the_o other_o grace_n we_o be_v little_a in_o one_o and_o other_o and_o true_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v much_o advance_v in_o love_n that_o be_v not_o advance_v in_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o in_o their_o repentance_n towards_o god_n but_o thus_o it_o be_v alas_o that_o love_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o we_o in_o the_o flame_n it_o be_v most_o but_o in_o the_o spark_n we_o have_v some_o little_a glowing_n it_o may_v be_v but_o not_o those_o kindly_a burn_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o love_n to_o christ_n those_o inlargement_n of_o heart_n that_o we_o shall_v make_v discovery_n of_o and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o may_v reckon_v it_o very_o much_o to_o this_o that_o we_o be_v not_o more_o improve_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n christ_n well_o advance_v well_o grow_v and_o improve_v as_o a_o most_o strong_a and_o effectual_a conducement_n to_o the_o growth_n in_o love_n when_o the_o daughter_n of_o 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there_o shall_v be_v very_o much_o heat_n do_v we_o but_o know_v more_o of_o christ_n first_o of_o the_o loveliness_n of_o christ_n what_o a_o amiable_a person_n he_o be_v do_v we_o but_o thorough_o know_v what_o a_o lovely_a christ_n he_o be_v according_a to_o the_o account_n that_o be_v give_v of_o he_o in_o the_o canticle_n he_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o ten_o thousand_o altogether_o lovely_a take_v he_o all_o over_o you_o will_v see_v nothing_o but_o loveliness_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v lovely_a for_o his_o name_n for_o his_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n all_o those_o incomparable_a excellency_n that_o discover_v themselves_o in_o he_o consider_v but_o of_o that_o o_o he_o be_v the_o most_o lovely_a person_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o ever_o visible_o converse_v with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n 2._o consider_v he_o in_o his_o loveliness_n so_o in_o his_o loveingness_n i_o distinguish_v so_o his_o loveliness_n the_o loveliness_n of_o his_o person_n and_o 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let_v they_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o evil_a do_n father_n what_o have_v thou_o to_o object_n against_o i_o i_o never_o offend_v thou_o why_o shall_v i_o be_v make_v a_o offer_v and_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n not_o a_o word_n of_o this_o but_o a_o most_o willing_a compliance_n with_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o save_n of_o poor_a soul_n and_o redeem_v they_o from_o go_v down_o into_o the_o pit_n what_o love_n be_v here_o o_o admirable_a love_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n why_o now_o do_v but_o consider_v this_o then_o this_o love_n of_o christ_n this_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o loveliness_n of_o his_o person_n and_o the_o lovingness_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o disposition_n and_o what_o a_o enlarge_a heart_n of_o love_n as_o to_o god_n so_o to_o poor_a sinner_n and_o consider_v what_o delight_n he_o take_v to_o manifest_v his_o love_n to_o we_o and_o what_o long_n there_o be_v in_o he_o that_o he_o may_v have_v all_o his_o people_n in_o heaven_n that_o they_o may_v know_v to_o the_o full_a that_o dear_a love_n that_o he_o have_v bear_v to_o they_o from_o all_o eternity_n why_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v better_o know_v and_o digest_v if_o we_o will_v not_o only_o slip_v and_o away_o but_o dwell_v upon_o the_o meditation_n of_o these_o thing_n unquestionable_o it_o will_v contribute_v most_o large_o unto_o the_o promote_a of_o love_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o deadhearted_n unto_o christ_n as_o we_o be_v our_o fire_n of_o love_n will_v burn_v out_o more_o unto_o god_n unto_o christ_n than_o ever_o it_o be_v like_a to_o do_v if_o so_o be_v that_o we_o be_v but_o more_o improve_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n i_o commend_v these_o thing_n with_o much_o confidence_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o one_o of_o you_o whether_o that_o this_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n this_o bless_a knowledge_n if_o it_o be_v but_o more_o pursue_v and_o if_o we_o have_v but_o more_o advancement_n in_o it_o whether_o it_o will_v not_o more_o improve_v our_o faith_n improve_v our_o hope_n improve_v our_o repentance_n improve_v our_o love_n to_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o of_o one_o to_o another_o and_o then_o again_o the_o like_a we_o may_v speak_v concern_v humility_n and_o meekness_n of_o spirit_n for_o it_o come_v to_o my_o thought_n that_o proverb_n of_o solomon_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o here_o upon_o occasion_n of_o this_o account_n that_o i_o give_v concern_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n solomon_n speak_v of_o a_o gift_n of_o knowledge_n which_o prosper_v which_o
purpose_n and_o yet_o not_o know_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o so_o be_v culpable_a as_o not_o answer_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o text_n which_o require_v a_o growth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o judgement_n by_o the_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v so_o large_o handle_v in_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o this_o text_n much_o have_v be_v speak_v according_a to_o what_o my_o line_n will_v reach_v to_o concern_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n and_o here_o now_o be_v this_o to_o consider_v of_o whether_o we_o be_v not_o deserve_v blame_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o though_o we_o know_v something_o and_o it_o may_v be_v something_o to_o good_a purpose_n in_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n yet_o we_o have_v not_o set_v our_o heart_n to_o make_v the_o advance_v in_o this_o knowledge_n and_o that_o progress_n and_o to_o come_v to_o such_o a_o 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apprehend_v and_o know_v the_o continuance_n of_o that_o mystery_n it_o will_v most_o large_o contribute_v to_o the_o promote_a of_o a_o believer_n faith_n and_o the_o unbelief_n will_v fall_v flat_o down_o on_o its_o face_n before_o this_o knowledge_n if_o so_o be_v it_o be_v but_o due_o improve_v 2._o again_o this_o be_v the_o consequence_n we_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n with_o a_o poor_a inconsiderable_a degree_n of_o love_n why_o because_o we_o know_v but_o little_a little_a of_o his_o excellency_n little_a of_o that_o pretiousness_n that_o be_v inhim_n and_o as_o our_o knowledge_n be_v so_o will_v our_o love_n be_v much_o knowledge_n much_o love_n little_a knowledge_n little_a love_n sure_o if_o we_o have_v but_o more_o through_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n we_o shall_v come_v to_o have_v our_o heart_n more_o fire_v with_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n our_o heart_n will_v burn_v within_o we_o if_o so_o be_v that_o we_o have_v but_o more_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o he_o and_o have_v but_o a_o more_o clear_a understanding_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3._o and_o so_o for_o desire_n o_o if_o so_o be_v there_o be_v but_o that_o advance_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n our_o desire_n will_v sparkle_v and_o flame_n out_o most_o strong_o after_o this_o desirable_a christ._n when_o the_o spouse_n have_v inform_v the_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n what_o a_o choice_a one_o what_o a_o incomparable_a one_o he_o be_v than_o they_o cry_v out_o o_o thou_o fair_a among_o woman_n tell_v we_o whither_o thy_o beloved_n be_v go_v that_o we_o may_v seek_v he_o with_o thou_o 4._o whence_o be_v it_o that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o straightheartedness_n to_o the_o precious_a privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o do_v not_o prize_v they_o more_o that_o we_o do_v not_o set_v our_o heart_n more_o upon_o they_o that_o great_a privilege_n of_o justification_n of_o adoption_n of_o access_n to_o god_n of_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o that_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v call_v our_o god_n to_o which_o i_o speak_v the_o last_o day_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o we_o be_v not_o take_v more_o with_o holy_a admiring_n of_o these_o great_a and_o glorious_a privilege_n but_o because_o we_o be_v not_o more_o insighted_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v christ._n whence_o be_v it_o that_o we_o do_v not_o make_v more_o account_n of_o justification_n forgiveness_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o most_o precious_a mercy_n we_o do_v not_o know_v christ_n as_o we_o shall_v and_o what_o it_o cost_v he_o to_o bring_v over_o to_o we_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n 5._o whence_o be_v it_o that_o we_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v tamper_n with_o that_o accurse_a thing_n with_o sin_n that_o we_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v upon_o compliance_n with_o it_o and_o upon_o gratification_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o lust_n of_o it_o we_o know_v not_o christ_n do_v we_o know_v christ_n what_o he_o suffer_v that_o he_o 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