that_o be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o lip_n of_o talker_n and_o be_v the_o infamy_n of_o the_o people_n ezek._n 36._o 3._o when_o other_o be_v in_o their_o name_n as_o beautiful_a as_o absalon_n who_o from_o the_o sole_a of_o his_o foot_n to_o the_o crown_n of_o his_o head_n have_v no_o blemish_n in_o he_o he_o be_v as_o job_n on_o the_o dunghill_n overspread_v with_o defamation_n that_o be_v as_o so_o many_o putrid_a ulcer_n when_o other_o be_v cry_v up_o as_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o time_n he_o be_v decry_v as_o the_o filth_n and_o offscouring_a of_o the_o world_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 13._o when_o the_o action_n of_o other_o be_v blazon_v as_o their_o virtue_n his_o that_o be_v in_o themselves_o commendable_a be_v censure_v as_o full_a of_o pride_n hypocrisy_n affectation_n and_o singularity_n where_o be_v then_o the_o blessedness_n of_o his_o condition_n that_o you_o speak_v of_o how_o can_v his_o estate_n that_o be_v overcast_v with_o a_o more_o pitchy_a darkness_n then_o that_o of_o the_o night_n be_v better_o than_o the_o best_a of_o they_o that_o have_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o any_o such_o evil_n stretch_v out_o itself_o upon_o it_o true_a it_o be_v that_o none_o be_v more_o evil_a speak_v of_o and_o blast_v in_o their_o name_n then_o believer_n but_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o spring_v not_o from_o their_o just_a deserve_n but_o from_o the_o world_n malice_n and_o enmity_n to_o god_n which_o be_v derive_v to_o they_o for_o his_o sake_n let_v nehemiah_n and_o the_o jew_n set_v upon_o the_o rebuild_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o waste_n place_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o sanbullat_n upbraid_v they_o with_o intention_n of_o rebellion_n neh._n 6._o 6._o let_v paul_n make_v know_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o jew_n that_o believe_v not_o cry_v out_o that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o they_o that_o turn_v the_o world_n upside-down_a act._n 17._o 6._o let_v the_o primitive_a christian_n that_o can_v safe_o meet_v in_o the_o day_n take_v the_o opportunity_n of_o the_o night_n to_o worship_n god_n and_o the_o heathen_n asperse_v their_o assembly_n to_o be_v full_a of_o uncleanness_n and_o cruelty_n and_o that_o they_o have_v supper_n not_o much_o unlike_a that_o of_o thyestes_n as_o tertullian_n show_v in_o his_o apology_n now_o in_o these_o suffering_n for_o god_n there_o be_v such_o promise_n from_o god_n make_v and_o fulfil_v to_o they_o as_o that_o there_o be_v more_o sweetness_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o reproach_n that_o they_o undergo_v for_o he_o from_o the_o world_n than_o there_o can_v be_v contentment_n in_o its_o smile_n or_o favour_n and_o therefore_o moses_n choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v reproach_n with_o israel_n then_o to_o enjoy_v treasure_n in_o egypt_n heb._n 11._o 26._o the_o contumely_n &_o slander_n which_o they_o undergo_v on_o christ_n behalf_n serve_v both_o to_o make_v the_o present_a comfort_n more_o sweet_a and_o their_o reward_n hereafter_o more_o glorious_a bless_a be_v you_o say_v our_o saviour_n when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o and_o shall_v speak_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n against_o you_o false_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n mat._n 10._o 11._o and_o now_o speak_v o_o you_o worldling_n that_o judge_n happiness_n by_o as_o false_a a_o rule_n as_o they_o do_v that_o measure_v their_o height_n by_o their_o shadow_n who_o be_v in_o a_o true_a estimate_n the_o better_a man_n elijah_n that_o run_v before_o the_o chariot_n or_o ahab_n that_o sit_v in_o it_o john_n the_o baptist_n that_o be_v clothe_v with_o camel_n hair_n or_o herod_n &_o his_o courtier_n that_o be_v array_v with_o robe_n and_o costly_a garment_n the_o poor_a who_o god_n have_v choose_v to_o be_v rich_a in_o faith_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n james_n 2._o 5._o or_o the_o man_n that_o have_v the_o gold_n ring_n and_o have_v the_o chief_a place_n in_o assembly_n give_v unto_o he_o which_o condition_n be_v now_o more_o desirable_a to_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n freeman_n or_o to_o be_v a_o alien_n to_o god_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n and_o to_o be_v a_o denizon_n only_o of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v rich_a to_o god_n and_o poor_a to_o man_n or_o to_o be_v rich_a to_o man_n and_o poor_a to_o god_n to_o be_v the_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o be_v contemn_v on_o earth_n or_o to_o be_v the_o darling_n of_o earth_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o heaven_n o_o therefore_o learn_v to_o judge_v of_o happiness_n not_o by_o the_o light_n of_o sense_n but_o by_o the_o lamp_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o in_o time_n bethink_v yourselves_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o foundation_n of_o happiness_n unto_o you_o that_o have_v not_o its_o stability_n from_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n chap._n xx._n ground_n of_o thankfulness_n for_o precious_a promise_n a_o four_o application_n be_v to_o exhort_v believer_n that_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o such_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n to_o abound_v in_o all_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o sole_a fountain_n from_o whence_o these_o stream_n of_o live_a water_n do_v flow_v when_o old_a isaac_n have_v eat_v of_o his_o son_n venison_n he_o bless_v he_o that_o have_v prepare_v it_o for_o he_o how_o much_o more_o shall_v they_o that_o have_v taste_v how_o good_a god_n be_v have_v their_o mouth_n fill_v with_o the_o blessing_n and_o praise_v of_o his_o name_n that_o have_v pour_v forth_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n in_o such_o rich_a promise_n as_o be_v to_o the_o soul_n more_o sweet_a than_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n to_o this_o duty_n holy_a david_n do_v quicken_v and_o stir_v up_o himself_o psal_n 103._o when_o he_o summon_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o praise_v the_o lord_n let_v all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o bless_v his_o holy_a name_n verse_n 1._o and_o that_o he_o may_v make_v the_o deep_a impression_n of_o god_n goodness_n upon_o his_o own_o heart_n he_o frame_v a_o short_a but_o yet_o a_o pithy_a compendium_n of_o his_o love_n towards_o he_o in_o his_o pardon_v and_o heal_a grace_n verse_n 3._o he_o forgive_v all_o thy_o iniquity_n and_o heal_v all_o thy_o disease_n in_o his_o redeem_n and_o save_v grace_n verse_n 4._o he_o redeem_v thy_o life_n from_o destruction_n and_o crow_v thou_o with_o love_a kindness_n and_o tender_a mercy_n in_o his_o support_v and_o renew_v mercy_n verse_n 5._o he_o satisfi_v thy_o mouth_n with_o good_a thing_n thy_o youth_n be_v renew_a as_o the_o eagle_n and_o of_o all_o these_o blessing_n be_v believer_n make_v partaker_n in_o the_o promise_n it_o therefore_o become_v they_o to_o pay_v unto_o god_n a_o tribute_n of_o thankfulness_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o ground_n first_o the_o end_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o his_o creature_n be_v his_o glory_n and_o that_o which_o he_o chief_o delight_v in_o trumpeter_n love_v to_o sound_v where_o there_o be_v a_o echo_n and_o god_n love_v to_o bestow_v his_o mercy_n where_o he_o may_v hear_v of_o they_o again_o for_o man_n to_o make_v the_o end_n of_o his_o action_n in_o any_o kind_n to_o be_v his_o own_o praise_n do_v not_o only_o taint_v and_o flieblow_n his_o service_n with_o hypocrisy_n and_o pride_n so_o as_o to_o mar_v the_o beauty_n of_o they_o but_o also_o transform_v they_o into_o vice_n that_o be_v hateful_a unto_o god_n and_o man_n for_o it_o be_v not_o meet_v that_o he_o who_o derive_v his_o be_v from_o another_o shall_v have_v his_o action_n to_o terminate_v in_o himself_o he_o that_o give_v the_o be_v gives_z also_o the_o rule_n and_o end_n of_o its_o work_n by_o both_o which_o the_o goodness_n of_o its_o action_n be_v denominate_v the_o rule_n of_o its_o work_n be_v the_o law_n and_o will_n of_o he_o who_o give_v it_o a_o be_v and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o its_o action_n be_v his_o glory_n but_o god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o his_o own_o be_v can_v have_v in_o all_o his_o work_n no_o other_o end_n then_o his_o own_o praise_n and_o glory_n this_o be_v his_o end_n in_o all_o his_o work_n of_o creation_n prov._n 16._o 4._o the_o lord_n make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o his_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n ephes_n 1._o 6._o that_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n all_o the_o eternal_a purpose_n of_o god_n concern_v man_n salvation_n from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o last_o do_v ultimate_o resolve_v themselves_o into_o his_o glory_n second_o to_o give_v unto_o god_n praise_n and_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n for_o his_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n be_v all_o the_o return_n that_o
the_o promise_n to_o be_v effectual_a unto_o we_o both_o for_o support_v and_o comfort_n he_o alone_o it_o be_v who_o be_v the_o mighty_a worker_n of_o that_o noble_a and_o divine_a grace_n of_o save_a faith_n by_o which_o believer_n be_v enable_v to_o lay_v hold_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o by_o they_o of_o christ_n in_o who_o they_o all_o meet_v as_o so_o many_o line_n in_o their_o common_a centre_n he_o it_o be_v who_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o a_o heavenly_a light_n by_o which_o the_o worth_n and_o preciousness_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v give_v of_o god_n in_o the_o promise_n be_v judge_v and_o discern_v he_o it_o be_v who_o bring_v to_o our_o remembrance_n the_o faithful_a say_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v they_o to_o be_v as_o word_n speak_v in_o season_n to_o he_o that_o be_v weary_a he_o it_o be_v who_o teach_v believer_n to_o plead_v the_o promise_n in_o their_o supplication_n unto_o god_n and_o when_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o they_o ought_v make_v request_n for_o they_o with_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v he_o it_o be_v who_o by_o way_n of_o obsignation_n do_v seal_v and_o ratify_v the_o promise_n unto_o the_o faithful_a and_o that_o in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o transcendent_a manner_n in_o the_o assurance_n and_o security_n which_o be_v give_v for_o outward_a thing_n we_o only_o have_v the_o wax_v seal_v with_o the_o impression_n and_o sculpture_n of_o the_o seal_n the_o signet_n seal_v be_v not_o at_o all_o look_v after_o if_o the_o one_o be_v safe_a it_o matter_n not_o though_o the_o other_o be_v lose_v but_o in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o promise_n believer_n do_v possess_v both_o they_o have_v the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o be_v as_o the_o seal_n seal_v and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v as_o the_o seal_n seal_v and_o print_v upon_o their_o heart_n the_o spirit_n by_o his_o special_a testimony_n do_v assure_v they_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o seal_v they_o up_o unto_o it_o according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n rom._n 8._o 16._o the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n with_o christ_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v his_o lively_a image_n and_o impress_n upon_o their_o soul_n do_v also_o evidence_n and_o confirm_v the_o same_o thing_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n unto_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 14._o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o direction_n of_o great_a importance_n unto_o all_o who_o will_v glad_o reap_v profit_n and_o advantage_n from_o the_o promise_n to_o keep_v firm_a and_o to_o strengthen_v their_o communion_n with_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v the_o only_a counsellor_n to_o instruct_v they_o how_o to_o manage_v the_o promise_n to_o the_o best_a improvement_n of_o they_o the_o most_o powerful_a advocate_n to_o furnish_v they_o with_o argument_n to_o plead_v at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n their_o right_n unto_o they_o and_o their_o interest_n in_o they_o the_o most_o effectual_a comforter_n to_o support_v their_o heart_n with_o confidence_n to_o fill_v they_o with_o joy_n while_o they_o wait_v upon_o god_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n unto_o they_o if_o he_o be_v grieve_v by_o our_o careless_a demeanour_n towards_o he_o it_o be_v not_o any_o promise_n that_o can_v make_v we_o glad_a if_o he_o be_v provoke_v to_o withdraw_v and_o suspend_v his_o light_n there_o be_v no_o irradiation_n from_o the_o promise_n that_o can_v free_v we_o from_o the_o darkness_n of_o desertion_n if_o he_o be_v make_v to_o turn_v our_o enemy_n by_o voluntary_a defection_n from_o he_o none_o of_o the_o promise_n can_v speak_v peace_n unto_o we_o how_o vain_a and_o ungrounded_a then_o be_v the_o presumption_n of_o those_o who_o build_v their_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o salvation_n upon_o the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n &_o yet_o neglect_v all_o communion_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n who_o rest_n in_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n misguide_v by_o false_a rule_n and_o cheat_v by_o satan_n subtlety_n &_o look_v not_o at_o all_o after_o the_o testimony_n and_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n without_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v but_o as_o deed_n and_o instrument_n with_o label_n hang_v at_o they_o without_o seal_n to_o confirm_v they_o which_o do_v not_o operate_v or_o convey_v any_o thing_n of_o right_n unto_o those_o that_o be_v possess_v of_o they_o sect_n 5._o rule_n 10._o be_v true_o thankful_a for_o the_o least_o dawning_n of_o mercy_n the_o ten_o direction_n in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o promise_n no_o less_o weighty_a than_o any_o be_v to_o be_v true_o thankful_a for_o the_o least_o dawning_n of_o mercy_n for_o the_o small_a pledge_n and_o earnest_n of_o comfort_n which_o the_o promise_n at_o any_o time_n do_v afford_v unto_o we_o the_o angel_n rebuke_v and_o reproach_v those_o who_o despise_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n zach._n 4._o 10._o who_o with_o mournful_a eye_n with_o unbelieved_a and_o misgive_a heart_n do_v look_v upon_o the_o poor_a and_o mean_a beginning_n of_o the_o rebuild_n of_o the_o temple_n as_o such_o which_o be_v altogether_o unlikely_a to_o terminate_v in_o a_o glorious_a structure_n and_o to_o have_v the_o top-stone_n thereof_o lay_v with_o shouting_n and_o acclamation_n of_o joy_n and_o no_o less_o be_v those_o christian_n to_o be_v reprove_v who_o esteem_n any_o of_o the_o consolation_n of_o god_n to_o be_v small_a who_o if_o they_o be_v not_o at_o first_o fill_v with_o the_o spiritual_a suavity_n of_o the_o promise_n take_v little_a or_o no_o notice_n of_o the_o support_n and_o sustentation_n which_o they_o receive_v daily_o from_o they_o who_o if_o they_o present_o enjoy_v not_o what_o they_o hasty_o desire_v can_v neither_o thankful_o accept_v of_o any_o pledge_n of_o mercy_n which_o god_n have_v free_o vouchsafe_v they_o nor_o patient_o wait_v for_o the_o sure_a performance_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v they_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a method_n of_o god_n to_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n by_o certain_a step_n and_o degree_n to_o make_v his_o salvation_n to_o break_v forth_o like_o the_o morning_n which_o begin_v in_o a_o imperfect_a twilight_n but_o cease_v not_o till_o it_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o bright_a day_n the_o first_o glimmering_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n which_o spring_n from_o the_o promise_n be_v accompany_v with_o great_a mixture_n of_o darkness_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v of_o a_o grow_a and_o prevail_a nature_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v but_o to_o be_v thankful_o acknowledge_v and_o rejoice_v in_o as_o the_o happy_a earnest_n of_o a_o ensue_a day_n in_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v as_o full_a of_o spiritual_a serenity_n and_o joy_n as_o the_o firmament_n be_v of_o light_n when_o the_o sun_n be_v in_o its_o vertical_a point_n in_o the_o bestow_n of_o his_o favour_n god_n deal_v with_o believer_n as_o boaz_n do_v with_o ruth_n he_o first_o give_v she_o a_o liberty_n to_o glean_v in_o his_o field_n than_o invite_v she_o to_o eat_v bread_n at_o his_o table_n and_o to_o dip_v her_o morsel_n in_o the_o vinegar_n and_o last_o give_v himself_o so_o god_n first_o in_o a_o spare_a manner_n and_o at_o some_o distance_n make_v a_o discovery_n of_o his_o love_n and_o good_a will_n unto_o they_o then_o in_o a_o more_o familiar_a and_o friendly_a way_n he_o encourage_v they_o by_o his_o promise_n to_o draw_v near_o unto_o he_o and_o to_o taste_v how_o good_a the_o lord_n be_v to_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o then_o as_o the_o compliment_n of_o all_o he_o give_v his_o spirit_n into_o their_o bosom_n to_o assure_v they_o of_o his_o love_n and_o their_o interest_n in_o whatever_o may_v make_v they_o perfect_o happy_a after_o that_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n say_v the_o apostle_n ephes_n 1._o 13._o but_o the_o ready_a and_o speedy_a way_n to_o obtain_v all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v true_o thankful_a for_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o mercy_n that_o shine_v forth_o from_o the_o promise_n and_o to_o count_v it_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n to_o receive_v it_o with_o such_o joy_n as_o the_o morning_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v ancient_o salute_v when_o the_o people_n go_v out_o and_o cry_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d welcome_o such_o light_n to_o such_o god_n speak_v as_o our_o saviour_n do_v to_o nathanael_n joh._n 1._o 50._o because_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o i_o see_v thou_o under_o the_o figtree_n believe_v thou_o thou_o shall_v see_v great_a thing_n than_o these_o be_v thou_o
worth_n do_v vie_v with_o each_o other_o everlasting_a life_n be_v as_o sweet_a as_o long_o heaven_n be_v as_o glorious_a in_o its_o beauty_n as_o vast_a in_o its_o dimension_n the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v lay_v up_o be_v as_o rich_a as_o weighty_a there_o be_v no_o one_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o be_v of_o that_o extent_n for_o its_o latitude_n and_o of_o that_o value_n for_o its_o preciousness_n that_o he_o deserve_v to_o be_v eternal_o poor_a who_o have_v that_o for_o his_o subsistence_n look_v upon_o any_o man_n who_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o none_o great_a or_o rich_a than_o himself_o though_o the_o gravel_n of_o the_o river_n be_v turn_v into_o pearl_n and_o every_o shower_n of_o rain_n from_o the_o cloud_n into_o a_o shower_n of_o silver_n and_o gold_n for_o to_o supply_v his_o want_n the_o four_o particular_a be_v the_o high_a and_o noble_a end_n of_o the_o donation_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n etc._n etc._n painter_n when_o they_o picture_n angel_n do_v not_o intend_v similitude_n but_o beauty_n nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o expression_n aim_v at_o any_o essential_a change_n and_o conversion_n of_o our_o substance_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n but_o only_o at_o the_o elevation_n and_o dignify_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o christ_n our_o near_a union_n with_o he_o do_v restore_v we_o to_o a_o high_a similitude_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n then_o ever_o we_o attain_v in_o our_o primitive_a perfection_n but_o it_o do_v not_o introduce_v any_o real_a transmutation_n either_o of_o our_o body_n or_o soul_n into_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o if_o that_o stupendous_a union_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n in_o one_o person_n the_o lord_n christ_n do_v not_o effect_v a_o essential_a change_n in_o either_o but_o that_o both_o nature_n do_v conserve_v and_o retain_v their_o distinct_a property_n without_o mixture_n or_o confusion_n much_o less_o can_v the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n which_o be_v not_o a_o personal_a union_n but_o a_o union_n of_o person_n make_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o faith_n cause_n any_o such_o alteration_n as_o that_o our_o nature_n lose_v its_o own_o subsistence_n shall_v whole_o pass_v into_o the_o divine_a and_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o abyss_n of_o it_o as_o a_o drop_n when_o it_o fall_v into_o the_o wide_a ocean_n pithy_o do_v cyprian_n express_v this_o truth_n when_o he_o affirm_v nostra_fw-la &_o ipsius_fw-la conjunctio_fw-la nec_fw-la miscet_fw-la personas_fw-la nec_fw-la unit_fw-la substantias_fw-la sed_fw-la affectus_fw-la consociat_fw-la &_o confoedérat_fw-la voluntates_fw-la our_o and_o christ_n conjunction_n do_v neither_o mingle_v person_n nor_o unite_v substance_n but_o do_v conjoin_v our_o affection_n and_o bring_v into_o a_o league_n of_o amity_n our_o will_n suitable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 17._o they_o that_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v make_v one_o spirit_n chap._n ii_o in_o which_o be_v declare_v what_o a_o promise_n be_v it_o be_v not_o design_v by_o i_o as_o the_o subject_n of_o my_o present_a task_n to_o undertake_v a_o distinct_a and_o full_a prosecution_n of_o all_o these_o four_o particular_n in_o the_o text_n every_o one_o of_o which_o like_a gold_n in_o the_o beat_n will_v easy_o diffuse_v and_o spread_v themselves_o into_o a_o large_a compass_n but_o occasional_o to_o glance_v at_o they_o as_o they_o conduce_v to_o the_o illustration_n of_o that_o head_n and_o branch_n which_o i_o shall_v single_a and_o cull_v out_o from_o the_o rest_n as_o the_o present_a subject_n upon_o which_o i_o shall_v pitch_v and_o fix_v my_o thought_n and_o that_o be_v the_o matchless_a worth_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o truth_n it_o be_v of_o much_o weight_n and_o sweetness_n to_o every_o believer_n but_o yet_o as_o it_o lie_v contract_v in_o a_o proposition_n discover_v not_o so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o when_o draw_v forth_o into_o a_o full_a explication_n like_v to_o colour_n that_o be_v less_o beautiful_a and_o please_a while_o they_o lie_v on_o the_o palate_n of_o the_o painter_n then_o when_o place_v and_o spread_v on_o the_o picture_n by_o the_o pencil_n of_o the_o artificer_n i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o unfolding_n of_o it_o endeavour_v these_o five_o thing_n first_o to_o show_v what_o a_o promise_n be_v second_o in_o what_o respect_v they_o be_v great_a and_o precious_a three_o give_v rule_n about_o the_o due_a application_n of_o they_o four_o resolve_v some_o useful_a query_n and_o case_n concern_v they_o five_o close_a and_o shut_v up_o all_o with_o some_o practical_a inference_n and_o genuine_a application_n such_o as_o flow_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o honey_n which_o drop_v from_o the_o comb_n be_v of_o all_o the_o best_a and_o sweet_a first_o what_o a_o promise_n be_v it_o be_v a_o declaration_n of_o god_n will_n wherein_o he_o signify_v what_o particular_a good_a thing_n he_o will_v free_o bestow_v and_o the_o evil_n that_o he_o will_v remove_v this_o description_n like_o the_o box_n of_o spiknard_n in_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v more_o useful_a when_o it_o be_v break_v then_o whole_a i_o shall_v therefore_o take_v it_o into_o piece_n and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o in_o the_o several_a parcel_n first_o a_o promise_n be_v a_o declaration_n of_o god_n will_v it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o middle_a thing_n between_o his_o purpose_n and_o performance_n his_o intendment_n of_o good_a and_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o upon_o those_o who_o he_o love_v and_o as_o wicked_a jezabel_n 1_o king_n 19_o 2._o can_v not_o satisfy_v her_o hatred_n of_o elijah_n the_o prophet_n in_o intend_v evil_a unto_o he_o and_o effect_v it_o upon_o he_o in_o time_n as_o she_o can_v but_o withal_o she_o let_v fall_v a_o heavy_a threaten_n against_o he_o strengthen_v with_o a_o bitter_a imprecation_n upon_o herself_o as_o a_o oblige_a tie_n to_o put_v in_o execution_n the_o design_a evil_n so_o let_v the_o god_n do_v to_o i_o and_o more_o also_o if_o i_o make_v not_o thy_o life_n as_o the_o life_n of_o one_o of_o they_o by_o to_o morrow_n about_o this_o time_n so_o much_o less_o can_v the_o love_n of_o god_n satisfy_v itself_o in_o a_o gracious_a decree_n and_o purpose_n of_o good_a towards_o his_o elect_a shut_v up_o in_o his_o own_o breast_n and_o the_o actual_a performance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n unless_o withal_o he_o discover_v it_o unto_o they_o beforehand_o both_o as_o a_o ground_n of_o present_a comfort_n in_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o and_o of_o hope_n and_o expectation_n in_o the_o certain_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n promise_v hereafter_o god_n also_o confirm_v the_o word_n of_o his_o truth_n by_o a_o oath_n not_o for_o any_o necessity_n or_o weakness_n in_o its_o self_n but_o out_o of_o superabundant_a love_n unto_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v they_o may_v have_v a_o strong_a consolation_n heb._n 6._o 18._o second_o it_o be_v a_o declaration_n concern_v good_a and_o thereby_o a_o promise_n be_v difference_v from_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n which_o in_o divers_a respect_n have_v a_o near_a affinity_n with_o his_o promise_n for_o they_o as_o thing_n of_o a_o middle_a nature_n do_v intervene_v between_o the_o decree_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o they_o be_v let_v fall_v in_o the_o word_n as_o so_o many_o discovery_n of_o god_n anger_n against_o sin_n and_o set_v as_o powerful_a stop_n to_o check_v and_o bound_v the_o lust_n of_o sinner_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o dash_v themselves_o against_o the_o rock_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n they_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o same_o oath_n of_o god_n with_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v ratify_v that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v as_o full_a of_o dread_a to_o sinner_n in_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o fulfil_n of_o they_o as_o the_o promise_n be_v of_o comfort_n to_o believer_n three_o it_o be_v concern_v good_a thing_n free_o bestow_v and_o thereby_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o command_n which_o be_v also_o signification_n of_o god_n will_v concern_v good_a but_o it_o be_v of_o the_o good_a of_o duty_n enjoin_v to_o be_v do_v not_o of_o the_o good_a of_o mercy_n to_o be_v receive_v the_o precept_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n they_o always_o go_v together_o in_o the_o word_n as_o the_o vein_n and_o the_o artery_n do_v in_o the_o body_n wherever_o there_o go_v a_o vein_n that_o carry_v blood_n there_o also_o accompany_v it_o a_o artery_n that_o carry_v spirit_n so_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o precept_n in_o the_o word_n that_o enjoin_v duty_n there_o also_o be_v a_o
answerable_a promise_n that_o assure_v comfort_n the_o one_o hold_v forth_o the_o good_a to_o be_v do_v the_o other_o the_o good_a to_o be_v receive_v four_o it_o be_v of_o particular_a good_a thing_n and_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o hint_n and_o point_n out_o one_o considerable_a difference_n between_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o promise_n the_o covenant_n that_o be_v as_o the_o entire_a vintage_n of_o the_o heavenly_a canaan_n and_o the_o promise_n they_o be_v as_o the_o several_a cluster_n of_o blessing_n that_o be_v as_o a_o glorious_a constellation_n of_o many_o celestial_a body_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o they_o be_v as_o so_o many_o single_a star_n shine_v in_o their_o proper_a orb_n that_o be_v as_o the_o total_a sum_n in_o the_o inventory_n of_o a_o believer_n estate_n and_o they_o be_v as_o the_o distinct_a particular_n which_o make_v it_o up_o all_o the_o sweetness_n beauty_n worth_a that_o be_v diffuse_v throughout_o the_o promise_n be_v collect_v in_o the_o covenant_n as_o the_o scatter_a light_n in_o the_o creation_n be_v into_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sun_n god_n stipulation_n of_o become_v we_o and_o of_o make_v we_o to_o be_v his_o jer._n 31._o 33._o comprise_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v desirable_a from_o the_o first_o of_o good_n to_o the_o last_o and_o be_v both_o the_o basis_n and_o the_o spire_n the_o cornerstone_n and_o the_o top-stone_n of_o every_o christian_n happiness_n five_o and_o last_o be_v add_v the_o evil_n that_o he_o will_v remove_v and_o this_o take_v in_o all_o the_o privative_a mercy_n and_o blessing_n which_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v hold_v forth_o to_o believer_n which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o the_o resplendent_a part_n of_o their_o happiness_n be_v yet_o of_o so_o necessary_a a_o concurrence_n unto_o it_o as_o that_o without_o they_o it_o can_v never_o be_v absolute_a or_o entire_a true_a happiness_n consist_v of_o a_o double_a branch_n of_o a_o immunity_n or_o freedom_n from_o evil_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o good_a both_o which_o be_v tacit_o couch_v in_o every_o promise_n but_o in_o many_o most_o express_o and_o full_o set_v down_o psal_n 84._o 11._o to_o they_o that_o walk_v upright_o the_o lord_n god_n be_v a_o sun_n and_o a_o shield_n etc._n etc._n a_o sun_n to_o give_v life_n and_o a_o shield_n to_o preserve_v life_n give_v a_o sun_n to_o make_v fruitful_a in_o all_o good_a and_o a_o shield_n to_o protect_v from_o all_o danger_n isa_n 25._o 6_o 7_o 8._o the_o felicity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v describe_v by_o a_o feast_n of_o fat_a thing_n full_a of_o marrow_n of_o wine_n on_o the_o lees_n well_o refine_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v unto_o his_o people_n in_o mount_n zion_n but_o to_o render_v these_o dainty_n the_o more_o please_a he_o promise_v also_o to_o take_v away_o the_o face_n of_o the_o cover_n to_o swallow_v up_o death_n in_o victory_n to_o wipe_v away_o all_o tear_n from_o their_o eye_n blindness_n that_o may_v hinder_v the_o clear_a knowledge_n death_n that_o may_v interrupt_v the_o perpetuity_n sorrow_n that_o may_v diminish_v the_o sweetness_n of_o this_o bless_a estate_n shall_v all_o by_o a_o powerful_a hand_n be_v remove_v and_o do_v away_o chap._n iii_o in_o which_o the_o excellency_n and_o preciousness_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v demonstrate_v in_o three_o particular_n have_v show_v what_o a_o promise_n be_v the_o second_o thing_n that_o fall_v under_o consideration_n be_v the_o great_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o in_o divers_a respect_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v such_o as_o if_o compare_v with_o the_o choice_a of_o earthly_a comfort_n the_o one_o will_v be_v as_o a_o sovereign_a elixir_n full_a of_o spirit_n and_o the_o other_o as_o the_o unactive_a and_o sapless_a dregs_o or_o if_o with_o the_o rich_a treasure_n of_o the_o world_n the_o one_o will_v be_v as_o so_o much_o refine_a gold_n and_o the_o other_o as_o so_o much_o impure_a dross_n what_o job_n say_v concern_v the_o power_n of_o god_n if_o i_o speak_v of_o strength_n lo_o he_o be_v strong_a may_v true_o also_o be_v say_v of_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o promise_n if_o you_o speak_v of_o worth_n lo_o they_o be_v precious_a indeed_o sect_n 1._o christ_n the_o root_n of_o the_o promise_n first_o the_o promise_n do_v derive_v a_o preciousness_n from_o the_o root_n and_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o spring_v they_o be_v as_o so_o many_o beam_n of_o christ_n the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n and_o do_v impart_v a_o light_n which_o discover_v his_o excellency_n evidence_v our_o propriety_n and_o effect_v in_o we_o a_o bless_a purity_n they_o be_v the_o desirable_a fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n not_o of_o that_o tree_n of_o life_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o stand_v in_o adam_n paradise_n on_o earth_n but_o of_o that_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o saint_n john_n paradise_n in_o heaven_n not_o of_o that_o which_o be_v guard_v with_o cherubim_n and_o a_o flame_a sword_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v touch_v but_o of_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n free_a for_o every_o believer_n to_o put_v forth_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o take_v and_o eat_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o both_z as_o food_n and_o medicine_n they_o be_v the_o crystal_n stream_n of_o that_o river_n of_o life_n which_o proceed_v out_o of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o the_o lamb_n revel_v 22._o 1._o who_o water_n in_o time_n of_o drought_n never_o fail_v but_o with_o their_o overflow_a plenty_n satisfy_v the_o thirsty_a with_o their_o cool_a virtue_n allay_v the_o heat_n of_o the_o weary_a and_o with_o their_o sweetness_n cheer_n and_o revive_v the_o droop_a and_o deject_a spirit_n and_o now_o methinks_v i_o can_v but_o make_v a_o pause_n and_o stand_v a_o while_n admire_v both_o a_o believer_n happiness_n and_o christ_n bounty_n each_o of_o which_o be_v of_o such_o transcendency_n as_o that_o they_o better_a suit_n with_o a_o holy_a wonderment_n then_o with_o the_o most_o lively_a and_o full_a expression_n oh_o how_o happy_a be_v every_o believer_n who_o light_n be_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n shine_v in_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o promise_n who_o food_n be_v the_o tree_n of_o life_n that_o continual_o yield_v fruit_n both_o new_a and_o various_a who_o cordial_n be_v the_o water_n of_o life_n not_o spare_o give_v to_o a_o bare_a sustentation_n but_o free_o flow_v to_o a_o delightful_a satiety_n well_o might_n david_n in_o a_o rapture_n say_v lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o he_o and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o visite_a he_o for_o thou_o have_v make_v he_o a_o little_a low_o than_o the_o angel_n psal_n 8_o 4_o 5._o and_o well_o also_o may_v paul_n as_o one_o stand_v upon_o the_o shore_n and_o fathom_v the_o sea_n of_o god_n mercy_n cry_v out_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n rom._n 11._o 35._o and_o most_o joyful_o may_v every_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_n say_v my_o line_n be_v fall_v unto_o i_o in_o pleasant_a place_n yea_o i_o have_v a_o goodly_a heritage_n psal_n 16._o 6._o to_o who_o such_o precious_a promise_n be_v give_v as_o exceed_v both_o in_o glory_n and_o certainty_n all_o earthly_a performance_n whatever_o be_v in_o christ_n from_o who_o they_o all_o come_v yea_o and_o amen_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 20._o sect_n 2._o the_o promise_v the_o root_n of_o faith_n second_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v great_a and_o precious_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o proximity_n and_o peculiar_a relation_n which_o they_o have_v to_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o noble_a grace_n of_o faith_n above_o all_o other_o grace_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v the_o precious_a object_n of_o precious_a faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n style_v it_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 1._o true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o quicken_a influence_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n do_v reach_v every_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o be_v both_o facilitated_a and_o strengthen_v in_o their_o several_a motion_n and_o operation_n by_o they_o hope_n be_v keep_v alive_a in_o its_o expectation_n of_o good_a patience_n be_v support_v under_o difficulty_n holiness_n be_v perfect_v love_n be_v inflame_v and_o a_o bless_a fear_n of_o god_n be_v preserve_v but_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v not_o do_v by_o the_o immediate_a intercourse_n which_o these_o grace_n have_v with_o the_o promise_n but_o by_o the_o intervention_n of_o faith_n which_o first_o feed_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o manna_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o communicate_v the_o sweetness_n and_o virtue_n that_o it_o draw_v and_o receive_v from_o they_o in_o a_o suitable_a manner_n to_o every_o other_o grace_n as_o the_o root_n first_o suck_v the_o juice_n and_o sap_n from_o the_o
have_v little_a experience_n in_o themselves_o how_o sad_a the_o condition_n of_o that_o soul_n be_v from_o who_o god_n hide_v his_o face_n or_o turn_v his_o smile_n into_o frown_n and_o how_o happy_a he_o be_v in_o the_o overflowing_n of_o all_o joy_n peace_n and_o comfort_n who_o have_v the_o shine_n of_o god_n face_n to_o be_v the_o health_n of_o his_o countenance_n psal_n 42._o 11._o second_o believer_n be_v not_o to_o charge_v the_o guilt_n of_o criminal_a sin_n into_o which_o they_o fall_v upon_o themselves_o so_o as_o thereby_o to_o apprehend_v or_o conclude_v that_o the_o pardon_n of_o former_a sin_n be_v make_v void_a and_o of_o none_o effect_n the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n past_a may_v aggravate_v and_o accent_n the_o iniquity_n that_o be_v afterward_o commit_v be_v do_v against_o the_o riches_n of_o mercy_n receive_v but_o the_o commission_n of_o new_a sin_n do_v not_o revoke_v the_o pardon_n that_o be_v before_o give_v or_o make_v the_o guilt_n of_o such_o sin_n to_o return_v again_o in_o their_o full_a strength_n and_o power_n no_o more_o than_o subsequent_a debt_n do_v make_v bond_n former_o cancel_v and_o vacate_v to_o stand_v in_o force_n for_o god_n when_o he_o pardon_v do_v not_o insert_v any_o conditional_a clause_n that_o carry_v a_o respect_n to_o our_o future_a conversation_n and_o make_v the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o pardon_n to_o depend_v upon_o our_o well_n or_o ill_o do_v his_o gift_n and_o grace_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o immutable_a counsel_n and_o will_n and_o therefore_o without_o all_o repentance_n it_o may_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o this_o truth_n have_v diverse_a adversary_n the_o lutheran_n be_v vehement_a in_o their_o opposition_n of_o it_o as_o also_o the_o papist_n and_o the_o arminian_o and_o yet_o i_o say_v they_o who_o have_v skill_n and_o leisure_n to_o consult_v the_o schoolman_n who_o much_o agitate_v this_o question_n a_o peccata_fw-la redeant_fw-la whether_o sin_n pardon_v do_v ever_o return_v and_o live_v again_o in_o their_o guilt_n so_o as_o to_o accuse_v and_o to_o condemn_v will_v find_v there_o be_v more_o who_o be_v for_o the_o negative_a then_o for_o the_o affirmative_a but_o it_o be_v not_o my_o purpose_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o list_n and_o to_o take_v up_o the_o waster_n in_o this_o controversy_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o the_o scripture-expression_n concern_v god_n pardon_v of_o sin_n do_v clear_o hold_v forth_o his_o forgive_n of_o they_o to_o be_v full_a and_o absolute_a i_o have_v blot_v out_o as_o a_o thick_a cloud_n thy_o transgression_n and_o as_o a_o cloud_n thy_o sin_n isay_n 44._o 22._o the_o cloud_n that_o be_v scatter_v or_o dissolve_v by_o the_o sun_n though_o other_o may_v succeed_v it_o never_o return_v to_o make_v a_o second_o appearance_n but_o be_v whole_o extinguish_v and_o therefore_o man_v go_v down_o into_o the_o grave_n who_o never_o return_v unto_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n again_o be_v compare_v unto_o it_o job_n 7._o 9_o so_o jer._n 50._o 20._o the_o sin_n of_o judah_n shall_v not_o be_v find_v for_o i_o will_v pardon_v they_o say_v the_o lord_n so_o again_o micah_n 7._o 19_o thou_o will_v cast_v all_o their_o sin_n into_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n thing_n that_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n never_o come_v to_o sight_n again_o but_o be_v more_o sure_o bury_v then_o thing_n that_o be_v hide_v in_o the_o grave_n and_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o may_v possible_o be_v dig_v out_o again_o what_o more_o significant_a word_n can_v be_v use_v to_o declare_v the_o absoluteness_n of_o god_n pardon_v sin_o then_o these_o of_o the_o prophet_n three_o beleiver_n fall_v into_o gross_a and_o conscience_n waste_v sin_n be_v not_o to_o charge_v the_o guilt_n of_o they_o upon_o themselves_o so_o as_o to_o conclude_v thereby_o that_o they_o have_v utter_o lose_v all_o sanctify_a and_o inherent_a grace_n such_o sin_n may_v make_v a_o believer_n to_o be_v as_o a_o man_n in_o a_o win_v who_o be_v without_o all_o motion_n but_o not_o as_o a_o carcase_n which_o be_v without_o all_o life_n they_o may_v be_v in_o his_o heart_n as_o spider_n in_o a_o hive_n which_o spoil_v the_o honey_n but_o do_v not_o kill_v the_o bee_n they_o blast_v and_o wither_v the_o precious_a fruit_n of_o grace_n and_o profession_n but_o they_o do_v not_o whole_o destroy_v the_o root_n and_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o flow_v still_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o he_o 1_o joh._n 3._o 9_o the_o apostasy_n of_o peter_n in_o deny_v out_o saviour_n be_v great_a it_o be_v a_o complicate_v denial_n there_o be_v in_o it_o negatio_fw-la notitiae_fw-la a_o denial_n of_o so_o much_o as_o know_v he_o and_o negatio_fw-la consortii_fw-la a_o denial_n of_o all_o communion_n and_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o yet_o in_o this_o reiterated_a defection_n the_o faith_n of_o peter_n do_v not_o expire_v and_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n for_o christ_n pray_v that_o his_o faith_n may_v not_o fail_v luke_n 22._o 32._o now_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o indeficiency_n in_o grace_n be_v not_o from_o its_o own_o strength_n as_o it_o be_v a_o quality_n in_o we_o but_o from_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v of_o god_n who_o have_v say_v that_o he_o will_v put_v his_o fear_n into_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o he_o jer._n 32._o 40._o qui_fw-la custodit_fw-la nos_fw-la per_fw-la fidem_fw-la costodit_fw-la in_o nobis_fw-la ipsam_fw-la fidem_fw-la he_o that_o keep_v we_o by_o faith_n do_v keep_v faith_n itself_o in_o we_o this_o particular_a be_v very_o necessary_a for_o such_o christian_n to_o think_v upon_o who_o after_o a_o fall_n into_o some_o foul_a sin_n do_v not_o only_o mourn_v over_o their_o folly_n as_o they_o just_o aught_o but_o be_v apt_a also_o to_o complain_v that_o heretofore_o indeed_o they_o have_v some_o good_a in_o they_o a_o little_a faith_n they_o can_v by_o some_o effect_n discern_v in_o themselves_o a_o spark_n of_o love_n to_o god_n be_v once_o kindle_v in_o their_o breast_n but_o now_o alas_o all_o be_v utter_o extinct_a and_o lose_v now_o they_o be_v in_o no_o better_a condition_n then_o in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n a_o rude_a and_o deform_a chaos_n of_o sin_n and_o folly_n without_o any_o principle_n of_o grace_n or_o appearance_n of_o beauty_n and_o in_o thus_o do_v they_o do_v not_o only_o heighten_v their_o present_a darkness_n and_o trouble_n but_o also_o be_v injurious_a unto_o the_o promise_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n who_o have_v fix_v grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o believer_n more_o firm_o than_o the_o soul_n be_v feat_v in_o the_o body_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o death_n and_o dissolution_n four_o believer_n be_v not_o so_o to_o charge_v the_o guilt_n of_o their_o great_a sin_n upon_o themselves_o as_o from_o thence_o to_o infer_v any_o such_o sad_a conclusion_n as_o these_o that_o they_o never_o shall_v enjoy_v any_o day_n or_o hour_n of_o comfort_n again_o but_o walk_v in_o continual_a darkness_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v use_v any_o more_o as_o instrument_n of_o service_n or_o be_v a_o vessel_n unto_o honour_n meet_v for_o the_o master_n use_n but_o be_v as_o the_o break_a shard_n that_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o take_v fire_n from_o the_o hearth_n or_o to_o take_v water_n out_o of_o the_o pit_n isay_n 30._o 14._o that_o they_o who_o defile_v themselves_o with_o voluntary_a and_o gross_a sin_n if_o we_o look_v unto_o the_o just_a merit_n of_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v so_o deal_v with_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o god_n do_v retaliate_v the_o sin_n of_o his_o child_n with_o such_o deal_n though_o they_o be_v deep_o humble_v for_o their_o apostasy_n and_o with_o strong_a cry_n do_v beg_v both_o pardon_n and_o acceptance_n from_o himself_o be_v contrary_a not_o only_o to_o the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o penitent_a sinner_n jer._n 3._o 12._o but_o also_o to_o many_o pregnant_a instance_n of_o such_o who_o he_o have_v both_o comfort_v with_o his_o love_n and_o high_o honour_v with_o his_o service_n with_o what_o expression_n and_o demonstration_n of_o affection_n be_v the_o deject_a prodigal_n receive_v by_o his_o father_n who_o peccanti_fw-la filio_fw-la that_fw-mi oscula_fw-la non_fw-la flagella_fw-la give_v to_o his_o stray_a son_n kiss_v and_o not_o blow_n say_v chrysologus_fw-la no_o food_n be_v too_o good_a to_o satisfy_v his_o hunger_n no_o raiment_n too_o costly_a to_o clothe_v he_o with_o no_o ornament_n too_o precious_a to_o adorn_v he_o the_o fat_a calf_n the_o best_a robe_n the_o ring_n of_o gold_n be_v the_o sure_a pledge_n of_o his_o father_n love_n luke_n 15._o what_o a_o choice_a vessel_n of_o honour_n and_o service_n be_v peter_n after_o his_o fall_n who_o
to_o he_o by_o the_o grand_a sophy_n of_o the_o epicurean_o and_o stoic_n than_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o sour_a of_o word_n a_o babbler_n act._n 17._o 18._o will_v it_o not_o seem_v a_o strange_a opinion_n if_o one_o shall_v assert_v that_o he_o who_o lackey_n it_o before_o the_o chariot_n be_v a_o better_a man_n than_o he_o that_o ride_v in_o it_o that_o he_o who_o live_v in_o a_o wilderness_n mean_o clad_v and_o fare_v hardly_o be_v more_o happy_a than_o they_o that_o be_v in_o king_n house_n and_o wear_v soft_a raiment_n that_o he_o who_o be_v poor_a and_o be_v bid_v to_o sit_v at_o the_o footstool_n be_v more_o worthy_a than_o he_o that_o have_v the_o chief_a place_n give_v unto_o he_o in_o the_o assembly_n and_o can_v it_o sound_v less_o strange_a in_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o most_o despicable_a condition_n of_o a_o believer_n be_v far_o above_o the_o happiness_n of_o he_o that_o have_v all_o the_o honour_n and_o delight_n that_o the_o earth_n can_v yield_v flow_v in_o upon_o he_o and_o meet_v in_o he_o as_o so_o many_o line_n in_o one_o point_n i_o shall_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o inference_n so_o full_o as_o that_o it_o may_v serve_v to_o support_v and_o comfort_v afflict_a christian_n under_o all_o their_o pressure_n so_o as_o not_o to_o complain_v because_o they_o be_v in_o their_o extremity_n more_o happy_a than_o the_o best_a worlding_n in_o his_o delight_n and_o that_o it_o may_v likewise_o provoke_v those_o who_o have_v make_v it_o their_o design_n to_o be_v rather_o great_a then_o good_a to_o bethink_v themselves_o of_o their_o folly_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o tenure_n like_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o happiness_n like_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o believer_n which_o have_v its_o foundation_n lay_v in_o grace_n and_o not_o in_o greatness_n to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o in_o a_o few_o particular_n compare_v or_o weigh_v as_o in_o a_o balance_n the_o worst_a of_o a_o believer_n estate_n with_o the_o best_a of_o a_o worldly_a but_o yet_o a_o wicked_a man_n estate_n and_o we_o shall_v quick_o see_v that_o the_o advantage_n will_v lie_v on_o that_o part_n of_o the_o scale_n in_o which_o the_o believer_n stand_v and_o not_o on_o the_o other_o sect_n 1._o first_o a_o believer_n haply_o be_v in_o the_o world_n in_o no_o better_a condition_n than_o a_o strange_a that_o have_v little_a or_o no_o interest_n in_o its_o enfranchisement_n privilege_n and_o immunity_n which_o other_o daily_o find_v the_o sweet_a of_o in_o the_o many_o benefit_n that_o they_o enjoy_v he_o be_v frown_v upon_o when_o other_o be_v court_v and_o smile_v upon_o by_o those_o that_o have_v honour_n s_o and_o preferment_n in_o their_o power_n to_o bestow_v he_o live_v like_o israel_n in_o egypt_n under_o hard_a pressure_n when_o other_o rule_v and_o reign_v as_o lord_n he_o be_v friendless_a and_o find_v none_o either_o to_o pity_v his_o wrong_n or_o to_o do_v he_o the_o least_o right_a to_o his_o word_n to_o his_o sigh_n he_o find_v a_o deaf_a and_o regardless_o ear_n continual_o turn_v when_o other_o have_v the_o law_n open_a where_o they_o may_v implead_v their_o adversary_n and_o have_v friend_n that_o be_v willing_a to_o countenance_v they_o and_o ready_a to_o help_v they_o can_v he_o then_o that_o want_v all_o these_o thing_n be_v more_o happy_a than_o he_o who_o enjoy_v they_o yes_o for_o though_o a_o believer_n be_v a_o stranger_n here_o below_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o citizen_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o to_o which_o every_o worldly_a man_n be_v a_o foreigner_n ephes_n 2._o 12._o and_o from_o thence_o he_o that_o bend_v his_o brow_n upon_o the_o wicked_a behold_v he_o with_o love_n ps_n 11._o 7._o though_o he_o be_v the_o world_n bondman_n yet_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n freeman_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 22._o though_o here_o he_o be_v friendless_a yet_o what_o near_a and_o familiar_a relation_n have_v the_o whole_a bless_a trinity_n be_v please_v to_o take_v upon_o they_o and_o to_o make_v know_v themselves_o by_o unto_o he_o god_n as_o a_o father_n christ_n as_o a_o brother_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o a_o comforter_n all_o who_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n can_v call_v by_o no_o such_o title_n though_o here_o his_o supplication_n and_o his_o tear_n avail_v not_o yet_o in_o heaven_n his_o prayer_n be_v register_v and_o his_o tear_n be_v bottle_a sect_n 2._o second_o a_o believer_n as_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n so_o also_o may_v he_o be_v afflict_v with_o want_n have_v little_a or_o nothing_o in_o possession_n to_o relieve_v his_o necessity_n he_o may_v want_v clothing_n for_o his_o back_n and_o food_n for_o his_o belly_n he_o may_v have_v only_o torum_fw-la itr_n amineum_fw-la &_o cibos_fw-la graminoe_n straw_n for_o his_o bed_n grass_n and_o herb_n for_o his_o meat_n when_o other_o sleep_v upon_o soft_a down_o and_o â—are_v dolicious_o every_o day_n he_o haply_o have_v scarce_o water_n to_o quench_v his_o thirst_n when_o other_o have_v variety_n of_o choice_a wine_n to_o please_v and_o delight_v their_o palate_n all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o lot_n and_o portion_n of_o many_o christian_n such_o of_o who_o the_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a but_o yet_o let_v we_o view_v their_o condition_n so_o as_o to_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n who_o belly_n be_v fill_v with_o hide_a treasure_n and_o we_o shall_v quick_o see_v that_o a_o true_a judgement_n and_o estimate_n be_v make_v of_o both_o that_o the_o thorn_n of_o the_o one_o will_v smell_v sweet_a than_o the_o rose_n of_o the_o other_o his_o necessity_n will_v be_v more_o desirable_a than_o their_o fullness_n because_o want_v sanctify_v be_v better_a than_o unsanctified_a enjoyment_n all_o their_o morsel_n be_v roll_v up_o in_o the_o filth_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o god_n malediction_n and_o all_o his_o want_n be_v both_o sweeten_v and_o supply_v with_o the_o comfort_n of_o god_n promise_n though_o he_o have_v nothing_o for_o the_o present_a yet_o he_o be_v rich_a in_o hope_n though_o he_o have_v nothing_o in_o possession_n yet_o he_o have_v a_o inheritance_n a_o kingdom_n a_o crown_n in_o reversion_n they_o have_v all_o their_o good_a thing_n in_o this_o life_n and_o he_o have_v his_o reserve_v for_o the_o other_o though_o he_o have_v no_o food_n for_o his_o body_n yet_o he_o have_v manna_n for_o his_o soul_n he_o have_v a_o hungry_a body_n and_o they_o a_o starve_a soul_n though_o he_o have_v here_o scarce_o a_o place_n to_o lay_v his_o head_n on_o yet_o be_v there_o room_n reserve_v for_o he_o in_o abraham_n bosom_n where_o he_o shall_v for_o ever_o dwell_v in_o joy_n when_o other_o lie_v down_o in_o sorrow_n isa_n 50._o 10._o though_o his_o body_n be_v as_o a_o parch_a wilderness_n for_o thirst_n yet_o his_o soul_n be_v as_o a_o water_v garden_n out_o of_o his_o belly_n flow_v river_n of_o live_a water_n john_n 7._o 38._o we_o may_v true_o say_v of_o a_o believer_n what_o paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o though_o he_o be_v poor_a yet_o he_o have_v enough_o to_o make_v many_o rich_a though_o he_o have_v nothing_o yet_o he_o possess_v all_o thing_n fideli_fw-la homini_fw-la totus_fw-la mundus_fw-la divitiarum_fw-la est_fw-la infideli_fw-la autem_fw-la nec_fw-la obolus_fw-la to_o a_o christian_a all_o the_o world_n be_v his_o riches_n to_o a_o unbeliever_n not_o a_o doit_n of_o it_o say_v prosper_n there_o be_v no_o creature_n which_o do_v not_o owe_v a_o homage_n unto_o he_o and_o shall_v certain_o pay_v it_o if_o his_o necessity_n do_v require_v it_o the_o heaven_n shall_v hear_v the_o earth_n and_o the_o earth_n shall_v hear_v the_o corn_n and_o the_o wine_n and_o the_o oil_n in_o answer_n to_o jezreel_n '_o s_z prayer_n hos_fw-la 2._o 21_o 22._o what_o be_v at_o further_a distance_n than_o the_o heaven_n and_o so_o more_o unlikely_a to_o hear_v then_o heaven_n what_o creature_n more_o dull_a than_o earth_n and_o so_o more_o unmeet_a to_o be_v affect_v and_o move_v with_o a_o cry_n and_o yet_o both_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n shall_v not_o be_v deaf_a to_o jezreel_n prayer_n but_o shall_v fulfil_v their_o desire_n and_o supply_v their_o want_n sect_n 3._o three_o a_o believer_n be_v not_o only_o exercise_v with_o the_o press_a evil_n of_o want_n &_o poverty_n but_o he_o oftentimes_o lie_v under_o the_o sore_a burden_n of_o reproach_n and_o obloquy_n which_o to_o a_o ingenuous_a spirit_n be_v more_o bitter_a than_o death_n itself_o he_o be_v the_o common_a mark_n to_o which_o all_o the_o sharp_a arrow_n of_o man_n tongue_n be_v direct_v he_o be_v the_o only_a person_n
we_o can_v make_v david_n as_o a_o man_n true_o sensible_a of_o his_o many_o and_o deep_a obligation_n unto_o god_n have_v a_o great_a consultation_n with_o himself_o which_o way_n he_o shall_v express_v his_o thankfulness_n unto_o he_o what_o shall_v i_o render_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o his_o benefit_n towards_o i_o psalm_n 116._o 12._o but_o after_o all_o muse_n and_o studying_n with_o himself_o he_o can_v find_v no_o other_o way_n but_o this_o i_o will_v take_v the_o cup_n of_o salvation_n and_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n verse_n 13._o a_o eucharistical_a sacrifice_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v all_o that_o david_n though_o a_o king_n can_v find_v to_o give_v unto_o god_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o payment_n the_o poor_a may_v make_v as_o well_o as_o the_o rich_a the_o young_a as_o well_o as_o the_o old_a the_o child_n in_o the_o gospel_n can_v cry_v hosanna_n and_o say_v bless_a be_v he_o that_o come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n mat._n 21._o 15._o as_o well_o as_o other_o it_o be_v a_o good_a observation_n of_o nazianzen_n that_o god_n have_v equalise_v all_o man_n in_o that_o ability_n which_o most_o recommend_v or_o discommend_v they_o unto_o he_o and_o that_o be_v the_o ability_n of_o the_o will_n to_o love_v he_o and_o to_o give_v he_o praise_v this_o be_v that_o which_o all_o may_v do_v who_o have_v taste_v how_o good_a god_n be_v and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o the_o best_a can_v do_v who_o have_v be_v most_o fill_v with_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o mercy_n see_v therefore_o that_o a_o thankful_a recognition_n of_o god_n love_n and_o bounty_n in_o his_o promise_n be_v the_o only_a recompense_n that_o we_o can_v make_v it_o be_v most_o meet_a that_o we_o shall_v abound_v in_o it_o and_o make_v it_o not_o only_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o lip_n but_o of_o our_o heart_n breathe_v forth_o our_o very_a soul_n in_o the_o continual_a praise_n of_o he_o who_o have_v manifest_v the_o gracious_a purpose_n of_o his_o heart_n unto_o we_o in_o many_o rich_a promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n more_o than_o this_o god_n in_o his_o mercy_n do_v not_o desire_n and_o less_o than_o this_o in_o all_o reason_n we_o can_v give_v three_o the_o give_v of_o god_n praise_n and_o glory_n in_o endless_a song_n of_o thanksgiving_n be_v the_o only_a work_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n when_o full_o make_v partaker_n of_o all_o the_o blessing_n that_o the_o promise_n do_v hold_v forth_o it_o be_v now_o the_o continual_a bless_a exercise_n of_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o those_o everlasting_a mansion_n in_o the_o high_a heaven_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v we_o when_o we_o shall_v be_v translate_v thither_o and_o have_v our_o faith_n turn_v into_o vision_n and_o our_o hope_n into_o enjoyment_n requisite_a therefore_o it_o be_v that_o what_o we_o know_v must_v be_v our_o eternal_a exercise_n in_o heaven_n to_o make_v that_o our_o frequent_a practice_n on_o earth_n those_o person_n that_o intend_v to_o travel_v into_o remote_a and_o foreign_a country_n with_o a_o advantage_n unto_o themselves_o do_v beforehand_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o custom_n manner_n and_o fashion_n of_o the_o place_n to_o which_o they_o go_v and_o from_o other_o who_o experience_n may_v give_v the_o best_a light_n do_v inquire_v what_o be_v the_o ingeny_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o native_n that_o so_o they_o may_v the_o better_o comply_v with_o their_o form_n and_o civility_n yea_o they_o endeavour_v to_o get_v some_o smattering_n of_o the_o language_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v altogether_o stranger_n to_o what_o be_v do_v and_o speak_v there_o so_o shall_v christian_n who_o expect_v to_o dwell_v with_o the_o lord_n for_o ever_o with_o all_o diligence_n inure_v themselves_o to_o the_o work_n and_o service_n of_o that_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n and_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o to_o get_v some_o rudiment_n of_o their_o heavenly_a language_n while_o they_o be_v below_o that_o so_o they_o may_v the_o better_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o that_o celestial_a choir_n sing_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n blessing_n and_o glory_n and_o wisdom_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n and_o may_v be_v unto_o our_o god_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o rev._n 7._o 12._o now_o that_o this_o duty_n of_o thankfulness_n may_v run_v in_o a_o right_a channel_n i_o shall_v in_o some_o few_o particular_n show_v how_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v express_v first_o let_v thankfulness_n appear_v in_o the_o fulfil_n of_o that_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 7._o 1._o have_v these_o promise_n let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n the_o promise_n as_o they_o be_v cause_n work_v holiness_n so_o also_o be_v they_o argument_n incite_v to_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n propound_v as_o reward_n unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o purify_n and_o cleanse_v grace_n act_v 15._o 9_o in_o what_o more_o genuine_a fruit_n therefore_o can_v thankfulness_n manifest_v itself_o then_o in_o holiness_n or_o how_o can_v a_o believer_n better_a evidence_n his_o high_a esteem_n of_o the_o promise_n then_o by_o his_o continual_a press_n forward_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o sanctity_n now_o as_o aristotle_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o rhetoric_n that_o there_o be_v two_o way_n by_o which_o man_n grow_v rich_a either_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o add_v to_o their_o present_a store_n or_o else_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o substract_v and_o take_v away_o from_o their_o expense_n so_o also_o holiness_n be_v perfect_v by_o a_o double_a mean_n either_o by_o the_o addition_n of_o one_o grace_n unto_o another_o which_o be_v the_o duty_n that_o saint_n peter_n call_v for_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 5._o add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n etc._n etc._n or_o else_o by_o not_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o which_o be_v the_o counsel_n that_o saint_n paul_n give_v to_o believer_n rom._n 13._o 14._o and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o both_o these_o way_n endeavour_v the_o increase_n of_o holiness_n starve_v the_o boundless_a desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o strengthen_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o renew_v act_n of_o godliness_n can_v never_o be_v rich_a either_o in_o grace_n or_o comfort_n second_o let_v thankfulness_n for_o the_o promise_n be_v express_v in_o proclaim_v that_o mercy_n salvation_n and_o assure_a peace_n which_o you_o have_v receive_v from_o they_o if_o so_o be_v you_o have_v taste_v that_o god_n be_v good_a do_v as_o the_o bird_n which_o when_o they_o come_v to_o a_o full_a heap_n chirp_v and_o invite_v their_o fellow_n tell_v the_o hungry_a soul_n what_o satisfy_v and_o bless_a food_n the_o promise_n be_v the_o deject_a what_o revive_v cordial_n the_o poor_a what_o endure_v riches_n the_o break_a and_o wound_v what_o heal_v balsam_n they_o be_v that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v encourage_v to_o take_v hold_n of_o these_o promise_n by_o a_o hand_n of_o faith_n cripple_n that_o return_v with_o health_n from_o the_o bath_n hang_v up_o their_o crutch_n on_o the_o tree_n and_o their_o rag_n on_o the_o hedge_n that_o be_v near_o that_o thereby_o they_o may_v win_v credit_n and_o esteem_v to_o the_o water_n and_o so_o to_o honour_v the_o well_n of_o salvation_n shall_v christian_n make_v know_v the_o great_a thing_n that_o god_n have_v do_v for_o they_o and_o leave_v in_o every_o place_n where_o they_o come_v some_o testimony_n of_o their_o thankfulness_n and_o god_n goodness_n come_v say_v david_n all_o you_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o my_o soul_n psal_n 66._o 16._o he_o do_v not_o call_v they_o as_o austin_n observe_v to_o acquaint_v they_o with_o speculation_n how_o wide_o the_o earth_n be_v how_o far_o the_o heaven_n be_v stretch_v out_o what_o the_o number_n of_o the_o star_n be_v or_o what_o be_v the_o course_n of_o the_o sun_n but_o come_v and_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o the_o wonder_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o promise_n the_o riches_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o my_o soul_n oh_o that_o believer_n will_v be_v persuade_v to_o declare_v thus_o the_o experience_n that_o they_o have_v any_o time_n have_v of_o god_n truth_n and_o power_n in_o his_o word_n and_o in_o a_o way_n of_o gratitude_n to_o communicate_v they_o unto_o other_o how_o instrumental_a may_v they_o thereby_o become_v in_o the_o comfort_a and_o establish_v of_o other_o experience_n be_v
on_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n for_o as_o faith_n be_v true_o the_o life_n and_o guide_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o the_o word_n be_v the_o ground_n life_n and_o guide_n of_o our_o faith_n now_o the_o argument_n that_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o be_v brief_o three_o first_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v that_o life_n which_o above_o all_o other_o god_n will_v have_v believer_n to_o live_v and_o this_o appear_v by_o the_o distance_n that_o god_n have_v put_v between_o his_o promise_n and_o his_o performance_n make_v their_o whole_a life_n to_o be_v rather_o a_o life_n of_o hope_n then_o of_o enjoyment_n and_o the_o good_a thing_n that_o he_o give_v to_o relate_v more_o to_o the_o future_a then_o to_o the_o present_a time_n god_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o open_v a_o door_n of_o hope_n to_o fall_v man_n in_o that_o first_o gospel-promise_n which_o he_o himself_o proclaim_v gen._n 3._o 15._o that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n but_o how_o many_o generation_n pass_v away_o before_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n come_v in_o which_o he_o send_v forth_o his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n he_o have_v promise_v to_o believer_n that_o they_o shall_v tread_v down_o the_o wicked_a and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v ash_n under_o the_o sole_n of_o their_o foot_n mal._n 4._o 3._o but_o yet_o he_o have_v make_v their_o warfare_n to_o be_v as_o long_o as_o their_o life_n he_o have_v promise_v a_o glorious_a resurrection_n of_o their_o body_n out_o of_o the_o grave_n and_o yet_o for_o how_o many_o thousand_o year_n have_v his_o saint_n lie_v dissolve_v in_o their_o dust_n as_o if_o they_o do_v seem_v to_o be_v altogether_o forget_v by_o he_o now_o to_o what_o end_n have_v god_n set_v such_o long_a period_n of_o time_n between_o the_o make_n and_o the_o accomplish_n of_o his_o promise_n but_o only_o that_o he_o will_v have_v the_o heir_n of_o they_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n yea_o and_o to_o die_v in_o faith_n by_o rest_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o every_o mercy_n which_o he_o have_v undertake_v for_o in_o his_o promise_n and_o indeed_o this_o glory_n which_o believer_n give_v to_o god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o faith_n upon_o his_o word_n be_v far_o great_a and_o more_o noble_a than_o all_o that_o glory_n which_o the_o whole_a universe_n of_o creature_n do_v yield_v unto_o he_o they_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o goodness_n in_o their_o be_v and_o in_o the_o comfort_n of_o it_o derive_v unto_o they_o by_o he_o but_o who_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n in_o his_o promise_n but_o a_o believer_n who_o be_v it_o that_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n rom._n 5._o 2._o but_o a_o believer_n who_o glory_v in_o tribulation_n but_o a_o believer_n who_o be_v it_o that_o let_v not_o his_o confidence_n die_v when_o his_o life_n expire_v but_o a_o believer_n my_o flesh_n and_o my_o heart_n fail_v say_v david_n but_o god_n be_v the_o rock_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o my_o portion_n for_o ever_o psal_n 73._o 26._o second_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v of_o all_o estate_n the_o most_o content_a and_o of_o all_o live_v the_o full_a of_o real_a sweetness_n and_o delight_n first_o it_o be_v the_o most_o content_a life_n true_a contentment_n be_v the_o inseparable_a companion_n of_o true_a faith_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 6._o a_o believer_n be_v the_o only_a person_n that_o be_v instruct_v in_o this_o sacred_a mystery_n phil._n 4._o 13._o the_o thing_n that_o other_o want_v he_o desire_v not_o riches_n which_o other_o covet_v with_o the_o strain_n of_o their_o conscience_n he_o throw_v away_o as_o snare_n pleasure_n which_o other_o drink_v down_o with_o a_o thirst_n unsatisfied_a he_o out_o of_o choice_n spare_o sip_v of_o or_o else_o refuse_v so_o much_o as_o to_o taste_v honour_n that_o other_o value_v themselves_o by_o he_o look_v upon_o as_o fancy_n and_o not_o reality_n as_o plato_n tell_v the_o musician_n that_o a_o philosopher_n can_v dine_v and_o eat_v his_o meat_n without_o they_o so_o a_o believer_n can_v live_v happy_o without_o the_o have_v of_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o this_o be_v because_o by_o faith_n he_o live_v above_o they_o and_o enjoy_v more_o high_a and_o noble_a delight_n in_o the_o very_a expectation_n and_o hope_n of_o that_o blessedness_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v than_o any_o other_o can_v have_v from_o the_o fruition_n of_o a_o earthly_a paradise_n or_o of_o the_o whole_a world_n itself_o if_o turn_v and_o change_v into_o a_o eden_n second_o of_o all_o life_n the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o sweet_a the_o delicacy_n that_o faith_n feed_v upon_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o any_o stagnant_a and_o impure_a pit_n or_o cistern_n but_o from_o the_o fountain_n and_o well_o of_o life_n it_o suck_v the_o breast_n of_o consolation_n isay_n 66._o 11._o it_o live_v upon_o the_o free_a favour_n of_o god_n which_o be_v better_o than_o life_n itself_o psal_n 63._o 3._o it_o have_v christ_n himself_o for_o nutriment_n who_o flesh_n be_v meat_n indeed_o who_o blood_n be_v drink_v indeed_o john_n 6._o 55._o all_o which_o be_v food_n the_o world_n know_v not_o of_o it_o never_o understand_v their_o preciousness_n or_o taste_v their_o sweetness_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o repast_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o refreshment_n of_o the_o world_n than_o there_o be_v between_o the_o physic_n of_o the_o galenist_n &_o paracelsian_n the_o one_o give_v it_o in_o the_o drug_n and_o the_o other_o as_o they_o boast_v in_o the_o quintessence_n and_o spirit_n extract_v from_o that_o phlegm_n and_o earthymatter_v that_o dead_v &_o allay_v their_o efficacy_n all_o the_o comfort_n of_o faith_n have_v in_o they_o a_o native_a purity_n and_o spiritualnesse_n and_o need_v not_o the_o help_n of_o artist_n to_o refine_v they_o such_o they_o be_v as_o that_o angel_n themselves_o have_v neither_o better_o nor_o high_o to_o live_v upon_o how_o injurious_a then_o be_v believer_n to_o their_o own_o happiness_n while_o they_o neglect_v the_o live_n by_o faith_n and_o gaze_v rather_o upon_o these_o dainty_n with_o their_o eye_n then_o feed_v upon_o they_o with_o their_o mouth_n how_o great_o do_v they_o live_v below_o themselves_o while_o they_o take_v up_o with_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o put_v not_o forth_o this_o divine_a grace_n of_o faith_n which_o can_v fetch_v every_o good_a thing_n out_o of_o heaven_n what_o dishonour_n do_v they_o cast_v on_o the_o precious_a promise_n while_o like_o the_o lustful_a israelite_n they_o slight_a this_o manna_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o dry_a food_n o_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o excellency_n in_o the_o promise_n be_v persuade_v you_o that_o be_v the_o belove_a one_o of_o god_n to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o exercise_v it_o in_o a_o improvement_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o use_n of_o which_o make_v you_o more_o rich_a and_o bless_a then_o the_o have_v of_o they_o three_o to_o move_v believer_n to_o act_v faith_n upon_o the_o promise_n i_o shall_v add_v this_o argument_n that_o their_o labour_n and_o expectation_n will_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a faith_n in_o the_o promise_n be_v like_o the_o bow_n of_o jonathan_n and_o the_o sword_n of_o saul_n which_o never_o return_v empty_a 2_o sam._n 1._o 22._o it_o always_o find_v what_o it_o seek_v and_o enjoy_v what_o it_o desire_v he_o that_o believe_v shall_v never_o be_v confound_v 1_o pet._n 2._o 6._o that_o be_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v disappoint_v or_o break_v in_o his_o purpose_n or_o hope_n if_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o good_a security_n to_o rest_n and_o build_v upon_o what_o be_v what_o bond_n can_v be_v so_o firm_a as_o his_o word_n who_o can_v lie_v tit._n 1._o 9_o what_o pledge_n can_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o the_o inheritance_n of_o believer_n be_v seal_v unto_o they_o ephes_n 1._o 14._o if_o these_o foundation_n fail_v than_o we_o may_v well_o say_v with_o the_o prophet_n what_o can_v the_o righteous_a do_v but_o soon_o shall_v the_o rock_n be_v break_v into_o bit_n and_o throw_v as_o pebble_n and_o cockleshell_n upon_o the_o shore_n by_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o wave_n soon_o shall_v the_o mountain_n that_o god_n have_v set_v fast_o by_o his_o strength_n psal_n 65._o 6._o be_v over-turned_n by_o the_o breath_n of_o tempestuous_a wind_n than_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o immutable_a power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o never-failing_a goodness_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o least_o iota_fw-la make_v void_a
and_o of_o no_o effect_n for_o beside_o the_o infallibility_n of_o god_n word_n which_o may_v abundant_o confirm_v unto_o believer_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o goodness_n also_o and_o mercy_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o another_o sacred_a anchor_n for_o their_o faith_n and_o confidence_n to_o rest_v upon_o if_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o promise_n it_o be_v serious_o think_v on_o in_o two_o particular_n first_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o real_a purchase_n of_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n and_o must_v therefore_o be_v certain_o make_v good_a or_o else_o he_o must_v be_v a_o loser_n in_o all_o his_o suffering_n if_o he_o like_v jonathan_n 1_o sam._n 18._o 4._o shall_v strip_v himself_o not_o only_o of_o his_o robe_n but_o of_o his_o life_n that_o he_o may_v express_v his_o love_n to_o distress_a and_o undo_v person_n with_o who_o god_n be_v angry_a and_o displease_v and_o yet_o they_o receive_v no_o advantage_n or_o fruit_n by_o it_o will_v not_o all_o these_o condescension_n of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n be_v in_o vain_a if_o he_o shall_v drink_v of_o that_o brook_n and_o torrent_n of_o curse_n that_o be_v in_o the_o way_n between_o salvation_n and_o sinner_n and_o yet_o the_o passage_n to_o the_o heavenly_a canaan_n be_v no_o more_o open_a than_o it_o be_v before_o shall_v not_o christ_n be_v a_o great_a loser_n than_o sinner_n themselves_o they_o it_o be_v true_a lose_v their_o soul_n each_o of_o which_o be_v of_o more_o value_n than_o so_o many_o world_n but_o christ_n must_v lose_v the_o revenue_n of_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v far_o more_o precious_a than_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n how_o will_v sin_n exult_v and_o triumph_v if_o it_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o say_v there_o be_v a_o pardon_n covenant_v for_o to_o be_v give_v such_o a_o person_n but_o i_o have_v hinder_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o how_o will_v satan_n reproach_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o can_v be_v able_a to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v destroy_v one_o soul_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v yea_o how_o shall_v paul_n or_o any_o other_o believer_n be_v able_a to_o throw_v forth_o their_o gauntlet_n and_o to_o challenge_v all_o the_o enemy_n of_o salvation_n to_o do_v their_o worst_a rom._n 8._o 31._o if_o any_o of_o they_o can_v make_v a_o separation_n between_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o how_o quick_o will_v tribulation_n persecution_n famine_n nakedness_n say_v we_o will_v make_v you_o miserable_a how_o soon_o will_v peril_n and_o the_o sword_n reply_n we_o will_v conquer_v you_o how_o confident_o woo_a principality_n and_o power_n say_v we_o will_v pluck_v you_o out_o of_o christ_n hand_n but_o for_o ever_o bless_v be_v his_o name_n there_o be_v none_o among_o the_o whole_a host_n of_o enemy_n that_o dare_v revile_v the_o confidence_n of_o a_o believer_n or_o say_v as_o that_o uncircumcised_a philistine_n to_o david_n 1_o sam._n 17._o 44._o i_o will_v give_v thy_o flesh_n to_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n or_o to_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n there_o be_v none_o that_o dare_v presume_v to_o say_v that_o they_o can_v make_v void_a the_o least_o mercy_n which_o the_o promise_n do_v hold_v forth_o to_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o christ_n love_n and_o the_o purchase_n of_o his_o blood_n let_v therefore_o believer_n lift_v up_o the_o hand_n which_o hang_v down_o and_o put_v forth_o the_o strength_n of_o faith_n in_o renew_a act_n of_o confidence_n upon_o the_o promise_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o themselves_o of_o this_o truth_n that_o they_o can_v no_o more_o be_v disappoint_v of_o their_o hope_n than_o christ_n can_v be_v disappoint_v of_o his_o purchase_n second_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o most_o prevail_a intercession_n of_o christ_n who_o now_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n in_o glory_n when_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n he_o purchase_v by_o the_o price_n of_o his_o blood_n all_o that_o mass_n of_o treasure_n and_o riches_n both_o of_o grace_n and_o glory_n that_o be_v inventory_v in_o the_o promise_n and_o by_o his_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n on_o the_o cross_n bequeath_v they_o to_o believer_n but_o all_o this_o which_o be_v transact_v here_o below_o be_v only_o as_o divine_n usual_o term_v it_o medium_n impetrationis_fw-la the_o mean_n of_o procurement_n or_o obtain_v it_o for_o believer_n the_o medium_n applicationis_fw-la the_o mean_n of_o apply_v all_o this_o unto_o they_o be_v as_o his_o resurrection_n and_o intercession_n his_o resurrection_n that_o declare_v his_o conquest_n over_o death_n his_o intercession_n that_o show_v his_o favour_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o they_o be_v both_o as_o necessary_a to_o make_v his_o satisfaction_n of_o force_n unto_o believer_n as_o the_o image_n or_o stamp_n of_o the_o prince_n be_v to_o make_v the_o coin_n currant_n though_o it_o neither_o add_v weight_n or_o value_n to_o the_o substance_n he_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v make_v perfect_a become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n unto_o all_o that_o obey_v he_o heb._n 5._o 9_o now_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o scripture_n with_o all_o the_o advantage_n that_o may_v be_v that_o thereby_o believer_n may_v be_v secure_v of_o their_o interest_n and_o title_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v we_o have_v a_o great_a high_a priest_n that_o be_v pass_v into_o the_o heaven_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n let_v we_o therefore_o hold_v fast_o our_o profession_n heb._n 4._o 14._o first_o he_o be_v a_o great_a high_a priest_n great_a than_o all_o that_o be_v before_o he_o both_o in_o power_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n second_o he_o be_v pass_v into_o the_o heaven_n a_o sanctuary_n which_o no_o other_o priest_n can_v ever_o enter_v into_o or_o sit_v down_o in_o all_o their_o sacrifice_n be_v imperfect_a and_o therefore_o to_o be_v daily_o renew_v by_o they_o three_o he_o be_v jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n more_o near_o in_o alliance_n unto_o he_o than_o angel_n or_o man_n and_o therefore_o most_o sure_a to_o prevail_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o whatever_o he_o ask_v or_o require_v of_o he_o when_o he_o therefore_o who_o be_v the_o only_a favourite_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o believer_n advocate_n and_o do_v continual_o solicit_v god_n to_o fulfil_v his_o covenant_n make_v with_o he_o and_o his_o people_n prayer_n make_v unto_o he_o what_o ground_n can_v therebe_n for_o jealousy_n and_o distrust_n in_o a_o believer_n heart_n what_o rational_a impediment_n can_v there_o be_v imagine_v to_o hinder_v or_o weaken_v the_o confidence_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o full_o remove_v and_o take_v away_o be_v your_o prayer_n taint_v with_o the_o corruption_n and_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n he_o perfume_v they_o with_o the_o sweet_a odour_n of_o his_o intercession_n rev._n 8._o 3._o be_v your_o sin_n multiply_v and_o renew_v daily_o so_o be_v the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v his_o only_a work_n in_o heaven_n to_o intercede_v for_o sinner_n heb._n 7._o 25._o be_v your_o person_n vile_a and_o such_o which_o you_o fear_v god_n will_v not_o accept_v christ_n who_o be_v your_o high_a priest_n be_v holy_a harmless_a and_o separate_v from_o sinner_n heb._n 7._o 26._o he_o have_v in_o his_o person_n a_o fullness_n of_o all_o perfection_n which_o may_v assure_v every_o believer_n that_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o plead_v that_o the_o request_n which_o he_o make_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n name_n shall_v not_o be_v like_o arrow_n shoot_v at_o the_o sun_n which_o never_o reach_v it_o or_o come_v near_o to_o it_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v pierce_v the_o heaven_n and_o be_v of_o such_o power_n and_o prevalency_n with_o god_n as_o that_o what_o they_o seek_v he_o will_v grant_v and_o the_o promise_n which_o they_o plead_v in_o faith_n he_o will_v perform_v and_o make_v good_a in_o truth_n wherefore_o let_v i_o again_o commend_v unto_o believer_n the_o great_a duty_n of_o exercise_v faith_n on_o he_o promise_v of_o christ_n which_o can_v but_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o strong_a and_o inseparable_a consolation_n when_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o those_o great_a thing_n which_o be_v both_o the_o purchase_n of_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o most_o powerful_a intercession_n and_o now_o as_o mariner_n who_o when_o they_o come_v nigh_o the_o port_n roll_v up_o their_o sail_n which_o be_v before_o spread_v they_o be_v not_o useful_a in_o the_o harbour_n that_o be_v before_o most_o necessary_a on_o the_o sea_n so_o must_v i_o be_v arrive_v at_o that_o point_n which_o be_v the_o utmost_a boundary_a of_o my_o thought_n and_o intention_n draw_v towards_o a_o conclusion_n and_o wind_v up_o this_o