the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n open_v up_o or_o some_o sermon_n concern_v faith_n two_o whereof_o be_v not_o former_o print_v wherein_o the_o nature_n excellency_n and_o usefulnesse_n of_o that_o noble_a grace_n be_v much_o clear_v and_o the_o practice_n thereof_o most_o powerful_o press_v whereunto_o be_v add_v other_o three_o sermon_n two_o concern_v the_o great_a salvation_n one_o of_o these_o not_o former_o print_v and_o a_o three_o concern_v death_n by_o mr._n andrew_n grey_a late_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o glasgow_n all_o these_o sermon_n be_v now_o careful_o revise_v and_o much_o correct_v joh._n 3._o 18._o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o because_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n edinburgh_n print_v by_o george_n swinton_n and_o james_n glen_n anno_fw-la 1669._o mr._n gray_n mystery_n of_o faith_n christian_n reader_n among_o many_o weighty_a and_o soul_n piercing_a sentence_n that_o you_o 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house_n and_o his_o banner_n over_o she_o be_v love_n believe_v i_o more_o communion_n with_o a_o absent_a christ_n will_v make_v more_o intimation_n in_o a_o divine_a manner_n of_o our_o peace_n with_o he_o we_o desire_v to_o bless_v these_o that_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o these_o dispute_n and_o questioning_n that_o we_o be_v so_o much_o subject_n unto_o iii_o this_o be_v a_o seal_a time_n to_o a_o christian_a when_o he_o be_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n 〈◊〉_d secret_a prayer_n and_o of_o much_o converse_v and_o correspond_v with_o god_n in_o that_o duty_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o that_o word_n in_o dan._n 9_o 21._o when_o daniel_n be_v pray_v at_o the_o evening_n oblation_n in_o the_o â—3_n verse_n he_o meet_v with_o a_o divine_a intimation_n of_o his_o peace_n with_o god_n o_o man_n great_o belove_v of_o god_n as_o the_o original_a have_v it_o o_o man_n of_o great_a desire_n for_o he_o be_v desirable_a indeed_o and_o precious_a to_o he_o who_o hold_v the_o saint_n in_o his_o â—ight_a hand_n iv._o this_o be_v also_o a_o sealing-time_n to_o a_o christian_a when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o some_o great_a work_n and_o be_v to_o be_v put_v upon_o some_o eminent_a holy_a employment_n this_o be_v clear_a jer._n â—_o 5._o where_o jeremiah_n be_v call_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o such_o a_o rebellious_a people_n â—hen_o he_o have_v this_o eternal_a election_n declare_v â—nto_o he_o before_o thou_o be_v form_v in_o the_o womb_n i_o know_v thou_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v give_v they_o that_o to_o be_v meat_n to_o they_o for_o forty_o day_n and_o that_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o it_o they_o may_v go_v many_o a_o day_n journey_n v._o there_o be_v also_o another_o seal_a time_n when_o â—_o christian_n be_v first_o beget_v to_o a_o precious_a and_o everlasting_a hope_n for_o when_o at_o first_o christian_n begin_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o christ_n even_o then_o sometime_o he_o declare_v to_o they_o his_o boundless_a and_o 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it_o not_o when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o isle_n of_o patmos_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christâ—_n kingdom_n and_o patience_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n rev._n 1._o 9_o and_o in_o that_o place_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 16._o though_o our_o outward_a man_n decay_n yet_o our_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n now_o we_o will_v press_v you_o to_o be_v more_o serious_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o precious_a grace_n and_o i_o shall_v tell_v you_o the_o compend_v of_o christianity_n in_o these_o few_o word_n 1._o by_o faith_n to_o solace_v yourselves_o in_o christ_n invisible_a virtue_n and_o excellency_n and_o 2._o by_o hope_n to_o beâ—_n view_v that_o precious_a crown_n and_o these_o everlasting_a dignity_n that_o be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o 3_o by_o mortification_n to_o be_v crucify_a your_o idol_n and_o 4._o by_o patience_n to_o be_v possess_v your_o soul_n until_o once_o yeâ—_n shall_v pass_v through_o that_o dark_a land_n to_o thaâ—_n valley_n of_o everlasting_a delight_n and_o as_o foâ—_n those_o that_o contemn_v and_o undervalue_v thâ—_n blood_n of_o this_o everlasting_a covenant_n and_o 〈◊〉_d will_v have_v all_o these_o that_o delight_v not_o in_o close_v with_o christ_n and_o these_o who_o have_v noâ—_n misbelief_n as_o their_o cross_n to_o consider_v this_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o live_n and_o eternal_a god_n doâ—â—_n abide_v upon_o they_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v according_a â—â—_o that_o word_n joh._n 3._o 36._o he_o that_o believe_v â—â—ot_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o he_o it_o be_v a_o remarkable_a phrase_n because_o of_o this_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v a_o pilgrim_n to_o a_o mishbeâ—ever_n that_o will_v turn_v aside_o to_o tarry_v but_o for_o 〈◊〉_d night_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n to_o they_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v shall_v be_v their_o household_n companion_n and_o shall_v dwell_v with_o they_o and_o â—o_o woe_n to_o they_o eternal_o who_o have_v this_o sad_a â—nd_n everlasting_a companion_n to_o abide_v with_o â—hem_n the_o wrath_n of_o a_o live_a god_n there_o be_v â—ne_a thing_n we_o will_v have_v these_o know_v that_o among_o all_o these_o who_o be_v eternal_o to_o be_v deart_v from_o jesus_n christ_n misbeliever_n be_v put_v â—â—_o the_o foremost_a rank_n rev._n 21._o 8._o there_o he_o be_v to_o â—ut_fw-la away_o the_o fearful_a and_o unbelieving_a and_o â—om_n 2_o thess_n 1._o 18._o when_o christ_n shall_v come_v from_o heaven_n with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n what_o â—o_o do_v it_o be_v even_o to_o execute_v vengeance_n on_o thâ—se_a â—hat_n obey_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v who_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o i_o pose_v your_o own_o heart_n with_o this_o whether_o or_o not_o your_o name_n â—ee_n write_v there_o in_o that_o â—oll_n among_o these_o sho_fw-mi shall_v be_v cut_v off_o and_o that_o word_n 2_o thes._n â—_o 12._o that_o they_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v â—ot_n but_o take_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n o_o but_o â—he_v wrath_n of_o a_o die_a christ_n and_o of_o a_o crucified_a saviour_n be_v dreadful_a it_o be_v more_o sad_a and_o terrible_a than_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n shall_v have_v be_v 〈◊〉_d christ_n have_v not_o die_v i_o will_v tell_v you_o o_o hypocrite_n in_o zion_n the_o worst_a news_n that_o ever_o be_v publish_v in_o your_o eâ—â—s_n and_o it_o be_v this_o christ_n die_v and_o rise_v again_o and_o to_o those_o that_o â—re_n beget_v to_o a_o lively_a hope_n they_o be_v glad_a â—â—dings_n of_o great_a joy_n and_o therein_o they_o may_v comfort_v themselves_o but_o you_o may_v wear_v a_o rough_a garment_n to_o deceive_v and_o go_v to_o heaven_n in_o your_o own_o apprehension_n but_o o_o the_o sad_a disappointment_n that_o be_v wait_v on_o many_o such_o and_o to_o close_o with_o this_o we_o will_v obtest_v you_o as_o you_o will_v answer_v to_o your_o terrible_a &_o dreadful_a judge_n that_o shall_v stand_v one_o day_n upon_o his_o throne_n which_o he_o shall_v fix_v in_o the_o cloud_n we_o obtest_v you_o by_o all_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o we_o obtest_v you_o by_o all_o the_o everlasting_a pain_n of_o hell_n and_o we_o obtest_v you_o by_o all_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v write_v within_o the_o volume_n of_o this_o book_n and_o by_o all_o the_o sweet_a &_o comfortable_a promise_n that_o be_v in_o this_o everlasting_a gospel_n and_o by_o the_o love_n that_o you_o owe_v to_o your_o immortal_a soul_n and_o as_o you_o will_v not_o crucify_v christ_n afresh_o believe_v and_o embrace_v the_o offer_n which_o be_v present_v now_o unto_o you_o know_v you_o whither_o or_o not_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o last_o summons_n that_o you_o shall_v get_v to_o believe_v that_o so_o if_o you_o do_v reject_v it_o christ_n shall_v come_v from_o heaven_n and_o pronounce_v that_o sad_a and_o lamentable_a sentence_n to_o you_o depart_v from_o i_o 〈◊〉_d curse_v i_o know_v you_o not_o now_o to_o he_o that_o caâ—_n bless_v these_o thing_n to_o you_o we_o desire_v to_o give_v praise_n sermon_n iii_o 1_o joh._n 3._o 23._o this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o you_o shall_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o command_n that_o solomon_n give_v unto_o his_o son_n prov._n 22._o 26._o that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v surety_n for_o debt_n nor_o shall_v be_v one_o of_o those_o that_o strick_v hand_n but_o o_o what_o spotless_a breach_n of_o that_o command_n have_v our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n commit_v when_o he_o do_v condescend_v to_o be_v sure_o for_o our_o debt_n and_o to_o pay_v that_o that_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o satisfy_v have_v not_o christ_n make_v a_o precious_a exchange_n with_o sinner_n he_o wreathe_v about_o his_o own_o precious_a neck_n that_o
love_n do_v flow_v three_o faith_n make_v christ_n more_o precious_a than_o sense_n because_o faith_n look_v not_o only_o to_o what_o christ_n be_v present_o but_o unto_o what_o christ_n be_v from_o eternity_n before_o time_n and_o what_o christ_n shall_v be_v unto_o eternity_n after_o time_n but_o sense_n only_o do_v look_v to_o what_o christ_n be_v present_o and_o you_o must_v conceive_v that_o the_o sweet_a travel_v of_o faith_n betwixt_o infinite_a love_n from_o eternity_n before_o and_o infinite_a love_n unto_o eternity_n after_o must_v make_v faith_n to_o fall_v in_o a_o sea_n of_o wonder_v and_o raise_v the_o thought_n to_o the_o high_a pitoâ—_n of_o desire_n and_o estimation_n four_o we_o may_v likewise_o add_v that_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o preciousness_n of_o christ_n which_o sense_n make_v upon_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v not_o so_o constant_a not_o so_o single_a as_o that_o which_o faith_n do_v make_v o_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n give_v the_o christian_a a_o broad_a look_n of_o christ_n and_o let_v he_o see_v christ_n clothe_v with_o ornament_n of_o glory_n and_o divine_a majesty_n sense_n follow_v christ_n rather_o that_o it_o may_v see_v his_o miracle_n and_o love_n that_o it_o may_v be_v feed_v with_o loaf_n but_o faith_n follow_v christ_n for_o himself_o above_o all_o ii_o the_o second_o consideration_n to_o speak_v the_o advantage_n of_o it_o be_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n it_o have_v as_o it_o be_v a_o arbitrary_a power_n with_o god_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o a_o christian_a shall_v seek_v in_o faith_n he_o shall_v receive_v it_o it_o be_v the_o noble_a gift_n that_o be_v once_o give_v to_o faith_n that_o it_o shall_v never_o seek_v any_o thing_n and_o be_v deny_v according_a to_o that_o word_n in_o matth._n 21._o 22._o and_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o prayer_n believe_v you_o shall_v receive_v it_o and_o that_o word_n in_o joh._n 15._o 7._o abide_v in_o i_o that_o be_v believe_v and_o the_o promise_n be_v annex_v to_o this_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v you_o shall_v receive_v and_o it_o be_v clear_a likewise_o from_o the_o precede_a verse_n to_o our_o text_n that_o if_o we_o obey_v this_o command_n of_o faith_n whatsoever_o we_o shall_v ask_v of_o god_n we_o shall_v receive_v it_o and_o i_o will_v speak_v these_o two_o thing_n to_o you_o from_o this_o first_o that_o oftentimes_o christ_n put_v a_o blank_a in_o a_o christian_n hand_n who_o be_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o that_o in_o matth._n 20._o 32._o be_v there_o not_o a_o ample_a blank_n put_v into_o that_o man_n hand_n what_o will_v thou_o that_o i_o shall_v do_v unto_o thou_o christ_n desire_v he_o to_o fill_v up_o that_o blank_a with_o what_o he_o will_v and_o second_o there_o be_v this_o which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a step_n of_o christ_n matchless_a condescendency_n that_o oftentimes_o when_o his_o own_o have_v seek_v in_o their_o presumption_n a_o blank_a to_o be_v put_v in_o their_o hand_n christ_n condescend_v to_o give_v it_o according_a to_o that_o strange_a passage_n in_o mark_n 10._o 35_o 36._o the_o two_o disciple_n who_o present_v this_o desire_n to_o christ_n we_o desire_v say_v they_o that_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v thou_o shall_v give_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o present_o that_o be_v answer_v what_o will_v you_o that_o i_o shall_v do_v for_o you_o christ_n have_v a_o infinite_a good_a will_n to_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o his_o own_o and_o that_o which_o yet_o more_o speak_v out_o christ_n boundless_a good_a will_n to_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o he_o it_o may_v be_v clear_v in_o that_o word_n joh._n 16._o 24._o where_o he_o charge_v his_o disciple_n with_o this_o hitherto_o say_v he_o have_v you_o ask_v i_o nothing_o you_o must_v not_o suppose_v that_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n never_o seek_v a_o suiâ—_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n be_v this_o you_o seek_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o which_o i_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v and_o which_o your_o necessity_n do_v call_v for_o at_o my_o hand_n which_o you_o shall_v have_v seek_v iii_o there_o be_v this_o three_o consideration_n to_o point_n out_o the_o advantage_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o grace_n that_o keep_v all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o life_n and_o exercise_n faith_n be_v that_o high_a wheel_n at_o the_o motion_n of_o which_o all_o the_o low_a wheel_n do_v move_v if_o so_o we_o may_v speak_v faith_n be_v that_o primum_fw-la mobile_a that_o first_o move_v and_o turn_v about_o all_o these_o low_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n according_a to_o that_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 5._o add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o your_o virtue_n patience_n and_o to_o your_o patience_n brotherly_a kindness_n first_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n keep_v in_o exercise_n the_o grace_n of_o love_n as_o be_v clear_a eph._n 3_o 17._o where_o these_o two_o grace_n be_v conjoin_v as_o likewise_o from_o rom._n 5._o 1._o compare_v with_o verse_n 5._o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n then_o this_o effect_n follow_v upon_o it_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o so_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o faith_n keep_v love_n in_o life_n faith_n be_v the_o spy_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o intelligencer_n and_o precious_a messenger_n it_o go_v out_o and_o bring_v in_o object_n unto_o love_n faith_n draw_v aside_o the_o vail_n and_o love_n sit_v down_o and_o solace_v itself_o in_o the_o discovery_n of_o faith_n second_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n likewise_o it_o keep_v the_o grace_n of_o mortification_n in_o exercise_n as_o be_v clear_v not_o only_o from_o ephes._n 6._o 6._o but_o from_o 1_o joh._n 5._o 4._o this_o be_v our_o victory_n whereby_o we_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o faith_n keep_v mortification_n in_o exercise_n and_o advance_v holiness_n not_o only_o because_o of_o this_o that_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n that_o present_v to_o a_o christian_a the_o absolute_a purity_n and_o spotless_a holiness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o also_o because_o it_o make_v they_o esteem_v their_o idol_n tastlesse_a as_o the_o white_a of_o a_o egg_n and_o they_o become_v unto_o they_o as_o their_o sorrowful_a meat_n the_o best_a principle_n of_o mortification_n be_v this_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o invisible_a virtue_n of_o jesus_n christ._n that_o mortification_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o lovely_a discovery_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v most_o real_a and_o abide_v as_o these_o water_n which_o rise_v from_o the_o high_a spring_n be_v not_o only_o constant_a but_o likewise_o most_o deep_a and_o excellent_a three_o faith_n likewise_o have_v influence_n upon_o mortification_n as_o it_o do_v take_v hold_n of_o that_o infinite_a strength_n that_o be_v to_o christ_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a be_v enable_v to_o moâ—â—ifie_v his_o corruption_n four_o i'faith_o likewise_o make_v application_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v by_o which_o we_o be_v purify_v from_o dead_a work_n five_o likewise_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n keep_v in_o exercise_n the_o grace_n of_o humility_n as_o be_v clear_a rom._n 3._o 27._o by_o what_o law_n say_v he_o be_v boast_v exclude_v it_o be_v not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o work_n but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n sixthly_a faith_n keep_v in_o exercise_n the_o grace_n of_o joy_n as_o be_v clear_a rom._n 15._o 13._o now_o the_o god_n of_o hope_n fill_v you_o with_o all_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v so_o that_o you_o see_v the_o proper_a fruit_n of_o faith_n be_v joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o certain_o do_v we_o believe_v more_o we_o shall_v rejoice_v more_o seven_o and_o last_o faith_n keep_v in_o exercise_n the_o grace_n of_o hope_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o hope_n to_o be_v in_o lively_a exercise_n except_o faith_n once_o be_v exercise_v which_o may_v be_v a_o shame_n unto_o you_o for_o how_o can_v we_o hope_v to_o attain_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v promise_v except_o our_o faith_n first_o close_v with_o the_o promise_n so_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o hope_n the_o grace_n of_o faith_n close_v with_o the_o promise_n but_o the_o grace_n of_o hope_n it_o close_v with_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v promise_v iv._o there_o be_v this_o four_o consideration_n that_o may_v speak_v out_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o grace_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a do_v attain_v to_o most_o divine_a fellowship_n and_o constant_a correspondency_n with_o heaven_n will_v you_o have_v that_o question_n resolve_v and_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o best_a way_n not_o to_o stir_v up_o our_o belove_a nor_o awake_v he_o until_o
precious_a excellency_n of_o this_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o we_o shall_v only_o â—peak_v to_o these_o thing_n i._o the_o first_o thing_n that_o speak_v out_o the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n be_v this_o it_o exercise_v it_o â—elf_n upon_o a_o most_o noble_a object_n to_o wit_n jesus_n christ_n faith_n and_o love_n be_v the_o two_o arm_n â—f_o the_o immortal_a soul_n by_o which_o we_o do_v embrace_v a_o crucify_a saviour_n which_o be_v often_o â—ointed_v at_o in_o scripture_n and_o we_o shall_v point_v â—t_z these_o three_o principal_a act_n of_o faith_n which_o â—t_a exercise_v on_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o object_n fit_a 1._o the_o first_o be_v to_o make_v up_o a_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o believer_n faith_n be_v â—ndeed_o a_o unite_n grace_n and_o that_o which_o â—nitteth_v the_o member_n to_o the_o head_n and_o to_o â—ake_v this_o more_o full_o appear_v we_o will_v point_v â—ut_v a_o little_a what_o sweet_a harmony_n and_o correspondency_n there_o be_v betwixt_o these_o two_o sister_n grace_n to_o wit_n faith_n and_o love_n i'faith_o iâ—_n that_o nail_n which_o fasten_v the_o soul_n to_o chriâ—â—_n and_o love_n be_v that_o grace_n which_o drive_v that_o naiâ—_n to_o the_o head_n faith_n at_o first_o take_v but_o a_o tender_a grip_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o love_n come_v iâ—_n and_o make_v the_o soul_n take_v a_o more_o sure_a grip_n oâ—_n he_o second_o you_o may_v see_v that_o harmonâ—_n in_o this_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n which_o takeâ—_n hold_v as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o garment_n of_o chrisâ—_n and_o of_o his_o word_n but_o love_n that_o ambitioâ—â—_n grace_n it_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o heart_n of_o chrisâ—_n and_o as_o it_o be_v his_o heart_n do_v melt_v in_o thâ—_n hand_n of_o love_n three_o it_o may_v be_v see_v iâ—_n this_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n which_o draw_v thâ—_n first_o draught_n of_o the_o likeness_n and_o image_n christ_n upon_o a_o soul_n but_o that_o accomplish_v grace_n of_o love_n it_o do_v complete_a these_o fiâ—…_n draught_n and_o these_o imperfect_a lineament_n 〈◊〉_d christ_n image_n which_o be_v first_o draw_v on_o thâ—_n soul._n four_o by_o faith_n and_o love_v the_o heaâ—â—_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o believer_n be_v so_o uniteâ—_n that_o they_o be_v no_o more_o two_o but_o one_o spirit_n 2._o there_o be_v this_o second_o act_n that_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d excise_v on_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v in_o discover_v tâ—â—_n matchless_a excellency_n and_o the_o transcendent_a property_n of_o jesus_n christ_n o_o whâ—â—_n large_a and_o precious_a commentary_n do_v faiâ—â—_n make_v upon_o christ_n it_o be_v indeed_o that_o faith_n â—â—spy_v which_o do_v always_o bring_v up_o a_o goâ—â—_n report_n of_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o faith_n be_v câ—â—led_v understanding_n colos._n 2._o 2._o because_o it_o â—â—_o that_o grace_n which_o reveal_v much_o of_o the_o precious_a truth_n of_o that_o noble_a object_n 3._o and_o there_o be_v this_o three_o noble_a act_n 〈◊〉_d faith_n exercise_v itself_o upon_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d make_v christ_n precious_a to_o the_o soul_n accord_v to_o that_o word_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 7._o unto_o you_o which_o â—elieve_v he_o be_v precious_a and_o if_o there_o be_v â—o_o other_o thing_n to_o speak_v forth_o its_o worth_n but_o â—â—at_a it_o be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a for_o no_o doubt_n â—â—is_n be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o high_a house_n to_o be_v â—welling_v on_o the_o contemplation_n of_o christ_n beauty_n and_o to_o have_v their_o â—ouls_n transport_v â—ith_n love_n towards_o he_o and_o with_o joy_n in_o â—im_n reason_n and_o amazement_n be_v seldom_o companion_n but_o here_o they_o do_v sweet_o join_v together_o first_o a_o christian_n love_v christ_n because_o of_o christ_n act_n and_o then_o he_o loâ—eth_v all_o these_o act_n because_o they_o come_v from_o christ._n ii_o now_o second_o this_o point_v out_o the_o precious_a excellency_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n it_o â—â—_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v most_o mysterious_a and_o sublime_a in_o its_o act_n it_o have_v a_o more_o divine_a â—nd_n sublime_a way_n of_o act_v then_o any_o other_o â—race_n hence_o it_o call_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n â—hich_v speak_v this_o that_o the_o act_n of_o â—aith_n be_v mystery_n to_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o i_o shall_v only_o point_v at_o these_o thing_n which_o may_v speak_v out_o the_o mysterious_a act_n â—f_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n 1._o faith_n can_v believe_v and_o fix_v itself_o on_o a_o word_n of_o promise_n although_o sense_n reason_n and_o probability_n seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o promise_n i'faith_o it_o walk_v â—ot_n by_o the_o low_a dictate_v of_o sense_n and_o reason_n â—ut_v by_o a_o high_a rule_n to_o wit_n the_o sure_a word_n â—f_a prophecy_n which_o be_v clear_a from_o rom._n 4._o 19_o â—here_o abraham_n believe_v the_o promise_n notwithâ—anding_v that_o sense_n &_o reason_n seem_v to_o contradict_v it_o he_o consider_v not_o the_o deadness_n of_o his_o own_o body_n neither_o the_o barrenness_n of_o sarahs_n womb_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n as_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o heb._n 11._o 29_o 34._o where_o faith_n believe_v their_o pass_n through_o the_o red_a sea_n as_o through_o dry_a ground_n which_o waâ—_n most_o contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n faith_n believe_v the_o fall_n down_o of_o the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n by_o the_o blow_n of_o ram_n horn_n which_o thing_n be_v most_o impossible_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n for_o sense_n will_v oftentimes_o cry_v out_o all_o man_n be_v â—iars_n and_o reason_n will_v say_v how_o can_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v and_o yet_o that_o heroic_a grace_n of_o faith_n cry_v out_o have_v he_o speak_v it_o he_o will_v also_o do_v it_o have_v he_o say_v it_o then_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v 2._o faith_n can_v believe_v a_o word_n of_o promise_n notwithstanding_o that_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o contradict_v it_o as_o be_v clear_a in_o job_n who_o profess_v he_o will_v trust_v in_o god_n though_o he_o shall_v kill_v he_o and_o no_o doubt_n but_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o believe_v jacob_n he_o trust_v that_o that_o promise_n shall_v be_v accomplish_v that_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a though_o all_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n which_o he_o do_v meet_v with_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o promise_n shall_v not_o be_v accomplish_v 3._o faith_n can_v believe_v a_o word_n of_o promise_n even_o when_o the_o command_v of_o god_n seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o promise_n this_o be_v clear_a in_o that_o singular_a instance_n of_o abraham_n faith_n that_o notwithstanding_o he_o be_v command_v to_o kill_v his_o promise_a seed_n upon_o who_o he_o do_v depend_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n yet_o he_o believe_v that_o â—e_a promise_n shall_v be_v perform_v and_o â—â—ough_o there_o be_v indeed_o extraordinary_a and_o â—range_a trial_n of_o his_o faith_n as_o he_o have_v 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never_o believe_v their_o faith_n be_v bear_v with_o they_o and_o it_o will_v die_v with_o they_o without_o any_o fruit_n but_o faith_n be_v such_o a_o excellent_a grace_n and_o so_o advantageous_a whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v a_o few_o thing_n we_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a further_o of_o it_o first_o in_o point_v out_o some_o evidence_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a may_v know_v whether_o or_o not_o he_o be_v indeed_o in_o the_o faith_n second_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o some_o help_n whereby_o faith_n may_v be_v keep_v in_o exercise_n i._o now_o there_o be_v this_o first_o evidence_n of_o faith_n that_o a_o christian_n who_o do_v believe_v he_o account_v absence_n and_o want_n of_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o lamentable_a cross_n that_o ever_o he_o have_v as_o be_v clear_a psalm_n 13._o 3._o lighten_v my_o eye_n say_v david_n that_o be_v let_v i_o behold_v and_o be_v satisfy_v with_o thy_o face_n and_o the_o 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take_v away_o my_o god_n and_o what_o have_v i_o more_o they_o think_v heaven_n can_v never_o make_v up_o the_o loss_n of_o earth_n and_o certain_o if_o many_o of_o we_o will_v examine_v ourselves_o by_o this_o we_o will_v find_v ourselves_o most_o defective_a i_o will_v pose_v all_o you_o who_o be_v here_o who_o have_v take_v on_o a_o name_n to_o be_v follower_n of_o christ_n whether_o or_o not_o you_o have_v be_v content_a to_o walk_v thirty_o day_n in_o absence_n from_o christ_n and_o yet_o never_o to_o lament_v it_o have_v not_o christ_n be_v thirty_o day_n and_o more_o in_o heaven_n without_o a_o visit_n from_o you_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o you_o have_v not_o clothe_v yourselves_o with_o sackcloth_n i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o â—his_v be_v a_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o total_a â—aâ—t_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n but_o it_o do_v eminent_o prove_v this_o that_o the_o person_n who_o have_v â—ome_o this_o length_n have_v lose_v much_o of_o his_o primitive_a 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oâ—_n be_v there_o not_o many_o of_o we_o that_o be_v in_o a_o golden_a dream_n that_o suppose_v we_o be_v eat_v but_o when_o we_o awake_v our_o soul_n be_v empty_a who_o faith_n be_v a_o metaphysic_n notion_n that_o have_v no_o foundation_n but_o man_n apprehension_n and_o this_o shall_v never_o bear_v we_o through_o the_o gate_n of_o death_n nor_o convey_v we_o in_o into_o eternity_n of_o joy_n 2._o may_v not_o this_o press_v you_o to_o follow_v after_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v the_o compendious_a way_n to_o sweeten_v all_o your_o cross_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o hab._n 3._o 17_o 18._o where_o the_o conviction_n of_o this_o make_v habbakuk_n to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o god_n of_o his_o salvation_n though_o the_o fig_n tree_n do_v not_o bear_v fruit_n and_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o olive_n do_v fail_v and_o there_o be_v no_o sweetness_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o vine_n and_o from_o heb._n 10._o 34._o where_o they_o take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n know_v within_o 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make_v a_o christian_a 〈◊〉_d forth_o now_o lord_n what_o wait_v i_o for_o my_o hope_n be_v in_o thou_o and_o when_o the_o heart_n be_v anxious_a do_v not_o assurance_n make_v a_o christian_a content_n to_o bear_v the_o indignation_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o patient_o submit_v unto_o the_o cross_n since_o there_o be_v a_o sweet_a connexion_n betwixt_o his_o cross_n and_o his_o crown_n rom._n 8._o 35_o 36._o if_o he_o suffer_v with_o he_o he_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o and_o last_o there_o be_v this_o argument_n to_o press_v you_o to_o assurance_n that_o it_o sweem_v the_o thought_n of_o death_n it_o make_v death_n unto_o a_o christian_a not_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n but_o the_o king_n of_o desire_n and_o it_o be_v upon_o these_o ground_n that_o assurance_n make_v death_n refreshfull_a unto_o a_o christian._n 1._o he_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o funeral_n of_o all_o his_o misery_n and_o the_o birthday_n of_o all_o his_o bless_a and_o eternal_a enjoyment_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v the_o coronation_n day_n of_o a_o christian_a and-the_a day_n when_o he_o shall_v have_v that_o marriage_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o he_o sweet_o solemnize_v and_o that_o when_o he_o be_v to_o step_v that_o last_o step_n he_o know_v that_o death_n will_v make_v he_o change_v his_o place_n but_o not_o his_o company_n and_o o_o that_o we_o can_v once_o win_v unto_o this_o to_o seal_v that_o conclusion_n without_o presumption_n my_o belove_a be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o he_o we_o may_v without_o presumption_n sing_v one_o of_o the_o song_n of_o zion_n even_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o strange_a land_n and_o take_v christ_n in_o our_o arm_n may_v sweet_o cry_v forth_o now_o let_v thou_o thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v thy_o salvation_n comfort_v yourselves_o in_o this_o that_o all_o your_o cloud_n shall_v once_o pass_v away_o and_o that_o that_o truth_n shall_v once_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o a_o angel_n with_o his_o hand_n lift_v up_o towards_o heaven_n that_o time_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o time_n shall_v once_o sweet_o die_v out_o in_o eternity_n and_o you_o may_v be_v look_v after_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n wherein_o dwell_v righteousness_n o_o long_a to_o be_v with_o he_o for_o christ_n long_v to_o have_v you_o with_o he_o sermon_n vi._n 1_o joh._n 3._o 23._o this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o you_o shall_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v three_o most_o precious_a and_o cardinal_a grace_n which_o a_o christian_a aught_v main_o to_o pursue_v there_o be_v that_o exalt_v grace_n of_o faith_n that_o comfort_a gracâ—_n of_o hope_n and_o that_o aspire_a grace_n of_o love_n and_o if_o once_o a_o christian_n do_v take_v up_o that_o heavenly_a difference_n that_o be_v between_o those_o sister-grace_n he_o may_v be_v provoke_v to_o move_v after_o they_o most_o swift_o as_o the_o chariot_n of_o aminadab_n and_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n between_o those_o grace_n faith_n be_v a_o sober_a and_o silent_a grace_n hope_n be_v a_o patient_a and_o submissive_a grace_n love_n be_v a_o ambition_n and_o impatient_a grace_n faith_n cry_v out_o o_o my_o soul_n be_v silent_a unto_o god_n hope_n cry_v out_o i_o will_v wait_v patient_o for_o the_o lord_n until_o the_o vision_n shall_v speak_v but_o love_v it_o cry_v out_o how_o long_o be_v thou_o a_o come_n and_o it_o be_v wait_v to_o hear_v the_o sound_n of_o his_o foot_n come_v over_o the_o mountain_n of_o separation_n that_o be_v the_o motto_n of_o hope_n quod_fw-la defertur_fw-la non_fw-la aufertur_fw-la that_o which_o be_v delay_v say_v hope_n be_v not_o altogether_o take_v away_o and_o make_v void_a and_o that_o may_v be_v the_o divine_a emblem_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o love_n it_o be_v sight_n infolding_a desire_n in_o its_o arm_n and_o it_o be_v desire_v clothe_v with_o wing_n â—reading_v upon_o delay_n and_o impediment_n there_o be_v this_o second_o difference_n between_o these_o grace_n the_o grace_n of_o faith_n it_o embrace_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o grace_n of_o hope_n it_o embrace_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v promise_v but_o that_o exalt_v grace_n of_o love_n it_o embrace_v the_o promiser_n faith_n cry_v out_o have_v he_o speak_v it_o he_o will_v also_o do_v it_o hope_n â—ryeth_v out_o good_a be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v â—â—_o unto_o thy_o servant_n according_a to_o thy_o promise_n and_o love_n it_o cry_v out_o in_o a_o high_a note_n as_o be_v the_o apple_n tree_n among_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o â—ood_a so_o be_v my_o well-beloved_a among_o the_o son_n â—hirdly_o there_o be_v that_o difference_n between_o â—hese_n grace_n faith_n it_o
overcome_v temptation_n hope_v it_o overcome_v difficulty_n but_o love_n stay_v at_o home_n and_o divide_v the_o spoil_n there_o be_v a_o sweet_a correspondence_n between_o those_o grace_n in_o this_o faith_n it_o fight_v and_o conquer_v and_o hope_v it_o fight_v and_o conquer_v but_o love_v it_o do_v enjoy_v the_o trophy_n of_o the_o victory_n and_o four_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n the_o noble_a grace_n of_o faith_n it_o shall_v once_o evanish_v into_o sight_n that_o noble_a grace_n of_o hope_n it_o shall_v once_o evanish_v into_o possession_n and_o enjoyment_n but_o that_o constant_a grace_n of_o love_n it_o shall_v be_v the_o eternal_a companion_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o shall_v walk_v in_o with_o he_o unto_o the_o street_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o i_o will_v ask_v you_o that_o question_n what_o a_o day_n shall_v it_o be_v when_o faith_n shall_v cedâ—_n to_o sight_n what_o a_o day_n shall_v it_o be_v when_o hope_n shall_v yield_v its_o place_n to_o love_n and_o love_n and_o sight_n shall_v eternal_o sit_v down_o and_o solace_v themselves_o in_o these_o bless_a mystery_n these_o everlasting_a consolation_n of_o heaven_n world_n without_o end_n and_o five_o there_o iâ—_n this_o difference_n less_o will_v satisfy_v the_o gracâ—_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o hope_n thaâ—_n will_v satisfy_v the_o grace_n of_o love_n faith_n iâ—_n will_v be_v content_a with_o the_o promise_n and_o hopâ—_n will_v be_v content_a with_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v promise_v but_o that_o ambitious_a grace_n of_o love_n iâ—_n will_v be_v only_o content_a with_o the_o promiser_n love_n glasp_v its_o arm_n about_o that_o precious_a and_o noble_a object_n jesus_n christ_n love_n be_v a_o â—â—_o spicious_a grace_n it_o oftentimes_o cry_v forthâ—_n they_o have_v take_v away_o my_o lord_n and_o i_o knoâ—_n not_o where_o they_o have_v lay_v he_o so_o that_o faiâ—â—_n be_v oftentimes_o put_v to_o resolve_v the_o suspicion_n â—â—_o love_n i_o can_v compare_v these_o three_o grace_n to_o nothing_o so_o fit_o as_o to_o those_o three_o great_a worthy_n that_o david_n have_v these_o three_o grace_n they_o will_v break_v through_o all_o difficulty_n be_v it_o a_o host_n of_o philistine_n that_o so_o they_o may_v pleasure_n christ_n and_o may_v drink_v of_o that_o well_o of_o bethlehem_n that_o well_o of_o everlasting_a consolation_n that_o â—loweth_v from_o beneath_o the_o â—hrone_n of_o god_n love_n be_v like_o noah_n dove_n â—t_z never_o find_v rest_n for_o the_o sole_a of_o its_o foot_n â—ntill_a once_o it_o be_v within_o that_o ark_n that_o place_n â—f_a repose_n jesus_n christ._n and_o sixthly_a there_o be_v this_o last_o difference_n between_o they_o faith_n take_v hold_v upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o christ_n hope_n take_v hold_v â—pon_o the_o goodness_n of_o christ_n but_o love_n it_o â—â—keth_v hold_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o christ._n and_o â—hink_v you_o not_o it_o must_v be_v a_o pleasant_a and_o soulâ—â—freshing_a exercise_n to_o be_v continual_o take_v â—â—_o in_o embrace_v he_o that_o be_v that_o eternal_a admiration_n of_o angel_n must_v it_o not_o be_v a_o excellent_a life_n daily_o to_o be_v feed_v on_o the_o fine_a the_o wheat_n and_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o honey_n â—â—_o of_o the_o rock_n o_o but_o heaven_n must_v be_v a_o pleaâ—â—nâ—_n place_n and_o if_o once_o we_o will_v but_o taste_v â—â—_o the_o first_o ripe_a grape_n and_o a_o cluster_n of_o wine_n â—â—aâ—_n grow_v in_o that_o pleasant_a land_n may_v not_o â—â—e_v be_v constrain_v to_o bring_v up_o a_o good_a report_n it_o but_o now_o to_o come_v to_o that_o which_o we_o purpose_v main_o to_o speak_v of_o at_o this_o time_n the_o 〈◊〉_d thing_n concern_v faith_n that_o we_o proâ—â—sed_v from_o the_o word_n be_v the_o object_n upâ—â—_n which_o faith_n exercise_v itself_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d set_v down_o to_o be_v the_o mame_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n and_o that_o we_o may_v speak_v to_o this_o more_o clear_o we_o shall_v first_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o the_o negative_a what_o thing_n be_v not_o the_o fit_a object_n of_o faith_n and_o then_o to_o the_o positive_a show_v you_o how_o this_o name_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o son_n christ_n be_v the_o sure_a ground_n upon_o which_o a_o christian_a may_v pitch_v his_o faith_n for_o the_o first_o you_o must_v know_v that_o a_o christian_n be_v not_o to_o build_v his_o faith_n upon_o sense_n nor_o sensible_a enjoy_v ment_n sense_n may_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o faith_n but_o it_o must_v not_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o that_o oftentimes_o cry_v out_o except_o i_o put_v my_o finger_n into_o the_o print_n â—â—_o the_o nail_n and_o thrust_v my_o hand_n into_o the_o hole_n â—â—_o his_o side_n i_o will_v not_o believe_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d mystery_n unto_o the_o most_o part_n of_o we_o to_o be_v exercise_v faith_n upon_o a_o naked_a word_n of_o promise_n abstract_v from_o sense_n to_o love_v a_o absent_a christ_n and_o to_o believe_v on_o a_o absent_a christ_n be_v the_o two_o great_a mystery_n of_o christianity_n but_o that_o sense_n be_v no_o good_a foundation_n for_o faith_n may_v appear_v 1._o that_o faitâ—_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o sense_n be_v a_o most_o unconstant_a a_o most_o fluctuate_a and_o transient_a faitâ—_n i_o know_v sense_n have_v its_o fit_n of_o love_n and_o as_o be_v have_v its_o fit_n of_o faith_n sometimes_o sense_n be_v sick_a of_o love_n and_o sometime_o sense_n 〈◊〉_d strong_a in_o faith_n but_o ere_o six_o hour_n go_v about_o sense_n may_v be_v sick_a of_o jealousy_n and_o sick_a 〈◊〉_d misbelief_n as_o you_o will_v see_v from_o psal._n 30._o 6_o 〈◊〉_d sense_n that_o bold_a thing_n it_o will_v instant_o 〈◊〉_d out_o my_o mountain_n stand_v strong_a i_o will_v â—â—ver_o be_v move_v but_o behold_v how_o soon_o it_o chanâ—eth_v its_o note_n thou_o hide_v thy_o face_n and_o i_o 〈◊〉_d trouble_v at_o one_o time_n it_o will_v cry_v forâ—â—â—_n who_o be_v like_a unto_o he_o that_o pardon_v iniquity_n and_o that_o pass_v over_o transgression_n but_o ere_o many_o hour_n go_v about_o it_o will_v sing_v a_o song_n upon_o another_o key_n and_o cry_v out_o why_o be_v thou_o become_v unto_o i_o as_o a_o liar_n and_o as_o water_n that_o â—ail_v 2._o that_o faith_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o â—ense_n it_o want_v the_o promise_n of_o blessedness_n â—â—_o this_o be_v annex_v to_o believe_v that_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o word_n according_a to_o that_o in_o â—oh_o 20._o 29._o bless_a be_v these_o that_o have_v not_o â—en_o and_o yet_o have_v believe_v nor_o have_v that_o â—ith_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o sense_n such_o a_o solid_a â—y_a wait_a on_o it_o as_o faith_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o â—he_n naked_a word_n of_o promise_n as_o may_v be_v clear_v from_o that_o word_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 8._o where_o faith_n exercise_v itself_o upon_o christ_n not_o see_v make_v a_o christian_n to_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n a_o joy_n that_o do_v not_o attend_v believe_v found_v upon_o sense_n 3._o that_o â—ith_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o sense_n it_o give_v not_o â—uch_o glory_n to_o god_n for_o faith_n that_o be_v build_v â—â—on_n sense_n it_o exalt_v not_o the_o faithfulness_n 〈◊〉_d god_n it_o exalt_v not_o the_o omnipotency_n of_o â—od_a i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o be_v the_o divinity_n 〈◊〉_d sense_n let_v i_o see_v and_o then_o i_o will_v believe_v 〈◊〉_d it_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v â—â—on_n trust_v and_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v 〈◊〉_d his_o holiness_n and_o in_o effect_n faith_n that_o be_v â—â—ilt_v upon_o sense_n be_v no_o faith_n even_o as_o â—â—m_fw-la 8._o hope_v that_o be_v see_v be_v no_o hope_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o lord_n see_v a_o christian_a â—â—king_v sense_n a_o idol_n that_o he_o will_v not_o beâ—â—ve_v but_o when_o he_o see_v or_o feel_v this_o do_v â—â—en_o provoke_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o that_o christian_a and_o to_o deny_v he_o the_o sweet_a influence_n of_o heaven_n and_o these_o consolation_n that_o be_v above_o so_o that_o in_o a_o instant_n he_o have_v both_o his_o sense_n and_o hiâ—_n faith_n to_o seek_v 2._o a_o christian_a be_v not_o to_o make_v his_o grace_n the_o object_n of_o his_o faith_n that_o be_v when_o a_o christian_a do_v behold_v love_n burn_v within_o he_o when_o he_o do_v behold_v influence_n to_o pâ—ayâ—â—_n increase_a and_o mortification_n wax_a stroâ—â—_n he_o be_v not_o to_o build_v his_o faith_n upon_o they_o thiâ—_n be_v condemn_v in_o the_o church_n in_o ezek._n 16_o 14._o compare_v with_o the_o 15_o verse_n i_o mâ—â—_n thou_o perfect_a with_o my_o comeliness_n but_o the_o usâ—_n that_o thou_o do_v make_v of_o it_o thou_o do_v put_v 〈◊〉_d trust_n in_o thy_o beauty_n and_o then_o thou_o do_v plaâ—_n
for_o it_o four_o faith_n â—â—seth_v with_o christ_n as_o the_o efficient_a and_o workâ—_n of_o all_o our_o mercy_n all_o our_o enjoyment_n thâ—â—_n be_v far_o from_o he_o as_o the_o efficient_a cause_n that_o he_o be_v the_o worker_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v his_o precious_a finger_n that_o must_v accomplish_v that_o bless_a work_n of_o grace_n and_o they_o be_v from_o christ_n as_o the_o dispenser_n of_o these_o thing_n christ_n be_v the_o great_a steward_n of_o heaven_n that_o do_v communicate_v unto_o believer_n all_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o high_a house_n for_o he_o have_v god_n the_o father_n seal_v o_o but_o that_o word_n that_o christ_n once_o speak_v be_v much_o verify_v by_o himself_o it_o be_v more_o bless_a to_o give_v then_o to_o â—eciâ—ve_v christ_n be_v that_o fountain_n and_o treasure_n 〈◊〉_d who_o all_o our_o gift_n and_o grace_n be_v treasure_v â—p_n for_o before_o the_o blessing_n come_v to_o believer_n â—hey_v come_v to_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n according_a â—o_o that_o word_n 2_o tim._n 1_o 9_o which_o grace_n be_v â—iven_v to_o we_o in_o he_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o â—orld_n be_v lay_v it_o be_v give_v to_o christ_n beâ—â—e_v the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o for_o that_o end_n â—â—at_v it_o may_v be_v communicate_v unto_o all_o his_o member_n and_o so_o out_o of_o his_o fullness_n we_o all_o â—eive_v and_o grace_n for_o grace_n but_o second_o the_o text_n hold_v forth_o â—ore_o particular_o this_o excellent_a object_n of_o â—â—th_n to_o be_v the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n that_o you_o â—â—ieve_v in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n and_o here_o â—â—eed_o we_o may_v be_v at_o a_o stand_n it_o be_v long_a â—â—ce_n agur_n do_v non_fw-la plus_fw-la all_o the_o world_n â—â—th_v that_o question_n what_o be_v his_o name_n and_o â—â—at_n be_v his_o son_n name_v if_o thou_o can_v tell_v â—â—ow_o little_a a_o thing_n can_v be_v know_v of_o he_o use_v o_o how_o brutish_a be_v this_o generation_n that_o â—â—w_o so_o much_o less_o than_o may_v be_v know_v he_o in_o such_o a_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o â—t_a we_o may_v speak_v a_o little_a according_a to_o our_o â—â—k_a measure_n of_o faith_n as_o close_v with_o the_o â—â—e_z of_o christ._n his_o name_n be_v his_o glorious_a â—â—â—uâ—es_n by_o which_o he_o reveal_v so_o much_o of_o himself_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o poor_a mortal_n can_v take_v up_o we_o do_v show_v you_o before_o that_o there_o be_v three_o of_o these_o that_o be_v the_o main_a pillar_n of_o justify_v faith_n faithfulness_n omnipotency_n and_o his_o infinite_a love_n and_o mercy_n and_o how_o from_o these_o may_v be_v answer_v all_o the_o objection_n of_o sense_n of_o carnal_a reason_n and_o of_o misbelief_n arise_v from_o conviction_n of_o unworthiness_n and_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o faith_n in_o all_o its_o conflict_n make_v much_o use_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n and_o there_o be_v not_o a_o objection_n that_o a_o poor_a tempt_v soul_n can_v make_v but_o faith_n can_v frame_v a_o answer_n to_o it_o out_o of_o some_o of_o these_o excellent_a nameâ—_n of_o god_n or_o of_o his_o son_n christ._n it_o will_v be_v a_o more_o longsome_a work_n than_o i_o intend_v to_o let_v you_o see_v this_o in_o all_o but_o i_o shall_v only_o instance_n in_o that_o one_o glorious_a name_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o proclaim_v his_o glory_n exod._n 34._o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long_o suffer_v and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truthâ—_n keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o that_o will_v by_o no_o meanâ—_n clear_v the_o guilty_a etc._n etc._n i_o think_v there_o be_v seveâ—_n ordinary_a objection_n which_o may_v be_v answereâ—_n from_o that_o place_n first_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a objection_n which_o misbeliever_n do_v make_v thâ—â—_n they_o be_v under_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o corruption_n that_o they_o be_v black_a as_o the_o tent_n of_o kedaâ—_n and_o not_o 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according_a to_o that_o golden_a and_o excellent_a rule_n of_o love_n it_o be_v a_o great_a dispute_n whether_o mercy_n or_o grace_n be_v the_o great_a wonder_n whether_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o freedom_n of_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mystery_n sure_o both_o these_o put_v together_o make_v up_o a_o matchless_a wonder_n three_o misbelief_n will_v object_v that_o we_o have_v forsake_v he_o day_n without_o number_n and_o that_o we_o can_v trace_v back_o our_o apostasy_n unto_o the_o first_o day_n of_o its_o rise_n and_o be_v not_o that_o abundant_o answer_v from_o that_o letter_n of_o his_o name_n that_o he_o be_v long_o suffer_v this_o be_v that_o glorious_a attribute_n in_o god_n the_o glory_n of_o which_o he_o desire_v to_o magnify_v above_o all_o his_o name_n four_o misbelief_n do_v ordinary_o propose_v this_o objection_n that_o we_o have_v multiply_v our_o transgression_n and_o have_v commit_v whoredom_n under_o every_o green_a tree_n and_o have_v give_v gift_n to_o our_o lover_n even_o hire_v our_o idol_n so_o that_o we_o may_v take_v up_o that_o lamentation_n be_v not_o our_o sin_n great_a and_o our_o transgression_n infinite_a and_o be_v not_o that_o also_o answer_v from_o that_o letter_n of_o his_o name_n that_o he_o be_v abundant_a in_o goodness_n that_o though_o sin_n abound_v in_o we_o yet_o grace_n do_v much_o more_o superabound_a in_o he_o we_o confess_v indeed_o that_o there_o be_v some_o that_o may_v walk_v under_o that_o condition_n that_o if_o they_o have_v no_o other_o exercise_n throughout_o eternity_n but_o to_o make_v confession_n they_o may_v confess_v and_o never_o make_v any_o needless_a repetition_n and_o true_o in_o some_o respect_n it_o be_v a_o mercy_n that_o we_o be_v mystery_n unto_o ourselves_o for_o if_o we_o do_v know_v complete_o the_o seven_o abomination_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o those_o mysterious_a act_n of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n we_o will_v be_v in_o hazard_n to_o choice_n strangle_v and_o death_n rather_o than_o life_n yet_o may_v not_o one_o glimpse_n of_o that_o abundant_a goodness_n satisfy_v we_o and_o calm_v the_o storm_n five_o say_v misbelief_n we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v break_v our_o vow_n and_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v take_v on_o have_v be_v but_o as_o flax_n before_o the_o fire_n of_o tentation_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o hope_n that_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o these_o that_o have_v break_v wedlock_n and_o have_v not_o be_v steadfast_a in_o his_o covenant_n but_o be_v not_o that_o abundant_o answer_v from_o that_o letter_n of_o his_o name_n that_o he_o be_v abundant_a in_o truth_n which_o speak_v that_o though_o we_o deny_v ourselves_o yet_o he_o abide_v faithful_a and_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o word_n that_o have_v go_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n it_o be_v the_o infinite_a blessedness_n of_o man_n that_o though_o he_o be_v changeable_a yet_o they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o one_o that_o be_v a_o unchangeable_a be_v sixthly_a there_o be_v that_o objection_n that_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v matter_n of_o encouragement_n to_o some_o yet_o they_o know_v not_o whether_o or_o not_o the_o lot_n of_o everlasting_a love_n have_v fall_v upon_o they_o and_o whether_o their_o name_n be_v in_o the_o ancient_a record_n of_o heaven_n but_o this_o be_v answer_v from_o that_o letter_n of_o his_o name_n he_o keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o which_o show_v we_o that_o great_a number_n of_o those_o upon_o who_o the_o lot_n of_o everlasting_a love_n shall_v fall_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o sentence_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n â—his_n may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a matter_n of_o a_o song_n and_o may_v make_v we_o cry_v out_o who_o be_v like_o unâ—o_v he_o who_o compassion_n have_v no_o end_n and_o who_o desire_v to_o
with_o christ_n when_o they_o be_v inviteâ—_n to_o come_v and_o partake_v of_o it_o and_o say_v silent_o â—o_o the_o minister_n or_o rather_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n i_o pray_v you_o have_v i_o excuse_v at_o this_o â—ime_n as_o these_o luk._n 14._o 18._o but_o i_o will_v only_o ask_v at_o such_o have_v you_o any_o lawful_a excuse_n why_o you_o will_v not_o come_v and_o partake_v of_o this_o great_a salvation_n be_v there_o any_o person_n here_o that_o have_v any_o lawful_a excuse_n to_o present_v i_o shall_v never_o take_v that_o off_o your_o hand_n have_v i_o excuse_v but_o be_v sure_a of_o this_o i_o shall_v never_o excuse_v you_o but_o accuse_v you_o therefore_o i_o desire_v that_o these_o person_n who_o have_v slight_v the_o great_a salvation_n by_o complement_a with_o christ_n that_o they_o will_v compliment_v no_o more_o wiâ—h_v he_o at_o all_o but_o now_o embrace_v it_o iv._o the_o four_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o slight_a this_o great_a salvation_n be_v these_o who_o give_v way_n to_o discouragement_n and_o unbelief_n so_o that_o they_o will_v not_o come_v and_o partake_v of_o this_o great_a salvation_n i_o say_v such_o of_o you_o be_v slighter_n of_o it_o and_o christ_n will_v esteem_v you_o such_o oh_o if_o you_o know_v the_o worth_n and_o virtue_n of_o this_o great_a salvation_n there_o will_v not_o be_v a_o tentation_n you_o can_v meet_v with_o â—hat_n will_v hinder_v you_o from_o embrace_v it_o but_o if_o thou_o can_v not_o answer_v these_o â—_z thou_o will_v not_o own_v they_o i_o say_v unto_o such_o undervaluer_n and_o slighter_n of_o the_o great_a salvation_n as_o discourage_v person_n and_o these_o who_o stay_v long_o in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o child_n thaâ—_n when_o you_o can_v answer_v your_o objection_n which_o hinder_v you_o from_o close_v with_o christ_n i_o entreat_v you_o disow_v they_o as_o if_o you_o hear_v they_o not_o say_v â—â—e_v think_v you_o this_o lawful_a i_o say_v it_o be_v both_o lawful_a and_o expedient_a for_o it_o be_v the_o practicâ—_n of_o believe_v abraham_n he_o consider_v not_o 〈◊〉_d own_o body_n be_v dry_a as_o a_o old_a stick_n nor_o thâ—_n deadness_n of_o sarahs_n womb_n he_o do_v not_o consider_v these_o thing_n which_o may_v have_v be_v objection_n to_o keep_v he_o from_o believe_v heâ—_n may_v have_v start_v at_o these_o two_o objection_n alas_o i_o be_o old_a and_o that_o objection_n can_v heâ—_n not_o answer_v and_o my_o wife_n be_v past_a child_n heaâ—â—_n neither_o can_v he_o answer_v that_o objection_n what_o then_o do_v he_o with_o they_o he_o slighteâ—_n they_o both_o and_o consider_v they_o not_o second_o i_o will_v say_v this_o to_o you_o who_o thuâ—_n slight_a it_o because_o of_o discouragement_n if_o yeâ—_n do_v know_v the_o worth_n of_o the_o great_a salvation_n which_o be_v in_o this_o gospel_n redemption_n that_o be_v offer_v unto_o you_o although_o you_o have_v a_o army_n oâ—_n objection_n to_o go_v through_o you_o will_v go_v through_o they_o all_o to_o get_v a_o drink_n of_o the_o wateâ—_n of_o this_o well_o of_o bethlehem_n v._o the_o five_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o slight_a this_o great_a salvation_n be_v these_o who_o wilâ—_n not_o do_v so_o much_o as_o take_v care_n and_o give_v painâ—_n to_o hear_v this_o great_a salvation_n offer_v unto_o they_o for_o there_o be_v some_o person_n who_o iâ—_n they_o come_v to_o the_o church_n desire_v to_o sit_v farre_v off_o and_o so_o never_o take_v care_n to_o hear_v a_o worâ—_n of_o this_o great_a salvation_n and_o such_o be_v dreadful_a slighter_n of_o it_o like_o unto_o these_o mention_v jer._n 6._o 10._o to_o who_o shall_v i_o speak_v anâ—_n give_v warning_n that_o they_o may_v hear_v behold_v their_o ear_n be_v uncircumise_v and_o they_o can_v hearken_v isa._n 28._o 12._o but_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v jeâ—â—_n 7._o 10._o who_o say_v we_o be_v deliver_v to_o do_v all_o these_o abomination_n yet_o they_o do_v come_v and_o stanâ—â—_n before_o he_o in_o the_o house_n which_o be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n vi_o sixthly_a these_o person_n be_v slighter_n of_o this_o great_a salvation_n who_o when_o they_o hear_v it_o be_v no_o more_o nay_o not_o so_o much_o affect_v with_o it_o â—hen_o if_o they_o be_v tell_v unto_o they_o the_o most_o senseless_a history_n of_o thomas_n the_o rymer_n or_o some_o other_o old_a fable_n like_a unto_o these_o mention_v jer._n 6._o 10._o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v unto_o they_o a_o reproach_n they_o have_v no_o delight_n in_o it_o i_o will_v pose_v you_o all_o as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o author_n of_o this_o great_a salvation_n man_n or_o woman_n do_v you_o ever_o set_v yourselves_o or_o take_v you_o ever_o pain_n to_o bring_v up_o your_o heart_n to_o the_o love_n of_o this_o great_a salvation_n be_v it_o ever_o the_o rejoice_v of_o your_o heart_n that_o christ_n die_v and_o rise_v again_o i_o do_v certain_o believe_v it_o and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v decree_n pass_v in_o heaven_n against_o many_o of_o you_o that_o in_o hear_v you_o shall_v hear_v but_o not_o understand_v and_o in_o see_v you_o shall_v see_v and_o shall_v not_o perceive_v for_o god_n have_v make_v your_o heart_n hard_a than_o the_o flint_n or_o adamant_n so_o that_o you_o shall_v refuse_v to_o return_v when_o he_o do_v exhort_v you_o believe_v i_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v i_o think_v there_o be_v as_o much_o probability_n that_o the_o stone_n in_o the_o wall_n will_v hear_v if_o we_o will_v speak_v to_o they_o as_o soon_o as_o many_o of_o you_o vii_o seven_o these_o person_n be_v slighter_n of_o the_o great_a salvation_n who_o do_v never_o complain_v that_o they_o want_v a_o right_a to_o this_o great_a salvation_n i_o hope_v some_o of_o you_o be_v now_o convince_v that_o you_o never_o come_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o this_o great_a salvation_n i_o say_v yet_o unto_o you_o if_o you_o do_v never_o spend_v one_o houâ—_n in_o secret_a weep_a and_o lament_v because_o yâ—_n have_v not_o a_o righâ—_n to_o this_o gospel_n redemptionâ—_n it_o be_v but_o too_o probable_a you_o never_o haâ—_n yet_o â—_o right_n to_o it_o yea_o know_v it_o that_o such_o of_o you_o will_v little_o care_v to_o let_v precious_a christ_n deparâ—â—_n without_o any_o grief_n of_o heart_n i_o think_v if_o thiâ—_n be_v voice_v within_o this_o house_n to_o day_n whether_o or_o not_o shall_v christ_n go_v and_o depart_v i_o doubt_v if_o there_o will_v be_v many_o heart_n dissenter_v though_o many_o tongue_n dissenter_n oh_o i_o fear_v there_o will_v be_v many_o heart_n here_o say_v o_o christ_n depart_v and_o go_v thy_o way_n yea_o there_o be_v many_o gadarens_n here_o who_o prefer_v their_o â—ine_z and_o swine_n to_o precious_a christ_n and_o will_v beseech_v he_o to_o go_v out_o of_o their_o coast_n viii_o eight_o these_o person_n slight_a the_o great_a salvation_n who_o never_o take_v painâ—_n to_o engage_v their_o heart_n to_o take_v hold_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n christ_n be_v near_o to_o you_o this_o day_n the_o great_a salvation_n be_v near_o to_o you_o and_o be_v now_o even_o now_o offer_v unto_o you_o therefore_o be_v there_o any_o who_o will_v take_v pain_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o it_o i_o obtest_v you_o all_o who_o be_v here_o by_o the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o great_a salvation_n that_o you_o come_v and_o partake_v of_o it_o i_o obtest_v you_o by_o all_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n that_o you_o embrace_v this_o great_a salvation_n i_o obtest_v you_o by_o all_o the_o â—errous_n in_o hell_n that_o you_o embrace_v it_o i_o obtest_v you_o by_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n that_o you_o embrace_v it_o i_o obtest_v you_o by_o all_o the_o curse_n which_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o you_o embrace_v it_o i_o obtest_v you_o by_o the_o love_n you_o owe_v to_o your_o immortal_a soul_n that_o you_o will_v once_o be_v wise_a and_o come_v and_o partake_v of_o the_o great_a salvation_n may_v i_o now_o have_v it_o say_v thou_o yea_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o all_o you_o may_v have_v it_o to_o day_n you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o it_o before_o you_o go_v hence_o and_o so_o before_o i_o proceed_v any_o further_a i_o do_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o he_o who_o send_v i_o here_o to_o day_n and_o be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o great_a salvation_n free_o offer_v it_o unto_o you_o therefore_o take_v it_o off_o my_o hand_n embrace_v this_o great_a salvation_n offer_v to_o you_o to_o day_n but_o i_o know_v there_o will_v be_v eight_o sort_n of_o humour_n within_o this_o house_n to_o day_n in_o relation_n to_o this_o great_a salvation_n which_o now_o be_v offer_v unto_o you_o 1._o i_o think_v
out_o that_o word_n in_o isa._n 65._o 1._o behold_v i_o behold_v i_o o_o may_v we_o not_o summon_v angel_n and_o these_o twenty_o four_o elder_n about_o the_o throne_n to_o help_v we_o to_o wonder_v that_o ever_o such_o a_o command_n as_o this_o come_v forth_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n after_o that_o we_o have_v break_v that_o first_o and_o primitive_a command_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o eat_v of_o the_o forbid_a tree_n be_v not_o this_o indeed_o to_o make_v mercy_n rejoice_v over_o judgement_n and_o o_o may_v we_o not_o wonder_v at_o the_o precious_a oath_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n whereby_o he_o have_v swear_v that_o he_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o sinner_n what_o suppose_v you_o be_v poor_a adam_n thought_n when_o at_o first_o the_o doctrine_n of_o freegrace_n and_o of_o a_o crucify_a christ_n jesus_n a_o saviour_n be_v preach_v unto_o he_o in_o paradise_n what_o a_o divine_a surprisal_n be_v this_o that_o heaven_n shall_v have_v preach_v peace_n to_o earth_n after_o that_o earth_n have_v proclaim_v war_n against_o heaven_n be_v not_o this_o a_o low_a step_n of_o condescendency_n to_o behold_v a_o offend_a god_n preach_v peace_n and_o good_a will_n to_o a_o guilty_a sinner_n what_o can_v self-destroying_a adam_n think_v of_o these_o morning_n and_o first_o discovery_n of_o this_o everlasting_a covenant_n christ_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o morning_n of_o time_n give_v vent_n to_o that_o infinite_a love_n which_o be_v rest_v in_o his_o bosom_n and_o precious_a heart_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v we_o know_v not_o whether_o the_o infiniteness_n of_o his_o love_n the_o eternity_n of_o his_o love_n or_o the_o freedom_n of_o it_o make_v up_o the_o great_a wonder_n but_o sure_o these_o three_o join_v together_o make_v up_o a_o matchless_a and_o everlasting_a wonder_n will_v any_o of_o you_o ask_v the_o question_n what_o be_v christ_n worth_a we_o can_v give_v no_o 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place_v a_o christian_a upon_o the_o top_n of_o mount_n pisga_n and_o there_o let_v he_o see_v a_o sight_n of_o the_o promise_a land_n and_o do_v open_v a_o door_n in_o heaven_n through_o which_o a_o christian_a be_v admit_v to_o see_v christ_n sit_v upon_o his_o throne_n and_o faith_n have_v not_o only_o a_o kind_n of_o omnipotency_n as_o be_v clear_a that_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o they_o that_o believe_v but_o it_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o omnisciency_n and_o all_o knowledge_n that_o it_o can_v take_v up_o and_o comprehend_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o heaven_n according_a to_o that_o word_n prov._n 28._o 5._o he_o that_o seek_v the_o lord_n shall_v understand_v all_o thing_n as_o if_o he_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o dark_a to_o a_o believe_a christian_a as_o there_o be_v nothing_o impossible_a to_o â—_o believe_v christian._n as_o likewise_o faith_n â—s_v that_o grace_n that_o must_v take_v aside_o the_o vail_n that_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o face_n of_o a_o crucify_a christ._n and_o faith_n be_v that_o precious_a spy_n that_o go_v forth_o and_o take_v up_o these_o wonderful_a excellency_n that_o be_v in_o he_o the_o grace_n of_o love_n as_o it_o be_v be_v bear_v blind_a and_o it_o have_v nothing_o wherewith_o to_o solace_v itself_o but_o that_o which_o be_v present_v unto_o it_o by_o this_o noble_a and_o excellent_a grace_n of_o faith_n now_o before_o we_o shall_v speak_v any_o thing_n to_o these_o thing_n that_o we_o do_v propose_v to_o speak_v of_o it_o at_o the_o last_o occasion_n we_o shall_v yet_o speak_v a_o little_a unto_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v for_o the_o distinct_a up_o take_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o justify_v faith_n which_o be_v the_o great_a commandment_n of_o this_o everlasting_a gospel_n and_o that_o which_o we_o will_v first_o speak_v to_o shall_v be_v this_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n and_o ground_n that_o the_o gospel_n conveyance_n of_o righteousness_n and_o life_n and_o of_o the_o excellent_a thing_n of_o this_o everlasting_a covenant_n shall_v be_v through_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v not_o say_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o repentance_n justify_v that_o love_n justify_v or_o that_o mortification_n justify_v but_o it_o be_v faith_n only_o that_o justify_v and_o it_o be_v faith_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a inherit_v the_o promise_n so_o that_o be_v clear_a that_o faith_n be_v that_o conduit-pype_n through_o which_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o the_o great_a blessing_n of_o this_o everlasting_a covenant_n i._o and_o the_o first_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v this_o it_o be_v through_o faith_n that_o all_o our_o blessing_n may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v by_o love_n and_o by_o free_a and_o unsearchable_a grace_n as_o be_v clear_a rom._n 4._o 16._o while_o the_o apostle_n be_v give_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o inheritance_n be_v convey_v to_o a_o christian_a through_o faith_n it_o be_v of_o faith_n say_v he_o that_o it_o may_v be_v of_o grace_n for_o if_o the_o inheritance_n be_v convey_v to_o a_o christian_a through_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n than_o these_o spotless_a draught_n of_o infinite_a love_n and_o of_o unsearchable_a grace_n shall_v not_o be_v write_v on_o our_o inheritance_n as_o be_v clear_a rom._n 4._o 25._o and_o it_o be_v that_o great_a design_n of_o christ_n to_o make_v his_o grace_n conspicuous_a in_o convey_v salvation_n to_o we_o through_o faith_n ii_o there_o be_v this_o second_o ground_n likewise_o of_o it_o that_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o blessing_n of_o this_o everlasting_a covenant_n may_v be_v sure_a and_o steadfast_a to_o we_o therefore_o they_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o through_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v clear_a rom._n 4._o 16._o they_o be_v of_o faith_n say_v he_o that_o they_o may_v be_v sure_a or_o as_o the_o word_n be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v settle_v when_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o of_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o through_o man_n obedience_n be_v they_o not_o than_o most_o uncertain_a and_o unstable_a but_o be_v not_o heaven_n your_o everlasting_a crown_n now_o steadfast_a unto_o you_o see_v you_o have_v that_o golden_a pillar_n of_o christ_n everlasting_a righteousness_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o your_o faith_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o your_o confidence_n in_o the_o day_n of_o need_n iii_o there_o be_v this_o three_o ground_n why_o the_o promise_n and_o excellent_a thing_n of_o this_o gospel_n be_v convey_v to_o a_o christian_a through_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n that_o all_o boast_n and_o gloriation_n may_v be_v exclude_v according_a to_o that_o word_n rom._n 3._o 27._o by_o what_o law_n be_v boast_v exclude_v not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o work_n but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o certain_o see_v christian_n have_v all_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o heaven_n convey_v to_o they_o through_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n think_v you_o not_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v your_o first_o song_n when_o you_o shall_v be_v within_o the_o gate_n of_o that_o new_a jerusalem_n not_o unto_o we_o not_o unto_o we_o but_o unto_o thou_o do_v belong_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o salvation_n o_o what_o a_o precious_a dignity_n be_v it_o but_o for_o one_o half_a hour_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o hear_v these_o spotless_a song_n that_o be_v sing_v by_o these_o thousand_o time_n ten_o thousand_o and_o thousand_o of_o thousand_o of_o holy_a angel_n that_o be_v round_o about_o his_o throne_n do_v not_o david_n that_o sweet_a singer_n of_o israel_n now_o sing_v more_o sweet_o noâ—_n he_o do_v while_o he_o be_v here_o below_o do_v not_o desert_v heman_n now_o chant_v forth_o the_o praise_n and_o everlasting_a song_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o do_v not_o afflict_v job_n now_o sing_v sweet_o after_o his_o captivity_n be_v reduce_v and_o he_o enter_v within_o that_o land_n where_o the_o voice_n of_o joy_n and_o gladness_n be_v continual_o hear_v will_v you_o have_v a_o description_n of_o heaven_n i_o can_v give_v it_o no_o term_n so_o suitable_a as_o this_o heaven_n be_v a_o rest_n without_o a_o rest_n for_o though_o there_o remain_v a_o rest_n for_o the_o righteous_a yet_o rev._n 4._o 8._o these_o four_o beast_n that_o stand_v before_o the_o throne_n they_o rest_v not_o night_n nor_o day_n cry_v holy_a holy_a holy_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n almighty_a yet_o there_o be_v much_o divine_a quietness_n in_o that_o holy_a unquietness_n that_o be_v above_o iv._o there_o be_v this_o last_o ground_n why_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o life_n and_o righteousness_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o through_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v to_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v pleasant_a and_o easy_a we_o be_v certain_o persuade_v that_o the_o way_n of_o win_v to_o heaven_n by_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v much_o more_o unpleasant_a and_o difficult_a but_o be_v it_o not_o a_o easy_a way_n of_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n to_o win_v unto_o it_o through_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o all_o wisdom_n way_n pleasantness_n and_o be_v not_o all_o her_o path_n peace_n be_v not_o that_o just_a self-denial_n in_o one_o that_o say_v he_o will_v not_o take_v up_o a_o crown_n though_o it_o be_v lie_v at_o his_o foot_n but_o oh_o that_o curse_a self-denial_n do_v possess_v the_o breast_n of_o many_o so_o that_o though_o that_o crown_n of_o immortal_a glory_n and_o eternal_a blessedness_n be_v lie_v at_o your_o foot_n yet_o you_o will_v not_o embrace_v it_o nor_o take_v it_o up_o be_v not_o the_o hatred_n of_o many_o to_o christ_n cover_v with_o deceit_n and_o therefore_o your_o iniquity_n shall_v be_v declare_v before_o the_o congregation_n now_o that_o what_o we_o have_v speak_v upon_o this_o may_v be_v more_o clear_a and_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o â—ustifying_a faith_n be_v not_o mistake_v we_o will_v have_v you_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o justify_v christian_a as_o it_o be_v a_o work_n or_o because_o of_o any_o inherent_a excellency_n and_o dignity_n that_o be_v in_o this_o grace_n above_o any_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n â—ut_v faith_n do_v alone_o justify_v a_o christian_n instrumental_o and_o objective_o that_o be_v it_o be_v â—hat_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a be_v just_a by_o lay_v hold_n â—n_o the_o precious_a object_n of_o it_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ._n and_o to_o clear_v this_o we_o will_v only_o have_v you_o know_v this_o that_o faith_n do_v juifie_v as_o it_o close_v with_o christ_n but_o not_o because_o 〈◊〉_d close_v with_o christ_n which_o some_o vain_o be_v â—old_a to_o assert_v because_o there_o be_v not_o any_o dignity_n or_o worth_n in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o close_v with_o christ_n
bond_n and_o yoke_n of_o our_o iniquity_n and_o have_v give_v to_o we_o that_o unweariable_a easy_a and_o portable_a yoke_n of_o his_o commandment_n among_o which_o this_o be_v â—ne_a that_o we_o shall_v believe_v on_o he_o spotless_a christ_n be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o that_o sinful_a we_o may_v be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o and_o be_v not_o this_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o we_o will_v not_o delight_v ourselves_o in_o love_v of_o he_o and_o i_o will_v say_v this_o to_o you_o that_o though_o you_o shall_v weep_v the_o one_o half_a of_o your_o day_n and_o pray_v the_o other_o half_a yet_o if_o you_o want_v this_o noble_a grace_n of_o faith_n your_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v but_o like_o a_o menstruous_a cloth_n and_o filthy_a rag_n before_o he_o for_o what_o be_v pray_v without_o believe_v but_o a_o take_n of_o his_o â—lessed_a name_n in_o vain_a what_o be_v our_o confer_v upon_o the_o most_o divine_a and_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n without_o believe_v be_v it_o not_o â—_o lie_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o a_o flatter_a of_o god_n with_o our_o mouth_n and_o we_o will_v have_v you_o know_v this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o sweet_a harmony_n that_o be_v now_o madeup_n betwixt_o moses_n and_o christ_n betwixt_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o law_n bring_v we_o to_o christ_n as_o a_o saviour_n and_o christ_n bring_v we_o back_o again_o â—o_o the_o law_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o our_o walk_n to_o which_o we_o must_v subject_v ourselves_o so_o then_o will_v you_o know_v the_o compend_n of_o a_o christianâ—_n walk_v it_o be_v a_o sweet_a travel_v betwixt_o mount_n sinai_n and_o mount_n zion_n betwixt_o moses_n and_o christ_n betwixt_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o we_o conceive_v that_o the_o more_o deep_a that_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o law_n be_v in_o a_o christian_n conscience_n before_o his_o close_n with_o christ_n there_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o precious_a and_o excellent_a advantage_n wait_v for_o he_o i._o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n that_o wait_v on_o the_o deep_a exercise_n of_o the_o law_n that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o win_v to_o much_o establishment_n in_o the_o faith_n when_o once_o we_o begin_v to_o close_v with_o christ._n o_o christian_n will_v you_o know_v that_o which_o make_v the_o superstructure_n and_o build_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v within_o you_o as_o a_o bowing_z wall_n and_o as_o a_o totter_a fence_n so_o that_o oftentimes_o yâ—_n be_v in_o hazard_n to_o raze_v the_o foundation_n it_o be_v this_o you_o be_v not_o under_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o law_n before_o your_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ._n there_o be_v some_o who_o do_v not_o abide_v three_o day_n at_o mount_n sinai_n and_o these_o shall_v not_o dwelâ—_n many_o day_n at_o mount_n zion_n ii_o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n that_o wait_v on_o the_o deep_a exercise_n of_o the_o law_n it_o make_v christ_n precious_a to_o a_o man_n soul._n what_o be_v that_o which_o fill_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o christianâ—_n with_o many_o high_a and_o excellent_a thought_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o not_o this_o to_o have_v the_o law_n registrate_v our_o band_n and_o put_v we_o as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o horn_n that_o be_v to_o have_v the_o law_n curse_v we_o and_o use_v the_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n against_o we_o that_o which_o make_v we_o have_v such_o low_a and_o undervalue_a thought_n of_o precious_a christ_n be_v because_o the_o most_o part_n of_o we_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o deep_a and_o serious_a exercise_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v a_o mystery_n to_o the_o most_o part_n of_o christian_n practice_n you_o know_v that_o there_o be_v four_o stream_n which_o go_v out_o from_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n into_o which_o man_n be_v first_o place_v and_o so_o we_o may_v say_v that_o there_o be_v four_o golden_a stream_n by_o which_o lose_v and_o destroy_v man_n be_v bring_v back_o again_o to_o this_o eden_n and_o paradise_n of_o everlasting_a delight_n first_o there_o be_v the_o precious_a stream_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v justify_v and_o second_o there_o be_v that_o stream_n of_o his_o sanctification_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v purify_v three_o there_o be_v that_o stream_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v conduct_v through_o this_o wilderness_n wherein_o we_o have_v lose_v our_o way_n and_o four_a there_o be_v that_o stream_n of_o christ_n redemption_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o power_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o must_v turn_v the_o battle_n in_o the_o gate_n it_o be_v by_o the_o redemption_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o shall_v once_o sing_v that_o triumphant_a song_n o_o death_n where_o be_v thy_o sting_n o_o grave_a where_o be_v thy_o victory_n o_o but_o all_o these_o stream_n will_v be_v sweat_n and_o refresh_n to_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v hot_o pursue_v by_o the_o law_n so_o long_o as_o we_o see_v not_o the_o ugliness_n of_o our_o leprosy_n in_o the_o glass_n of_o the_o law_n we_o have_v our_o own_o abana_n and_o parphar_n that_o we_o think_v may_v do_v our_o turn_n but_o when_o once_o our_o case_n be_v true_o lay_v open_a to_o we_o then_o will_v we_o be_v content_a to_o wash_v ourselves_o in_o jordan_n seven_o time_n iii_o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n that_o wait_v on_o the_o deep_a exercise_n of_o the_o law_n that_o it_o make_v a_o christian_a live_v constant_o under_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o sin_n what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v sin_n exceed_v sinful_a to_o a_o christian_a be_v it_o not_o this_o he_o have_v be_v forty_o day_n in_o moses_n school_n and_o we_o conceive_v that_o the_o ground_n why_o such_o fool_n as_o we_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o sin_n be_v because_o we_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o indignation_n of_o god_n but_o now_o to_o come_v to_o that_o which_o we_o intend_v to_o speak_v of_o we_o tell_v you_o at_o the_o first_o occasion_n that_o we_o speak_v upon_o these_o word_n that_o there_o be_v many_o excellent_a thing_n concern_v the_o grace_n of_o faith_n hold_v forth_o in_o they_o the_o first_o thing_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o concern_v this_o radical_a grace_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o infinite_a advantage_n that_o redound_v to_o a_o christian_a through_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o give_v obedience_n to_o this_o command_n which_o we_o clear_v to_o be_v hold_v forth_o not_o only_o from_o the_o scope_n but_o also_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o command_n and_o now_o to_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o the_o point_n we_o shall_v propose_v these_o consideration_n that_o may_v abundant_o show_v how_o advantageous_a â—_o thing_n this_o excellent_a grace_n of_o faith_n be_v i._o the_o first_o consideration_n that_o speak_v it_o be_v this_o that_o faith_n make_v christ_n precious_a to_o a_o soul_n according_a to_o that_o word_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 7._o to_o you_o that_o believe_v christ_n be_v precious_a and_o we_o will_v have_v you_o know_v this_o that_o faith_n make_v christ_n more_o precious_a to_o a_o soul_n nor_o sense_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n can_v make_v he_o and_o first_o faith_n make_v christ_n more_o precious_a nor_o sense_n because_o the_o estimation_n which_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n have_v of_o christ_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o person_n but_o the_o estimation_n of_o sense_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o act_n so_o that_o because_o he_o be_v such_o to_o they_o therefore_o they_o love_v and_o esteem_v he_o but_o that_o heroic_a grace_n of_o faith_n it_o take_v up_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n person_n and_o that_o make_v he_o precious_a to_o they_o second_o faith_n make_v christ_n more_o precious_a than_o sense_n because_o sense_n look_v to_o that_o love_n which_o christ_n manifest_v in_o his_o face_n and_o in_o his_o hand_n and_o in_o his_o foot_n but_o faith_n look_v to_o that_o love_n which_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n sense_n will_v cry_v forth_o who_o be_v like_a to_o thou_o who_o countenance_n be_v like_o lebanon_n excellent_a as_o the_o cedar_n who_o hand_n be_v as_o gold_n ring_v set_v with_o beryl_n and_o who_o leg_n be_v like_o pillar_n of_o marble_n set_v in_o soket_n of_o gold_n sense_n will_v look_v to_o the_o smyling_n of_o christ_n and_o will_v wonder_v it_o will_v look_v to_o his_o dispensation_n and_o act_n and_o will_v be_v constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o who_o be_v like_a unto_o thou_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n solace_v itself_o in_o the_o fountain_n from_o whence_o all_o these_o spring_n and_o sweet_a inundation_n of_o
one_o day_n to_o see_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o bring_v they_o back_o again_o they_o will_v â—ot_n pursue_v after_o these_o bless_a and_o everlasting_a enjoyment_n o_o be_v not_o christ_n much_o undervalve_v by_o we_o but_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o this_o one_o woe_n â—_o past_a but_o behold_v another_o woe_n be_v fast_o come_v o_o â—he_n sâ—reighing_v of_o these_o spirit_n that_o be_v entere_v into_o their_o everlasting_a prisonhouse_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o redemption_n what_o shall_v â—e_v your_o choice_n when_o christ_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o â—louds_n i_o be_o persuade_v there_o be_v many_o â—o_z who_o at_o that_o day_n this_o doctrine_n will_v be_v â—avishing_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o death_n â—hat_n there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v â—ot_n a_o eternity_n oh_o will_v you_o believe_v that_o â—he_v sword_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v bathe_v in_o heaâ—en_n and_o shall_v come_v down_o to_o make_v a_o sacrifice_n â—ot_n in_o the_o land_n of_o idumea_n nor_o in_o the_o land_n of_o bozra_n but_o he_o be_v to_o make_v a_o sacrifice_n among_o his_o people_n who_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o â—im_n by_o sacrifice_n ah_o ah_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o â—f_n that_o argument_n be_v use_v to_o many_o that_o within_o forty_o day_n they_o shall_v be_v at_o their_o â—ong_n and_o everlasting_a home_n they_o will_v yet_o â—pend_v thirty_o nine_o of_o these_o day_n in_o take_v pleasure_n upon_o their_o lust_n i_o be_o persuade_v of_o â—his_n that_o there_o be_v many_o who_o think_v that_o the_o â—ay_n betwixt_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v but_o one_o day_n â—ourney_n they_o think_v they_o can_v believe_v in_o one_o day_n and_o triumph_v at_o night_n but_o o_o it_o shall_v â—e_v a_o short_a triumph_v that_o such_o believer_n as_o â—hese_n shall_v have_v therefore_o o_o study_n to_o close_v with_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n rest_n on_o he_o by_o faith_n delight_v yourselves_o in_o he_o with_o love_n and_o let_v your_o soul_n be_v long_v for_o the_o day_n when_o your_o â—oice_n shall_v be_v hear_v in_o heaven_n and_o o_o how_o â—weet_a shall_v it_o be_v sing_v arise_v arise_v arise_z my_o love_n my_o dove_n my_o fair_a one_o and_o come_v away_o foâ—_n behold_v your_o winter_n be_v past_a your_o everlasting_a summer_n be_v come_v and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o sing_n of_o bird_n be_v near_o when_o christ_n shall_v come_v over_o these_o mountain_n of_o bether_o he_o shall_v cry_v behold_v i_o come_v and_o the_o soul_n shall_v sweet_o answer_v come_v bless_a lord_n jesus_n come_v o_o what_o a_o life_n shall_v it_o be_v that_o with_o these_o two_o arm_n you_o shall_v eternal_o encircle_v christ_n and_o hold_v he_o in_o your_o arm_n or_o rather_o be_v encircle_v by_o he_o wait_v fâ—â—_n he_o for_o he_o shall_v come_v and_o his_o reward_n be_v with_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v once_o take_v home_o the_o weary_a traveller_n of_o hope_n sermon_n iu._n 1_o joh._n 3._o 23._o this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o you_o shall_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v two_o great_a and_o excellent_a gift_n which_o god_n in_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o boundless_a love_n have_v bestow_v on_o his_o own_o first_o there_o be_v that_o infinite_a gift_n and_o royal_a donation_n his_o own_o belove_a son_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v call_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n joh._n 4_o 10._o and_o second_o there_o be_v that_o excellent_a gift_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o his_o own_o which_o be_v also_o call_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n ephes._n 2._o 8._o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o be_v it_o not_o certain_a that_o these_o two_o gracious_a gift_n ought_v to_o engage_v ouâ—_n soul_n and_o heart_n much_o unto_o he_o infinite_a majesty_n can_v give_v no_o gift_n great_a nor_o his_o sâ—â—_n and_o infinite_a poverty_n can_v receive_v no_o â—â—her_a gift_n so_o suitable_a as_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a gift_n that_o heaven_n can_v give_v and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a advantage_n for_o earth_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o we_o can_v wish_v that_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o study_n and_o practice_n of_o man_n that_o be_v spend_v in_o pursuit_n after_o these_o low_a and_o transient_a vanity_n may_v be_v once_o take_v up_o in_o that_o precious_a pursuit_n after_o christ._n we_o can_v wish_v that_o all_o the_o question_n and_o debate_n of_o the_o time_n be_v turn_v over_o into_o that_o soul_n concern_v question_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v and_o that_o all_o the_o question_n controversy_n and_o contention_n of_o the_o time_n be_v turn_v over_o into_o that_o divine_a contention_n and_o heavenly_a debate_n who_o shall_v be_v most_o for_o christ_n who_o shall_v be_v most_o for_o exalt_v of_o the_o noble_a and_o excellent_a plant_n of_o renown_n and_o that_o all_o our_o judge_n and_o search_n of_o other_o man_n practice_n and_o estate_n may_v â—e_v turn_v over_o into_o that_o useful_a search_n â—ro_o â—rove_v and_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v in_o â—he_n faith_n or_o not_o and_o i_o will_v ask_v you_o this_o question_n what_o be_v your_o thought_n concern_v precious_a christ_n see_v he_o be_v that_o noble_a â—bject_n of_o faith_n we_o will_v only_o have_v you_o â—aking_v along_o these_o thing_n by_o which_o christ_n may_v be_v much_o commend_v to_o your_o heart_n first_o there_o be_v never_o any_o that_o with_o the_o â—yes_n of_o faith_n do_v behold_v the_o maâ—ehlesse_a beauâ—y_n and_o transcendent_a worth_n of_o that_o crucify_a â—aviour_n that_o return_v his_o enemy_n there_o be_v â—oul_a conquer_a virtue_n in_o the_o face_n of_o christ_n â—nd_v there_o be_v a_o heart_n captivate_v and_o overcome_v power_n in_o the_o beauâ—y_n of_o jesus_n christ._n â—his_fw-la first_o sight_n that_o ever_o persecute_v saul_n get_v of_o christ_n it_o bring_v he_o unto_o a_o endless_a captivity_n of_o love_n second_o there_o be_v thâ—_n that_o we_o will_v say_v of_o precious_a christ_n whicâ—_n may_v engage_v our_o soul_n unto_o he_o that_o for_o alâ—_n the_o wrong_n believer_n do_v to_o christ_n yet_o hatâ—_n he_o never_o a_o evil_a word_n of_o they_o to_o his_o fattheâ—_n but_o commend_v they_o which_o be_v clear_a froâ—_n that_o of_o joh._n 17._o 6._o where_o christ_n do_v conâ—mend_v the_o disciple_n to_o the_o father_n for_o thâ—_n grace_n of_o obedience_n they_o have_v keep_v thâ—_n word_n and_o for_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n verse_n 8_o they_o have_v believe_v that_o thou_o do_v send_v i_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o the_o disciple_n most_o defectiâ—â—_n in_o obedience_n both_o in_o this_o that_o they_o do_v noâ—â—_n take_v up_o their_o cross_n and_o follow_v christ_n and_o alâ—â—_n in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o adhere_v to_o he_o in_o thâ—_n day_n that_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o cajaphas_n hall_n and_o be_v they_o not_o most_o defective_a in_o the_o graâ—â—_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o matth._n 17._o 17._o aâ—â—_n likewise_o from_o joh._n 14._o 1._o he_o be_v press_v theâ—_n to_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o yet_o he_o do_v commeâ—â—_n they_o to_o the_o father_n as_o most_o perfect_a in_o thâ—_n thing_n three_o there_o be_v this_o that_o wâ—_n will_v last_o say_v of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o noble_a oâ—_n ject_n of_o faith_n look_v to_o the_o eminent_a depth_n christ_n condescendency_n and_o then_o you_o will_v provoke_v to_o love_v he_o be_v it_o not_o infiâ—â—â—â—_n love_v that_o make_v christ_n to_o lie_v three_o day_n in_o tâ—â—_n grave_n that_o we_o may_v be_v through_o all_o the_o agâ—_n of_o eternity_n with_o he_o be_v it_o not_o in_o fâ—â—â—â—_n condescendency_n that_o make_v his_o precious_a he_o wear_v a_o crown_n of_o thorn_n that_o we_o migâ—â—_n eternal_o wear_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n be_v not_o infinite_a condescendency_n that_o make_v chrâ—â—â—_n wear_v a_o purple_a robe_n that_o so_o we_o may_v wâ—â—_n that_o precious_a robe_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o â—he_n saint_n and_o be_v it_o not_o matchless_a condescendency_n that_o christ_n who_o know_v no_o sin_n be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o and_o like_v unto_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v become_v like_a unto_o he_o and_o be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o but_o to_o come_v to_o that_o which_o we_o intend_v mainâ—y_a to_o speak_v upon_o at_o this_o time_n which_o be_v that_o â—econd_v thing_n that_o we_o propose_v to_o speak_v of_o â—rom_o these_o word_n and_o that_o be_v concern_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o grace_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o clear_v be_v hold_v out_o in_o that_o that_o faith_n be_v call_v his_o commandment_n which_o be_v so_o â—alled_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n and_o excellency_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n which_o may_v sweet_o point_v out_o the_o
down_o arm_n and_o let_v you_o trample_v on_o they_o believe_v i_o mortification_n be_v not_o a_o work_n of_o one_o day_n or_o one_o year_n but_o it_o be_v a_o work_n will_v serve_v you_o all_o your_o time_n begin_v as_o soon_o as_o you_o will_v and_o therefore_o see_v you_o have_v spend_v your_o day_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v time_n that_o now_o you_o will_v begin_v and_o pursue_v after_o he_o who_o work_n be_v with_o he_o and_o who_o reward_n shall_v come_v before_o he_o iii_o now_o there_o be_v this_o three_o evidence_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a may_v know_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o not_o and_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n be_v matchless_a and_o incomparable_a unto_o such_o a_o one_o according_a to_o that_o word_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 7._o to_o you_o that_o believe_v christ_n be_v precious_a and_o that_o word_n that_o luke_n have_v in_o his_o 7._o chap._n at_o the_o close_a that_o she_o to_o who_o much_o be_v forgive_v love_v much_o now_o lest_o this_o likewise_o shall_v prove_v a_o discouragement_n to_o any_o i_o will_v only_o have_v you_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o that_o a_o christian_n may_v be_v a_o believer_n and_o yet_o want_v the_o sensible_a discovery_n of_o this_o that_o christ_n be_v matchlesly_n precious_a to_o he_o but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o which_o be_v in_o the_o lively_a exercise_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a then_o for_o they_o not_o to_o esteem_v christ_n matchless_a and_o i_o will_v speak_v this_o likewise_o to_o many_o who_o be_v here_o have_v you_o not_o be_v live_v these_o ten_o year_n in_o faith_n and_o i_o will_v pose_v you_o with_o this_o esteem_v you_o not_o your_o idol_n more_o matchless_a than_o christ_n and_o more_o of_o worth_n than_o he_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o lively_a exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o esteem_n christ_n matchless_a it_o be_v not_o to_o say_v it_o with_o your_o mouth_n and_o contradict_v it_o with_o your_o heart_n will_v do_v the_o business_n for_o if_o your_o heart_n can_v speakâ—_n it_o will_v say_v i_o will_v sell_v christ_n for_o thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n but_o my_o idol_n will_v i_o sell_v at_o no_o rate_n be_v there_o not_o many_o of_o you_o who_o love_v the_o world_n and_o its_o pleasure_n better_a nor_o the_o eternity_n of_o joy_n oh_o know_v you_o not_o that_o word_n o_o you_o desperate_o ignorant_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o he_o who_o love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n you_o will_v sell_v your_o immortal_a soul_n with_o esau_n for_o a_o mess_n of_o poâ—tage_n o_o but_o it_o be_v a_o poor_a bargain_n when_o you_o have_v sell_v the_o eternity_n of_o joy_n for_o a_o pass_a world_n and_o for_o its_o transitory_a delight_n i_o will_v earnest_o know_v what_o shall_v be_v your_o thought_n in_o that_o day_n when_o you_o shall_v be_v stand_v upon_o the_o utmost_a line_n betwixt_o time_n and_o eternity_n o_o what_o will_v be_v your_o thought_n at_o that_o day_n but_o you_o be_v to_o follow_v on_o to_o a_o endless_a pain_n by_o appearance_n and_o then_o you_o be_v to_o leave_v your_o idol_n i_o shall_v only_o desire_v that_o you_o may_v read_v the_o word_n isa._n 10._o 3._o what_o will_v you_o do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o visitation_n and_o in_o the_o desolation_n which_o shall_v come_v from_o far_o to_o who_o will_v you_o flee_v for_o help_v and_o where_o will_v you_o leave_v your_o glory_n you_o shall_v then_o preach_v mortification_n to_o the_o life_n though_o all_o the_o time_n of_o mortification_n shall_v be_v then_o cut_v off_o o_o but_o to_o hear_v a_o worldly_a mind_a man_n when_o eternity_n of_o pain_n be_v look_v he_o in_o the_o face_n preach_v out_o concern_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n may_v it_o not_o persuade_v you_o that_o the_o world_n be_v a_o fancy_n and_o a_o dream_n that_o shall_v flee_v away_o and_o shall_v leave_v you_o in_o the_o day_n of_o your_o great_a strait_n iu._n and_o there_o be_v the_o four_o evidence_n of_o faith_n that_o a_o christian_a who_o do_v true_o believe_v he_o be_v that_o christian_n who_o intertain_v a_o divine_a jealousy_n and_o a_o holy_a suspicion_n of_o himself_o whether_o or_o not_o he_o do_v believe_v i_o love_v not_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v void_a of_o fear_n this_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o believe_v noah_n that_o though_o by_o faith_n he_o build_v the_o ark_n yet_o he_o have_v fear_n mix_v with_o his_o faith_n i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v ignorant_a concern_v this_o what_o it_o be_v to_o doubt_v concern_v eternal_a peace_n and_o more_o it_o be_v not_o every_o one_o that_o doubt_v that_o certain_o shall_v get_v heaven_n for_o i_o think_v a_o hypocrite_n may_v doubt_v concern_v his_o eternal_a salvation_n however_o i_o think_v the_o exercise_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n under_o his_o doubt_n it_o be_v more_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o judgement_n than_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o i_o may_v say_v that_o if_o all_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v preach_v in_o these_o day_n be_v narrow_o search_v it_o will_v be_v more_o the_o exercise_n of_o light_n than_o the_o exercise_n of_o conscience_n we_o speak_v these_o thing_n as_o our_o doubt_n which_o never_o be_v our_o exercise_n and_o we_o make_v these_o thing_n our_o public_a exercise_n which_o be_v never_o our_o private_a and_o chamber_n exercise_v and_o i_o think_v that_o if_o all_o that_o a_o christian_a do_v speak_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n be_v his_o exercise_n he_o will_v speak_v less_o and_o wonder_v more_o we_o will_v be_v speechless_a when_o we_o go_v to_o god_n for_o often_o if_o we_o do_v speak_v nothing_o but_o our_o exercise_n we_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o say_v and_o certain_o it_o be_v true_a that_o often_o we_o fall_v into_o that_o woeful_a sin_n of_o desperate_a lie_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o â—lattering_a god_n with_o our_o mouth_n and_o lie_v unto_o he_o with_o our_o tongue_n and_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v these_o two_o word_n there_o be_v some_o who_o have_v this_o for_o their_o great_a design_n viz._n they_o will_v be_v at_o peace_n with_o their_o conscience_n and_o also_o they_o will_v be_v at_o peace_n with_o their_o idol_n they_o will_v glad_o reconcile_v conscience_n and_o their_o idol_n together_o that_o be_v their_o great_a design_n and_o there_o be_v some_o who_o design_n be_v a_o little_a more_o refine_a they_o study_v rather_o to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o their_o conscience_n then_o to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o god_n their_o great_a aim_n they_o shoot_v at_o be_v this_o to_o get_v their_o conscience_n quiet_v though_o they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v the_o soul_n comfort_v peace_n of_o god_n to_o quiet_v they_o v._o now_o there_o be_v this_o last_o evidence_n of_o faith_n that_o justify_v faith_n be_v a_o faith_n which_o put_v the_o christian_n to_o be_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o duty_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v maintain_v for_o we_o must_v keep_v faith_n as_o the_o apple_n of_o our_o eye_n aod_a for_o that_o end_n i_o will_v only_o give_v you_o these_o three_o thing_n by_o which_o faith_n must_v be_v keep_v in_o exercise_n and_o a_o real_a christian_a will_v be_v endeavour_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o attain_v unto_o these_o i._o it_o keep_v faith_n much_o in_o exercise_n to_o be_v much_o in_o mark_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o divine_a exercise_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n wherewith_o a_o christian_a do_v meet_v as_o be_v clear_a from_o that_o word_n in_o rom._n 5._o 4._o experience_n work_v hope_n i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o charge_v the_o most_o part_n that_o be_v indeed_o in_o christ_n with_o this_o that_o they_o be_v too_o little_a in_o remark_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o experience_n of_o his_o love_n you_o shall_v mark_v the_o place_n of_o your_o experience_n and_o much_o more_o you_o shall_v mark_v the_o experience_n itself_o as_o be_v clear_a from_o scripture_n that_o the_o very_a place_n where_o christian_n do_v meet_v with_o experience_n in_o such_o one_fw-mi enjoyment_n of_o god_n they_o mark_v it_o ezek._n 1._o 1._o by_o the_o river_n of_o chebar_v the_o heaven_n be_v open_v and_o i_o see_v the_o vision_n of_o god_n and_o gen._n 32._o 30._o jacob_n call_v the_o place_n peniel_n the_o place_n of_o live_v after_o see_v of_o the_o face_n of_o god_n it_o be_v so_o remarkable_a unto_o he_o and_o we_o conceive_v that_o you_o will_v mark_v these_o two_o thing_n main_o in_o your_o practice_n first_o you_o will_v mark_v if_o you_o can_v possible_o the_o first_o day_n of_o