its_o orb_n do_v then_o enlighten_v the_o earth_n far_o more_o than_o multitude_n of_o star_n that_o shine_v bright_a in_o the_o clear_a night_n and_o so_o one_o promise_v in_o army_n of_o change_n that_o befall_v believer_n fill_v their_o soul_n with_o more_o serenity_n and_o peace_n than_o the_o confluence_n of_o all_o outward_a contentment_n can_v produce_v under_o one_o small_a and_o petty_a cross_n a_o christian_a many_o time_n walk_v more_o cheerful_o under_o sore_a fiery_a trial_n than_o other_o in_o the_o sunshine_n of_o worldly_a prosperity_n the_o three_o child_n walk_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o more_o joy_n in_o the_o furnace_n than_o nabuchadnezzar_n in_o his_o stately_a palace_n chap._n vi_o contain_v positive_a rule_n direct_v to_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o promise_n have_v show_v what_o a_o promise_n be_v and_o the_o sundry_a respect_n wherein_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v precious_a by_o way_n of_o eminency_n and_o excess_n i_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o three_o general_a head_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o several_a rule_n and_o direction_n that_o concern_v the_o due_a application_n of_o they_o which_o be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o necessary_a by_o how_o much_o the_o promise_n above_o all_o other_o part_n of_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n of_o god_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o be_v deep_o injure_v by_o the_o two_o sinful_a extreme_n of_o distrust_n and_o presumption_n the_o infirm_a believer_n who_o jealousy_n and_o misgiving_n be_v too_o strong_a for_o his_o faith_n put_v away_o from_o he_o the_o consolation_n of_o the_o promise_n as_o small_a and_o look_n upon_o they_o as_o cordial_n not_o strong_a enough_o to_o heal_v and_o remove_v his_o distemper_n the_o over-secure_a and_o self-confident_a person_n place_v his_o fond_a presumption_n in_o the_o room_n of_o god_n promise_n and_o thereby_o draw_v as_o certain_a a_o ruin_n upon_o himself_o as_o he_o who_o venture_v to_o go_v over_o a_o deep_a river_n without_o any_o other_o bridge_n then_o what_o his_o shadow_n make_v i_o shall_v therefore_o branch_v the_o rule_n which_o concern_v the_o right_a use_n of_o they_o into_o rule_n positive_a and_o cautionary_a the_o one_o point_v out_o several_a duty_n which_o every_o one_o must_v exercise_v himself_o in_o that_o will_v willing_o reap_v any_o real_a fruit_n and_o advantage_n from_o the_o promise_n the_o other_o forewarn_v the_o many_o error_n and_o mistake_n which_o be_v as_o stone_n of_o stumble_v to_o weak_a christian_n or_o as_o stone_n that_o lie_v upon_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o well_n of_o salvation_n which_o must_v be_v remove_v before_o the_o water_n of_o comfort_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o they_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o positive_a rule_n which_o be_v many_o sect_n 1._o eye_n god_n in_o the_o promise_n first_o in_o the_o apply_v of_o any_o promise_n fix_v the_o eye_n of_o your_o faith_n upon_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o it_o promise_n be_v not_o the_o primary_n object_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o secondary_a or_o they_o be_v rather_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o believe_v than_o the_o thing_n on_o which_o we_o be_v to_o rest_v as_o in_o the_o sacrament_n the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n serve_v as_o outward_a sign_n to_o bring_v christ_n and_o a_o believer_n together_o but_o that_o which_o faith_n close_v with_o and_o feed_v upon_o be_v christ_n in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o not_o the_o naked_a element_n themselves_o so_o the_o promise_n be_v instrumental_a in_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n together_o they_o be_v the_o warrant_n by_o which_o faith_n be_v embolden_v to_o come_v to_o he_o and_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o he_o but_o the_o union_n which_o faith_n make_v be_v not_o between_o a_o believer_n and_o the_o promise_n but_o between_o a_o believer_n and_o christ_n and_o therefore_o those_o divine_n who_o in_o their_o catechetical_a system_n have_v make_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o promise_n rather_o than_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n have_v fail_v in_o their_o expression_n if_o not_o in_o their_o intention_n and_o have_v speak_v rather_o popular_o then_o accurate_o for_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o ens_fw-la complexum_fw-la a_o evangelical_n maxim_n or_o proposition_n but_o ens_fw-la incomplexum_fw-la the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o whole_a current_n of_o scripture-expression_n do_v abundant_o testify_v wherein_o faith_n be_v describe_v by_o receive_v of_o christ_n joh._n 1._o 12._o by_o believe_v on_o he_o joh._n 3._o 16._o by_o come_v to_o he_o joh._n 6._o 36._o as_o we_o can_v come_v to_o christ_n without_o the_o aid_n of_o a_o promise_n so_o may_v we_o not_o rest_v in_o the_o promise_n without_o close_v with_o christ_n the_o promise_n they_o be_v but_o as_o the_o field_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o hide_a pearl_n which_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v in_o they_o they_o be_v as_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o he_o be_v both_o as_o the_o olive-tree_n which_o drop_v fatness_n into_o they_o and_o as_o the_o light_n which_o shine_v in_o they_o they_o be_v as_o the_o alabaster-box_n and_o he_o be_v as_o the_o precious_a spicknard_n which_o send_v forth_o the_o delightful_a savour_n they_o be_v as_o the_o the_o golden_a pot_n and_o he_o be_v the_o mannah_n which_o be_v treasure_v and_o lay_v up_o in_o they_o they_o be_v as_o the_o glass_n and_o he_o be_v the_o beautiful_a face_n which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o they_o we_o all_o behold_v with_o open_a face_n as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 3._o 18._o but_o in_o look_v unto_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o the_o promise_n let_v the_o eye_n of_o faith_n be_v direct_v especial_o to_o these_o four_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n the_o freeness_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o make_v they_o the_o absoluteness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o effect_v they_o the_o unhangeablenesse_n of_o his_o counsel_n not_o to_o revoke_v or_o disannul_v the_o least_o iota_fw-la of_o they_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o wisdom_n to_o perform_v all_o which_o he_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o best_a season_n and_o joint_n of_o time_n these_o be_v four_o such_o pillar_n upon_o which_v faith_n may_v safe_o lean_v and_o which_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o most_o violent_a temptation_n can_v never_o shake_v much_o less_o overturn_v as_o samson_n do_v the_o pillar_n of_o the_o house_n against_o which_o he_o lean_v judg._n 16._o 30._o sect_n 2._o eye_n free_a grace_n first_o view_v with_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n the_o freeness_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o make_v so_o many_o rich_a promise_n they_o be_v all_o patent_n of_o grace_n not_o bill_n of_o debt_n expression_n of_o love_n not_o reward_n of_o service_n gift_n not_o wage_n he_o that_o make_v many_o out_o of_o mercy_n may_v without_o the_o least_o umbrage_n of_o injustice_n have_v make_v none_o though_o his_o truth_n do_v tie_v he_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o yet_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n only_o do_v move_v he_o to_o the_o make_n of_o they_o his_o promise_n have_v make_v he_o a_o debtor_n but_o free_a grace_n make_v he_o a_o promiser_n and_o here_o the_o assertion_n of_o the_o school_n may_v be_v judge_v sound_n divina_fw-la voluntas_fw-la licèt_fw-la simpiciter_fw-la libera_fw-la sit_fw-la ad_fw-la extra_fw-la ex_fw-la suppositione_n tamen_fw-la unius_fw-la actus_fw-la liberi_fw-la potest_fw-la necessitari_fw-la ad_fw-la alterum_fw-la though_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v most_o entire_o free_v in_o all_o his_o manifestation_n towards_o the_o creature_n yet_o upon_o the_o voluntary_a and_o free_a precedency_n of_o one_o suppose_a act_n we_o may_v just_o conceive_v he_o to_o be_v necessary_o oblige_v to_o a_o second_o thus_o god_n be_v most_o absolute_o free_v in_o the_o make_n of_o his_o promise_n but_o have_v make_v they_o he_o be_v necessitate_v to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o they_o by_o his_o truth_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n tit._n 1._o 2._o god_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v before_o the_o world_n begin_v and_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n thou_o will_v perform_v the_o truth_n to_o jacob_n and_o the_o mercy_n to_o abraham_n mich._n 7._o 20._o the_o make_n of_o the_o promise_n unto_o abraham_n be_v free_a mercy_n the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o to_o jacob_n be_v justice_n and_o truth_n this_o direction_n touch_v the_o freeness_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o the_o promise_n be_v exceed_v useful_a to_o succour_v and_o relieve_v the_o perplex_v fear_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o tempt_v christian_a who_o though_o he_o have_v eye_n to_o see_v the_o unspeakable_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o promise_n yet_o have_v not_o the_o confidence_n to_o put_v forth_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o his_o necessity_n he_o want_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n but_o doubt_v the_o promise_n
scandalous_a and_o vile_a pollution_n ought_v so_o far_o to_o judge_v himself_o and_o to_o charge_v the_o guilt_n of_o they_o upon_o his_o soul_n as_o not_o to_o lay_v hold_v immediate_o upon_o the_o promise_n of_o forgiveness_n until_o he_o first_o renew_v his_o repentance_n and_o be_v thorough_o ashamed_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o do_n when_o moses_n intercede_v for_o miriam_n who_o god_n have_v smite_v with_o aleprosie_n if_o her_o father_n say_v the_o lord_n have_v but_o spit_v in_o her_o face_n shall_v she_o not_o have_v be_v ashamed_a seven_o day_n numb_a 12._o 44._o that_o be_v if_o her_o earthly_a father_n provoke_v to_o anger_n have_v express_v his_o displeasure_n by_o spit_v upon_o she_o shall_v she_o not_o for_o a_o season_n have_v be_v sorrowful_a and_o pensive_a how_o much_o more_o than_o when_o her_o heavenly_a father_n be_v displease_v by_o her_o sin_n shall_v she_o for_o a_o time_n be_v ashamed_a and_o shut_v out_o from_o the_o privilege_n and_o society_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a sin_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n without_o remorse_n and_o grief_n of_o heart_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n be_v not_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o presumption_n because_o faith_n always_o proceed_v according_a to_o god_n method_n in_o the_o obtain_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n now_o the_o way_n by_o which_o god_n speak_v peace_n and_o make_v good_a the_o promise_n of_o forgiveness_n be_v by_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o till_o that_o be_v renew_v the_o comfort_n of_o pardon_n be_v suspend_v first_o god_n hear_v ephraim_n bemoan_v himself_o jer._n 31._o 18._o and_o then_o he_o remember_v he_o then_o he_o manifest_v the_o bowel_n of_o a_o tender_a father_n and_o say_v i_o will_v sure_o have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o vers_n 20._o four_o a_o believer_n fall_v into_o gross_a and_o peace-destroying_a sin_n be_v so_o far_o to_o charge_v the_o guilt_n of_o they_o upon_o his_o soul_n as_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o those_o temporal_a affliction_n and_o chastisement_n which_o god_n as_o a_o father_n provoke_v to_o anger_n do_v lay_v upon_o he_o be_v by_o his_o sin_n just_o deserve_v and_o by_o god_n righteous_o inflict_v â—hat_n god_n do_v make_v his_o own_o child_n to_o feel_v the_o smart_n of_o his_o displeasure_n in_o heavy_a and_o sore_a affliction_n occasion_v by_o their_o iniquity_n be_v a_o truth_n which_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o with_o so_o much_o evidence_n that_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v it_o they_o rebel_v and_o vex_v his_o holy_a spirit_n therefore_o he_o be_v turn_v to_o be_v their_o enemy_n and_o he_o fight_v against_o they_o isa_n 63._o 10._o so_o again_o for_o the_o iniquity_n of_o his_o covetousness_n be_v i_o wroth_a and_o smite_v he_o i_o hide_v i_o and_o be_v wroth_a isa_n 57_o 17._o what_o pregnant_a instance_n also_o be_v old_a eli_n upon_o who_o person_n and_o posterity_n god_n bring_v a_o most_o severe_a and_o dreadful_a judgement_n i_o sam._n 2._o 31_o 32_o 33._o david_n who_o complain_v that_o his_o sin_n be_v a_o burden_n too_o heavy_a for_o he_o psal_n 38._o 4._o that_o his_o wound_n stink_v and_o be_v corrupt_v because_o of_o his_o foolishness_n ver_fw-la 5._o that_o he_o be_v feeble_a and_o sore_o break_v v._o 8._o jonah_n who_o cry_v out_o of_o the_o belly_n of_o the_o whale_n as_o out_o of_o the_o belly_n of_o hell_n that_o he_o be_v forsake_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o god_n sight_n jonah_n 2._o 2_o 3._o how_o easy_a be_v it_o by_o a_o addition_n of_o example_n in_o this_o kind_n to_o make_v the_o number_n to_o swell_v into_o a_o catalogue_n but_o a_o taste_n be_v enough_o now_o what_o their_o carriage_n and_o behaviour_n towards_o god_n be_v in_o this_o condition_n see_v it_o in_o their_o expression_n old_a eli_n when_o he_o hear_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n denounce_v against_o he_o say_v it_o be_v the_o lord_n let_v he_o do_v what_o seem_v he_o good_a 1_o sam._n 3._o 18._o david_n under_o all_o his_o pressure_n acknowledge_v that_o in_o faithfulness_n he_o have_v afflict_v he_o psal_n 119._o 75._o so_o jonah_n who_o have_v flee_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o prayer_n that_o he_o pour_v out_o before_o he_o in_o his_o extremity_n confess_v the_o sin_n and_o vanity_n of_o all_o other_o dependency_n save_v on_o god_n alone_o they_o that_o observe_v lie_v vanity_n forsake_v their_o own_o mercy_n jonah_n 2._o 8._o but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v how_o can_v it_o stand_v with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v sin_n in_o his_o child_n with_o any_o such_o kind_n of_o affliction_n christ_n have_v make_v a_o absolute_a and_o plenary_a satisfaction_n for_o they_o to_o this_o the_o answer_n be_v easy_a that_o these_o temporal_a punishment_n though_o they_o have_v displeasure_n mix_v with_o they_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o slow_a from_o the_o vindictive_a justice_n of_o god_n as_o a_o irreconcile_a enemy_n but_o be_v the_o correction_n of_o a_o provoke_v father_n and_o do_v whole_o differ_v in_o the_o end_n from_o the_o vindictive_a which_o be_v not_o medicinal_a but_o destructive_a the_o judge_n who_o sentence_v the_o hand_n of_o a_o malefactor_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o have_v not_o the_o same_o end_n with_o the_o physician_n that_o cut_v of_o a_o hand_n when_o it_o be_v incurable_o fester_v the_o one_o command_v it_o as_o a_o satisfaction_n due_a to_o justice_n the_o other_o enjoin_v it_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o safety_n of_o the_o other_o part_n so_o when_o god_n afflict_v the_o wicked_a and_o believer_n with_o the_o same_o temporal_a evil_n though_o the_o smart_n and_o pain_n may_v be_v in_o both_o alike_o yet_o he_o do_v it_o not_o with_o the_o same_o mind_n nor_o to_o the_o same_o end_n the_o one_o he_o punish_v in_o order_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o justice_n the_o other_o as_o a_o father_n he_o correct_v in_o order_n to_o their_o amendment_n to_o the_o one_o therefore_o it_o be_v proper_o a_o punishment_n and_o to_o the_o other_o true_o a_o medicine_n sect_n 2._o how_o far_o a_o believer_n ought_v not_o to_o charge_v himself_o with_o atrocious_a sin_n the_o second_o head_n that_o i_o be_o to_o speak_v unto_o be_v to_o show_v how_o far_o believer_n be_v not_o to_o charge_v the_o guilt_n of_o their_o great_a and_o most_o heinous_a sin_n upon_o themselves_o and_o this_o also_o take_v in_o the_o four_o follow_v particular_n first_o believer_n be_v not_o to_o charge_v the_o guilt_n of_o such_o sin_n upon_o themselves_o as_o from_o thence_o to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a fall_n from_o the_o state_n of_o justification_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o adoption_n so_o as_o that_o now_o they_o be_v no_o long_a son_n nor_o have_v any_o right_n to_o the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v a_o endless_a and_o unchangeable_a love_n john_n 13._o 1._o and_o have_v its_o perpetuity_n found_v not_o upon_o any_o thing_n in_o we_o but_o upon_o the_o firm_a rock_n of_o his_o will_n and_o counsel_n his_o covenant_n be_v everlasting_a order_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o sure_a although_o we_o be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n 1_o sam._n 23._o 5._o true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o fall_n and_o lapse_n of_o a_o justify_v person_n do_v so_o far_o make_v a_o breach_n upon_o his_o state_n of_o justification_n and_o adoption_n as_o that_o the_o comfort_n and_o privilege_n of_o it_o be_v thereby_o withhold_v and_o suspend_v but_o his_o right_n thereunto_o be_v not_o make_v thursday_n or_o extinguish_v he_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o interdiction_n but_o not_o under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o ejection_n he_o may_v not_o like_o absalon_n see_v the_o king_n face_n 1_o sam._n 14._o 24._o but_o he_o be_v not_o a_o exile_n and_o in_o this_o condition_n he_o do_v abide_v until_o he_o renew_v his_o repentance_n and_o thereby_o recover_v a_o fitness_n and_o aptitude_n to_o enjoy_v what_o before_o he_o have_v a_o right_a unto_o being_n like_o a_o cleanse_a leper_n who_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o return_v unto_o his_o house_n from_o which_o his_o defilement_n have_v separate_v he_o and_o shut_v he_o out_o now_o if_o any_o think_v the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o this_o spiritual_a sequestration_n do_v import_v little_a and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o antidote_n strong_a enough_o to_o check_v the_o presumption_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v in_o believer_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o play_v the_o wanton_n with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o such_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v be_v that_o to_o i_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v as_o blind_a man_n that_o understaud_v little_a or_o nothing_o the_o wide_a difference_n between_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o night_n and_o to_o
other_o little_o consider_v that_o the_o just_a ground_n of_o god_n cause_v such_o bright_a star_n to_o set_v in_o a_o cloud_n may_v be_v to_o hide_v from_o they_o what_o may_v benefit_v they_o in_o their_o death_n who_o have_v learn_v nothing_o from_o the_o holy_a example_n of_o their_o life_n the_o obstinate_a jew_n oppose_v the_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n teach_v and_o reject_v the_o salvation_n which_o he_o offer_v unto_o they_o whilst_o he_o be_v among_o they_o and_o then_o at_o his_o death_n insult_o ask_a for_o miracle_n that_o may_v declare_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o may_v believe_v on_o he_o mat._n 26._o 42._o but_o god_n then_o make_v his_o death_n a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v for_o they_o to_o fall_v at_o who_o have_v make_v his_o life_n and_o converse_n among_o they_o to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o scorn_n both_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o the_o four_o proposition_n be_v that_o the_o judgement_n and_o estimate_n which_o believer_n and_o other_o make_v concern_v man_n spiritual_a estate_n and_o condition_n shall_v chief_o be_v ground_v upon_o their_o life_n rather_o than_o their_o death_n there_o may_v many_o accident_n fall_v out_o in_o their_o death_n which_o as_o they_o do_v not_o prejudice_v a_o believer_n salvation_n so_o neither_o shall_v they_o his_o christian_a reputation_n he_o may_v through_o a_o fever_n become_v phrenetical_a through_o melancholy_a he_o may_v be_v lumpish_a and_o heavy_a through_o temptation_n he_o may_v be_v unsettle_a through_o desertion_n he_o may_v speak_v uncomfortable_a speech_n &_o be_v afflict_v with_o despair_a thought_n his_o darkness_n may_v be_v without_o the_o least_o glimmering_n of_o light_n his_o agony_n in_o death_n without_o sense_n of_o comfort_n and_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v a_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n because_o as_o holy_a greenham_n say_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v according_a to_o that_o particular_a instant_n of_o death_n but_o according_a to_o the_o general_a course_n of_o our_o life_n not_o according_a to_o our_o deed_n in_o that_o present_a but_o according_a to_o the_o desire_n of_o our_o heart_n ever_o before_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o mistrust_v god_n mercy_n in_o death_n be_v it_o never_o so_o uncomfortable_a if_o so_o be_v it_o have_v be_v before_o seal_v in_o our_o vocation_n and_o sanctification_n it_o be_v sad_a indeed_o when_o the_o life_n and_o day_n of_o those_o do_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n determine_v and_o expire_v who_o have_v waste_v their_o time_n and_o strength_n in_o sinful_a exorbitancy_n and_o have_v be_v eat_v up_o with_o the_o care_n and_o thought_n of_o the_o world_n without_o the_o least_o mind_v of_o their_o eternal_a condition_n till_o arrest_v by_o the_o stroke_n of_o death_n and_o summon_v to_o appear_v at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o a_o provoke_v god_n but_o else_o though_o the_o close_a of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v most_o uncomfortable_a and_o full_a of_o darkness_n it_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n to_o any_o to_o change_v their_o apprehension_n and_o persuasion_n concern_v the_o welfare_n of_o their_o everlasting_a estate_n have_v beforehand_o see_v and_o know_v such_o unblameablenesse_n of_o conversation_n such_o fruit_n of_o grace_n as_o may_v clear_o evidence_n the_o uprightness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o heart_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n chap._n xvi_o what_o use_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o temporal_a promise_n the_o five_o and_o last_o query_n that_o i_o shall_v propound_v be_v what_o use_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o temporal_a promise_n such_o wherein_o preservation_n from_o outward_a evil_n the_o free_a and_o liberal_a donation_n of_o earthly_a blessing_n the_o removal_n of_o sad_a and_o heavy_a pressure_n be_v in_o particular_a promise_v and_o undertake_v for_o by_o god_n in_o his_o word_n after_o what_o manner_n be_v believer_n to_o act_n and_o exercise_v their_o faith_n upon_o they_o or_o to_o hope_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o in_o regard_n that_o they_o ofttimes_o who_o may_v best_o plead_v their_o title_n and_o interest_n in_o they_o do_v most_o of_o all_o want_n the_o fruition_n of_o such_o mercy_n they_o say_v the_o apostle_n of_o who_o the_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a wander_v about_o in_o sheepskin_n and_o goatskin_n be_v destitute_a afflict_a and_o torment_v heb._n 11._o 37_o 38._o the_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n i_o do_v not_o purpose_n to_o make_v as_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o tent_n stretch_v out_o to_o their_o utmost_a length_n or_o unnecessary_o to_o enlarge_v as_o the_o pharisee_n do_v with_o affectation_n their_o phylactery_n but_o yet_o for_o the_o more_o full_a and_o just_a solution_n of_o it_o i_o conceive_v it_o will_v not_o be_v impertinent_a to_o speak_v to_o three_o particular_n first_o to_o show_v why_o god_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v make_v the_o tenor_n of_o his_o promise_n to_o run_v so_o universal_o of_o his_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o blessing_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n when_o as_o under_o the_o gospel_n such_o kind_n of_o promise_n be_v more_o spare_o record_v and_o not_o so_o distinct_o set_v down_o second_o to_o show_v the_o various_a advantage_n and_o profit_v that_o believer_n may_v reap_v to_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n by_o look_v unto_o such_o promise_n with_o a_o eye_n of_o faith_n and_o quiet_o wait_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o they_o three_o to_o give_v rule_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o temporal_a promise_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o due_a apply_v they_o unto_o our_o particular_a exigency_n and_o condition_n sect_n 1._o why_o god_n have_v make_v such_o various_a promise_n of_o temporal_a mercy_n to_o his_o people_n under_o the_o law_n for_o the_o first_o viz._n god_n make_v unto_o his_o people_n so_o many_o distinct_a and_o redouble_a promise_n of_o temporal_a mercy_n sundry_a reason_n may_v be_v assign_v but_o i_o shall_v fix_v only_o upon_o this_o that_o such_o away_o of_o bounty_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o win_n of_o their_o observance_n unto_o such_o administration_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n as_o he_o then_o give_v they_o in_o command_n and_o require_v their_o obedience_n unto_o for_o until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n come_v as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o heb._n 9_o 10._o that_o be_v until_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o both_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o law_n and_o priesthood_n be_v to_o be_v do_v away_o by_o christ_n who_o as_o a_o more_o excellent_a priest_n offer_v up_o a_o most_o perfect_a sacrifice_n all_o thing_n be_v transact_v after_o a_o earthly_a and_o external_a manner_n the_o sanctuary_n be_v worldly_a heb._n 9_o 1._o the_o ordinance_n impose_v on_o they_o be_v carnal_a which_o stand_v in_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o divers_a wash_n heb._n 9_o 10._o now_o to_o this_o paedagogie_n of_o the_o church_n the_o promise_n of_o such_o outward_a blessing_n be_v most_o agreeable_a as_o the_o duty_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v most_o conversant_a about_o the_o outward_a man_n so_o likewise_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v the_o encouragement_n to_o move_v and_o incite_v they_o to_o a_o observance_n of_o those_o prescribe_a rite_n be_v such_o as_o do_v chief_o hold_v forth_o the_o prosperity_n and_o welfare_n of_o their_o outward_a estate_n not_o that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o people_n or_o his_o covenant_n with_o they_o do_v extend_v only_o to_o the_o care_n of_o their_o body_n or_o that_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a drift_n of_o those_o many_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v unto_o they_o this_o have_v be_v as_o peter_n martyr_n speak_v to_o have_v make_v god_n to_o have_v have_v no_o more_o regard_n to_o his_o church_n then_o shepherd_n have_v to_o their_o flock_n or_o herdsman_n to_o their_o cattle_n who_o look_v no_o further_o then_o to_o their_o thrive_a &_o well_o like_v in_o their_o pasture_n but_o as_o in_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o other_o ceremony_n of_o their_o worship_n they_o be_v train_v up_o and_o instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n towards_o god_n in_o which_o their_o heart_n and_o thought_n be_v to_o be_v employ_v so_o also_o by_o the_o temporal_a promise_n be_v ground_n lay_v of_o carry_v on_o their_o faith_n and_o hope_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o more_o glorious_a mercy_n than_o those_o which_o at_o the_o present_a they_o enjoy_v their_o manna_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o sacramental_a food_n and_o the_o water_n from_o the_o rock_n a_o sacramental_a drink_n the_o land_n of_o canaan_n a_o type_n of_o the_o true_a and_o heavenly_a rest_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v which_o by_o he_o who_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o shadow_n they_o may_v expect_v true_a it_o be_v that_o both_o the_o precept_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o their_o reward_n be_v more_o
dark_a and_o obscure_a than_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o the_o recompense_n of_o our_o service_n under_o the_o gospel_n but_o yet_o both_o do_v centre_n &_o terminate_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o end_n the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o law_n be_v represent_v say_v bright-man_n by_o mare_fw-la aereum_fw-la a_o sea_n of_o brass_n which_o be_v of_o a_o more_o thick_a and_o dark_a substance_n but_o under_o the_o gospel_n by_o mare_fw-la vitreum_fw-la a_o sea_n of_o glass_n which_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o transparent_a rev._n 4._o 6._o sect_n 2._o four_o benefit_n come_v to_o believer_n by_o look_v to_o temporal_a promise_n the_o second_o particular_a be_v to_o show_v the_o several_a benefit_n that_o redound_v to_o believer_n by_o look_v unto_o temporal_a promise_n with_o a_o eye_n of_o faith_n and_o here_o many_o may_v be_v insistedon_n but_o i_o shall_v insist_v only_o on_o four_o first_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n do_v much_o help_n to_o the_o mortification_n of_o inordinate_a desire_n and_o of_o distract_n and_o anxious_a care_n both_o which_o be_v the_o genuine_a fruit_n and_o offspring_n of_o unbelief_n every_o man_n be_v conscious_a unto_o himself_o both_o of_o his_o own_o want_n and_o of_o the_o fade_a condition_n of_o every_o creature_n and_o thereby_o he_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o seek_v in_o a_o restless_a manner_n a_o supply_n of_o present_a necessity_n and_o a_o solicitous_a provision_n for_o all_o future_a contingency_n ask_v many_o a_o man_n why_o he_o toil_v so_o incessant_o to_o the_o break_n of_o his_o head_n with_o care_n and_o his_o body_n with_o labour_n and_o he_o will_v quick_o tell_v you_o that_o he_o have_v none_o to_o trust_v unto_o but_o himself_o that_o he_o know_v not_o what_o hard_a time_n and_o change_n may_v come_v sickness_n may_v befall_v he_o and_o waste_v what_o he_o have_v get_v age_n may_v overtake_v he_o and_o render_v he_o unapt_a for_o labour_n charge_n may_v multiply_v in_o his_o family_n and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o air_n that_o will_v feed_v they_o he_o have_v need_v therefore_o to_o do_v what_o he_o do_v if_o not_o he_o and_o he_o may_v starve_v but_o now_o when_o a_o believer_n can_v look_v unto_o the_o promise_n how_o soon_o be_v all_o these_o tempestuous_a thought_n and_o fear_n calm_v how_o sweet_o be_v the_o heart_n quiet_v by_o cast_v all_o its_o care_n upon_o god_n who_o care_v for_o we_o 1_o pet._n 5_o 7._o how_o quick_o can_v be_v spy_n in_o the_o promise_v god_n obligation_n for_o clothing_n to_o cover_v his_o nakedness_n for_o meat_n to_o satisfy_v his_o hunger_n for_o physic_n to_o cure_v his_o disease_n for_o armour_n to_o safeguard_n his_o person_n for_o treasure_n to_o provide_v for_o his_o family_n &_o posterity_n how_o full_o can_v he_o rest_v content_v in_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v because_o god_n have_v say_v i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o heb._n 13._o 5._o second_o faith_n exercise_v on_o the_o temporal_a promise_n will_v much_o help_v to_o strengthen_v our_o adherence_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o better_a life_n and_o cause_v we_o to_o trust_v more_o perfect_o in_o god_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n matth._n 6._o 26._o that_o if_o god_n feed_v the_o fowl_n and_o clothe_v the_o lily_n he_o will_v much_o more_o provide_v for_o they_o which_o be_v better_a than_o they_o and_o so_o may_v a_o believer_n argue_v with_o himself_o if_o god_n have_v make_v so_o many_o rich_a promise_n of_o provision_n for_o the_o body_n he_o will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o he_o be_v so_o careful_a of_o the_o casket_n he_o will_v not_o be_v unmindful_a of_o the_o jewel_n if_o he_o give_v daily_a bread_n to_o the_o one_o he_o will_v sure_o give_v manna_n to_o the_o other_o if_o he_o make_v our_o pilgrimage_n delightful_a and_o make_v the_o path_n of_o our_o foot_n to_o drop_v fatness_n he_o will_v make_v our_o rest_n and_o habitation_n with_o himself_o to_o be_v glorious_a if_o the_o foot_n tread_v on_o rose_n here_o and_o on_o the_o moon_n and_o star_n hereafter_o how_o orient_a and_o beautiful_a will_v be_v that_o crown_n of_o life_n that_o shall_v be_v set_v upon_o our_o head_n such_o kind_n of_o argumentation_n be_v very_o helpful_a to_o a_o believer_n who_o own_v all_o his_o outward_a comfort_n to_o arise_v from_o god_n faithfulness_n in_o his_o promise_n though_o in_o the_o mere_a and_o naked_a have_v of_o they_o no_o man_n can_v know_v love_n or_o hatred_n eccl._n 9_o 1._o three_o faith_n exercise_v on_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n sweeten_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o every_o blessing_n be_v it_o little_a or_o much_o there_o be_v two_o source_n from_o whence_o all_o outward_a mercy_n flow_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n the_o one_o be_v as_o the_o nether-spring_n from_o which_o every_o creature_n receive_v its_o preservation_n and_o continuance_n he_o open_v his_o hand_n and_o satisfi_v the_o desire_n of_o every_o live_a thing_n psal_n 145._o 16._o the_o other_o be_v as_o the_o upper-spring_n from_o which_o after_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n the_o goodness_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n be_v convey_v unto_o believer_n godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v 1_o tim._n 4._o 8._o now_o the_o stream_n that_o flow_v from_o this_o fountain_n be_v more_o pure_a and_o free_a from_o that_o vexation_n and_o vanity_n which_o the_o abundance_n that_o the_o wicked_a have_v be_v subject_a unto_o because_o they_o be_v sanctify_v by_o christ_n in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o when_o therefore_o a_o believer_n can_v look_v upon_o all_o his_o outward_a enjoyment_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o god_n especial_a love_n and_o can_v say_v as_o jacob_n do_v these_o be_v the_o blessing_n which_o god_n have_v gracious_o give_v his_o servant_n gen._n 33._o 5._o then_o they_o become_v in_o their_o use_n more_o delightful_a and_o in_o their_o taste_n more_o sweet_a a_o small_a portion_n of_o meat_n give_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o great_a personage_n be_v more_o set_v by_o and_o esteem_v than_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o his_o full_a table_n upon_o which_o his_o other_o guest_n do_v feed_v and_o carve_v themselves_o because_o it_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o particular_a character_n and_o mark_n of_o favour_n to_o he_o on_o who_o it_o be_v bestow_v and_o so_o a_o little_a give_v by_o god_n as_o a_o testimony_n of_o his_o peculiar_a love_n and_o care_n towards_o believer_n be_v more_o desirable_a and_o satisfactory_a then_o great_a revenue_n that_o flow_v only_o from_o a_o common_a bounty_n four_o faith_n exercise_v on_o the_o temporal_a promise_n be_v a_o powerful_a antidote_n to_o preserve_v believer_n from_o the_o use_n of_o unlawful_a mean_n both_o in_o the_o seek_n and_o in_o the_o obtain_n of_o all_o earthly_a comfort_n the_o inordinacy_n of_o the_o desire_n put_v man_n ofttimes_o upon_o dangerous_a precipice_n he_o that_o make_v haste_n to_o he_o rich_a shall_v not_o be_v innocent_a prov._n 28._o 20._o so_o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o many_o hurtful_a lust_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 9_o now_o faith_n though_o it_o do_v not_o take_v off_o the_o edge_n of_o man_n industry_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o all_o lawful_a and_o just_a mean_n or_o make_v they_o to_o expect_v to_o be_v feed_v as_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n that_o neither_o sow_n nor_o reap_v or_o to_o be_v clothe_v as_o the_o lily_n of_o the_o field_n that_o neither_o spin_v nor_o labour_v yet_o it_o do_v so_o correct_v and_o allay_v the_o vehemency_n of_o all_o desire_n towards_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n as_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o take_v any_o way_n to_o gain_v they_o which_o the_o word_n do_v not_o warrant_n or_o the_o promise_n sanctify_v faith_n sugge_v to_o they_o that_o it_o be_v not_o their_o labour_n and_o care_n that_o make_v rich_a but_o god_n blessing_n who_o give_v no_o sorrow_n with_o it_o prov._n 10._o 22._o that_o it_o be_v not_o their_o wisdom_n that_o make_v their_o endeavour_n in_o their_o calling_n to_o be_v successful_a but_o god_n fidelity_n and_o truth_n that_o crown_v they_o with_o prosperity_n that_o it_o be_v not_o their_o sweat_n that_o feed_v the_o lamp_n of_o their_o comfort_n and_o make_v it_o to_o shine_v but_o the_o constant_a dropping_n and_o distillation_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o thereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o depend_v upon_o his_o promise_n and_o to_o believe_v that_o such_o a_o dimensum_fw-la and_o portion_n of_o outward_a blessing_n shall_v be_v give_v unto_o they_o as_o that_o they_o may_v true_o say_v with_o the_o
on_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n for_o as_o faith_n be_v true_o the_o life_n and_o guide_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o the_o word_n be_v the_o ground_n life_n and_o guide_n of_o our_o faith_n now_o the_o argument_n that_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o be_v brief_o three_o first_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v that_o life_n which_o above_o all_o other_o god_n will_v have_v believer_n to_o live_v and_o this_o appear_v by_o the_o distance_n that_o god_n have_v put_v between_o his_o promise_n and_o his_o performance_n make_v their_o whole_a life_n to_o be_v rather_o a_o life_n of_o hope_n then_o of_o enjoyment_n and_o the_o good_a thing_n that_o he_o give_v to_o relate_v more_o to_o the_o future_a then_o to_o the_o present_a time_n god_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o open_v a_o door_n of_o hope_n to_o fall_v man_n in_o that_o first_o gospel-promise_n which_o he_o himself_o proclaim_v gen._n 3._o 15._o that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n but_o how_o many_o generation_n pass_v away_o before_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n come_v in_o which_o he_o send_v forth_o his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n he_o have_v promise_v to_o believer_n that_o they_o shall_v tread_v down_o the_o wicked_a and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v ash_n under_o the_o sole_n of_o their_o foot_n mal._n 4._o 3._o but_o yet_o he_o have_v make_v their_o warfare_n to_o be_v as_o long_o as_o their_o life_n he_o have_v promise_v a_o glorious_a resurrection_n of_o their_o body_n out_o of_o the_o grave_n and_o yet_o for_o how_o many_o thousand_o year_n have_v his_o saint_n lie_v dissolve_v in_o their_o dust_n as_o if_o they_o do_v seem_v to_o be_v altogether_o forget_v by_o he_o now_o to_o what_o end_n have_v god_n set_v such_o long_a period_n of_o time_n between_o the_o make_n and_o the_o accomplish_n of_o his_o promise_n but_o only_o that_o he_o will_v have_v the_o heir_n of_o they_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n yea_o and_o to_o die_v in_o faith_n by_o rest_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o every_o mercy_n which_o he_o have_v undertake_v for_o in_o his_o promise_n and_o indeed_o this_o glory_n which_o believer_n give_v to_o god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o faith_n upon_o his_o word_n be_v far_o great_a and_o more_o noble_a than_o all_o that_o glory_n which_o the_o whole_a universe_n of_o creature_n do_v yield_v unto_o he_o they_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o goodness_n in_o their_o be_v and_o in_o the_o comfort_n of_o it_o derive_v unto_o they_o by_o he_o but_o who_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n in_o his_o promise_n but_o a_o believer_n who_o be_v it_o that_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n rom._n 5._o 2._o but_o a_o believer_n who_o glory_v in_o tribulation_n but_o a_o believer_n who_o be_v it_o that_o let_v not_o his_o confidence_n die_v when_o his_o life_n expire_v but_o a_o believer_n my_o flesh_n and_o my_o heart_n fail_v say_v david_n but_o god_n be_v the_o rock_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o my_o portion_n for_o ever_o psal_n 73._o 26._o second_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v of_o all_o estate_n the_o most_o content_a and_o of_o all_o live_v the_o full_a of_o real_a sweetness_n and_o delight_n first_o it_o be_v the_o most_o content_a life_n true_a contentment_n be_v the_o inseparable_a companion_n of_o true_a faith_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 6._o a_o believer_n be_v the_o only_a person_n that_o be_v instruct_v in_o this_o sacred_a mystery_n phil._n 4._o 13._o the_o thing_n that_o other_o want_v he_o desire_v not_o riches_n which_o other_o covet_v with_o the_o strain_n of_o their_o conscience_n he_o throw_v away_o as_o snare_n pleasure_n which_o other_o drink_v down_o with_o a_o thirst_n unsatisfied_a he_o out_o of_o choice_n spare_o sip_v of_o or_o else_o refuse_v so_o much_o as_o to_o taste_v honour_n that_o other_o value_v themselves_o by_o he_o look_v upon_o as_o fancy_n and_o not_o reality_n as_o plato_n tell_v the_o musician_n that_o a_o philosopher_n can_v dine_v and_o eat_v his_o meat_n without_o they_o so_o a_o believer_n can_v live_v happy_o without_o the_o have_v of_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o this_o be_v because_o by_o faith_n he_o live_v above_o they_o and_o enjoy_v more_o high_a and_o noble_a delight_n in_o the_o very_a expectation_n and_o hope_n of_o that_o blessedness_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v than_o any_o other_o can_v have_v from_o the_o fruition_n of_o a_o earthly_a paradise_n or_o of_o the_o whole_a world_n itself_o if_o turn_v and_o change_v into_o a_o eden_n second_o of_o all_o life_n the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o sweet_a the_o delicacy_n that_o faith_n feed_v upon_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o any_o stagnant_a and_o impure_a pit_n or_o cistern_n but_o from_o the_o fountain_n and_o well_o of_o life_n it_o suck_v the_o breast_n of_o consolation_n isay_n 66._o 11._o it_o live_v upon_o the_o free_a favour_n of_o god_n which_o be_v better_o than_o life_n itself_o psal_n 63._o 3._o it_o have_v christ_n himself_o for_o nutriment_n who_o flesh_n be_v meat_n indeed_o who_o blood_n be_v drink_v indeed_o john_n 6._o 55._o all_o which_o be_v food_n the_o world_n know_v not_o of_o it_o never_o understand_v their_o preciousness_n or_o taste_v their_o sweetness_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o repast_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o refreshment_n of_o the_o world_n than_o there_o be_v between_o the_o physic_n of_o the_o galenist_n &_o paracelsian_n the_o one_o give_v it_o in_o the_o drug_n and_o the_o other_o as_o they_o boast_v in_o the_o quintessence_n and_o spirit_n extract_v from_o that_o phlegm_n and_o earthymatter_v that_o dead_v &_o allay_v their_o efficacy_n all_o the_o comfort_n of_o faith_n have_v in_o they_o a_o native_a purity_n and_o spiritualnesse_n and_o need_v not_o the_o help_n of_o artist_n to_o refine_v they_o such_o they_o be_v as_o that_o angel_n themselves_o have_v neither_o better_o nor_o high_o to_o live_v upon_o how_o injurious_a then_o be_v believer_n to_o their_o own_o happiness_n while_o they_o neglect_v the_o live_n by_o faith_n and_o gaze_v rather_o upon_o these_o dainty_n with_o their_o eye_n then_o feed_v upon_o they_o with_o their_o mouth_n how_o great_o do_v they_o live_v below_o themselves_o while_o they_o take_v up_o with_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o put_v not_o forth_o this_o divine_a grace_n of_o faith_n which_o can_v fetch_v every_o good_a thing_n out_o of_o heaven_n what_o dishonour_n do_v they_o cast_v on_o the_o precious_a promise_n while_o like_o the_o lustful_a israelite_n they_o slight_a this_o manna_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o dry_a food_n o_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o excellency_n in_o the_o promise_n be_v persuade_v you_o that_o be_v the_o belove_a one_o of_o god_n to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o exercise_v it_o in_o a_o improvement_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o use_n of_o which_o make_v you_o more_o rich_a and_o bless_a then_o the_o have_v of_o they_o three_o to_o move_v believer_n to_o act_v faith_n upon_o the_o promise_n i_o shall_v add_v this_o argument_n that_o their_o labour_n and_o expectation_n will_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a faith_n in_o the_o promise_n be_v like_o the_o bow_n of_o jonathan_n and_o the_o sword_n of_o saul_n which_o never_o return_v empty_a 2_o sam._n 1._o 22._o it_o always_o find_v what_o it_o seek_v and_o enjoy_v what_o it_o desire_v he_o that_o believe_v shall_v never_o be_v confound_v 1_o pet._n 2._o 6._o that_o be_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v disappoint_v or_o break_v in_o his_o purpose_n or_o hope_n if_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o good_a security_n to_o rest_n and_o build_v upon_o what_o be_v what_o bond_n can_v be_v so_o firm_a as_o his_o word_n who_o can_v lie_v tit._n 1._o 9_o what_o pledge_n can_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o the_o inheritance_n of_o believer_n be_v seal_v unto_o they_o ephes_n 1._o 14._o if_o these_o foundation_n fail_v than_o we_o may_v well_o say_v with_o the_o prophet_n what_o can_v the_o righteous_a do_v but_o soon_o shall_v the_o rock_n be_v break_v into_o bit_n and_o throw_v as_o pebble_n and_o cockleshell_n upon_o the_o shore_n by_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o wave_n soon_o shall_v the_o mountain_n that_o god_n have_v set_v fast_o by_o his_o strength_n psal_n 65._o 6._o be_v over-turned_n by_o the_o breath_n of_o tempestuous_a wind_n than_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o immutable_a power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o never-failing_a goodness_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o least_o iota_fw-la make_v void_a