to_o take_v hold_n of_o hsi_fw-fr gracious_a covenant_n and_o thereby_o fortify_v we_o against_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n this_o be_v plain_o set_v forth_o as_o the_o way_n and_o method_n in_o which_o he_o first_o work_v upon_o we_o and_o enable_v we_o to_o work_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n let_v we_o cleanse_v our_o self_n from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v a_o father_n to_o we_o which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o forego_n chapter_n be_v a_o strong_a inducement_n to_o purify_v ourselves_o and_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o than_o any_o threaten_n of_o god_n be_v a_o revenger_n so_o 2_o pet._n 1.4_o exceed_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o dikvine_a nature_n etc._n etc._n as_o the_o chief_a thing_n communicate_v from_o god_n be_v the_o divine_a nature_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v to_o resemble_v he_o so_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n set_v home_o upon_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o communication_n they_o be_v to_o milk_n and_o honey_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o do_v not_o cherish_v the_o old_a man_n but_o support_v the_o new_a they_o be_v not_o pillow_n for_o sinful_a sloth_n but_o spur_n to_o holy_a diligence_n the_o promise_n of_o grace_n animate_v the_o soul_n to_o duty_n and_o when_o we_o thus_o see_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o encourage_v our_o subjection_n to_o his_o government_n 4._o a_o sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n will_v create_v in_o we_o a_o more_o perfect_a hatred_n of_o sin_n divine_a reconciliation_n to_o our_o person_n breed_v the_o most_o implacable_a enmity_n against_o our_o lust_n when_o we_o know_v that_o god_n be_v pacify_v towards_o we_o it_o make_v we_o loath_a and_o abhor_v ourselves_o the_o more_o in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o evil_n we_o have_v do_v if_o he_o pass_v by_o transgression_n the_o pardon_a transgressor_n six_o his_o eye_n upon_o it_o with_o great_a indignation_n as_o david_n sin_n be_v ever_o before_o he_o though_o nathan_n have_v tell_v he_o from_o god_n that_o his_o sin_n be_v put_v away_o psalm_n 51.3_o compare_v with_o 2_o sam._n 12.13_o for_o the_o title_n of_o that_o psalm_n inform_v we_o that_o it_o be_v pen_v after_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n have_v come_v to_o david_n a_o sinner_n be_v never_o so_o odious_a in_o his_o own_o sight_n as_o when_o he_o be_v persuade_v of_o his_o be_v precious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n how_o do_v paul_n repeat_v and_o aggravate_v the_o foul_a abomination_n of_o his_o natural_a pharisaical_a state_n when_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v belove_v of_o god_n and_o establi_fw-la shed_v in_o christ_n he_o speak_v of_o his_o persecute_v and_o waste_v the_o church_n of_o god_n beyond_o measure_n gal._n 1.13_o so_o with_o holy_n confusikon_v he_o bewail_v what_o he_o once_o be_v after_o he_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o after_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n have_v exceed_o abound_v towards_o he_o 1_o tim._n 1.13_o 14._o though_o god_n have_v make_v he_o white_a than_o snow_n in_o the_o lamb_n blood_n yet_o he_o still_o set_v out_o himself_o in_o his_o own_o black_a and_o filthy_a colour_n we_o do_v not_o lose_v the_o prospect_n of_o our_o own_o vileness_n by_o have_v the_o kindness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n before_o our_o fies_z but_o we_o see_v it_o the_o better_a his_o gracious_a absolution_n kindle_v the_o most_o flame_a zeal_n and_o revenge_n in_o we_o against_o the_o sin_n from_o which_o we_o be_v absolve_v consequent_o be_v a_o mighty_a furtherance_n of_o our_o obedience_n 5._o a_o sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o beget_v a_o awful_a fear_n of_o fall_v under_o his_o displeasure_n that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v let_v it_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o this_o awful_a fear_n be_v not_o only_o distinct_a from_o dreadful_a horror_n but_o opposite_a unto_o it_o the_o tremble_a of_o a_o devil_n and_o the_o tremble_a of_o a_o child_n be_v real_a contrary_n godly_a jealousy_n of_o ourselves_o and_o sinful_a distrust_n of_o god_n be_v two_o thing_n of_o most_o different_a kind_n the_o fear_n of_o caution_n which_o i_o will_v recommend_v keep_v we_o walk_v close_o with_o god_n the_o fear_n of_o desperation_n which_o i_o will_v warn_v against_o hurry_v we_o violent_o away_o from_o god_n 2._o that_o this_o displeasure_n of_o god_n which_o believer_n be_v liable_a to_o fall_v under_o be_v exercise_v only_o in_o this_o world_n and_o not_o in_o the_o next_o that_o wrath_n which_o god_n occasional_o let_v out_o against_o his_o own_o be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o come_v upon_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n eph._n 5.6_o we_o must_v not_o confound_v the_o temporary_a hiding_n of_o god_n face_n with_o everlasting_a destruction_n from_o god_n presence_n he_o that_o believe_v be_v secure_v from_o sinal_a condemnation_n but_o nevertheless_o he_o be_v still_o incident_a to_o sad_a desertion_n now_o for_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v keep_v under_o the_o awe_n of_o this_o be_v a_o great_a help_n to_o our_o obedience_n and_o where_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v perceive_v by_o the_o soul_n this_o awe_n will_v certain_o prevail_v god_n sanctify_a once_o can_v say_v it_o from_o experience_n psalm_n 130.4_o there_o be_v forgiveness_n with_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v fear_v not_o only_o a_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v but_o actual_a forgiveness_n be_v with_o god_n and_o as_o our_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o grant_v it_o so_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n and_o issue_n of_o our_o receive_n it_o two_o thing_n will_v make_v this_o more_o evident_a 1._o this_o joyful_a sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n suppose_v a_o sorrowful_a sense_n of_o his_o displeasure_n go_v before_o it_o ordinary_o god_n do_v not_o thus_o set_v man_n up_o on_o high_a till_o he_o have_v first_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o depth_n the_o do_v not_o make_v they_o glad_a with_o his_o countenance_n till_o he_o have_v lay_v they_o more_o or_o less_o in_o the_o low_a pit_n psalm_n 88.6_o how_o few_o be_v admit_v to_o take_v the_o cup_n of_o salvation_n without_o drink_v for_o some_o time_n of_o the_o cup_n of_o god_n fury_n how_o few_o be_v call_v into_o this_o pleasant_a light_n without_o pass_v through_o a_o scorch_a fire_n sore_o conflict_n prepare_v the_o way_n for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o ravish_a comfort_n and_o the_o heart_n know_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o bitterness_n before_o it_o come_v to_o taste_v how_o good_a the_o lord_n be_v 2._o they_o that_o have_v be_v sensible_a of_o god_n displeasure_n and_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o love_n will_v take_v care_n to_o avoid_v the_o one_o and_o continue_v in_o the_o other_o who_o so_o likely_a to_o be_v afraid_a of_o receive_v a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o as_o they_o that_o have_v feel_v it_o who_o so_o far_o from_o provoke_v god_n to_o carry_v they_o back_o into_o a_o howl_a wilderness_n as_o they_o who_o have_v be_v there_o before_o who_o so_o cautious_a of_o interrupt_v their_o sweet_a communion_n with_o god_n as_o they_o that_o have_v enjoy_v it_o who_o so_o capable_a of_o right_o value_v that_o privilege_n as_o they_o that_o be_v possess_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o who_o so_o ready_a to_o endeavour_v the_o preserve_n of_o it_o by_o a_o circumspect_a walk_n soul_n that_o be_v thus_o favour_v of_o god_n be_v most_o serious_o convince_v that_o in_o his_o favour_n be_v life_n psalm_n 30.5_o therefore_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v carry_v they_o up_o to_o this_o pinnacle_n this_o height_n of_o consolation_n they_o be_v the_o more_o afraid_a of_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o occasion_v their_o cast_n down_o 6._o the_o common_a and_o strong_a temptation_n to_o depart_v from_o god_n be_v best_a overcome_v by_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n viz._n the_o temptation_n which_o arise_v both_o from_o the_o flattery_n and_o frown_n of_o the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o life_n and_o fear_n of_o death_n he_o that_o have_v the_o love_a kindness_n of_o god_n before_o his_o eye_n be_v most_o able_a to_o make_v a_o resolute_a and_o successful_a resistance_n to_o all_o these_o as_o particular_o 1._o the_o flattery_n of_o the_o world_n do_v too_o often_o allure_v man_n from_o their_o obedience_n to_o god_n but_o they_o that_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o god_n love_n upon_o their_o heart_n be_v best_a arm_v against_o this_o temptation_n hereby_o the_o world_n with_o all_o its_o gaudy_a vanity_n be_v crucify_a to_o we_o and_o we_o unto_o the_o world_n hereby_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v strip_v of_o their_o seem_a glory_n as_o the_o sun_n put_v out_o the_o lesser_a light_n and_o as_o the_o work_n of_o
tit._n 2.11_o 12._o this_o be_v the_o prevail_a antidote_n against_o practical_a atheism_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o licentiousness_n and_o sensuality_n hereby_o we_o serve_v god_n acceptable_o heb._n 12.28_o and_o hereby_o we_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n towards_o other_o man_n so_o as_o to_o gain_v the_o rejoice_v testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 2_o cor._n 1.12_o such_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n do_v the_o root_n of_o the_o righteous_a always_o yield_v ii_o wherein_o do_v this_o grace_n appear_v to_o he_o give_v ans_fw-fr two_o way_n 1._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n in_o general_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v give_v because_o the_o creature_n be_v in_o no_o capacity_n to_o claim_v it_o as_o a_o debt_n for_o 1._o the_o man_n that_o have_v no_o grace_n can_v do_v nothing_o to_o deserve_v it_o nothing_o that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o nature_n can_v merit_v the_o infuse_v of_o a_o supernatural_a power_n nature_n and_o grace_n differ_v in_o kind_n and_o grace_n be_v of_o a_o kind_n more_o superior_a to_o nature_n than_o heaven_n be_v to_o earth_n there_o be_v no_o affinity_n or_o comparison_n between_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o consequent_o none_o between_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n john_n 3.6_o what_o we_o bring_v forth_o in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n be_v all_o after_o our_o own_o likeness_n and_o can_v this_o qualify_v we_o for_o be_v create_v again_o after_o the_o likeness_n of_o god_n all_o antecedent_n disposition_n and_o preparation_n rise_v no_o high_a than_o the_o carnal_a standard_n they_o be_v still_o but_o dead_a work_n which_o fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o a_o divine_a quicken_n if_o glory_n be_v not_o to_o be_v procure_v by_o the_o most_o vigorous_a exercise_n of_o grace_n much_o less_o grace_n by_o the_o utmost_a endeavour_n of_o nature_n 2._o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o deserve_a grace_n that_o natural_o we_o do_v not_o desire_v it_o wheresoever_o grace_n be_v sincere_o desire_v the_o good_a work_n be_v begin_v to_o will_n be_v not_o present_a with_o we_o till_o god_n have_v wrought_v it_o whoever_o covet_v to_o partake_v of_o god_n holiness_n do_v in_o some_o degree_n partake_v of_o it_o already_o there_o be_v a_o enmity_n and_o opposition_n in_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o the_o work_n of_o save_a grace_n instead_o of_o ask_v and_o seek_v after_o it_o we_o refuse_v and_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o it_o and_o rise_v up_o in_o arm_n against_o it_o before_o god_n have_v subdue_v we_o to_o himself_o how_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o the_o old_a man_n shall_v ever_o crave_v to_o be_v crucify_v and_o reign_v sin_n affect_v to_o be_v depose_v we_o may_v as_o well_o think_v that_o the_o devil_n shall_v wish_v the_o subversion_n of_o his_o own_o kingdom_n as_o that_o unrenewed_a nature_n and_o sinful_a flesh_n shall_v desire_v the_o destruction_n of_o itself_o 3._o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o natural_o desire_v grace_n that_o we_o be_v not_o deep_o sensible_a of_o our_o want_n of_o it_o till_o god_n have_v make_v we_o so_o by_o a_o deep_a sense_n i_o mean_v a_o feel_a apprehension_n both_o of_o our_o be_v destitute_a of_o grace_n and_o be_v undo_v without_o it_o now_o this_o be_v impress_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n wherever_o it_o be_v graceless_a person_n either_o do_v not_o know_v their_o condition_n to_o be_v so_o sinful_a or_o not_o so_o miserable_a as_o it_o be_v they_o think_v themselves_o to_o have_v what_o they_o have_v not_o or_o else_o they_o be_v content_a to_o want_v it_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o have_v it_o how_o then_o can_v he_o deserve_v a_o cure_n who_o fancy_v himself_o so_o whole_a that_o he_o have_v no_o occasion_n for_o a_o physician_n or_o who_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o bestow_v a_o alm_n upon_o one_o that_o be_v too_o proud_a to_o beg_v and_o will_v not_o own_v his_o necessity_n but_o say_v he_o be_v rich_a enough_o this_o be_v our_o case_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n 2._o if_o we_o examine_v the_o matter_n more_o particular_o there_o be_v several_a express_a instance_n in_o scripture_n which_o make_v it_o out_o to_o we_o as_o 1._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o immediate_a operator_n of_o all_o grace_n in_o we_o and_o therefore_o call_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n zech._n 12.10_o be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v we_o rom._n 5.5_o 1_o john_n 3.24_o or_o else_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o ever_o we_o shall_v receive_v he_o receive_v imply_v a_o give_v a_o man_n can_v receive_v nothing_o unless_o it_o be_v give_v he_o from_o heaven_n john_n 3.27_o and_o therefore_o the_o world_n can_v receive_v the_o spirit_n because_o he_o be_v never_o promise_v nor_o be_v he_o give_v to_o the_o world_n chap._n 14.17_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o more_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n to_o poor_a sinner_n than_o the_o spirit_n be_v they_o be_v both_o equal_o glorious_a person_n and_o unspeakable_a inestimable_a gift_n the_o communication_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v as_o great_a a_o act_n of_o bounty_n in_o god_n as_o the_o exhibition_n of_o his_o son_n 2._o the_o new_a nature_n which_o be_v inclusive_a of_o all_o grace_n be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n as_o a_o gift_n ezek._n 36.26_o a_o new_a heart_n will_v i_o give_v you_o etc._n etc._n i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n this_o new_a heart_n and_o heart_n of_o flesh_n do_v virtual_o comprehend_v in_o it_o every_o grace_n for_o all_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n be_v infuse_v at_o once_o not_o successive_o one_o after_o another_o they_o be_v all_o real_o inherent_a when_o we_o be_v first_o make_v new_a creature_n though_o not_o all_o on_o a_o sudden_a eminent_o visible_a now_o this_o new_a heart_n which_o constitute_v a_o new_a creature_n be_v absolute_o give_v so_o the_o covenant_n run_v god_n do_v not_o say_v i_o will_v give_v it_o you_o upon_o such_o and_o such_o term_n if_o you_o do_v thus_o and_o thus_o but_o i_o will_v give_v you_o etc._n etc._n if_o it_o be_v a_o suspend_v conditional_a promise_n it_o may_v never_o be_v perform_v 3._o save_v knowledge_n which_o be_v couple_v with_o grace_n 2_o pet._n 3.18_o and_o be_v indeed_o itself_o a_o grace_n be_v give_v so_o god_n say_v i_o will_v give_v they_o a_o heart_n to_o know_v i_o jer._n 24.7_o and_o christ_n tell_v his_o disciple_n unto_o you_o ic_fw-mi be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n etc._n etc._n mat._n 13.11_o it_o be_v rich_a love_n and_o mercy_n which_o make_v the_o difference_n in_o this_o case_n between_o some_o and_o other_o between_o those_o who_o remain_v blind_a as_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o those_o who_o eye_n be_v open_v and_o that_o have_v the_o veil_n upon_o their_o heart_n take_v away_o they_o to_o who_o this_o knowledge_n be_v give_v and_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v not_o give_v be_v alike_o unworthy_a of_o it_o and_o alike_o uncapable_a of_o attain_v it_o themselves_o he_o that_o give_v we_o natural_a light_n for_o the_o guidance_n of_o our_o body_n do_v as_o true_o give_v spiritual_a light_n for_o the_o conduct_n of_o our_o soul_n 4._o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n eph._n 2.8_o as_o it_o be_v style_v his_o work_n to_o intimate_v that_o his_o power_n be_v the_o cause_n so_o it_o be_v call_v his_o gift_n to_o intimate_v that_o his_o goodness_n be_v the_o motive_n unto_o you_o it_o be_v give_v to_o believe_v phil._n 1.29_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n be_v communicate_v to_o we_o with_o the_o same_o freeness_n as_o the_o object_n of_o it_o be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o we_o shall_v live_v and_o die_v in_o our_o infidelity_n our_o lord_n positive_o say_v john_n 6.65_o no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o i_o except_o it_o be_v give_v to_o he_o of_o my_o father_n we_o may_v as_o well_o undertake_v a_o perfect_a fulfil_n of_o the_o whole_a covenant_n of_o work_n as_o pretend_v to_o a_o ability_n of_o receive_v christ_n as_o tender_v in_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v set_v up_o as_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o god_n give_v we_o a_o eye_n to_o look_v to_o he_o or_o else_o we_o shall_v be_v nothing_o the_o better_a 5._o repentance_n be_v god_n gift_n also_o there_o be_v no_o repentance_n to_o salvation_n but_o what_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o god_n of_o salvation_n we_o may_v as_o well_o imagine_v that_o light_n shall_v of_o itself_o spring_v out_o of_o darkness_n and_o sweet_a water_n issue_n from_o a_o bitter_a fountain_n as_o that_o any_o such_o grace_n shall_v be_v the_o natural_a product_n of_o our_o impenitent_a heart_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o a_o heart_n desperate_o wicked_a as_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v jer._n 17.9_o unless_o god_n be_v
he_o have_v be_v instruct_v luke_o 1.4_o this_o effect_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v by_o his_o enlighten_v operation_n beyond_o all_o humane_a instruction_n whatsoever_o we_o be_v make_v to_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o thing_n and_o more_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o great_a reality_n of_o what_o be_v spiritual_a they_o be_v no_o long_o doubtful_a disputable_a opinion_n with_o we_o but_o we_o come_v to_o such_o a_o firm_a conclusion_n about_o they_o that_o we_o can_v venture_v our_o eternity_n upon_o they_o the_o scripture_n hint_n this_o in_o many_o place_n john_n 17.8_o they_o have_v know_v sure_o that_o i_o come_v out_o from_o thou_o so_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o rich_a and_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n col._n 2.2_o and_o again_o our_o gospel_n come_v not_o unto_o you_o in_o word_n only_o but_o also_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o much_o assurance_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o haesitation_n or_o waver_a concern_v it_o 1_o thess_n 1.5_o 2._o that_o knowledge_n which_o proceed_v from_o such_o a_o cause_n be_v more_o affect_v than_o any_o other_o the_o heart_n be_v influence_v to_o great_a love_n and_o joy_n and_o admiration_n by_o what_o it_o believe_v and_o know_v as_o the_o mind_n receive_v more_o solid_a satisfaction_n with_o respect_n to_o those_o truth_n so_o those_o truth_n be_v more_o sweet_a and_o delightful_a more_o ravish_a and_o transport_v to_o the_o soul_n paul_n speak_v like_o a_o man_n in_o a_o ecstasy_n with_o more_o than_o ordinary_a zeal_n and_o fervour_n phil._n 3.8_o yea_o doubtless_o i_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n his_o magnify_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o knowledge_n spring_v from_o his_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o object_n he_o see_v so_o much_o worth_n in_o christ_n that_o he_o will_v 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as_o one_o call_v it_o and_o a_o knowledge_n of_o acquaintance_n which_o be_v get_v and_o improve_v by_o communion_n with_o he_o as_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n be_v not_o tell_v one_o half_a in_o she_o own_o land_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o solomon_n wisdom_n which_o she_o afterward_o see_v and_o yet_o what_o she_o be_v tell_v seem_v incredible_a to_o she_o 2_o chron._n 9.6_o so_o believer_n find_v so_o much_o in_o christ_n when_o they_o come_v to_o he_o as_o do_v not_o only_o justify_v the_o report_n which_o minister_n give_v to_o be_v very_o true_a but_o abundant_o exceed_v it_o we_o can_v tell_v you_o what_o they_o feel_v who_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o and_o who_o live_v every_o day_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o he_o where_o there_o be_v no_o spiritual_a sense_n the_o mind_n be_v yet_o carnal_a 4._o that_o knowledge_n which_o the_o spirit_n produce_v do_v always_o issue_n in_o obedience_n the_o knowledge_n which_o man_n attain_v unto_o by_o any_o other_o way_n be_v barren_a and_o unprofitable_a as_o it_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o heart_n so_o it_o be_v of_o no_o use_n in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o conversation_n but_o save_v knowledge_n govern_v the_o life_n and_o regulate_v the_o practice_n so_o as_o clear_o to_o exemplify_v that_o connection_n which_o god_n have_v make_v between_o the_o truth_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o to_o be_v perform_v when_o paul_n pray_v for_o his_o colossian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n he_o do_v not_o stop_v there_o but_o show_v whither_o this_o tend_v that_o you_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o please_a etc._n etc._n col._n 1.9_o 10._o he_o that_o be_v true_o nourish_v up_o in_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n and_o good_a doctrine_n will_v evidence_n it_o by_o fruitfulness_n in_o good_a work_n 1_o john_n 2.3_o hereby_o we_o do_v know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o jesus_n christ_n if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n they_o have_v not_o learned_a christ_n as_o they_o ought_v that_o do_v not_o live_v to_o he_o for_o if_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o person_n we_o shall_v submit_v to_o his_o rule_n sermon_n ii_o may_v 7._o 1695._o matthew_n xvi_o xvii_o and_o jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o he_o bless_v be_v thou_o simon_n bar-jona_a for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o unto_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n iu._n wherein_o lie_v the_o blessedness_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o this_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n some_o bless_v themselves_o without_o reason_n too_o many_o against_o scripture_n bless_v themselves_o when_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n curse_n though_o yet_o without_o christ_n who_o can_v only_o redeem_v they_o from_o that_o curse_n thousand_o of_o presume_a sinner_n call_v themselves_o happy_a when_o they_o be_v almost_o in_o the_o very_a depth_n of_o misery_n have_v but_o a_o short_a step_n the_o thin_a partition_n of_o a_o earthly_a house_n betwixt_o they_o and_o hell_n they_o think_v their_o condition_n to_o be_v safe_a and_o good_a and_o applaud_v and_o please_v themselves_o in_o it_o as_o such_o when_o it_o be_v as_o dangerous_a and_o as_o bad_a as_o it_o can_v be_v on_o this_o side_n of_o everlasting_a destruction_n but_o however_o mistake_v and_o deceive_v such_o man_n be_v we_o know_v that_o christ_n be_v true_a and_o what_o say_v he_o here_o bless_a be_v thou_o simon_n etc._n etc._n for_o my_o father_n have_v reveal_v this_o unto_o thou_o which_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o q._n d._n thou_o be_v infallible_o bless_v upon_o this_o account_n this_o be_v a_o undoubted_a evidence_n and_o mean_n of_o thy_o be_v so_o where_o then_o be_v the_o blessedness_n which_o the_o text_n speak_v of_o what_o do_v it_o consist_v in_o and_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v 1._o it_o be_v a_o bless_a discovery_n which_o god_n make_v and_o a_o bless_a knowledge_n which_o it_o produce_v because_o it_o be_v always_o accompany_v with_o pardon_v grace_n if_o there_o be_v a_o bless_a man_n in_o the_o world_n without_o controversy_n it_o be_v the_o pardon_a sinner_n affliction_n may_v remain_v without_o injure_v our_o blessedness_n so_o long_o as_o sin_n do_v not_o remain_v which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v separate_v from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o can_v this_o separate_v when_o god_n have_v put_v it_o away_o and_o remove_v it_o from_o we_o who_o will_v not_o say_v amen_o therefore_o to_o what_o david_n say_v psalm_n 32.1_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n who_o transgression_n be_v forgive_v etc._n etc._n sin_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o creature_n misery_n consequent_o in_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n the_o foundation_n of_o our_o misery_n be_v destroy_v now_o this_o be_v always_o do_v where_o jesus_n christ_n be_v save_o make_v know_v this_o be_v plain_a heb._n 10.16_o 17._o this_o be_v the_o covenant_n which_o i_o will_v make_v with_o they_o etc._n etc._n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n into_o their_o heart_n and_o in_o their_o mind_n will_v i_o write_v they_o and_o immediate_o it_o follow_v their_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n will_v i_o remember_v no_o more_o when_o there_o be_v this_o promise_a writing_n within_o we_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a there_o be_v a_o blot_n out_o of_o the_o hand-writing_n against_o we_o where_o sin_n be_v uncover_v the_o heart_n be_v hide_v from_o understanding_n but_o where_o the_o seal_a book_n of_o gospel-mystery_n be_v open_a d_o it_o be_v past_o all_o question_n that_o the_o debt-book_n be_v cross_v 2._o it_o be_v always_o attend_v with_o a_o perfect_a justify_v righteousness_n this_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o blessedness_n for_o there_o must_v be_v a_o restitution_n of_o our_o lose_a title_n before_o there_o can_v be_v a_o restore_n to_o our_o forfeit_a
to_o have_v the_o great_a advantage_n and_o help_n for_o heaven_n beyond_o those_o that_o be_v of_o a_o inferior_a rank_n and_o therefore_o if_o their_o salvation_n be_v so_o difficult_a they_o conclude_v that_o other_o may_v despair_v of_o it_o 3._o the_o poor_a have_v their_o temptation_n also_o and_o fall_v into_o divers_a sin_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rich_a and_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v impediment_n and_o obstruction_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o riches_n so_o that_o they_o think_v if_o one_o stumbling-block_n be_v so_o fatal_a and_o pernicious_a the_o rest_n may_v be_v as_o bad_a and_o then_o all_o mankind_n must_v be_v in_o a_o miserable_a cafe_z 2._o christ_n own_o explicatiln_n of_o this_o doctrine_n ver_fw-la 27._o jesus_n look_v upon_o they_o faith_n with_o man_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o not_o with_o god_n for_o with_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a here_o be_v three_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 1._o the_o general_a ground_n which_o christ_n speak_v upon_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n this_o be_v a_o notion_n which_o shine_v clear_a by_o natural_a light_n the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v not_o more_o demonstrable_a than_o this_o that_o infinite_a and_o unlimited_a power_n belong_v to_o he_o this_o be_v plentiful_o confirm_v in_o scripture_n job_n 42.2_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o can_v do_v every_o thing_n jer._n 32.17_o there_o be_v nothing_o too_o hard_o for_o thou_o and_o luke_n 1.37_o with_o god_n nothing_o shall_v be_v impossible_a if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n which_o god_n can_v not_o do_v which_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v and_o become_v or_o consistent_a with_o his_o other_o perfection_n he_o can_v not_o be_v god_n 2._o the_o particular_a truth_n which_o he_o lay_v down_o and_o build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n with_o man_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o either_o the_o rich_a or_o any_o other_o person_n shall_v be_v save_v but_o not_o with_o god_n we_o must_v mot_n measure_v god_n power_n by_o our_o own_o because_o this_o be_v marvellous_a in_o our_o eye_n we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v so_o in_o he_o zech._n 8.6_o though_o man_n can_v withdraw_v his_o own_o heart_n from_o a_o inordinate_a desire_n and_o pursuit_n of_o such_o temporal_a enjoyment_n yet_o god_n can_v enable_v as_o to_o do_v it_o though_o we_o can_v recover_v ourselves_o out_o of_o this_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o strong_a god_n can_v perform_v it_o for_o we_o he_o can_v give_v we_o other_o heart_n than_o what_o we_o have_v by_o nature_n and_o produce_v such_o a_o change_n in_o we_o as_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o suppose_v where_o corruption_n make_v the_o great_a opposition_n he_o can_v conquer_v it_o so_o that_o a_o poor_a man_n shall_v be_v rich_a in_o faith_n and_o a_o rich_a man_n poor_a in_o spirit_n 3._o the_o posture_n and_o aspect_n of_o christ_n in_o deliver_v this_o truth_n he_o look_v upon_o they_o i._n e._n the_o disciple_n and_o say_v etc._n etc._n there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o double_a reason_n for_o this_o 1._o christ_n hereby_o discover_v his_o knowledge_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o the_o most_o secret_a passage_n of_o their_o conversation_n for_o what_o they_o say_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n they_o do_v not_o speak_v so_o as_o that_o he_o may_v hear_v it_o but_o among_o themselves_o or_o as_o the_o word_n import_v one_o to_o another_o 2._o christ_n hereby_o point_v out_o they_o as_o singular_a instance_n and_o example_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v propose_v for_o as_o there_o be_v holy_a man_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n who_o be_v nevertheless_o rich_a in_o this_o world_n such_o as_o abraham_n lot_n job_n etc._n etc._n and_o zaccheus_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n a_o rich_a publican_n be_v convert_v to_o christ_n luke_n 19.2_o so_o these_o disciple_n upon_o christ_n call_n have_v leave_v all_o and_o follow_v he_o ver_fw-la 28._o follow_v the_o text_n and_o their_o all_o be_v as_o much_o to_o they_o as_o the_o rich_a man_n large_a estate_n can_v be_v to_o he_o so_o that_o in_o they_o be_v this_o say_n of_o our_o lord_n fulfil_v observe_v the_o overcome_v of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o salvation_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o divine_a grace_n here_o i._o show_v what_o be_v the_o chief_a difficulty_n of_o salvation_n to_o be_v overcome_v ii_o how_o this_o must_v be_v resolve_v into_o the_o power_n of_o god_n grace_n iii_o why_o it_o must_v be_v so_o iv_o use_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o chief_a difficulty_n of_o salvation_n to_o be_v overcome_v ans_fw-fr there_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o believe_v this_o be_v primary_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o yet_o one_o of_o the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v do_v aright_o the_o counterfeit_v of_o faith_n be_v frequent_a and_o feisable_a enough_o but_o they_o that_o imagine_v unfeigned_a faith_n to_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o we_o ready_o believe_v what_o we_o wish_v to_o be_v true_a but_o this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a mistake_n we_o have_v several_a instance_n in_o scripture_n to_o the_o contrary_n when_o jacob_n son_n at_o their_o second_o return_n out_o of_o egypt_n tell_v their_o father_n that_o joseph_n be_v yet_o alive_a and_o governor_n of_o the_o land_n his_o heart_n faint_v for_o he_o believe_v they_o not_o gen._n 45.26_o when_o christ_n show_v his_o disciple_n his_o hand_n and_o his_o foot_n they_o believe_v not_o for_o joy_n luke_n 24.41_o we_o be_v often_o slow_a in_o believe_v what_o we_o be_v most_o eager_a in_o desire_v so_o we_o may_v sometime_o believe_v that_o which_o appear_v to_o be_v more_o incredible_a or_o be_v indeed_o more_o difficult_o credible_a and_o yet_o still_o doubt_n of_o easy_a and_o lesser_a thing_n as_o lazarus_n sister_n believe_v that_o their_o brother_n will_v rise_v again_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o yet_o question_v his_o be_v raise_v after_o four_o day_n john_n 11.24_o with_o 39_o now_o if_o man_n stick_v and_o hesitate_n at_o the_o least_o thing_n it_o show_v the_o work_n to_o be_v much_o more_o difficult_a than_o if_o they_o stumble_v at_o the_o great_a but_o more_o particular_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v difficult_a at_o first_o and_o then_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o at_o last_o die_v by_o faith_n 1._o the_o work_n of_o faith_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n our_o first_o believe_v be_v difficult_a when_o we_o come_v out_o of_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n a_o soul_n that_o be_v deep_o convince_v of_o its_o own_o gild_n struggle_v with_o great_a discouragement_n in_o lay_v hold_n of_o divine_a forgiveness_n he_o that_o effectual_o declare_v this_o unto_o man_n needs_o to_o be_v a_o interpreter_n one_o of_o a_o thousand_o that_o be_v say_v dr._n owen_n christ_n himself_o job_n 33.23_o whatever_o vain_a man_n may_v talk_v of_o be_v persuade_v by_o reason_n that_o god_n be_v reconcilable_a the_o sinner_n own_o conscience_n when_o true_o awaken_v by_o the_o commandment_n come_v home_o argue_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o strength_n against_o it_o he_o that_o be_v pursue_v by_o a_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o fear_n of_o wrath_n be_v far_o more_o apt_a to_o run_v into_o downright_a despair_n than_o to_o fly_v for_o refuge_n to_o the_o hope_n which_o be_v set_v before_o he_o the_o threaten_n of_o deserve_a vengeance_n be_v much_o rather_o regard_v than_o the_o free_a promise_n of_o remission_n as_o god_n say_v to_o the_o jew_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o backslide_n into_o idolary_n jer._n 5.7_o how_o shall_v i_o pardon_v thou_o for_o this_o so_o the_o poor_a convince_a sinner_n that_o have_v his_o high_a and_o heinous_a provocation_n set_v in_o order_n before_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o cry_v how_o shall_v god_n pardon_v i_o for_o these_o it_o be_v a_o mystery_n which_o he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o apprehend_v a_o comfortable_a doctrine_n but_o he_o can_v embrace_v it_o 2._o live_v by_o faith_n for_o this_o the_o just_a must_v do_v after_o the_o sinner_n be_v make_v righteous_a by_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n he_o must_v still_o go_v on_o from_o faith_n to_o faith_n as_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n rom._n 1.17_o now_o this_o be_v no_o light_a matter_n whatever_o the_o speculation_n be_v in_o their_o esteem_n who_o never_o arrive_v to_o any_o real_a exerprience_n the_o practice_n be_v not_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o various_a temptation_n and_o trial_n of_o darkness_n and_o desertion_n of_o cross_a providence_n and_o cut_v rebuke_n be_v a_o hard_a say_n to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v it_o indeed_o a_o easy_a thing_n to_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v