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scripture_n great_a holy_a see_v 3,964 5 3.2444 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A80611 Christ the fountaine of life: or, Sundry choyce sermons on part of the fift chapter of the first Epistle of St. John. Preached by that learned judicious divine, and faithfull minister of Jesus Christ, Mr. John Cotton B.D. now preacher at Boston in New-England. Published according to Order. Cotton, John, 1584-1652. 1651 (1651) Wing C6418; Thomason E630_1; ESTC R206444 209,049 264

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god_n people_n preach_v mighty_a power_n in_o the_o scripture_n preach_v first_o for_o preach_v there_o be_v a_o mighty_a power_n in_o the_o scripture_n preach_v for_o he_o write_v these_o thing_n that_o they_o may_v be_v preach_v and_o to_o be_v read_v and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o in_o conference_n and_o meditation_n and_o in_o they_o all_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a power_n but_o first_o for_o preach_v rom._n 1.16_o 17._o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n for_o therein_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n reveal_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n preach_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n to_o lead_v on_o believer_n to_o believe_v and_o not_o to_o rest_v grow_v in_o believe_v till_o they_o reach_v unto_o salvation_n it_o be_v the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v such_o a_o one_o while_o he_o live_v shall_v be_v of_o the_o thrive_a 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forth_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o then_o when_o in_o man_n sight_n he_o be_v separate_v from_o god_n &_o banish_v from_o the_o church_n so_o as_o that_o all_o man_n cry_v away_o with_o he_o crucify_v he_o and_o all_o his_o own_o disciple_n forsake_v he_o and_o not_o a_o soul_n acknowledge_v he_o but_o one_o poor_a thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n with_o he_o yet_o even_o then_o be_v he_o so_o glorious_o magnify_v as_o that_o well_o may_v the_o apostle_n say_v he_o triumph_v open_o upon_o the_o cross_n have_v therein_o make_v a_o spoil_n of_o principality_n and_o power_n col._n 2.15_o now_o this_o very_a estate_n be_v the_o estate_n of_o every_o child_n of_o god_n and_o so_o far_o as_o he_o have_v the_o son_n so_o far_o do_v he_o express_v this_o estate_n in_o his_o whole_a conversation_n for_o a_o estate_n of_o humiliation_n great_a and_o many_o be_v the_o affliction_n of_o the_o righteous_a psalm_n 34.18_o 19_o there_o be_v their_o debasement_n in_o the_o world_n 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that_o vanish_v away_o in_o outward_a rejoice_v so_o as_o no_o life_n in_o his_o heart_n in_o a_o manner_n be_v leave_v peter_z when_o he_o have_v deny_v his_o master_n his_o heart_n be_v much_o oppress_v within_o he_o he_o be_v prick_v and_o wound_v with_o anguish_n in_o his_o soul_n but_o there_o be_v some_o life_n in_o that_o but_o what_o be_v it_o with_o david_n after_o his_o commit_n of_o uncleanness_n nine_o or_o ten_o month_n together_o he_o please_v himself_o in_o his_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n and_o contentment_n which_o his_o royalty_n put_v upon_o he_o and_o make_v vriah_n drink_v and_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v himself_o liberal_o with_o he_o and_o in_o the_o end_n put_v he_o to_o death_n and_o that_o very_o slight_o and_o when_o he_o hear_v of_o it_o make_v no_o matter_n of_o it_o but_o the_o sword_n devour_v one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o and_o have_v not_o his_o pulse_n beat_v in_o he_o no_o warm_a breath_n come_v from_o he_o but_o a_o empty_a flourish_n and_o 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they_o know_v god_n take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o such_o a_o soul_n while_o they_o live_v in_o such_o a_o course_n and_o so_o will_v they_o lie_v many_o month_n and_o year_n and_o all_o that_o while_o not_o so_o much_o as_o lift_v up_o a_o private_a prayer_n to_o god_n and_o this_o be_v a_o far_o worse_a case_n than_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o even_o this_o sometime_o befall_v they_o when_o as_o sinful_a lust_n have_v so_o distemper_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o there_o be_v still_o a_o habit_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n but_o yet_o scarce_o any_o life_n of_o religion_n put_v forth_o itself_o but_o still_o where_o warmth_n be_v remove_v so_o much_o life_n from_o holy_a duty_n be_v take_v away_o and_o another_o answer_n to_o this_o point_n be_v that_o even_o as_o you_o see_v it_o be_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n that_o there_o may_v be_v fire_n and_o not_o heat_n as_o you_o see_v in_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n whereinto_o the_o three_o child_n be_v cast_v though_o it_o be_v make_v exceed_v hot_a yet_o it_o have_v not_o power_n to_o hurt_v a_o hair_n of_o their_o head_n nor_o to_o swinge_v a_o lap_n of_o their_o garment_n the_o power_n of_o the_o sire_n be_v propend_v by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n as_o there_o be_v this_o power_n in_o god_n concern_v material_a fire_n so_o be_v there_o a_o marvellous_a hellish_a and_o devilish_a power_n in_o sin_n though_o not_o a_o almighty_a power_n yet_o very_o like_a to_o a_o almighty_a power_n that_o that_o which_o have_v a_o mighty_a work_n of_o god_n by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n the_o work_n of_o a_o almighty_a power_n there_o be_v such_o a_o venomous_a power_n in_o sin_n as_o that_o it_o will_v susspend_v all_o act_n of_o grace_n sin_n power_n of_o sin_n not_o so_o much_o as_o show_v any_o act_n of_o grace_n in_o a_o christian_a soul_n but_o the_o soul_n and_o all_o the_o grace_n in_o it_o shall_v lie_v as_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n in_o a_o swoon_n not_o any_o breathe_n or_o sight_n or_o hear_v or_o motion_n nothing_o to_o show_v of_o any_o spiritual_a life_n that_o if_o he_o shall_v continue_v so_o you_o will_v conclude_v he_o be_v dead_a only_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n of_o grace_n be_v there_o you_o shall_v have_v thus_o much_o life_n in_o he_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o unlistinesse_n and_o heaviness_n of_o soul_n to_o act_v wickedness_n with_o all_o that_o strength_n and_o power_n which_o sometime_o a_o godly_a man_n while_o he_o be_v carnal_a do_v reach_v forth_o his_o heart_n and_o hand_n unto_o a_o kind_n of_o frame_n of_o spirit_n in_o a_o christian_a when_o it_o be_v at_o the_o worst_a though_o it_o can_v solace_v itself_o very_o far_o in_o sin_n and_o go_v on_o harden_v its_o heart_n in_o its_o own_o way_n most_o desperate_o and_o froward_o yet_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v always_o something_o in_o his_o heart_n that_o will_v not_o suffer_v his_o soul_n to_o break_v out_o with_o all_o that_o strength_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o wickedness_n as_o it_o do_v when_o it_o be_v carnal_a and_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o be_v because_o of_o that_o speech_n gal_n 5.17_o there_o be_v flesh_n and_o spirit_n in_o that_o soul_n so_o as_o neither_o can_v the_o spirit_n do_v what_o it_o will_v nor_o the_o flesh_n what_o it_o will_v take_v a_o christian_a when_o he_o be_v most_o strong_a and_o he_o can_v so_o glorify_v god_n nor_o so_o edify_v his_o brethren_n as_o he_o will_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n there_o be_v always_o in_o the_o best_a of_o a_o christian_a something_o like_o the_o spot_n in_o the_o moon_n some_o darkness_n in_o it_o not_o a_o christian_a man_n but_o when_o he_o be_v most_o lively_a in_o grace_n but_o he_o have_v some_o darkness_n in_o his_o best_a performance_n so_o when_o corruption_n be_v most_o strong_a and_o grace_v most_o feeble_a and_o weak_a as_o in_o the_o former_a corruption_n will_v weaken_v the_o best_a performance_n so_o here_o corruption_n can_v carry_v a_o christian_a man_n to_o do_v all_o that_o wickedness_n which_o else_o he_o will_v break_v forth_o into_o nor_o with_o that_o strength_n and_o vigour_n which_o else_o he_o will_v put_v forth_o in_o it_o though_o he_o do_v rejoice_v in_o his_o wickedness_n this_o note_v this_o and_o bear_v it_o out_o yea_o outface_v his_o very_a conscience_n and_o outstare_v the_o very_a light_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n within_o he_o and_o go_v on_o please_v himself_o in_o the_o hardness_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n yet_o there_o be_v something_o in_o the_o bottom_n that_o keep_v possession_n for_o god_n and_o make_v he_o go_v about_o it_o bungling_o it_o become_v he_o not_o he_o can_v set_v it_o forth_o with_o a_o grace_n david_n in_o his_o worst_a come_v not_o off_o with_o full_a power_n of_o wickedness_n which_o else_o his_o corrupt_a heart_n will_v willing_o break_v forth_o into_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n that_o move_v slow_o in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o be_v so_o that_o still_o the_o case_n stand_v clear_a how_o much_o life_n so_o much_o warmth_n and_o that_o warmth_n will_v express_v itself_o if_o any_o life_n be_v there_o at_o all_o so_o that_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o your_o own_o estate_n by_o this_o mean_v you_o will_v know_v whether_o you_o have_v christ_n or_o no_o whether_o you_o have_v life_n or_o no_o if_o you_o have_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v some_o spiritual_a warmth_n in_o thy_o soul_n some_o heat_n in_o thy_o soul_n do_v but_o consider_v then_o the_o knowledge_n that_o be_v within_o thou_o be_v thy_o knowledge_n such_o
of_o knowledge_n be_v there_o ever_o any_o soul_n so_o desperate_o ignorant_a think_v you_o as_o to_o take_v the_o place_n of_o a_o minister_n and_o not_o have_v skill_n to_o read_v no_o but_o these_o have_v no_o knowledge_n to_o teach_v the_o people_n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n who_o lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o at_o who_o mouth_n the_o people_n shall_v seek_v the_o law_n mal._n 2.7_o 8._o use_v 3_o to_o teach_v all_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n diligent_o to_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o write_n of_o john_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n shall_v the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v a_o pen_n to_o write_v unto_o we_o and_o shall_v not_o we_o have_v a_o hand_n to_o receive_v these_o write_n and_o by_o faith_n to_o behold_v and_o believe_v they_o shall_v he_o take_v care_n to_o write_v we_o letter_n from_o heaven_n from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n indict_v by_o the_o bless_a spirit_n and_o write_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o faithful_a scribe_n who_o be_v carry_v to_o all_o truth_n and_o shall_v they_o write_v they_o to_o we_o to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o attend_v to_o they_o these_o be_v write_v to_o every_o soul_n that_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o if_o write_v to_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n than_o every_o believer_n may_v say_v these_o writing_n be_v write_v to_o i_o to_o thou_o and_o to_o i_o and_o therefore_o let_v we_o careful_o read_v and_o attend_v to_o they_o and_o therefore_o do_v not_o neglect_v a_o letter_n write_v by_o such_o precious_a scribe_n and_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o gracious_a god_n that_o direct_v they_o to_o we_o but_o if_o write_v to_o we_o and_o for_o our_o instruction_n and_o learning_n let_v we_o hear_v and_o read_v and_o obey_v and_o look_v at_o they_o as_o the_o chief_a blessing_n and_o ornament_n of_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o we_o among_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n put_v up_o these_o writing_n as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n for_o our_o instruction_n rom._n 15.4_o whatever_o be_v write_v aforetime_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o edification_n as_o well_o as_o for_o they_o that_o live_v in_o ancient_a time_n how_o much_o be_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o blame_v that_o lock_v up_o these_o epistle_n from_o the_o common_a people_n in_o strange_a language_n and_o if_o they_o understand_v not_o latin_a they_o must_v not_o read_v unless_o with_o licence_n or_o in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n heavy_a will_v the_o curse_n of_o god_n fall_v upon_o they_o they_o may_v as_o well_o read_v a_o fable_n to_o they_o as_o the_o scripture_n yea_o many_o time_n the_o priest_n themselves_o understand_v not_o the_o latin_a that_o they_o read_v it_o be_v give_v to_o they_o as_o a_o clasp_a book_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o expound_v it_o but_o say_v that_o ignorance_n in_o the_o people_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n and_o therefore_o both_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n together_o quest_n use_v 4._o serve_v to_o be_v some_o direction_n to_o every_o carnal_a man_n you_o say_v if_o these_o scripture_n be_v write_v but_o to_o believer_n will_v you_o not_o allow_v ignorant_a carnal_a man_n to_o read_v this_o part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ans_fw-fr even_o they_o have_v thus_o much_o benefit_n by_o the_o word_n first_o word_n carnal_a man_n have_v benefit_n by_o the_o word_n whatever_o be_v expound_v to_o they_o from_o this_o word_n may_v be_v effectual_a to_o bring_v they_o on_o to_o salvation_n but_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v second_o these_o scripture_n when_o they_o be_v read_v they_o be_v a_o profitable_a and_o helpful_a mean_n to_o get_v knowledge_n though_o that_o knowledge_n i_o believe_v reach_v not_o to_o salvation_n three_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o put_v people_n in_o remembrance_n of_o what_o they_o know_v though_o it_o be_v not_o to_o salvation_n and_o last_o it_o kindle_v in_o they_o some_o desire_n to_o know_v these_o thing_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v they_o though_o that_o be_v rare_a i_o dare_v not_o reckon_v the_o eunuch_n among_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unbeliever_n act._n 8.30_o 31._o and_o that_o be_v a_o bless_a use_n if_o man_n shall_v read_v the_o scripture_n and_o complain_v for_o that_o they_o can_v understand_v they_o and_o shall_v be_v stir_v up_o to_o desire_v a_o guide_n to_o help_v they_o to_o see_v and_o understand_v what_o they_o before_o understand_v not_o and_o so_o be_v bring_v on_o to_o some_o knowledge_n it_o be_v a_o bless_a use_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o beside_o they_o be_v of_o this_o use_n they_o be_v of_o singular_a benefit_n to_o discover_v to_o people_n what_o sin_n be_v and_o open_a to_o man_n what_o moral_a and_o common_a virtue_n be_v and_o so_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o preserve_v people_n in_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n whereby_o they_o know_v that_o magistrate_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v minister_n reverence_v parent_n honour_v murder_v not_o to_o be_v commit_v the_o sabbath_n not_o to_o be_v prophain_v god_n only_o to_o be_v worship_v the_o body_n of_o these_o thing_n they_o see_v be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o these_o evil_n eschew_v they_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o keep_v people_n in_o good_a order_n and_o to_o prepare_v they_o to_o a_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n be_v bless_v to_o they_o so_o that_o some_o profit_n there_o be_v hence_o to_o they_o that_o want_v faith_n but_o the_o principal_a thing_n the_o apostle_n aim_v at_o be_v this_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o further_a i_o say_v to_o you_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o bring_v on_o to_o believe_v let_v this_o be_v your_o instruction_n diligent_o to_o attend_v to_o what_o you_o hear_v from_o these_o word_n for_o you_o may_v say_v and_o true_o you_o may_v read_v every_o day_n a_o chapter_n or_o two_o and_o read_v they_o over_o again_o and_o again_o and_o spend_v many_o hour_n about_o they_o and_o in_o prayer_n too_o and_o yet_o no_o near_o salvation_n then_o at_o the_o first_o i_o say_v not_o not_o near_a salvation_n for_o you_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o many_o duty_n but_o when_o you_o see_v you_o have_v read_v much_o and_o pray_v much_o and_o yet_o get_v little_a hold_n of_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o christ_n how_o shall_v this_o provoke_v all_o that_o live_v without_o mean_n of_o grace_n to_o give_v diligent_a heed_n to_o that_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o which_o faith_n to_o salvation_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v convey_v and_o that_o be_v a_o use_n that_o may_v be_v of_o notable_a efficacy_n to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o hear_v diligent_o those_o who_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n let_v they_o be_v the_o more_o diligent_a to_o seek_v after_o more_o mean_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n use_v last_o it_o be_v a_o use_n to_o all_o those_o that_o do_v indeed_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o be_v not_o only_o careful_a to_o 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hand_n and_o find_v your_o heart_n take_v comfort_n from_o what_o you_o do_v read_v since_o they_o be_v write_v for_o your_o sake_n that_o believe_v and_o for_o your_o sake_n only_o if_o you_o shall_v be_v negligent_a to_o read_v they_o shall_v you_o not_o take_v this_o bless_a ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a and_o therefore_o read_v they_o and_o read_v they_o diligent_o and_o profitable_o for_o the_o bless_a end_n for_o which_o god_n have_v write_v they_o that_o you_o may_v find_v the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o they_o now_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o end_n for_o which_o he_o write_v they_o that_o you_o may_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n
of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o know_v eternal_a life_n only_o now_o to_o speak_v of_o it_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v pertinent_a to_o this_o place_n doct._n 2._o such_o as_o do_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o these_o epistle_n of_o john_n may_v know_v that_o they_o have_v everlasting_a life_n reason_n 1_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o text_n why_o by_o these_o epistle_n first_o because_o john_n in_o this_o epistle_n do_v set_v before_o you_o where_o eternal_a life_n be_v to_o be_v have_v as_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n he_o in_o sundry_a place_n set_v forth_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o life_n which_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v from_o the_o father_n he_o show_v where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o where_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o by_o who_o we_o have_v propitiation_n chap._n 2.7_o reason_n 2_o second_o these_o epistle_n set_v before_o we_o and_o give_v we_o certain_a mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n as_o first_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n 1_o joh._n 1.9_o that_o be_v one_o mean_n and_o second_o he_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o look_v unto_o he_o as_o our_o advocate_n and_o propitiation_n reas_n 3_o three_o he_o do_v likewise_o give_v you_o certain_a sign_n by_o observe_v of_o which_o you_o may_v know_v grace_n sign_n of_o grace_n whether_o you_o have_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n or_o not_o this_o for_o one_o sign_n if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n and_o vers_fw-la last_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o god_n give_v we_o a_o conscionable_a care_n to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o and_o some_o other_o sign_n as_o chap._n 3.3_o if_o god_n give_v we_o heart_n to_o purge_v and_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o such_o sin_n as_o hang_v about_o we_o and_o if_o god_n give_v we_o heart_n to_o love_v the_o brethren_n etc._n etc._n these_o and_o many_o more_o such_o sign_n of_o grace_n he_o give_v we_o in_o this_o epistle_n use_v 1_o if_o god_n have_v thus_o write_v and_o give_v we_o these_o epistle_n than_o first_o it_o will_v be_v a_o just_a refutation_n of_o that_o popish_a doctrine_n that_o think_v it_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o know_v that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o estate_n of_o grace_n if_o john_n do_v write_v these_o epistle_n for_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v know_v we_o have_v eternal_a life_n then_o sure_o we_o may_v know_v it_o else_o john_n fail_v of_o his_o end_n and_o for_o john_n to_o be_v disappoint_v be_v less_o matter_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o for_o john_n be_v the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o holy_a end_n he_o aim_v at_o not_o be_v attainable_a be_v to_o put_v a_o defiance_n upon_o the_o almighty_a and_o therefore_o the_o knowledge_n that_o we_o have_v eternal_a life_n may_v be_v attain_v and_o 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make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o read_v these_o scripture_n you_o read_v much_o and_o often_o and_o you_o think_v when_o you_o have_v do_v you_o have_v do_v god_n good_a service_n a_o usual_a vanity_n among_o christian_n if_o they_o have_v pray_v in_o the_o morning_n and_o read_v a_o piece_n of_o a_o chapter_n they_o think_v they_o be_v better_o blessed_v all_o the_o day_n after_o for_o it_o and_o we_o be_v unquiet_a all_o that_o day_n when_o we_o have_v not_o have_v time_n to_o read_v and_o pray_v but_o if_o that_o be_v do_v we_o think_v we_o have_v quit_v ourselves_o well_o but_o a_o man_n may_v read_v and_o never_o consider_v what_o he_o have_v get_v by_o it_o
1.17_o gal._n 2.20_o a_o man_n do_v nothing_o christianly_o and_o spiritual_o but_o by_o his_o faith_n thing_n i'faith_o profitable_a to_o all_o thing_n now_o when_o faith_n must_v be_v the_o instrument_n to_o help_v we_o to_o work_v all_o our_o work_n spiritual_o we_o have_v need_v to_o grow_v to_o some_o life_n and_o fruitfulness_n in_o faith_n and_o if_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o fruitful_a we_o shall_v make_v but_o hard_a work_n of_o our_o daily_a employment_n how_o shall_v we_o depend_v upon_o god_n and_o do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v all_o in_o obedience_n to_o a_o commandment_n and_o live_v by_o a_o promise_n for_o god_n presence_n and_o blessing_n in_o it_o how_o shall_v a_o man_n do_v this_o if_o he_o have_v not_o faith_n yea_o if_o he_o have_v not_o some_o dexterity_n of_o faith_n a_o weak_a faith_n will_v then_o slug_n it_o when_o a_o man_n stand_v in_o most_o need_n to_o use_v it_o and_o therefore_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v ready_a to_o show_v 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faith_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o take_v away_o these_o writing_n from_o the_o people_n john_n write_v this_o epistle_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o believer_n may_v believe_v you_o hear_v that_o the_o word_n dispense_v in_o any_o ordinance_n be_v of_o mighty_a power_n to_o increase_v faith_n where_o it_o be_v begin_v and_o to_o beget_v it_o where_o it_o be_v want_v take_v away_o read_v of_o the_o scripture_n and_o conference_n about_o they_o papist_n infidel_n practice_n of_o papist_n and_o you_o take_v away_o all_o and_o therefore_o a_o infidel_n practise_v to_o go_v about_o to_o take_v away_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect._n god_n send_v we_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v believe_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n to_o desire_v that_o themselves_o and_o other_o may_v grow_v in_o faith_n what_o be_v they_o but_o infidel_n in_o truth_n who_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v lock_v up_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n that_o the_o people_n may_v not_o understand_v what_o be_v read_v unto_o they_o and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v drive_v the_o bibles_n out_o of_o their_o house_n and_o it_o be_v heretical_a presumption_n for_o such_o and_o such_o man_n to_o use_v the_o scripture_n this_o be_v infidelity_n and_o most_o sacrilegious_a to_o god_n and_o it_o be_v likewise_o uncharitable_a and_o injurious_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n people_n a_o evident_a argument_n of_o infidelity_n how_o can_v you_o charge_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n of_o more_o folly_n and_o lightness_n god_n send_v his_o word_n to_o his_o servant_n that_o they_o may_v be_v read_v and_o hear_v and_o confer_v of_o it_o and_o that_o by_o believe_v they_o may_v believe_v these_o man_n to_o cast_v a_o imputation_n of_o folly_n upon_o god_n they_o be_v afraid_a that_o god_n do_v not_o consider_v the_o danger_n of_o it_o if_o believer_n shall_v fall_v a_o read_n and_o poor_a tradesman_n a_o confer_v about_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v afay_v they_o will_v be_v distemper_v with_o heresy_n and_o so_o trouble_v the_o whole_a church_n do_v not_o they_o by_o so_o do_v set_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n at_o naught_o and_o show_v themselves_o sacrilegious_a against_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n use_v 3_o it_o may_v serve_v to_o exhort_v we_o all_o since_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v write_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o you_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n may_v believe_v first_o to_o you_o that_o believe_v and_o then_o to_o you_o that_o believe_v not_o you_o that_o have_v be_v diligent_a in_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n be_v diligent_a in_o it_o still_o and_o make_v it_o a_o point_n of_o your_o christian_a practice_n not_o to_o fail_v to_o read_v some_o part_n of_o it_o every_o day_n unless_o you_o be_v necessary_o hinder_v or_o if_o you_o have_v be_v necessary_o hinder_v by_o business_n from_o read_v yet_o be_v sure_a nothing_o hinder_v you_o from_o meditate_v upon_o it_o the_o bless_a man_n meditate_v on_o god_n word_n every_o night_n and_o every_o day_n &_o though_o he_o take_v the_o short_a time_n to_o it_o yet_o he_o must_v have_v some_o time_n for_o meditation_n upon_o the_o word_n upon_o something_o he_o hear_v this_o day_n or_o something_o he_o have_v sometime_o read_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v a_o mighty_a power_n in_o it_o to_o fructify_v as_o if_o you_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o river_n of_o water_n word_n mighty_a power_n in_o meditate_v upon_o the_o word_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n breathe_v in_o the_o word_n and_o your_o heart_n suck_v it_o up_o and_o by_o meditate_v upon_o it_o you_o grow_v in_o more_o knowledge_n in_o the_o object_n of_o your_o faith_n in_o the_o rootednesse_n in_o the_o sense_n and_o in_o the_o act_n and_o fruit_n of_o your_o faith_n and_o this_o by_o hear_v and_o read_v and_o meditate_v read_v therefore_o the_o king_n himself_o must_v do_v it_o daily_o daily_o king_n must_v read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n daily_o who_o have_v more_o business_n than_o any_o man_n deut._n 17.19_o and_o if_o he_o do_v so_o god_n will_v learn_v he_o the_o fear_n of_o his_o name_n now_o if_o god_n will_v not_o excuse_v king_n much_o less_o private_a man_n who_o have_v less_o affair_n than_o king_n have_v and_o therefore_o be_v read_v every_o day_n and_o when_o you_o can_v read_v be_v sure_a you_o meditate_v upon_o some_o part_n of_o god_n word_n every_o day_n and_o every_o night_n as_o ever_o you_o desire_v to_o believe_v use_v the_o mean_n that_o you_o may_v believe_v this_o be_v sanctify_v of_o god_n to_o that_o end_n then_o be_v not_o you_o want_v to_o use_v it_o and_o do_v not_o only_o so_o but_o hear_v it_o likewise_o and_o confer_v upon_o it_o and_o search_v it_o daily_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o no_o use_v the_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v sanctify_v his_o word_n to_o be_v dispense_v in_o and_o by_o which_o he_o will_v bless_v it_o to_o his_o people_n and_o then_o you_o shall_v find_v this_o in_o believe_v you_o shall_v believe_v you_o shall_v grow_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n and_o from_o sense_n to_o sense_n and_o in_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n till_o you_o be_v perfect_a in_o christ_n jesus_n be_v diligent_a in_o hear_v god_n word_n for_o it_o be_v the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n and_o confer_v of_o it_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a power_n in_o the_o word_n be_v confer_v upon_o take_v heed_n you_o neglect_v not_o occasion_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o examine_v what_o you_o hear_v and_o you_o will_v find_v a_o mighty_a power_n in_o it_o to_o increase_v faith_n since_o therefore_o god_n have_v give_v you_o his_o word_n and_o shed_v abroad_o the_o water_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o run_v through_o every_o line_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o note_v this_o so_o that_o the_o more_o you_o shall_v read_v and_o hear_v confer_v and_o meditate_v and_o search_v the_o scripture_n the_o more_o you_o shall_v find_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n increase_v in_o you_o and_o therefore_o you_o must_v not_o wonder_v if_o you_o see_v christian_a man_n that_o neglect_v these_o duty_n complain_v of_o the_o deadness_n of_o their_o heart_n do_v thou_o doubt_v in_o thy_o persuasion_n be_v thy_o confidence_n mix_v with_o much_o diffidence_n then_o ask_v thy_o heart_n this_o question_n whether_o have_v thou_o use_v the_o scripture_n for_o those_o end_v god_n have_v appoint_v they_o and_o have_v thou_o be_v diligent_a in_o confer_v about_o they_o and_o search_v of_o they_o whether_o what_o be_v deliver_v be_v suitable_a to_o they_o or_o no_o and_o meditate_a of_o they_o and_o bring_v they_o home_o to_o thy_o house_n and_o compare_v they_o together_o and_o meditate_a
see_v that_o we_o do_v not_o pray_v for_o they_o when_o we_o forget_v to_o remember_v they_o before_o the_o lord_n this_o be_v ill_o take_v god_n be_v displease_v when_o there_o be_v none_o to_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o esa_n 59.15_o 16._o god_n do_v not_o afflict_v willing_o and_o yet_o if_o he_o be_v stir_v up_o he_o must_v destroy_v they_o if_o there_o be_v none_o to_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n you_o then_o provoke_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o this_o displease_v he_o much_o and_o god_n may_v just_o leave_v we_o to_o the_o like_a sin_n for_o which_o we_o be_v not_o humble_v in_o other_o reas_n 5._o tak●●●●om_o the_o blessing_n that_o befall_v god_n servant_n when_o we_o do_v so_o as_o be_v upon_o job_n in_o chap._n 42.8_o 9_o when_o job_n begin_v to_o pray_v for_o his_o friend_n than_o god_n turn_v the_o captivity_n of_o job_n he_o have_v long_o time_n lie_v under_o many_o vexation_n woeful_a calamity_n but_o when_o he_o begin_v to_o pray_v for_o his_o friend_n that_o have_v sin_v than_o the_o lord_n turn_v his_o captivity_n and_o so_o it_o be_v express_o say_v esa_n 57.18_o 19_o i_o will_v restore_v comfort_n unto_o he_o and_o to_o his_o mourner_n to_o show_v you_o that_o god_n will_v restore_v comfort_n to_o we_o if_o we_o lament_v the_o fall_n of_o other_o and_o mourn_v over_o they_o in_o that_o condition_n we_o shall_v have_v comfort_n in_o their_o comfort_n because_o we_o do_v mourn_v in_o their_o grief_n if_o god_n people_n can_v mourn_v with_o their_o brethren_n in_o sin_n and_o misery_n god_n will_v restore_v comfort_n to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o mourner_n before_o we_o make_v use_v of_o this_o point_n come_v we_o to_o the_o next_o doct._n 3._o a_o faithful_a christian_a pray_v for_o his_o brethren_n fall_v into_o any_o sin_n shall_v obtain_v peace_n and_o pardon_v and_o grace_n for_o he_o it_o be_v say_v so_o in_o the_o text_n if_o any_o man_n that_o be_v any_o man_n that_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n he_o shall_v ask_v and_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o life_n so_o that_o you_o see_v here_o be_v the_o promise_n make_v to_o such_o the_o promise_n be_v that_o upon_o ask_v he_o shall_v give_v life_n to_o his_o sinful_a brother_n who_o shall_v give_v he_o life_n interpreter_n take_v it_o both_o way_n and_o both_o agreeable_a to_o the_o text_n and_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n for_o whether_o he_o that_o pray_v be_v as_o a_o instrument_n or_o god_n it_o be_v all_o one_o for_o it_o must_v be_v god_n that_o do_v it_o and_o he_o that_o pray_v be_v a_o instrument_n he_o procure_v to_o his_o sin_v brother_n great_a favour_n from_o god_n life_n that_o be_v the_o life_n of_o justification_n and_o of_o sanctification_n consolation_n and_o comfort_n to_o his_o soul_n notwithstanding_o his_o sin_n the_o promise_n be_v evident_a he_o shall_v prevail_v with_o god_n to_o bestow_v life_n upon_o his_o brother_n this_o you_o shall_v see_v evident_a from_o scripture_n deut._n 9.25_o 26._o i_o fall_v down_o before_o the_o lord_n forty_o day_n and_o forty_o night_n etc._n etc._n and_o thereupon_o the_o lord_n do_v show_v mercy_n and_o pardon_v their_o sin_n job_n pray_v for_o his_o friend_n and_o the_o lord_n say_v he_o will_v accept_v he_o job_n 42.8_o 9_o and_o so_o our_o saviour_n he_o pray_v for_o his_o crucifier_n and_o it_o be_v general_o think_v that_o the_o powerful_a prevalency_n of_o peter_n sermon_n in_o convert_v three_o thousand_o soul_n at_o once_o do_v especial_o spring_v from_o our_o saviour_n prayer_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o it_o act._n 2.37_o and_o stephen_n he_o pray_v for_o his_o persecutor_n and_o paul_n be_v one_o of_o they_o that_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o his_o death_n act._n 7.6_o and_o yet_o ere_o long_o god_n answer_v stephen_n prayer_n in_o convert_v saul_n so_o that_o let_v a_o man_n a_o believe_a christian_n pray_v for_o his_o sin_v brother_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o life_n reas_n 1._o it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o pleasure_n that_o god_n take_v to_o knit_v the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o his_o son_n together_o and_o no_o better_a mean_n to_o join_v we_o together_o and_o so_o fit_o to_o make_v we_o useful_a member_n one_o to_o another_o then_o this_o those_o member_n of_o the_o body_n that_o be_v most_o weak_a shall_v be_v most_o help_v this_o way_n 1_o cor._n 12_o 21_o 22._o every_o member_n shall_v be_v of_o some_o use_n one_o to_o another_o and_o it_o do_v better_a compact_v the_o body_n together_o god_n do_v not_o say_v to_o job_n friend_n go_v you_o and_o pray_v for_o yourselves_o but_o go_v to_o my_o servant_n job_n and_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o you_o he_o will_v have_v they_o behold_v to_o job_n of_o who_o they_o have_v speak_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o right_a else_o god_n will_v not_o accept_v they_o reas_n 2._o it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n who_o perform_v that_o office_n for_o every_o member_n of_o his_o body_n this_o honour_n have_v all_o his_o saint_n though_o they_o do_v not_o merit_v this_o by_o their_o prayer_n yet_o there_o be_v this_o efficacy_n in_o their_o prayer_n not_o of_o merit_n but_o of_o grace_n to_o prevail_v with_o the_o father_n in_o their_o brethren_n behalf_n rom._n 8.34_o intercession_n be_v such_o a_o part_n and_o kind_n of_o prayer_n as_o a_o man_n make_v for_o other_o man_n to_o procure_v favour_n from_o god_n to_o they_o to_o be_v mediator_n for_o they_o to_o pray_v for_o other_o in_o the_o name_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o for_o his_o sake_n they_o may_v be_v accept_v god_n will_v then_o hear_v we_o for_o christ_n sake_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o our_o brethren_n use_v 1_o it_o may_v be_v a_o ground_n of_o much_o encouragement_n to_o every_o christian_a man_n to_o wrestle_v earnest_o with_o god_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o brethren_n when_o you_o see_v they_o sin_v a_o sin_n that_o be_v not_o unto_o death_n be_v it_o a_o man_n wicked_a covetousness_n and_o such_o as_o a_o man_n be_v froward_a in_o it_o and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v admonish_v and_o go_v on_o resolute_o in_o it_o yet_o in_o this_o case_n god_n expect_v and_o require_v we_o shall_v mourn_v for_o he_o esay_n 57.17_o 18._o and_o therefore_o neglect_v not_o to_o pray_v for_o your_o brethren_n in_o this_o case_n first_o it_o will_v displease_v god_n if_o you_o pray_v not_o for_o they_o be_v it_o nothing_o to_o you_o to_o pass_v by_o and_o to_o see_v such_o a_o man_n lie_v in_o sin_n assure_v yourself_o of_o this_o god_n heart_n will_v fit_v loose_a towards_o you_o if_o your_o heart_n sit_v loose_a to_o your_o brethren_n and_o therefore_o neglect_v not_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o second_o if_o you_o pray_v for_o they_o you_o shall_v have_v comfort_n restore_v to_o they_o and_o to_o yourselves_o with_o they_o and_o though_o for_o the_o present_a you_o may_v seem_v to_o procure_v hurt_v to_o yourselves_o and_o no_o good_a to_o they_o yet_o pray_v and_o pray_v hearty_o and_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n you_o can_v and_o you_o will_v sure_o find_v the_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n of_o it_o may_v not_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a encouragement_n to_o you_o this_o way_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o make_v thou_o a_o instrument_n of_o life_n to_o thy_o brother_n when_o he_o be_v a_o dead_a man_n in_o god_n sight_n a_o dead_a man_n will_v be_v stiff_a and_o cold_a and_o putrify_v and_o yet_o even_o such_o a_o man_n if_o thou_o pray_v for_o he_o thou_o shall_v give_v he_o life_n to_o his_o soul_n object_n you_o say_v but_o do_v not_o many_o a_o man_n pray_v for_o his_o brethren_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o hear_v and_o accept_v do_v not_o abraham_n pray_v for_o ishmael_n and_o what_o think_v you_o of_o samuel_n prayer_n for_o saul_n and_o yet_o say_v god_n how_o long_o will_v thou_o mourn_v for_o saul_n 1_o sam._n 17.6_o i_o have_v cast_v he_o off_o mourn_v no_o more_o for_o he_o so_o that_o sometime_o a_o man_n may_v pray_v for_o his_o brethren_n and_o that_o earnest_o and_o yet_o his_o prayer_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n in_o vain_a answ_n first_o it_o will_v be_v consider_v whether_o a_o man_n be_v a_o brother_n or_o no_o abraham_n do_v not_o pray_v for_o one_o that_o be_v already_o gracious_a that_o do_v belong_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o text_n do_v not_o reach_v to_o such_o a_o brother_n but_o i_o understand_v it_o of_o such_o as_o be_v either_o call_v or_o belong_v to_o the_o election_n second_o suppose_v you_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o he_o belong_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n or_o no_o it_o may_v be_v you_o pray_v for_o they_o who_o you_o have_v not_o use_v other_o mean_n to_o heal_v they_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o david_n pray_v for_o absalon_n and_o adonijah_n but_o not_o use_v other_o mean_n his_o prayer_n be_v reject_v these_o be_v not_o prayer_n of_o faith_n when_o other_o good_a mean_n be_v not_o use_v three_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o man_n may_v pray_v without_o faith_n and_o without_o fervency_n jam._n 5.15_o and_o such_o request_n shall_v be_v faithful_a and_o fervent_a and_o god_n require_v you_o shall_v come_v before_o he_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o to_o he_o and_o acknowledge_v your_o own_o unworthiness_n to_o ask_v such_o a_o blessing_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n you_o press_v god_n with_o it_o and_o you_o must_v walk_v close_o with_o god_n in_o a_o course_n of_o christianity_n else_o your_o prayer_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n and_o to_o wait_v on_o god_n through_o christ_n for_o a_o gracious_a acceptance_n and_o god_n will_v recompense_v your_o prayer_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n in_o due_a time_n finis_fw-la